1
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Mohanta Z, Gori S, McMahon MT. Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding Based CEST MRI Contrast Agents As an Emerging Design Strategy: A Mini-Review. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:27755-27765. [PMID: 38973929 PMCID: PMC11223143 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Intramolecular hydrogen bonding-based chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging (CEST MRI) contrast agents represent an innovative design strategy aiming to overcome limitations in diamagnetic CEST (diaCEST) MRI contrast agent specificity and also those associated with traditional metal-based MRI contrast agents. Ward and Balaban's proposal of small diamagnetic compounds marked a paradigm shift in contrast-based radiologic research, inspiring extensive investigations since 2000. These contrast agents leverage labile hydrogen bonds, serving as chemical exchange sites to induce saturation of water. The selective manipulation of radiofrequency (RF) allows for optimized signal contrast in soft tissue, with a significant signal amplification even at low probe concentrations, mitigating concerns about dose-dependent toxicities. This mini-review delves into the evolution of CEST MRI, its classification, and the strategic design principles of synthetic small molecules containing intramolecular hydrogen bonds. With a focus on applications and potential clinical relevance, the authors highlight the promising role of intramolecular hydrogen bonding-based CEST MRI in diverse medical contexts, especially renal imaging and pH mapping, paving the way for enhanced molecular imaging capabilities. Ongoing research endeavors aim to further optimize and expand the utility of these contrast agents, underscoring their transformative potential in clinical diagnostics and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinia Mohanta
- Russell
H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- F.M.
Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Sadakatali Gori
- Center
for Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678, United States
| | - Michael T. McMahon
- Russell
H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- F.M.
Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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2
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Song Y, Zou J, Castellanos EA, Matsuura N, Ronald JA, Shuhendler A, Weber WA, Gilad AA, Müller C, Witney TH, Chen X. Theranostics - a sure cure for cancer after 100 years? Theranostics 2024; 14:2464-2488. [PMID: 38646648 PMCID: PMC11024861 DOI: 10.7150/thno.96675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has remained a formidable challenge in medicine and has claimed an enormous number of lives worldwide. Theranostics, combining diagnostic methods with personalized therapeutic approaches, shows huge potential to advance the battle against cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of theranostics in oncology: exploring its history, current advances, challenges, and prospects. We present the fundamental evolution of theranostics from radiotherapeutics, cellular therapeutics, and nanotherapeutics, showcasing critical milestones in the last decade. From the early concept of targeted drug delivery to the emergence of personalized medicine, theranostics has benefited from advances in imaging technologies, molecular biology, and nanomedicine. Furthermore, we emphasize pertinent illustrations showcasing that revolutionary strategies in cancer management enhance diagnostic accuracy and provide targeted therapies customized for individual patients, thereby facilitating the implementation of personalized medicine. Finally, we describe future perspectives on current challenges, emerging topics, and advances in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangmeihui Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, 81675, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 43000, China
| | - Jianhua Zou
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | | | - Naomi Matsuura
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John A. Ronald
- Imaging Laboratories, Department of Medical Biophysics, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Adam Shuhendler
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Wolfgang A Weber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, 81675, Germany
| | - Assaf A. Gilad
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Cristina Müller
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timothy H. Witney
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
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3
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Grady CJ, Castellanos Franco EA, Schossau J, Ashbaugh RC, Pelled G, Gilad AA. A putative design for the electromagnetic activation of split proteins for molecular and cellular manipulation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1355915. [PMID: 38605993 PMCID: PMC11007078 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1355915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to manipulate cellular function using an external stimulus is a powerful strategy for studying complex biological phenomena. One approach to modulate the function of the cellular environment is split proteins. In this method, a biologically active protein or an enzyme is fragmented so that it reassembles only upon a specific stimulus. Although many tools are available to induce these systems, nature has provided other mechanisms to expand the split protein toolbox. Here, we show a novel method for reconstituting split proteins using magnetic stimulation. We found that the electromagnetic perceptive gene (EPG) changes conformation due to magnetic field stimulation. By fusing split fragments of a certain protein to both termini of the EPG, the fragments can be reassembled into a functional protein under magnetic stimulation due to conformational change. We show this effect with three separate split proteins: NanoLuc, APEX2, and herpes simplex virus type-1 thymidine kinase. Our results show, for the first time, that reconstitution of split proteins can be achieved only with magnetic fields. We anticipate that this study will be a starting point for future magnetically inducible split protein designs for cellular perturbation and manipulation. With this technology, we can help expand the toolbox of the split protein platform and allow better elucidation of complex biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor J. Grady
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Jory Schossau
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Ryan C. Ashbaugh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Galit Pelled
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Assaf A. Gilad
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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4
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Fillion AJ, Bricco AR, Lee HD, Korenchan D, Farrar CT, Gilad AA. Development of a synthetic biosensor for chemical exchange MRI utilizing in silico optimized peptides. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 36:e5007. [PMID: 37469121 PMCID: PMC11075521 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI has been identified as a novel alternative to classical diagnostic imaging. Over the last several decades, many studies have been conducted to determine possible CEST agents, such as endogenously expressed compounds or proteins, that can be utilized to produce contrast with minimally invasive procedures and reduced or non-existent levels of toxicity. In recent years there has been an increased interest in the generation of genetically engineered CEST contrast agents, typically based on existing proteins with CEST contrast or modified to produce CEST contrast. We have developed an in silico method for the evolution of peptide sequences to optimize CEST contrast and showed that these peptides could be combined to create de novo biosensors for CEST MRI. A single protein, superCESTide, was designed to be 198 amino acids. SuperCESTide was expressed in E. coli and purified with size exclusion chromatography. The magnetic transfer ratio asymmetry generated by superCESTide was comparable to levels seen in previous CEST reporters, such as protamine sulfate (salmon protamine) and human protamine. These data show that novel peptides with sequences optimized in silico for CEST contrast that utilize a more comprehensive range of amino acids can still produce contrast when assembled into protein units expressed in complex living environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Fillion
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Alexander R. Bricco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Harvey D. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - David Korenchan
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Christian T. Farrar
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Assaf A. Gilad
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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5
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Longo DL, Carella A, Corrado A, Pirotta E, Mohanta Z, Singh A, Stabinska J, Liu G, McMahon MT. A snapshot of the vast array of diamagnetic CEST MRI contrast agents. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 36:e4715. [PMID: 35187749 PMCID: PMC9724179 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Since the inception of CEST MRI in the 1990s, a number of compounds have been identified as suitable for generating contrast, including paramagnetic lanthanide complexes, hyperpolarized atom cages and, most interesting, diamagnetic compounds. In the past two decades, there has been a major emphasis in this field on the identification and application of diamagnetic compounds that have suitable biosafety profiles for usage in medical applications. Even in the past five years there has been a tremendous growth in their numbers, with more and more emphasis being placed on finding those that can be ultimately used for patient studies on clinical 3 T scanners. At this point, a number of endogenous compounds present in tissue have been identified, and also natural and synthetic organic compounds that can be administered to highlight pathology via CEST imaging. Here we will provide a very extensive snapshot of the types of diamagnetic compound that can generate CEST MRI contrast, together with guidance on their utility on typical preclinical and clinical scanners and a review of the applications that might benefit the most from this new technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Livio Longo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Turin, Italy
| | - Antonella Carella
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Turin, Italy
| | - Alessia Corrado
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Pirotta
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Turin, Italy
| | - Zinia Mohanta
- F.M. Kirby Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aruna Singh
- F.M. Kirby Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Julia Stabinska
- F.M. Kirby Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Guanshu Liu
- F.M. Kirby Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael T. McMahon
- F.M. Kirby Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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6
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Gilad AA, Bar-Shir A, Bricco AR, Mohanta Z, McMahon MT. Protein and peptide engineering for chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging in the age of synthetic biology. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 36:e4712. [PMID: 35150021 PMCID: PMC10642350 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
