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Abstract
Apoptosis is a process in which cells are genetically regulated to cause a series of changes in morphology and metabolic activity, which ultimately lead to cell death. Apoptosis plays a vital role in the entire life cycle of an organism. Too much or too little apoptosis can cause a variety of diseases. Therefore, efficient and convenient methods for detecting apoptosis are necessary for clinical treatment and drug development. Traditional methods for detecting apoptosis may cause damage to the body during sample collection, such as for flow cytometry analysis. So it is necessary to monitor apoptosis without invasion in vivo. Optical imaging technique provides a more sensitive and economical way for apoptosis visualization. A subset of engineered reporter genes based on fluorescent proteins or luciferases are currently developed to monitor the dynamic changes in apoptotic markers, such as activation of caspases and exposure of phosphatidylserine on the surface of dying cells. These reporters detect apoptosis when cells have not undergone significant morphological changes, providing conditions for early diagnosis of tumors. In addition, these reporters show considerable value in high-throughput screening of apoptosis-related drugs and evaluation of their efficacy in treating tumors. In this review, we will discuss the recent research progress in the optical imaging of apoptosis based on the genetically encoded reporter genes.
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2
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Slavcev RA, Sum CH, St Jean J, Huh H, Nafissi N. Specific Systems for Evaluation. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2018; 110:99-123. [PMID: 30536228 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-78259-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent-based visualization techniques have long been used to monitor biological activity. This chapter explores the delivery of reporter genes as a means to assay and track activity in biological systems. Bioluminescence is the production of light due to biochemical processes. By encoding genes for bioluminescence, biological processes can be visualized based on gene expression. This chapter also discusses the primary applications of bioluminescence as seen through bioluminescent imaging techniques, flow cytometry, and PCR-based methods of gene detection. These techniques are described in terms of researching gene expression, cancer therapy, and protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chi Hong Sum
- University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Jesse St Jean
- University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Haein Huh
- University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Nafiseh Nafissi
- University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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3
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Scarfe L, Brillant N, Kumar JD, Ali N, Alrumayh A, Amali M, Barbellion S, Jones V, Niemeijer M, Potdevin S, Roussignol G, Vaganov A, Barbaric I, Barrow M, Burton NC, Connell J, Dazzi F, Edsbagge J, French NS, Holder J, Hutchinson C, Jones DR, Kalber T, Lovatt C, Lythgoe MF, Patel S, Patrick PS, Piner J, Reinhardt J, Ricci E, Sidaway J, Stacey GN, Starkey Lewis PJ, Sullivan G, Taylor A, Wilm B, Poptani H, Murray P, Goldring CEP, Park BK. Preclinical imaging methods for assessing the safety and efficacy of regenerative medicine therapies. NPJ Regen Med 2017; 2:28. [PMID: 29302362 PMCID: PMC5677988 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-017-0029-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine therapies hold enormous potential for a variety of currently incurable conditions with high unmet clinical need. Most progress in this field to date has been achieved with cell-based regenerative medicine therapies, with over a thousand clinical trials performed up to 2015. However, lack of adequate safety and efficacy data is currently limiting wider uptake of these therapies. To facilitate clinical translation, non-invasive in vivo imaging technologies that enable careful evaluation and characterisation of the administered cells and their effects on host tissues are critically required to evaluate their safety and efficacy in relevant preclinical models. This article reviews the most common imaging technologies available and how they can be applied to regenerative medicine research. We cover details of how each technology works, which cell labels are most appropriate for different applications, and the value of multi-modal imaging approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of the responses to cell therapy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Scarfe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nathalie Brillant
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Noura Ali
- College of Health Science, University of Duhok, Duhok, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Alrumayh
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mohammed Amali
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephane Barbellion
- Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Vendula Jones
- GlaxoSmithKline, David Jack Centre for Research and Development, Ware, UK
| | - Marije Niemeijer
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sophie Potdevin
- SANOFI Research and Development, Disposition, Safety and Animal Research, Alfortville, France
| | - Gautier Roussignol
- SANOFI Research and Development, Disposition, Safety and Animal Research, Alfortville, France
| | - Anatoly Vaganov
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ivana Barbaric
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael Barrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - John Connell
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Dazzi
- Department of Haemato-Oncology, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Neil S French
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Julie Holder
- Roslin Cells, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Claire Hutchinson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David R Jones
- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - Tammy Kalber
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cerys Lovatt
- GlaxoSmithKline, David Jack Centre for Research and Development, Ware, UK
| | - Mark F Lythgoe
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sara Patel
- ReNeuron Ltd, Pencoed Business Park, Pencoed, Bridgend, UK
| | - P Stephen Patrick
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jacqueline Piner
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | | | - Emanuelle Ricci
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Glyn N Stacey
- UK Stem Cell Bank, Division of Advanced Therapies, National Institute for Biological Standards Control, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - Philip J Starkey Lewis
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gareth Sullivan
