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Liu X, Huang H, Gao Y, Zhou L, Yang J, Li X, Li Y, Zhao H, Su S, Ke C, Pei Z. Visualization of gene therapy with a liver cancer-targeted adeno-associated virus 3 vector. J Cancer 2020; 11:2192-2200. [PMID: 32127946 PMCID: PMC7052912 DOI: 10.7150/jca.39579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To evaluate the feasibility of a self-complementing recombinant adeno-associated virus 3 (scrAAV3) vector targeting liver cancer and non-invasively monitor gene therapy of liver cancer. Materials and methods: An scrAAV3-HSV1-TK-kallistatin (ATK) gene drug was constructed, which contained the herpes virus thymidine kinase (HSV1-TK) reporter gene and human endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor (kallistatin) gene for non-invasive imaging of gene expression. Subcutaneous xenografted tumors of hepatoma in nude mice were generated for positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. The ATK group was injected with the ATK gene through the tail vein, and an imaging agent was injected 2 weeks later. PET/CT imaging was performed at 1 hour after injection of the imaging agent. The control group was injected with phosphate-buffered saline at the same volume as the ATK gene drug. HE staining is used for pathological observation of tumor sections. HSV1-TK and kallistatin expression was identified by immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative PCR, and western blotting. Results: Radioactivity on PET/CT images was significantly higher in the ATK group compared with the control group. 18F-FHBG uptake values of left forelegs in ATK and control groups were 0.591±0.151% and 0.017 ± 0.011% ID/g (n=5), respectively (P<0.05). After injection of the ATK gene drug, mRNA and protein expression of HSV1-TK and kallistatin in subcutaneous xenograft tumors was detected successfully. In vitro analysis demonstrated significant differences in the expression of HSV1-TK and kallistatin between ATK and control groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: The scrAAV3 vector has a strong liver cancer-targeting ability, and the ATK gene drug can be used for targeted and non-invasive monitoring of liver cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xusheng Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Hanling Huang
- Health management center, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Lumeng Zhou
- Postgraduate Training Base of Taihe Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Jianwei Yang
- Postgraduate Training Base of Taihe Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Haiwen Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Shanchun Su
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Changbin Ke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Zhijun Pei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of WudangLocal Chinese Medicine Research, Shiyan, 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Shiyan, 442000, China
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Thunemann M, Schörg BF, Feil S, Lin Y, Voelkl J, Golla M, Vachaviolos A, Kohlhofer U, Quintanilla-Martinez L, Olbrich M, Ehrlichmann W, Reischl G, Griessinger CM, Langer HF, Gawaz M, Lang F, Schäfers M, Kneilling M, Pichler BJ, Feil R. Cre/lox-assisted non-invasive in vivo tracking of specific cell populations by positron emission tomography. Nat Commun 2017; 8:444. [PMID: 28874662 PMCID: PMC5585248 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00482-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many pathophysiological processes are associated with proliferation, migration or death of distinct cell populations. Monitoring specific cell types and their progeny in a non-invasive, longitudinal and quantitative manner is still challenging. Here we show a novel cell-tracking system that combines Cre/lox-assisted cell fate mapping with a thymidine kinase (sr39tk) reporter gene for cell detection by positron emission tomography (PET). We generate Rosa26-mT/sr39tk PET reporter mice and induce sr39tk expression in platelets, T lymphocytes or cardiomyocytes. As proof of concept, we demonstrate that our mouse model permits longitudinal PET imaging and quantification of T-cell homing during inflammation and cardiomyocyte viability after myocardial infarction. Moreover, Rosa26-mT/sr39tk mice are useful for whole-body characterization of transgenic Cre mice and to detect previously unknown Cre activity. We anticipate that the Cre-switchable PET reporter mice will be broadly applicable for non-invasive long-term tracking of selected cell populations in vivo.Non-invasive cell tracking is a powerful method to visualize cells in vivo under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Here Thunemann et al. generate a mouse model for in vivo tracking and quantification of specific cell types by combining a PET reporter gene with Cre-dependent activation that can be exploited for any cell population for which a Cre mouse line is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Thunemann
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Barbara F Schörg
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yun Lin
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jakob Voelkl
- Physiologisches Institut I, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Golla
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Angelos Vachaviolos
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ursula Kohlhofer
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University of Tübingen, and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Leticia Quintanilla-Martinez
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University of Tübingen, and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marcus Olbrich
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Walter Ehrlichmann
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gerald Reischl
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph M Griessinger
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Harald F Langer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Meinrad Gawaz
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Lang
- Physiologisches Institut I, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Schäfers
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, European Institute for Molecular Imaging & EXC 1003 Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Manfred Kneilling
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernd J Pichler
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Multimodality molecular imaging of stem cells therapy for stroke. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:849819. [PMID: 24222920 PMCID: PMC3816035 DOI: 10.1155/2013/849819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells have been proposed as a promising therapy for treating stroke. While several studies have demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of stem cells, the exact mechanism remains elusive. Molecular imaging provides the possibility of the visual representation of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. In order to facilitate research efforts to understand the stem cells therapeutic mechanisms, we need to further develop means of monitoring these cells noninvasively, longitudinally and repeatedly. Because of tissue depth and the blood-brain barrier (BBB), in vivo imaging of stem cells therapy for stroke has unique challenges. In this review, we describe existing methods of tracking transplanted stem cells in vivo, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine imaging, and optical imaging (OI). Each of the imaging techniques has advantages and drawbacks. Finally, we describe multimodality imaging strategies as a more comprehensive and potential method to monitor transplanted stem cells for stroke.