At the beginning of the millennium, the first chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast agents were bio-organic molecules. However, later, metal-based CEST agents (paraCEST agents) took center stage. This did not last too long as paraCEST agents showed limited translational potential. By contrast, the CEST field gradually became dominated by metal-free CEST agents. One branch of research stemming from the original work by van Zijl and colleagues is the development of CEST agents based on polypeptides. Indeed, in the last 2 decades, tremendous progress has been achieved in this field. This includes the design of novel peptides as biosensors, genetically encoded recombinant as well as synthetic reporters. This was a result of extensive characterization and elucidation of the theoretical requirements for rational designing and engineering of such agents. Here, we provide an extensive overview of the evolution of more precise protein-based CEST agents, review the rationalization of enzyme-substrate pairs as CEST contrast enhancers, discuss the theoretical considerations to improve peptide selectivity, specificity and enhance CEST contrast. Moreover, we discuss the strong influence of synthetic biology on the development of the next generation of protein-based CEST contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf A. Gilad
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Amnon Bar-Shir
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alexander R. Bricco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Zinia Mohanta
- Division of MR Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael T. McMahon
- Division of MR Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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7
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Bricco A, Miralavy I, Bo S, Perlman O, Korenchan DE, Farrar CT, McMahon MT, Banzhaf W, Gilad AA. A Genetic Programming Approach to Engineering MRI Reporter Genes. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1154-1163. [PMID: 36947694 PMCID: PMC10128068 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Here we develop a mechanism of protein optimization using a computational approach known as "genetic programming". We developed an algorithm called Protein Optimization Engineering Tool (POET). Starting from a small library of literature values, the use of this tool allowed us to develop proteins that produce four times more MRI contrast than what was previously state-of-the-art. Interestingly, many of the peptides produced using POET were dramatically different with respect to their sequence and chemical environment than existing CEST producing peptides, and challenge prior understandings of how those peptides function. While existing algorithms for protein engineering rely on divergent evolution, POET relies on convergent evolution and consequently allows discovery of peptides with completely different sequences that perform the same function with as good or even better efficiency. Thus, this novel approach can be expanded beyond developing imaging agents and can be used widely in protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander
R. Bricco
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, United States
| | - Iliya Miralavy
- Department
of Computer Science & Engineering, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, United States
| | - Shaowei Bo
- The
Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences,
Division of MR Research, Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Or Perlman
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Sagol
School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Athinoula
A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - David E. Korenchan
- Athinoula
A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Christian T. Farrar
- Athinoula
A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Michael T. McMahon
- The
Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences,
Division of MR Research, Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Wolfgang Banzhaf
- Department
of Computer Science & Engineering, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, United States
| | - Assaf A. Gilad
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, United States
- Department
of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, United States
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8
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Fillion AJ, Bricco AR, Lee HD, Korenchan D, Farrar CT, Gilad AA. Development of a Synthetic Biosensor for Chemical Exchange MRI Utilizing In Silico Optimized Peptides. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.08.531737. [PMID: 37016672 PMCID: PMC10071792 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.08.531737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been identified as a novel alternative to classical diagnostic imaging. Over the last several decades, many studies have been conducted to determine possible CEST agents, such as endogenously expressed compounds or proteins, that can be utilized to produce contrast with minimally invasive procedures and reduced or non-existent levels of toxicity. In recent years there has been an increased interest in the generation of genetically engineered CEST contrast agents, typically based on existing proteins with CEST contrast or modified to produce CEST contrast. We have developed an in-silico method for the evolution of peptide sequences to optimize CEST contrast and showed that these peptides could be combined to create de novo biosensors for CEST MRI. A single protein, superCESTide 2.0, was designed to be 198 amino acids. SuperCESTide 2.0 was expressed in E. coli and purified with size-exclusion chromatography. The magnetic transfer ratio asymmetry (MTR asym ) generated by superCESTide 2.0 was comparable to levels seen in previous CEST reporters, such as protamine sulfate (salmon protamine, SP), Poly-L-Lysine (PLL), and human protamine (hPRM1). This data shows that novel peptides with sequences optimized in silico for CEST contrast that utilizes a more comprehensive range of amino acids can still produce contrast when assembled into protein units expressed in complex living environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Fillion
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Alexander R. Bricco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Harvey D. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - David Korenchan
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Christian T. Farrar
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Assaf A. Gilad
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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9
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Cohen D, Allouche‐Arnon H, Bar‐Shir A. MRI reporter genes in the era of gene transfer. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1135. [PMID: 36471476 PMCID: PMC9722966 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cohen
- Department of Nuclear MedicineTel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical CenterTel AvivIsrael
| | - Hyla Allouche‐Arnon
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials ScienceWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Amnon Bar‐Shir
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials ScienceWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
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10
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Pandey S, Ghosh R, Ghosh A. Preparation of Hydrothermal Carbon Quantum Dots as a Contrast Amplifying Technique for the diaCEST MRI Contrast Agents. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:33934-33941. [PMID: 36188278 PMCID: PMC9520682 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of exogenous contrast agents (CAs) is one of the key factors behind the success and widespread acceptability of MRI as an imaging tool. To the long list of CAs, the newest addition is the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)-based CAs. Among them, the diaCEST CAs are the safer metal-free option constituted by a large pool of organic and macromolecules, but the tradeoff comes in terms of smaller natural offset. Another major challenge for the CEST CAs is that they need to operate in the tens of millimolar concentration range to produce any meaningful contrast. The quest for high efficiency diaCEST agents has led to a number of strategies such as use of hydrogen bonding, use of equivalent protons, and use of diatropic ring current. Here, we present carbon quantum dot formation using hydrothermal treatment as a new strategy to amplify diaCEST contrast efficiency. We show that while the well-known analgesic drug lidocaine hydrochloride when repurposed as a diaCEST CA produces no contrast at the physiological pH and temperature, the carbon dots prepared from it elevate the physiological contrast to a sizable 11%. Also, the maximum efficiency at an acidic pH gets amplified by a factor of 2 to 46%. The study showed that the enhancement in CEST efficiency is reproducible and the pH response of these carbon dots is tunable through variation in synthesis conditions such as temperature, duration, and precursor concentration.
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11
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Yang QL, Liu Y, Luo YR, Li ZH, Jia HW, Fu YB, Qu GR, Guo HM. Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Synthesis of Diverse Fluorescent Polycyclic Purinium Salts from 6-Arylpurine Nucleosides and Alkynes. Org Lett 2022; 24:4234-4239. [PMID: 35658480 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c01546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Described herein is an efficient strategy for assembling a new library of functionalized polycyclic purinium salts with a wide range of anions through RhIII-catalyzed C-H activation/annulation of 6-arylpurine nucleosides with alkynes under mild reaction conditions. The resulting products displayed tunable photoluminescence covering most of the visible spectrum. Mechanistic insights delineated the rhodium catalyst's mode of action. A purinoisoquinolinium-coordinated rhodium(I) sandwich complex was well characterized and identified as the key intermediate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Liang Yang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules and Drug Innovation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules and Drug Innovation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Yi-Rui Luo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules and Drug Innovation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules and Drug Innovation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Hong-Wei Jia
- Henan Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules and Drug Innovation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Ya-Bo Fu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules and Drug Innovation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Gui-Rong Qu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules and Drug Innovation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Hai-Ming Guo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules and Drug Innovation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
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12
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In vivo tracking of unlabelled mesenchymal stromal cells by mannose-weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 6:658-666. [PMID: 35132228 PMCID: PMC9425291 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00822-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The tracking of the in vivo biodistribution of transplanted human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) relies on reporter genes or on the addition of exogenous imaging agents. However, reporter genes and exogenous labels may require bespoke manufacturing and regulatory processes if used in cell therapies, and the labels may alter the cells' properties and are diluted on cellular division. Here we show that high-mannose N-linked glycans, which are abundantly expressed on the surface of hMSCs, can serve as a biomarker for the label-free tracking of transplanted hMSCs by mannose-weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For live mice with luciferase-transfected hMSCs transplanted into their brains, post-mortem fluorescence staining with a mannose-specific lectin showed that increases in the CEST MRI signal, which correlated well with the bioluminescence intensity of viable hMSCs for 14 days, corresponded to the presence of mannose. In vitro, osteogenically differentiated hMSCs led to lower CEST MRI signal intensities owing to the concomitantly reduced expression of mannose. The label-free imaging of hMSCs may facilitate the development and testing of cell therapies.