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Blindern, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway.,Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arthur Taylor
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Bettina Wilm
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Harish Poptani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Patricia Murray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Chris E P Goldring
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - B Kevin Park
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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4
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Ur Rahman S, Stanton M, Casey PG, Spagnuolo A, Bensi G, Hill C, Francis KP, Tangney M, Gahan CGM. Development of a Click Beetle Luciferase Reporter System for Enhanced Bioluminescence Imaging of Listeria monocytogenes: Analysis in Cell Culture and Murine Infection Models. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1797. [PMID: 29018414 PMCID: PMC5622934 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen that is widely used as a model organism for the analysis of infection biology. In this context, there is a current need to develop improved reporters for enhanced bioluminescence imaging (BLI) of the pathogen in infection models. We have developed a click beetle red luciferase (CBR-luc) based vector (pPL2CBRopt) expressing codon optimized CBR-luc under the control of a highly expressed Listerial promoter (PHELP) for L. monocytogenes and have compared this to a lux-based system expressing bacterial luciferase for BLI of the pathogen using in vitro growth experiments and in vivo models. The CBR-luc plasmid stably integrates into the L. monocytogenes chromosome and can be used to label field isolates and laboratory strains of the pathogen. Growth experiments revealed that CBR-luc labeled L. monocytogenes emits a bright signal in exponential phase that is maintained during stationary phase. In contrast, lux-labeled bacteria produced a light signal that peaked during exponential phase and was significantly reduced during stationary phase. Light from CBR-luc labeled bacteria was more efficient than the signal from lux-labeled bacteria in penetrating an artificial tissue depth assay system. A cell invasion assay using C2Bbe1 cells and a systemic murine infection model revealed that CBR-luc is suited to BLI approaches and demonstrated enhanced sensitivity relative to lux in the context of Listeria infection models. Overall, we demonstrate that this novel CBR reporter system provides efficient, red-shifted light production relative to lux and may have significant applications in the analysis of L. monocytogenes pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadeeq Ur Rahman
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Michael Stanton
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Pat G Casey
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Mark Tangney
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Cork Cancer Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,SynBio Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Cormac G M Gahan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,SynBio Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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5
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Lehouritis P, Hogan G, Tangney M. Designer bacteria as intratumoural enzyme biofactories. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 118:8-23. [PMID: 28916496 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (BDEPT) is an emerging form of treatment for cancer. It is a biphasic variant of gene therapy in which a bacterium, armed with an enzyme that can convert an inert prodrug into a cytotoxic compound, induces tumour cell death following tumour-specific prodrug activation. BDEPT combines the innate ability of bacteria to selectively proliferate in tumours, with the capacity of prodrugs to undergo contained, compartmentalised conversion into active metabolites in vivo. Although BDEPT has undergone clinical testing, it has received limited clinical exposure, and has yet to achieve regulatory approval. In this article, we review BDEPT from the system designer's perspective, and provide detailed commentary on how the designer should strategize its development de novo. We report on contemporary advancements in this field which aim to enhance BDEPT in terms of safety and efficacy. Finally, we discuss clinical and regulatory barriers facing BDEPT, and propose promising approaches through which these hurdles may best be tackled.
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Abstract
This chapter describes the use of whole-body bioluminescent imaging (BLI) for the study of bacterial trafficking in live mice, with an emphasis on the use of bacteria in therapy of cancer. Bacteria present an attractive class of vector for cancer therapy, possessing a natural ability to grow preferentially within tumors following systemic administration. Bacteria engineered to express the lux gene cassette permit BLI detection of the bacteria and tumor sites concurrently. The location and levels of bacteria within tumors over time can be readily examined, visualized in two or three dimensions. The method is applicable to a wide range of bacterial species and tumor xenograft types. This article describes the protocol for analysis of bioluminescent bacteria within subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice. This powerful, and inexpensive, real-time imaging strategy represents an ideal method for the study of bacteria in vivo in the context of cancer research. This protocol outlines the procedure for studying lux-tagged Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium breve in mice, demonstrating the spatial and temporal readout from 2D and 3D BLI achievable with whole-body in vivo luminescence imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Cronin
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ali R Akin
- Preclinical Imaging, PerkinElmer, Alameda, CA, USA
| | | | - Mark Tangney
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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7
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Shui B, Lee JC, Reining S, Lee FK, Kotlikoff MI. Optogenetic sensors and effectors: CHROMus-the Cornell Heart Lung Blood Institute Resource for Optogenetic Mouse Signaling. Front Physiol 2014; 5:428. [PMID: 25414670 PMCID: PMC4222331 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Significant progress has been made in the last decade in the development of optogenetic effectors and sensors that can be deployed to understand complex biological signaling in mammals at a molecular level, without disrupting the distributed, lineage specific signaling circuits that comprise nuanced physiological responses. A major barrier to the widespread exploitation of these imaging tools, however, is the lack of readily available genetic reagents that can be easily combined to probe complex biological processes. Ideally, one could envision purpose–produced mouse lines expressing optically compatible sensors and effectors, sensor pairs in distinct lineages, or sensor pairs in discrete subcellular compartments, such that they could be crossed to enable in vivo imaging studies of unprecedented scientific power. Such lines could also be combined with mice to determine the alteration in signaling accompanying targeted gene deletion or addition. In order to address this lack, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has recently funded an optogenetic resource designed to create optically compatible, combinatorial mouse lines that will advance NHLBI research. Here we review recent advances in optogenetic sensor and effectors and describe the rationale and goals for the establishment of the Cornell/National Heart Lung Blood Resource for Optogenetic Mouse Signaling (CHROMus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shui