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Mahmoud AM, Sandoval C, Teng B, Schnermann JB, Martin KH, Mustafa SJ, Mukdadi OM. High-resolution vascular tissue characterization in mice using 55MHz ultrasound hybrid imaging. ULTRASONICS 2013; 53:727-738. [PMID: 23218908 PMCID: PMC3639478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2012.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2012] [Revised: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound and Duplex ultrasonography in particular are routinely used to diagnose cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, these techniques may not be able to characterize vascular tissue compositional changes due to CVD. This work describes an ultrasound-based hybrid imaging technique that can be used for vascular tissue characterization and the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) data were acquired and processed in time, frequency, and wavelet domains to extract six parameters including time integrated backscatter (T(IB)), time variance (T(var)), time entropy (T(E)), frequency integrated backscatter (F(IB)), wavelet root mean square value (W(rms)), and wavelet integrated backscatter (W(IB)). Each parameter was used to reconstruct an image co-registered to morphological B-scan. The combined set of hybrid images were used to characterize vascular tissue in vitro and in vivo using three mouse models including control (C57BL/6), and atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-knockout (APOE-KO) and APOE/A(1) adenosine receptor double knockout (DKO) mice. The technique was tested using high-frequency ultrasound including single-element (center frequency=55 MHz) and commercial array (center frequency=40 MHz) systems providing superior spatial resolutions of 24 μm and 40 μm, respectively. Atherosclerotic vascular lesions in the APOE-KO mouse exhibited the highest values (contrast) of -10.11±1.92 dB, -12.13±2.13 dB, -7.54±1.45 dB, -5.10±1.06 dB, -5.25±0.94 dB, and -10.23±2.12 dB in T(IB), T(var), T(E), F(IB), W(rms), W(IB) hybrid images (n=10, p<0.05), respectively. Control segments of normal vascular tissue showed the lowest values of -20.20±2.71 dB, -22.54±4.54 dB, -14.94±2.05 dB, -9.64±1.34 dB, -10.20±1.27 dB, and -19.36±3.24 dB in same hybrid images (n=6, p<0.05). Results from both histology and optical images showed good agreement with ultrasound findings within a maximum error of 3.6% in lesion estimation. This study demonstrated the feasibility of a high-resolution hybrid imaging technique to diagnose atherosclerosis and characterize plaque components in mouse. In the future, it can be easily implemented on commercial ultrasound systems and eventually translated into clinics as a screening tool for atherosclerosis and the assessment of vulnerable plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Mahmoud
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
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5
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Constantinesco A, Choquet P, Goetz C, Monassier L. PET, SPECT, CT, and MRI in Mouse Cardiac Phenotyping: An Overview. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 2:129-44. [DOI: 10.1002/9780470942390.mo110225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- André Constantinesco
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Préclinique, Service de Biophysique et Médecine Nucléaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; Strasbourg France
| | - Philippe Choquet
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Préclinique, Service de Biophysique et Médecine Nucléaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; Strasbourg France
| | - Christian Goetz
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Préclinique, Service de Biophysique et Médecine Nucléaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; Strasbourg France
| | - Laurent Monassier
- Laboratoire de Neurobiologie et Pharmacologie Cardiovasculaire, Université de Strasbourg; Strasbourg France
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Varma NRS, Janic B, Iskander ASM, Shankar A, Bhuiyan MPI, Soltanian-Zadeh H, Jiang Q, Barton K, Ali MM, Arbab AS. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as gene carrier system for rat model of human glioma. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30310. [PMID: 22276177 PMCID: PMC3262815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Due to their unique property to migrate to pathological lesions, stem cells are used as a delivery vehicle for therapeutic genes to tumors, especially for glioma. It is critically important to track the movement, localization, engraftment efficiency and functional capability or expression of transgenes of selected cell populations following transplantation. The purposes of this study were to investigate whether 1) intravenously administered, genetically transformed cord blood derived EPCs can carry human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) to the sites of tumors in rat orthotopic model of human glioma and express transgene products, and 2) whether accumulation of these administered EPCs can be tracked by different in vivo imaging modalities. Methods and Results Collected EPCs were cultured and transduced to carry hNIS. Cellular viability, differential capacity and Tc-99m uptake were determined. Five to ten million EPCs were intravenously administered and Tc-99-SPECT images were acquired on day 8, to determine the accumulation of EPCs and expression of transgenes (increase activity of Tc-99m) in the tumors. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine endothelial cell markers and hNIS positive cells in the tumors. Transduced EPCs were also magnetically labeled and accumulation of cells was confirmed by MRI and histochemistry. SPECT analysis showed increased activity of Tc-99m in the tumors that received transduced EPCs, indicative of the expression of transgene (hNIS). Activity of Tc-99m in the tumors was also dependent on the number of administered transduced EPCs. MRI showed the accumulation of magnetically labeled EPCs. Immunohistochemical analysis showed iron and hNIS positive and, human CD31 and vWF positive cells in the tumors. Conclusion EPC was able to carry and express hNIS in glioma following IV administration. SPECT detected migration of EPCs and expression of the hNIS gene. EPCs can be used as gene carrier/delivery system for glioma therapy as well as imaging probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadimpalli Ravi S. Varma
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Branislava Janic
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - A. S. M. Iskander
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Adarsh Shankar
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mohammed P. I. Bhuiyan
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Hamid Soltanian-Zadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Quan Jiang
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Barton
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Meser M. Ali
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ali S. Arbab
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Zhang Y, Li TS, Lee ST, Wawrowsky KA, Cheng K, Galang G, Malliaras K, Abraham MR, Wang C, Marbán E. Dedifferentiation and proliferation of mammalian cardiomyocytes. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12559. [PMID: 20838637 PMCID: PMC2933247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Accepted: 08/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has long been thought that mammalian cardiomyocytes are terminally-differentiated and unable to proliferate. However, myocytes in more primitive animals such as zebrafish are able to dedifferentiate and proliferate to regenerate amputated cardiac muscle. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we test the hypothesis that mature mammalian cardiomyocytes retain substantial cellular plasticity, including the ability to dedifferentiate, proliferate, and acquire progenitor cell phenotypes. Two complementary methods were used: 1) cardiomyocyte purification from rat hearts, and 2) genetic fate mapping in cardiac explants from bi-transgenic mice. Cardiomyocytes isolated from rodent hearts were purified by multiple centrifugation and Percoll gradient separation steps, and the purity verified by immunostaining and RT-PCR. Within days in culture, purified cardiomyocytes lost their characteristic electrophysiological properties and striations, flattened and began to divide, as confirmed by proliferation markers and BrdU incorporation. Many dedifferentiated cardiomyocytes went on to express the stem cell antigen c-kit, and the early cardiac transcription factors GATA4 and Nkx2.5. Underlying these changes, inhibitory cell cycle molecules were suppressed in myocyte-derived cells (MDCs), while microRNAs known to orchestrate proliferation and pluripotency increased dramatically. Some, but not all, MDCs self-organized into spheres and re-differentiated into myocytes and endothelial cells in vitro. Cell fate tracking of cardiomyocytes from 4-OH-Tamoxifen-treated double-transgenic MerCreMer/ZEG mouse hearts revealed that green fluorescent protein (GFP) continues to be expressed in dedifferentiated cardiomyocytes, two-thirds of which were also c-kit+. Conclusions/Significance Contradicting the prevailing view that they are terminally-differentiated, postnatal mammalian cardiomyocytes are instead capable of substantial plasticity. Dedifferentiation of myocytes facilitates proliferation and confers a degree of stemness, including the expression of c-kit and the capacity for multipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiang Zhang
- Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Tao-Sheng Li
- Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Shuo-Tsan Lee
- Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Kolja A. Wawrowsky
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ke Cheng
- Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Giselle Galang
- Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Konstantinos Malliaras
- Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - M. Roselle Abraham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Charles Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Eduardo Marbán
- Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Yu F, Li R, Parks E, Takabe W, Hsiai TK. Electrocardiogram signals to assess zebrafish heart regeneration: implication of long QT intervals. Ann Biomed Eng 2010; 38:2346-57. [PMID: 20221900 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-010-9993-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish is an emerging model system for cardiac conduction and regeneration. Zebrafish heart regenerates after 20% ventricular resection within 60 days. Whether cardiac conduction phenotype correlated with cardiomyocyte regeneration remained undefined. Longitudinal monitoring of the adult zebrafish heart (n = 12) was performed in terms of atrial contraction (PR intervals), ventricular depolarization (QRS complex) and repolarization (heart rated corrected QTc interval). Baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were recorded one day prior to resection and twice per week over 59 days. Immunostaining for gap junctions with anti-Connexin-43 antibody was compared between the sham (n = 5) and ventricular resection at 60 days post-resection (dpr) (n = 7). Heart rate variability, QTc prolongation and J-point depression developed in the resected group but not in the sham. Despite a trend toward heart rate variability in response to ventricular resection, the differences between the resected and sham fish were, by and large, statistically insignificant. At 10 dpr, J-point depression was statistically significant (sham: -0.179 +/- 0.061 mV vs. ventricular resection: -0.353 +/- 0.105 mV, p < 0.01, n = 7). At 60 days, histology revealed either cardiomyocyte regeneration (n = 4) or scar tissues (n = 3). J-point depression was no longer statistically significant at 59 dpr (sham: -0.114 +/- 0.085 mV; scar tissue: -0.268 +/- 0.178 mV, p > 0.05, n = 3; regeneration: -0.209 +/- 0.119 mV, p > 0.05, n = 4). Despite positive Connexin-43 staining in the regeneration group, QTc intervals remained prolonged (sham: 325 +/- 42 ms, n = 5; scar tissues: 534 +/- 51 ms, p < 0.01, n = 3; regeneration: 496 +/- 31 ms, p < 0.01, n = 4). Thus, we observed delayed electric repolarization in either the regenerated hearts or scar tissues. Moreover, early regenerated cardiomyocytes lacked the conduction phenotypes of the sham fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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9
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Nahrendorf M, Sosnovik DE, French BA, Swirski FK, Bengel F, Sadeghi MM, Lindner JR, Wu JC, Kraitchman DL, Fayad ZA, Sinusas AJ. Multimodality cardiovascular molecular imaging, Part II. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2009; 2:56-70. [PMID: 19808565 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.108.839092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Nahrendorf
- Centers for Systems Biology and Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Imaging survival and function of transplanted cardiac resident stem cells. J Am Coll Cardiol 2009; 53:1229-40. [PMID: 19341866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2008.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2008] [Revised: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 12/23/2008] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of this study is to characterize resident cardiac stem cells (CSCs) and investigate their therapeutic efficacy in myocardial infarction by molecular imaging methods. BACKGROUND CSCs have been isolated and characterized in vitro. These cells offer a provocative method to regenerate the damaged myocardium. However, the survival kinetics and function of transplanted CSCs have not been fully elucidated. METHODS CSCs were isolated from L2G85 transgenic mice (FVB strain background) that constitutively express both firefly luciferase and enhanced green fluorescence protein reporter gene. CSCs were characterized in vitro and transplanted in vivo into murine infarction models. Multimodality noninvasive imaging techniques were used to assess CSC survival and therapeutic efficacy for restoration of cardiac function. RESULTS CSCs can be isolated from L2G85 mice, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed expression of resident CSC markers (Sca-1, c-Kit) and mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD90, CD106). Afterwards, 5 x 10(5) CSCs (n = 30) or phosphate-buffered saline control (n = 15) was injected into the hearts of syngeneic FVB mice undergoing left anterior descending artery ligation. Bioluminescence imaging showed poor donor cell survival by week 8. Echocardiogram, invasive hemodynamic pressure-volume analysis, positron emission tomography imaging with fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated no significant difference in cardiac contractility and viability between the CSC and control group. Finally, postmortem analysis confirmed transplanted CSCs integrated with host cardiomyocytes by immunohistology. CONCLUSIONS In a mouse myocardial infarction model, Sca-1-positive CSCs provide no long-term engraftment and benefit to cardiac function as determined by multimodality imaging.