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13
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Computationally designed dual-color MRI reporters for noninvasive imaging of transgene expression. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:1143-1149. [PMID: 35102291 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-021-01162-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Imaging of gene-expression patterns in live animals is difficult to achieve with fluorescent proteins because tissues are opaque to visible light. Imaging of transgene expression with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which penetrates to deep tissues, has been limited by single reporter visualization capabilities. Moreover, the low-throughput capacity of MRI limits large-scale mutagenesis strategies to improve existing reporters. Here we develop an MRI system, called GeneREFORM, comprising orthogonal reporters for two-color imaging of transgene expression in deep tissues. Starting from two promiscuous deoxyribonucleoside kinases, we computationally designed highly active, orthogonal enzymes ('reporter genes') that specifically phosphorylate two MRI-detectable synthetic deoxyribonucleosides ('reporter probes'). Systemically administered reporter probes exclusively accumulate in cells expressing the designed reporter genes, and their distribution is displayed as pseudo-colored MRI maps based on dynamic proton exchange for noninvasive visualization of transgene expression. We envision that future extensions of GeneREFORM will pave the way to multiplexed deep-tissue mapping of gene expression in live animals.
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14
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Chakraborty S, Peruncheralathan S, Ghosh A. Paracetamol and other acetanilide analogs as inter-molecular hydrogen bonding assisted diamagnetic CEST MRI contrast agents. RSC Adv 2021; 11:6526-6534. [PMID: 35423188 PMCID: PMC8694904 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra10410h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracetamol and a few other acetanilide derivatives are reported as a special class of diamagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (diaCEST) MRI contrast agents, that exhibit contrast only when the molecules form inter-molecular hydrogen bonding mediated molecular chains or sheets. Without the protection of the hydrogen bonding their contrast producing labile proton exchanges too quickly with the solvent to produce any appreciable contrast. Through a number of variable temperature experiments we demonstrate that under the conditions when the hydrogen bond network breaks and the high exchange returns back, the contrast drops quickly. The well-known analgesic drug paracetamol shows 12% contrast at a concentration of 15 mM at physiological conditions. With the proven safety track-record for human consumption and appreciable physiological contrast, paracetamol shows promise as a diaCEST agent for in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhayan Chakraborty
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), HBNI Bhubaneswar 752050 Odisha India
| | - S Peruncheralathan
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), HBNI Bhubaneswar 752050 Odisha India
| | - Arindam Ghosh
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), HBNI Bhubaneswar 752050 Odisha India
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15
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Liu G, van Zijl PC. CEST (Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer) MR Molecular Imaging. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00012-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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16
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Chakraborty S, Das M, Srinivasan A, Ghosh A. Tetrakis-( N-methyl-4-pyridinium)-porphyrin as a diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (diaCEST) MRI contrast agent. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj04869k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Easily synthesizable tetrakis-(N-methyl-4-pyridinium)-porphyrin as a diaCEST agent that shows nearly pH independent good contrast in a wide range of pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhayan Chakraborty
- School of Chemical Sciences
- National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
- HBNI
- Bhubaneswar 752050
- India
| | - Mainak Das
- School of Chemical Sciences
- National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
- HBNI
- Bhubaneswar 752050
- India
| | - A. Srinivasan
- School of Chemical Sciences
- National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
- HBNI
- Bhubaneswar 752050
- India
| | - Arindam Ghosh
- School of Chemical Sciences
- National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
- HBNI
- Bhubaneswar 752050
- India
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17
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Helfer BM, Bulte JW. Cell Surveillance Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00042-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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18
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Repurposing Clinical Agents for Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 14:ph14010011. [PMID: 33374213 PMCID: PMC7824058 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging is becoming an indispensable tool to pursue precision medicine. However, quickly translating newly developed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents into clinical use remains a formidable challenge. Recently, Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) MRI is emerging as an attractive approach with the capability of directly using low concentration, exchangeable protons-containing agents for generating quantitative MRI contrast. The ability to utilize diamagnetic compounds has been extensively exploited to detect many clinical compounds, such as FDA approved drugs, X-ray/CT contrast agents, nutrients, supplements, and biopolymers. The ability to directly off-label use clinical compounds permits CEST MRI to be rapidly translated to clinical settings. In this review, the current status of CEST MRI based on clinically available compounds will be briefly introduced. The advancements and limitations of these studies are reviewed in the context of their pre-clinical or clinical applications. Finally, future directions will be briefly discussed.
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19
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Perlman O, Ito H, Gilad AA, McMahon MT, Chiocca EA, Nakashima H, Farrar CT. Redesigned reporter gene for improved proton exchange-based molecular MRI contrast. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20664. [PMID: 33244130 PMCID: PMC7692519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77576-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Reporter gene imaging allows for non-invasive monitoring of molecular processes in living cells, providing insights on the mechanisms underlying pathology and therapy. A lysine-rich protein (LRP) chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI reporter gene has previously been developed and used to image tumor cells, cardiac viral gene transfer, and oncolytic virotherapy. However, the highly repetitive nature of the LRP reporter gene sequence leads to DNA recombination events and the expression of a range of truncated LRP protein fragments, thereby greatly limiting the CEST sensitivity. Here we report the use of a redesigned LRP reporter (rdLRP), aimed to provide excellent stability and CEST sensitivity. The rdLRP contains no DNA repeats or GC rich regions and 30% less positively charged amino-acids. RT-PCR of cell lysates transfected with rdLRP demonstrated a stable reporter gene with a single distinct band corresponding to full-length DNA. A distinct increase in CEST-MRI contrast was obtained in cell lysates of rdLRP transfected cells and in in vivo LRP expressing mouse brain tumors ([Formula: see text], n = 10).
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Affiliation(s)
- Or Perlman
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Suite 2301, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Hirotaka Ito
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Assaf A Gilad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- The Institute of Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Michael T McMahon
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of MR Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - E Antonio Chiocca
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakashima
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian T Farrar
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Suite 2301, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
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21
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Pavuluri K, Rosenberg JT, Helsper S, Bo S, McMahon MT. Amplified detection of phosphocreatine and creatine after supplementation using CEST MRI at high and ultrahigh magnetic fields. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2020; 313:106703. [PMID: 32179431 PMCID: PMC7197212 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2020.106703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Creatine is an important metabolite involved in muscle contraction. Administration of exogenous creatine (Cr) or phosphocreatine (PCr) has been used for improving exercise performance and protecting the heart during surgery including during valve replacements, coronary artery bypass grafting and repair of congenital heart defects. In this work we investigate whether it is possible to use chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI to monitor uptake and clearance of exogenous creatine and phosphocreatine following supplementation. We were furthermore interested in determining the limiting conditions for distinguishing between creatine (1.9 ppm) and phosphocreatine (2.6 ppm) signals at ultra-high fields (21 T) and determine their concentrations could be reliably obtained using Bloch equation fits of the experimental CEST spectra. We have tested these items by performing CEST MRI of hind limb muscle and kidneys at 11.7 T and 21.1 T both before and after intravenous administration of PCr. We observed up to 4% increase in contrast in the kidneys at 2.6 ppm which peaked ~30 min after administration and a relative ratio of 1.3 in PCr:Cr signal. Overall, these results demonstrate the feasibility of independent monitoring of PCr and Cr concentration changes using CEST MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- KowsalyaDevi Pavuluri
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 991 N. Broadway Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jens T Rosenberg
- The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CIMAR, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Shannon Helsper
- The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CIMAR, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Shaowei Bo
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 991 N. Broadway Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Michael T McMahon
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 991 N. Broadway Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 N. Broadway Ave., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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22
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Zhang X, Yuan Y, Li S, Zeng Q, Guo Q, Liu N, Yang M, Yang Y, Liu M, McMahon MT, Zhou X. Free-base porphyrins as CEST MRI contrast agents with highly upfield shifted labile protons. Magn Reson Med 2019; 82:577-585. [PMID: 30968442 PMCID: PMC7294594 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE CEST has become a preeminent technology for the rapid detection and grading of tumors, securing its widespread use in both laboratory and clinical research. However, many existing CEST MRI agents exhibit a sensitivity limitation due to small chemical shifts between their exchangeable protons and water. We propose a new group of CEST MRI agents, free-base porphyrins and chlorin, with large exchangeable proton chemical shifts from water for enhanced detection. METHODS To test these newly identified CEST agents, we acquired a series of Z-spectra at multiple pH values and saturation field strengths to determine their CEST properties. The data were analyzed using the quantifying exchange using saturation power method to quantify exchange rates. After identifying several promising candidates, a porphyrin solution was injected into tumor-bearing mice, and MR images were acquired to assess detection feasibility in vivo. RESULTS Based on the Z-spectra, the inner nitrogen protons in free-base porphyrins and chlorin resonate from -8 to -13.5 ppm from water, far shifted from the majority of endogenous metabolites (0-4 ppm) and Nuclear Overhauser enhancements (-1 to -3.5 ppm) and far removed from the salicylates, imidazoles, and anthranillates (5-12 ppm). The exchange rates are sufficiently slow to intermediate (500-9000 s-1 ) to allow robust detection and were sensitive to substituents on the porphyrin ring. CONCLUSION These results highlight the capabilities of free-base porphyrins and chlorin as highly upfield CEST MRI agents and provide a new scaffold that can be integrated into a variety of diagnostic or theranostic agents for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaping Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sha Li
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingbin Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qianni Guo
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Liu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minghui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunhuang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Maili Liu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Michael T. McMahon
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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23
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Pavuluri K, Manoli I, Pass A, Li Y, Vernon HJ, Venditti CP, McMahon MT. Noninvasive monitoring of chronic kidney disease using pH and perfusion imaging. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaaw8357. [PMID: 31453331 PMCID: PMC6693904 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaw8357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a cardinal feature of methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), a prototypic organic acidemia. Impaired growth, low activity, and protein restriction affect muscle mass and lower serum creatinine, which can delay diagnosis and management of renal disease. We have designed an alternative strategy for monitoring renal function based on administration of a pH sensitive MRI agent and assessed this in a mouse model. This protocol produced three metrics: kidney contrast, ~4% for severe renal disease mice compared to ~13% and ~25% for moderate renal disease and healthy controls, filtration fraction (FF), ~15% for severe renal disease mice compared to ~79% and 100% for moderate renal disease and healthy controls, and variation in pH, ~0.45 units for severe disease mice compared to 0.06 and 0.01 for moderate disease and healthy controls. Our results demonstrate that MRI can be used for early detection and monitoring of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- KowsalyaDevi Pavuluri
- Division of MR Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Irini Manoli
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexandra Pass
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yuguo Li
- Division of MR Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hilary J. Vernon
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles P. Venditti
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael T. McMahon
- Division of MR Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
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24
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Han Z, Li Y, Zhang J, Liu J, Chen C, van Zijl PC, Liu G. Molecular Imaging of Deoxycytidine Kinase Activity Using Deoxycytidine-Enhanced CEST MRI. Cancer Res 2019; 79:2775-2783. [PMID: 30940660 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-3565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Deoxycytidine kinase (DCK) is a key enzyme for the activation of a broad spectrum of nucleoside-based chemotherapy drugs (e.g., gemcitabine); low DCK activity is one of the most important causes of cancer drug-resistance. Noninvasive imaging methods that can quantify DCK activity are invaluable for assessing tumor resistance and predicting treatment efficacy. Here we developed a "natural" MRI approach to detect DCK activity using its natural substrate deoxycytidine (dC) as the imaging probe, which can be detected directly by chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI without any synthetic labeling. CEST MRI contrast of dC and its phosphorylated form, dCTP, successfully discriminated DCK activity in two mouse leukemia cell lines with different DCK expression. This dC-enhanced CEST MRI in xenograft leukemic cancer mouse models demonstrated that DCK(+) tumors have a distinctive dynamic CEST contrast enhancement and a significantly higher CEST contrast than DCK(-) tumors (AUC0-60 min = 0.47 ± 0.25 and 0.20 ± 0.13, respectively; P = 0.026, paired Student t test, n = 4) at 1 hour after the injection of dC. dC-enhanced CEST contrast also correlated well with tumor responses to gemcitabine treatment. This study demonstrates a novel MR molecular imaging approach for predicting cancer resistance using natural, nonradioactive, nonmetallic, and clinically available agents. This method has great potential for pursuing personalized chemotherapy by stratifying patients with different DCK activity. SIGNIFICANCE: A new molecular MRI method that detects deoxycytidine kinase activity using its natural substrate deoxycytidine has great translational potential for clinical assessment of tumor resistance and prediction of treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Han
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Radiology College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Chuheng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Peter C van Zijl
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Guanshu Liu
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. .,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
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25
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Han Z, Liu G. Sugar-based biopolymers as novel imaging agents for molecular magnetic resonance imaging. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 11:e1551. [PMID: 30666829 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sugar-based biopolymers have been recognized as attractive materials to develop macromolecule- and nanoparticle-based cancer imaging and therapy. However, traditional biopolymer-based imaging approaches rely on the use of synthetic or isotopic labeling, and because of it, clinical translation often is hindered. Recently, a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), has emerged, which allows the exploitation of sugar-based biopolymers as MRI agents by their hydroxyl protons-rich nature. In the study, we reviewed recent studies on the topic of CEST MRI detection of sugar-based biopolymers. The CEST MRI property of each biopolymer was briefly introduced, followed by the pre-clinical and clinical applications. The findings of these preliminary studies imply the enormous potential of CEST detectable sugar-based biopolymers in developing highly sensitive and translatable molecular imaging agents and constructing image-guided biopolymer-based drug delivery systems. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Han
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Guanshu Liu
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
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26
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Cohen O, Huang S, McMahon MT, Rosen MS, Farrar CT. Rapid and quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging with magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF). Magn Reson Med 2018; 80:2449-2463. [PMID: 29756286 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a fast magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) method for quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging. METHODS We implemented a CEST-MRF method to quantify the chemical exchange rate and volume fraction of the Nα -amine protons of L-arginine (L-Arg) phantoms and the amide and semi-solid exchangeable protons of in vivo rat brain tissue. L-Arg phantoms were made with different concentrations (25-100 mM) and pH (pH 4-6). The MRF acquisition schedule varied the saturation power randomly for 30 iterations (phantom: 0-6 μT; in vivo: 0-4 μT) with a total acquisition time of ≤2 min. The signal trajectories were pattern-matched to a large dictionary of signal trajectories simulated using the Bloch-McConnell equations for different combinations of exchange rate, exchangeable proton volume fraction, and water T1 and T2 relaxation times. RESULTS The chemical exchange rates of the Nα -amine protons of L-Arg were significantly (P < 0.0001) correlated with the rates measured with the quantitation of exchange using saturation power method. Similarly, the L-Arg concentrations determined using MRF were significantly (P < 0.0001) correlated with the known concentrations. The pH dependence of the exchange rate was well fit (R2 = 0.9186) by a base catalyzed exchange model. The amide proton exchange rate measured in rat brain cortex (34.8 ± 11.7 Hz) was in good agreement with that measured previously with the water exchange spectroscopy method (28.6 ± 7.4 Hz). The semi-solid proton volume fraction was elevated in white (12.2 ± 1.7%) compared to gray (8.1 ± 1.1%) matter brain regions in agreement with previous magnetization transfer studies. CONCLUSION CEST-MRF provides a method for fast, quantitative CEST imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouri Cohen
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Shuning Huang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Michael T McMahon
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Matthew S Rosen
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts.,Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Christian T Farrar
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
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McMahon MT, Bulte JWM. Two decades of dendrimers as versatile MRI agents: a tale with and without metals. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 10:e1496. [PMID: 28895298 PMCID: PMC5989322 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dendrimers or dendritic polymers are a class of compounds with great potential for nanomedical use. Some of their properties, including their rigidity, low polydispersity and the ease with which their surfaces can be modified make them particularly well suited for use as MRI diagnostic or theranostic agents. For the past 20 years, researchers have recognized this potential and refined dendrimer formulations to optimize these nanocarriers for a host of MRI applications, including blood pool imaging agents, lymph node imaging agents, tumor-targeted theranostic agents and cell tracking agents. This review summarizes the various types of dendrimers according to the type of MR contrast they can provide. This includes the metallic T1 , T2 and paraCEST imaging agents, and the non-metallic diaCEST and fluorinated (19 F) heteronuclear imaging agents. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. McMahon
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeff W. M. Bulte
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Non-invasive detection of adeno-associated viral gene transfer using a genetically encoded CEST-MRI reporter gene in the murine heart. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4638. [PMID: 29545551 PMCID: PMC5854573 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22993-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Research into gene therapy for heart failure has gained renewed interest as a result of improved safety and availability of adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV). While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is standard for functional assessment of gene therapy outcomes, quantitation of gene transfer/expression relies upon tissue biopsy, fluorescence or nuclear imaging. Imaging of gene expression through the use of genetically encoded chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)-MRI reporter genes could be combined with clinical cardiac MRI methods to comprehensively probe therapeutic gene expression and subsequent outcomes. The CEST-MRI reporter gene Lysine Rich Protein (LRP) was cloned into an AAV9 vector and either administered systemically via tail vein injection or directly injected into the left ventricular free wall of mice. Longitudinal in vivo CEST-MRI performed at days 15 and 45 after direct injection or at 1, 60 and 90 days after systemic injection revealed robust CEST contrast in myocardium that was later confirmed to express LRP by immunostaining. Ventricular structure and function were not impacted by expression of LRP in either study arm. The ability to quantify and link therapeutic gene expression to functional outcomes can provide rich data for further development of gene therapy for heart failure.