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Johnson M, Karanikolas BDW, Priceman SJ, Powell R, Black ME, Wu HM, Czernin J, Huang SC, Wu L. Titration of variant HSV1-tk gene expression to determine the sensitivity of 18F-FHBG PET imaging in a prostate tumor. J Nucl Med 2009; 50:757-64. [PMID: 19372484 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.108.058438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Because of its high selectivity and specificity for the imaging reporter probe 9-(4-(18)F-fluoro-3-[hydroxymethyl]butyl)guanine ((18)F-FHBG), the herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-tk) variant sr39tk is actively being studied as a PET reporter gene. We recently demonstrated the capability of using a prostate-specific transcriptional amplification PET reporter vector, AdTSTA-sr39tk, to target prostate cancer lymph node metastasis. However, one area that warrants further study is the examination of the sensitivity of PET by determining the minimum percentage of cells expressing the sr39tk transgene needed for detection. Addressing this question could determine the sensitivity of vector-mediated sr39tk PET in cancer-targeting strategies. METHODS DU-145, PC-3, and CWR22Rv.1 prostate cancer cell lines (a total of 1 x 10(6) cells) were studied, of which 7%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 70% were transduced with the lentiviral vector constitutively expressing HSV1-sr39tk-IRES-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Cells were subcutaneously implanted into the left shoulder of severe combined immunodeficient mice and evaluated. Tumor cells comparably transduced with an EGFP control vector were implanted on the right shoulder. Mice were imaged using PET with (18)F-FHBG at 8, 15, and 22 d after tumor implant. On day 23, tumors were isolated and analyzed for sr39tk transgene expression by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry for EGFP expression. RESULTS Results showed a linear relationship between the level of sr39tk expression and the quantity of tracer accrual in DU-145, with the minimal value for PET detection at 10%. The magnitude of tracer retention in sr39tk-expressing cells was amplified over time as the tumor grew. Protein levels in the stepwise titration increased with the percentage of sr39tk-transduced cells. CONCLUSION The stepwise titration of prostate cancer cells transduced with the lenti-CMV-sr39tk-IRES-EGFP determined the minimum number of sr39tk-expressing tumor cells necessary to be detected by PET using the (18)F-FHBG reporter probe. Furthermore, PET signal correlated well with traditional methods of protein evaluation such as flow cytometry, quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Unlike the traditional methods, however, the use of PET is noninvasive and will be more advantageous in clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Johnson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Hiona A, Wu JC. Noninvasive radionuclide imaging of cardiac gene therapy: progress and potential. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 5 Suppl 2:S87-95. [PMID: 18641612 DOI: 10.1038/ncpcardio1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Accepted: 11/29/2007] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, several clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of cardiac-specific gene therapy. Despite encouraging results in basic research and preclinical studies, most of the recent large, randomized, placebo-controlled cardiac gene therapy trials have failed to provide convincing evidence of improvements in clinical outcomes. Because many of these problems are due to the lack of appropriate monitoring techniques, there is a critical need to develop noninvasive imaging techniques that can verify vector delivery and gene expression in target and nontarget tissues. The field of molecular imaging of cardiac gene expression is rapidly advancing because it offers distinct advantages over conventional methods, including the ability to noninvasively measure the location, time course, and magnitude of gene expression. We aim to give readers a clear understanding of how molecular imaging can enable noninvasive tracking of cardiac gene transfer and expression. We discuss limitations of current methods for analyzing gene transfer and describe how reporter gene imaging works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asimina Hiona
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5344, USA
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Beanlands R, Roberts R. Positron molecular imaging, an in vivo glimpse of the genome. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2007; 43:11-4. [PMID: 17544439 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2007.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2007] [Accepted: 05/03/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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