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Zhang J, Li Y, Slania S, Yadav NN, Liu J, Wang R, Zhang J, Pomper MG, van Zijl PC, Yang X, Liu G. Phenols as Diamagnetic T 2 -Exchange Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents. Chemistry 2018; 24:1259-1263. [PMID: 29266443 PMCID: PMC5786484 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201705772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Although T2 -exchange (T2ex ) NMR phenomena have been known for decades, there has been a resurgence of interest to develop T2ex MRI contrast agents. One indispensable advantage of T2ex MR agents is the possibility of using non-toxic and/or bio-compatible diamagnetic compounds with intermediate exchangeable protons. Herein a library of phenol-based compounds is screened and their T2ex contrast (exchange relaxivity, r2ex ) at 9.4 T determined. The T2ex contrast of phenol protons allows direct detection by MRI at a millimolar concentration level. The effect of chemical modification of the phenol on the T2ex MRI contrast through modulation of exchange rate and chemical shift was also studied and provides a guideline for use of endogenous and exogenous phenols for T2ex MRI contrast. As a proof-of-principle application, phenol T2ex contrast can be used to detect enzyme activity in a tyrosinase-catalyzed catechol oxidation reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhang
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yuguo Li
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie Slania
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nirbhay N Yadav
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- Graduate College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Rongfu Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Martin G Pomper
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter C van Zijl
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Xing Yang
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Guanshu Liu
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Mukherjee A, Davis HC, Ramesh P, Lu GJ, Shapiro MG. Biomolecular MRI reporters: Evolution of new mechanisms. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2017; 102-103:32-42. [PMID: 29157492 PMCID: PMC5726449 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful technique for observing the function of specific cells and molecules inside living organisms. However, compared to optical microscopy, in which fluorescent protein reporters are available to visualize hundreds of cellular functions ranging from gene expression and chemical signaling to biomechanics, to date relatively few such reporters are available for MRI. Efforts to develop MRI-detectable biomolecules have mainly focused on proteins transporting paramagnetic metals for T1 and T2 relaxation enhancement or containing large numbers of exchangeable protons for chemical exchange saturation transfer. While these pioneering developments established several key uses of biomolecular MRI, such as imaging of gene expression and functional biosensing, they also revealed that low molecular sensitivity poses a major challenge for broader adoption in biology and medicine. Recently, new classes of biomolecular reporters have been developed based on alternative contrast mechanisms, including enhancement of spin diffusivity, interactions with hyperpolarized nuclei, and modulation of blood flow. These novel reporters promise to improve sensitivity and enable new forms of multiplexed and functional imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Mukherjee
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Hunter C Davis
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Pradeep Ramesh
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - George J Lu
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Mikhail G Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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Zaiss M, Angelovski G, Demetriou E, McMahon MT, Golay X, Scheffler K. QUESP and QUEST revisited - fast and accurate quantitative CEST experiments. Magn Reson Med 2017; 79:1708-1721. [PMID: 28686796 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.26813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) NMR or MRI experiments allow detection of low concentrated molecules with enhanced sensitivity via their proton exchange with the abundant water pool. Be it endogenous metabolites or exogenous contrast agents, an exact quantification of the actual exchange rate is required to design optimal pulse sequences and/or specific sensitive agents. METHODS Refined analytical expressions allow deeper insight and improvement of accuracy for common quantification techniques. The accuracy of standard quantification methodologies, such as quantification of exchange rate using varying saturation power or varying saturation time, is improved especially for the case of nonequilibrium initial conditions and weak labeling conditions, meaning the saturation amplitude is smaller than the exchange rate (γB1 < k). RESULTS The improved analytical 'quantification of exchange rate using varying saturation power/time' (QUESP/QUEST) equations allow for more accurate exchange rate determination, and provide clear insights on the general principles to execute the experiments and to perform numerical evaluation. The proposed methodology was evaluated on the large-shift regime of paramagnetic chemical-exchange-saturation-transfer agents using simulated data and data of the paramagnetic Eu(III) complex of DOTA-tetraglycineamide. CONCLUSIONS The refined formulas yield improved exchange rate estimation. General convergence intervals of the methods that would apply for smaller shift agents are also discussed. Magn Reson Med 79:1708-1721, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Zaiss
- High Field Magnetic Resonance, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Goran Angelovski
- MR Neuroimaging Agents, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eleni Demetriou
- Brain Repair & Rehabilitation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael T McMahon
- Division of MR Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Xavier Golay
- Brain Repair & Rehabilitation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Klaus Scheffler
- High Field Magnetic Resonance, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Eberhard Karl's University of Tübingen and University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
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Gilad AA, Shapiro MG. Molecular Imaging in Synthetic Biology, and Synthetic Biology in Molecular Imaging. Mol Imaging Biol 2017; 19:373-378. [PMID: 28213833 PMCID: PMC6058969 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-017-1062-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Biomedical synthetic biology is an emerging field in which cells are engineered at the genetic level to carry out novel functions with relevance to biomedical and industrial applications. This approach promises new treatments, imaging tools, and diagnostics for diseases ranging from gastrointestinal inflammatory syndromes to cancer, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. As these cellular technologies undergo pre-clinical and clinical development, it is becoming essential to monitor their location and function in vivo, necessitating appropriate molecular imaging strategies, and therefore, we have created an interest group within the World Molecular Imaging Society focusing on synthetic biology and reporter gene technologies. Here, we highlight recent advances in biomedical synthetic biology, including bacterial therapy, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine. We then discuss emerging molecular imaging approaches to facilitate in vivo applications, focusing on reporter genes for noninvasive modalities such as magnetic resonance, ultrasound, photoacoustic imaging, bioluminescence, and radionuclear imaging. Because reporter genes can be incorporated directly into engineered genetic circuits, they are particularly well suited to imaging synthetic biological constructs, and developing them provides opportunities for creative molecular and genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf A Gilad
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Mikhail G Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
- Heritage Medical Research Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Bar-Shir A, Alon L, Korrer MJ, Lim HS, Yadav NN, Kato Y, Pathak AP, Bulte JWM, Gilad AA. Quantification and tracking of genetically engineered dendritic cells for studying immunotherapy. Magn Reson Med 2017; 79:1010-1019. [PMID: 28480589 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.26708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Genetically encoded reporters can assist in visualizing biological processes in live organisms and have been proposed for longitudinal and noninvasive tracking of therapeutic cells in deep tissue. Cells can be labeled in situ or ex vivo and followed in live subjects over time. Nevertheless, a major challenge for reporter systems is to identify the cell population that actually expresses an active reporter. METHODS We have used a nucleoside analog, pyrrolo-2'-deoxycytidine, as an imaging probe for the putative reporter gene, Drosophila melanogaster 2'-deoxynucleoside kinase. Bioengineered cells were imaged in vivo in animal models of brain tumor and immunotherapy using chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI. The number of transduced cells was quantified by flow cytometry based on the optical properties of the probe. RESULTS We performed a comparative analysis of six different cell lines and demonstrate utility in a mouse model of immunotherapy. The proposed technology can be used to quantify the number of labeled cells in a given region, and moreover is sensitive enough to detect less than 10,000 cells. CONCLUSION This unique technology that enables efficient selection of labeled cells followed by in vivo monitoring with both optical and MRI. Magn Reson Med 79:1010-1019, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amnon Bar-Shir
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lina Alon
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael J Korrer
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hong Seo Lim
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nirbhay N Yadav
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yoshinori Kato
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Arvind P Pathak
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeff W M Bulte
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Assaf A Gilad
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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McMahon MT, Gilad AA. Cellular and Molecular Imaging Using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer. Top Magn Reson Imaging 2017; 25:197-204. [PMID: 27748713 DOI: 10.1097/rmr.0000000000000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is a powerful new tool well suited for molecular imaging. This technology enables the detection of low concentration probes through selective labeling of rapidly exchanging protons or other spins on the probes. In this review, we will highlight the unique features of CEST imaging technology and describe the different types of CEST agents that are suited for molecular imaging studies, including CEST theranostic agents, CEST reporter genes, and CEST environmental sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T McMahon
- *F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute †The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Division of MR Research ‡Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Advances in Monitoring Cell-Based Therapies with Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18010198. [PMID: 28106829 PMCID: PMC5297829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-based therapies are currently being developed for applications in both regenerative medicine and in oncology. Preclinical, translational, and clinical research on cell-based therapies will benefit tremendously from novel imaging approaches that enable the effective monitoring of the delivery, survival, migration, biodistribution, and integration of transplanted cells. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers several advantages over other imaging modalities for elucidating the fate of transplanted cells both preclinically and clinically. These advantages include the ability to image transplanted cells longitudinally at high spatial resolution without exposure to ionizing radiation, and the possibility to co-register anatomical structures with molecular processes and functional changes. However, since cellular MRI is still in its infancy, it currently faces a number of challenges, which provide avenues for future research and development. In this review, we describe the basic principle of cell-tracking with MRI; explain the different approaches currently used to monitor cell-based therapies; describe currently available MRI contrast generation mechanisms and strategies for monitoring transplanted cells; discuss some of the challenges in tracking transplanted cells; and suggest future research directions.
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Non-invasive imaging using reporter genes altering cellular water permeability. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13891. [PMID: 28008959 PMCID: PMC5196229 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive imaging of gene expression in live, optically opaque animals is important for multiple applications, including monitoring of genetic circuits and tracking of cell-based therapeutics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could enable such monitoring with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, existing MRI reporter genes based on metalloproteins or chemical exchange probes are limited by their reliance on metals or relatively low sensitivity. Here we introduce a new class of MRI reporters based on the human water channel aquaporin 1. We show that aquaporin overexpression produces contrast in diffusion-weighted MRI by increasing tissue water diffusivity without affecting viability. Low aquaporin levels or mixed populations comprising as few as 10% aquaporin-expressing cells are sufficient to produce MRI contrast. We characterize this new contrast mechanism through experiments and simulations, and demonstrate its utility in vivo by imaging gene expression in tumours. Our results establish an alternative class of sensitive, metal-free reporter genes for non-invasive imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging combined with molecular reporters can visualise cellular functions in intact organisms. Here Mukherjee et al. present a cellular imaging approach based on intracellular changes in water diffusion using human aquaporin 1 gene as a genetically encoded reporter for MRI.
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Avram L, Iron MA, Bar-Shir A. Amplifying undetectable NMR signals to study host-guest interactions and exchange. Chem Sci 2016; 7:6905-6909. [PMID: 28567261 PMCID: PMC5450594 DOI: 10.1039/c6sc04083g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The characteristics of host-guest systems, such as molecular recognition, complexation, encapsulation, guest composition, and dynamic exchange, are manifested by changes in the chemical shifts (Δω) in the NMR spectrum. However, in cases where NMR signals cannot be detected, due to low concentrations, poor solubility, or relatively fast exchange, an alternative is needed. Here, we show that by using the magnetization transfer (MT) method, the undetectable NMR signals of host-guest assemblies can be amplified by two orders of magnitude. It is shown that the binding kinetics characteristics of a fluorinated guest and cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) hosts in aqueous solutions determine the NMR signal amplification of host-guest assemblies. In addition, by using the MT technique within the 19F-NMR framework, one can detect μM concentrations of the complex and study the effect of different solutes on the resulting host-guest system. The results expand the "NMR toolbox" available to explore a wider range of dynamic host-guest systems in which NMR signals cannot be detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Avram
- Department of Chemical Research Support , Weizmann Institute of Science , 7610001 Rehovot , Israel
| | - Mark A Iron
- Department of Chemical Research Support , Weizmann Institute of Science , 7610001 Rehovot , Israel
| | - Amnon Bar-Shir
- Department of Organic Chemistry , Weizmann Institute of Science , 7610001 Rehovot , Israel .
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Gaining Mechanistic Insights into Cell Therapy Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40778-016-0059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Ngen EJ, Bar-Shir A, Jablonska A, Liu G, Song X, Ansari R, Bulte JWM, Janowski M, Pearl M, Walczak P, Gilad AA. Imaging the DNA Alkylator Melphalan by CEST MRI: An Advanced Approach to Theranostics. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:3043-53. [PMID: 27398883 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors are among the most lethal types of tumors. Therapeutic response variability and failure in patients have been attributed to several factors, including inadequate drug delivery to tumors due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Consequently, drug delivery strategies are being developed for the local and targeted delivery of drugs to brain tumors. These drug delivery strategies could benefit from new approaches to monitor the delivery of drugs to tumors. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of imaging 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-l-phenylalanine (melphalan), a clinically used DNA alkylating agent, using chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging (CEST MRI), for theranostic applications. We evaluated the physicochemical parameters that affect melphalan's CEST contrast and demonstrated the feasibility of imaging the unmodified drug by saturating its exchangeable amine protons. Melphalan generated a CEST signal despite its reactivity in an aqueous milieu. The maximum CEST signal was observed at pH 6.2. This CEST contrast trend was then used to monitor therapeutic responses to melphalan in vitro. Upon cell death, the decrease in cellular pH from ∼7.4 to ∼6.4 caused an amplification of the melphalan CEST signal. This is contrary to what has been reported for other CEST contrast agents used for imaging cell death, where a decrease in the cellular pH following cell death results in a decrease in the CEST signal. Ultimately, this method could be used to noninvasively monitor melphalan delivery to brain tumors and also to validate therapeutic responses to melphalan clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethel J Ngen
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Amnon Bar-Shir
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Anna Jablonska
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Guanshu Liu
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Xiaolei Song
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | | | - Jeff W M Bulte
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Miroslaw Janowski
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, PAS , 02106 Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Neurosurgery, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, PAS , 02106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monica Pearl
- Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Department of Radiology, Children's National Medical Center , Washington, D.C. 20010, United States
| | - Piotr Walczak
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury , Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Assaf A Gilad
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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Pumphrey AL, Ye S, Yang Z, Simkin J, Gensel JC, Abdel-Latif A, Vandsburger MH. Cardiac Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer MR Imaging Tracking of Cell Survival or Rejection in Mouse Models of Cell Therapy. Radiology 2016; 282:131-138. [PMID: 27420900 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2016152766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To examine whether cardiac chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging can be serially and noninvasively used to probe cell survival or rejection after intramyocardial implantation in mice. Materials and Methods Experiments were compliant with the National Institutes of Health Guidelines on the Use of Laboratory Animals and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. One million C2C12 cells labeled with either europium (Eu) 10-(2-hydroxypropyl)-1,4,7-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (HP-DO3A) or saline via the hypotonic swelling technique were implanted into the anterior-lateral left ventricular wall in C57BL/6J (allogeneic model, n = 17) and C3H (syngeneic model, n = 13) mice. Imaging (frequency offsets of ±15 parts per million) was performed 1, 10, and 20 days after implantation, with the asymmetrical magnetization transfer ratio (MTRasym) calculated from image pairs. Histologic examination was performed at the conclusion of imaging. Changes in MTRasym over time and between mice were assessed by using two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results MTRasym was significantly higher in C3H and C57BL/6J mice in grafts of Eu-HP-DO3A-labeled cells (40.2% ± 5.0 vs 37.8% ± 7.0, respectively) compared with surrounding tissue (-0.67% ± 1.7 vs -1.8% ± 5.3, respectively; P < .001) and saline-labeled grafts (-0.4% ± 6.0 vs -1.2% ± 3.6, respectively; P < .001) at day 1. In C3H mice, MTRasym remained increased (31.3% ± 9.2 on day 10, 28.7% ± 5.2 on day 20; P < .001 vs septum) in areas of in Eu-HP-DO3A-labeled cell grafts. In C57BL/6J mice, corresponding MTRasym values (11.3% ± 8.1 on day 10, 5.1% ± 9.4 on day 20; P < .001 vs day 1) were similar to surrounding myocardium by day 20 (P = .409). Histologic findings confirmed cell rejection in C57BL/6J mice. Estimation of graft area was similar with cardiac CEST imaging and histologic examination (R2 = 0.89). Conclusion Cardiac CEST imaging can be used to image cell survival and rejection in preclinical models of cell therapy. © RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Pumphrey
- From the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (A.L.P., S.Y., Z.Y., A.A.L., M.H.V.) and Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (J.S., J.C.G.), University of Kentucky, 741 S Limestone St, BBSRB 355, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Shaojing Ye
- From the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (A.L.P., S.Y., Z.Y., A.A.L., M.H.V.) and Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (J.S., J.C.G.), University of Kentucky, 741 S Limestone St, BBSRB 355, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Zhengshi Yang
- From the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (A.L.P., S.Y., Z.Y., A.A.L., M.H.V.) and Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (J.S., J.C.G.), University of Kentucky, 741 S Limestone St, BBSRB 355, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Jennifer Simkin
- From the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (A.L.P., S.Y., Z.Y., A.A.L., M.H.V.) and Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (J.S., J.C.G.), University of Kentucky, 741 S Limestone St, BBSRB 355, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - John C Gensel
- From the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (A.L.P., S.Y., Z.Y., A.A.L., M.H.V.) and Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (J.S., J.C.G.), University of Kentucky, 741 S Limestone St, BBSRB 355, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Ahmed Abdel-Latif
- From the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (A.L.P., S.Y., Z.Y., A.A.L., M.H.V.) and Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (J.S., J.C.G.), University of Kentucky, 741 S Limestone St, BBSRB 355, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Moriel H Vandsburger
- From the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (A.L.P., S.Y., Z.Y., A.A.L., M.H.V.) and Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (J.S., J.C.G.), University of Kentucky, 741 S Limestone St, BBSRB 355, Lexington, KY 40536
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Yang X, Song X, Banerjee SR, Li Y, Byun Y, Liu G, Bhujwalla ZM, Pomper MG, McMahon MT. Developing imidazoles as CEST MRI pH sensors. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2016; 11:304-12. [PMID: 27071959 PMCID: PMC5201433 DOI: 10.1002/cmmi.1693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A series of intra-molecular hydrogen bonded imidazoles and related heterocyclic compounds were screened for their N-H chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast properties. Of the compounds, imidazole-4,5-dicarboxamides (I45DCs) were found to provide the strongest contrast, with the contrast produced at a large chemical shift from water (7.8 ppm) and strongly dependent on pH. We have tested several probes based on this scaffold, and demonstrated that these probes could be applied for in vivo detection of kidney pH after intravenous administration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Yang
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaolei Song
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sangeeta Ray Banerjee
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yuguo Li
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Youngjoo Byun
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong, South Korea
| | - Guanshu Liu
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zaver M. Bhujwalla
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Martin G. Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael T. McMahon
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Chehade M, Srivastava AK, Bulte JWM. Co-Registration of Bioluminescence Tomography, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Multimodal In Vivo Stem Cell Tracking. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 2:159-165. [PMID: 27478872 PMCID: PMC4966683 DOI: 10.18383/j.tom.2016.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We present a practical approach for coregistration of bioluminescence tomography (BLT), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) images. For this, we developed a customized animal shuttle composed of nonfluorescent, MR-compatible Delrin plastic that fits a commercially available MR surface coil. Mouse embryonic stem cells were transfected with the luciferase gene and labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Cells were stereotaxically implanted in the mouse brain and imaged weekly for 4 weeks with bioluminescent imaging (IVIS Spectrum CT scanner) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 11.7 T horizontal bore scanner). Without the use of software coregistration, in vitro phantom studies yielded root-mean-square errors of 7.6 × 10−3, 0.93 mm, and 0.78 mm along the medial–lateral (ML), dorsal–ventral (DV), and anterior–posterior (AP) axes, respectively. Rotation errors were negligible. Software coregistration by translation along the DV and AP axes resulted in consistent agreement between the CT and MR images, without the need for rotation or warping. In vivo coregistered BLT/MRI mouse brain data sets showed a single diffuse region of bioluminescent imaging photon signal and MRI hypointensity. Over time, the transplanted cells formed tumors as histopathologically validated. Disagreement between BLT and MRI tumor location was greatest along the DV axis (1.4 ± 0.2 mm) than along the ML (0.5 ± 0.3 mm) and the AP axes (0.6 mm) because of the uncertainty of the depth of origin of the BLT signal. Combining the high spatial anatomical information of MRI with the cell viability/proliferation data from BLT should facilitate preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic candidate stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moussa Chehade
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Amit K Srivastava
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jeff W M Bulte
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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45
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Li J, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Xuan X, Xie M, Xia S, Qu G, Guo H. Nucleoside-Based Ultrasensitive Fluorescent Probe for the Dual-Mode Imaging of Microviscosity in Living Cells. Anal Chem 2016; 88:5554-60. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b01395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Li
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical
Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical
Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical
Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Xiaopeng Xuan
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical
Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Mingsheng Xie
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical
Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Shuang Xia
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical
Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Guirong Qu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical
Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Haiming Guo
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical
Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
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Lesniak WG, Oskolkov N, Song X, Lal B, Yang X, Pomper M, Laterra J, Nimmagadda S, McMahon MT. Salicylic Acid Conjugated Dendrimers Are a Tunable, High Performance CEST MRI NanoPlatform. NANO LETTERS 2016; 16:2248-53. [PMID: 26910126 PMCID: PMC4890470 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b04517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is a novel MRI contrast mechanism that is well suited for imaging, however, existing small molecule CEST agents suffer from low sensitivity. We have developed salicylic acid conjugated dendrimers as a versatile, high performance nanoplatform. In particular, we have prepared nanocarriers based on generation 5-poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers with salicylic acid covalently attached to their surface. The resulting conjugates produce strong CEST contrast 9.4 ppm from water with the proton exchange tunable from ∼1000 s(-1) to ∼4500 s(-1) making these dendrimers well suited for sensitive detection. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these conjugates can be used for monitoring convection enhanced delivery into U87 glioblastoma bearing mice, with the contrast produced by these nanoparticles persisting for over 1.5 h and distributed over ∼50% of the tumors. Our results demonstrate that SA modified dendrimers present a promising new nanoplatform for medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech G. Lesniak
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Nikita Oskolkov
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Xiaolei Song
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Bachchu Lal
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Xing Yang
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Martin Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - John Laterra
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Sridhar Nimmagadda
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Michael T. McMahon
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
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47
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Patrick PS, Rodrigues TB, Kettunen MI, Lyons SK, Neves AA, Brindle KM. Development of Timd2 as a reporter gene for MRI. Magn Reson Med 2016; 75:1697-707. [PMID: 25981669 PMCID: PMC4832381 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the potential of an MRI gene reporter based on the ferritin receptor Timd2 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing protein 2), using T1- and T2-weighted imaging. METHODS Pellets of cells that had been modified to express the Timd2 transgene, and incubated with either iron-loaded or manganese-loaded ferritin, were imaged using T1- and T2-weighted MRI. Mice were also implanted subcutaneously with Timd2-expressing cells and the resulting xenograft tissue imaged following intravenous injection of ferritin using T2-weighted imaging. RESULTS Timd2-expressing cells, but not control cells, showed a large increase in both R2 and R1 in vitro following incubation with iron-loaded and manganese-loaded ferritin, respectively. Expression of Timd2 had no effect on cell viability or proliferation; however, manganese-loaded ferritin, but not iron-loaded ferritin, was toxic to Timd2-expressing cells. Timd2-expressing xenografts in vivo showed much smaller changes in R2 following injection of iron-loaded ferritin than the same cells incubated in vitro with iron-loaded ferritin. CONCLUSION Timd2 has demonstrated potential as an MRI reporter gene, producing large increases in R2 and R1 with ferritin and manganese-loaded ferritin respectively in vitro, although more modest changes in R2 in vivo. Manganese-loaded apoferritin was not used in vivo due to the toxicity observed in vitro. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Stephen Patrick
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Tiago B. Rodrigues
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Mikko I. Kettunen
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Scott K. Lyons
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - André A. Neves
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Kevin M. Brindle
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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Ni D, Shen Z, Zhang J, Zhang C, Wu R, Liu J, Yi M, Wang J, Yao Z, Bu W, Shi J. Integrating Anatomic and Functional Dual-Mode Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Design and Applicability of a Bifunctional Contrast Agent. ACS NANO 2016; 10:3783-90. [PMID: 26910513 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.6b00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, extensive attention has been paid to developing anatomic and functional imaging contrast agents that could provide a wealth of complementary bioimaging information. Among them, dual-mode nanoprobes that combine anatomic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with functional fluorescent imaging have been mostly used for separated imaging. However, the lack of a machine for simultaneous dual-mode imaging greatly limits further clinical application. One effective strategy is to rationally design MRI contrast agents that own both anatomic and functional MR imaging capability on a single MRI machine, which is highly attractive but remains a great challenge. Herein, ultrasmall NaGdF4@PLL nanodots (NDs) were developed as a novel class of MR contrast agent, which offers a high longitude relaxivity (6.42 mM(-1) s(-1)) for T1-weighted MRI and an excellent sensitive chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) effect for pH mapping (at +3.7 ppm). Further in vivo animal experiments show the feasibility of NaGdF4@PLL NDs as contrast agents for efficient kidney and brain tumor diagnosis and pH mapping, which will undoubtedly enhance the diagnosis accuracy and is beneficial for disease precaution and prognosis. Different from other complex dual-mode nanoprobes, the as-constructed NaGdF4@PLL NDs enable both anatomic and functional imaging on a single MR machine, which is a simple and cost-effective new approach to realize dual-mode MR imaging and holds great potential for future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalong Ni
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Zhiwei Shen
- Department of Radiology, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College , Shantou 515065, China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Renhua Wu
- Department of Radiology, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College , Shantou 515065, China
| | - Jianan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Meizhi Yi
- Department of Radiology, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College , Shantou 515065, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zhenwei Yao
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Wenbo Bu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 200050, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University , Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Jianlin Shi
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 200050, China
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Li J, Feng X, Zhu W, Oskolkov N, Zhou T, Kim BK, Baig N, McMahon MT, Oldfield E. Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) Agents: Quantum Chemistry and MRI. Chemistry 2016; 22:264-71. [PMID: 26616530 PMCID: PMC4715718 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201503942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast agents offer an alternative to Gd(3+) -based contrast agents for MRI. They are characterized by containing protons that can rapidly exchange with water and it is advantageous to have these protons resonate in a spectral window that is far removed from water. Herein, we report the first results of DFT calculations of the (1) H nuclear magnetic shieldings in 41 CEST agents, finding that the experimental shifts can be well predicted (R(2) =0.882). We tested a subset of compounds with the best MRI properties for toxicity and for activity as uncouplers, then obtained mice kidney CEST MRI images for three of the most promising leads finding 16 (2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid) to be one of the most promising CEST MRI contrast agents to date. Overall, the results are of interest since they show that (1) H NMR shifts for CEST agents-charged species-can be well predicted, and that several leads have low toxicity and yield good in vivo MR images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikun Li
- Department of Chemistry University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 600 South Mathews Urbana, IL 61801 (USA)
| | - Xinxin Feng
- Department of Chemistry University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 600 South Mathews Urbana, IL 61801 (USA)
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Chemistry University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 600 South Mathews Urbana, IL 61801 (USA)
| | - Nikita Oskolkov
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 991 N. Broadway Baltimore, Maryland 21287 (USA)
| | - Tianhui Zhou
- Department of Chemistry University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 600 South Mathews Urbana, IL 61801 (USA)
| | - Boo Kyung Kim
- Department of Chemistry University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 600 South Mathews Urbana, IL 61801 (USA)
| | - Noman Baig
- Department of Chemistry University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 600 South Mathews Urbana, IL 61801 (USA)
| | - Michael T McMahon
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 991 N. Broadway Baltimore, Maryland 21287 (USA).
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21287 (USA).
| | - Eric Oldfield
- Department of Chemistry University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 600 South Mathews Urbana, IL 61801 (USA).
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Pumphrey A, Yang Z, Ye S, Powell DK, Thalman S, Watt DS, Abdel-Latif A, Unrine J, Thompson K, Fornwalt B, Ferrauto G, Vandsburger M. Advanced cardiac chemical exchange saturation transfer (cardioCEST) MRI for in vivo cell tracking and metabolic imaging. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2016; 29:74-83. [PMID: 26684053 PMCID: PMC4907269 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
An improved pre-clinical cardiac chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) pulse sequence (cardioCEST) was used to selectively visualize paramagnetic CEST (paraCEST)-labeled cells following intramyocardial implantation. In addition, cardioCEST was used to examine the effect of diet-induced obesity upon myocardial creatine CEST contrast. CEST pulse sequences were designed from standard turbo-spin-echo and gradient-echo sequences, and a cardiorespiratory-gated steady-state cine gradient-echo sequence. In vitro validation studies performed in phantoms composed of 20 mM Eu-HPDO3A, 20 mM Yb-HPDO3A, or saline demonstrated similar CEST contrast by spin-echo and gradient-echo pulse sequences. Skeletal myoblast cells (C2C12) were labeled with either Eu-HPDO3A or saline using a hypotonic swelling procedure and implanted into the myocardium of C57B6/J mice. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry confirmed cellular levels of Eu of 2.1 × 10(-3) ng/cell in Eu-HPDO3A-labeled cells and 2.3 × 10(-5) ng/cell in saline-labeled cells. In vivo cardioCEST imaging of labeled cells at ±15 ppm was performed 24 h after implantation and revealed significantly elevated asymmetric magnetization transfer ratio values in regions of Eu-HPDO3A-labeled cells when compared with surrounding myocardium or saline-labeled cells. We further utilized the cardioCEST pulse sequence to examine changes in myocardial creatine in response to diet-induced obesity by acquiring pairs of cardioCEST images at ±1.8 ppm. While ventricular geometry and function were unchanged between mice fed either a high-fat diet or a corresponding control low-fat diet for 14 weeks, myocardial creatine CEST contrast was significantly reduced in mice fed the high-fat diet. The selective visualization of paraCEST-labeled cells using cardioCEST imaging can enable investigation of cell fate processes in cardioregenerative medicine, or multiplex imaging of cell survival with imaging of cardiac structure and function and additional imaging of myocardial creatine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Pumphrey
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Zhengshi Yang
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Shaojing Ye
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - David K. Powell
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Scott Thalman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - David S. Watt
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, and Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ahmed Abdel-Latif
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jason Unrine
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Brandon Fornwalt
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Giuseppe Ferrauto
- Molecular Imaging Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Moriel Vandsburger
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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