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veteirnary Medicine, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jane C Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veteirnary Medicine, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Shaun Reining
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veteirnary Medicine, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Frank K Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veteirnary Medicine, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Michael I Kotlikoff
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veteirnary Medicine, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
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8
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Hudson SV, Huang JS, Yin W, Albeituni S, Rush J, Khanal A, Yan J, Ceresa BP, Frieboes HB, McNally LR. Targeted noninvasive imaging of EGFR-expressing orthotopic pancreatic cancer using multispectral optoacoustic tomography. Cancer Res 2014; 74:6271-9. [PMID: 25217521 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-1656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Detection of orthotopic xenograft tumors is difficult due to poor spatial resolution and reduced image fidelity with traditional optical imaging modalities. In particular, light scattering and attenuation in tissue at depths beyond subcutaneous implantation hinder adequate visualization. We evaluate the use of multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) to detect upregulated epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in orthotopic pancreatic xenografts using a near-infrared EGF-conjugated CF-750 fluorescent probe. MSOT is based on the photoacoustic effect and thus not limited by photon scattering, resulting in high-resolution tomographic images. Pancreatic tumor-bearing mice with luciferase-transduced S2VP10L tumors were intravenously injected with EGF-750 probe before MSOT imaging. We characterized probe specificity and bioactivity via immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometric analysis. In vitro data along with optical bioluminescence/fluorescence imaging were used to validate acquired MSOT in vivo images of probe biodistribution. Indocyanine green dye was used as a nonspecific control to define specificity of EGF-probe accumulation. Maximum accumulation occurred at 6 hours postinjection, demonstrating specific intratumoral probe uptake and minimal liver and kidney off-target accumulation. Optical bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging confirmed tumor-specific probe accumulation consistent with MSOT images. These studies demonstrate the utility of MSOT to obtain volumetric images of ligand probe biodistribution in vivo to detect orthotopic pancreatic tumor lesions through active targeting of the EGF receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin S Huang
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Wenyuan Yin
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky
| | | | - Jamie Rush
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Anil Khanal
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Brian P Ceresa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Hermann B Frieboes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Kentucky. Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Lacey R McNally
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Kentucky.
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9
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Yang Z, Wang Y, Li Y, Liu Q, Zeng Q, Xu X. Options for tracking GFP-Labeled transplanted myoblasts using in vivo fluorescence imaging: implications for tracking stem cell fate. BMC Biotechnol 2014; 14:55. [PMID: 24919771 PMCID: PMC4097091 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-14-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a useful biomarker, widely used in biomedical research to track stem cells after transplantation and/or to assess therapeutic transgene expression. However, both GFP and therapeutic gene products themselves may be immunogenic to the recipient. The main aim of this study was to use animal models to evaluate potential impact of GFP on the cell engraftment and to optimize tracking strategies prior to transplantation. RESULTS By using a fluorescent imaging (FLI) system, we investigated the dynamic cell behavior of GFP-transduced myoblasts in tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of immunocompetent mdx mice and immuno-compromised nude mice over a period of three months. The results suggested an apparent underlying host immunorejection in the mdx mice. Dystrophin immunostaining showed that the engraftment of wild type myoblasts was much more effective than that of the GFP-labeled counterparts in the mdx mice, further confirming an antigen role of GFP in this process. We tracked the GFP-transduced myoblasts in C57BL/6 mice and found GFP to be minimally immunogenic in these animals, as indicated by the GFP signal maintaining a much stronger level than that found in mdx and BALB/c mice at parallel time points. We also compared the in vivo cell behavior differences between myoblasts from virally GFP-transduced and GFP transgenic mice. The latter displayed much better engraftment, as determined both biomaging and histological observations. CONCLUSIONS Our results not only demonstrated the immunogenicity of GFP in immunocompetent mice, but determined the optimized conditions for GFP-based in vivo stem cells tracking, that can potentially be extrapolated to human biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoyin Xu
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Center, Brigham & Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street SR 153, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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10
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Forbes SC, Bish LT, Ye F, Spinazzola J, Baligand C, Plant D, Vandenborne K, Barton ER, Sweeney HL, Walter GA. Gene transfer of arginine kinase to skeletal muscle using adeno-associated virus. Gene Ther 2014; 21:387-92. [PMID: 24572791 PMCID: PMC3975678 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we tested the feasibility of non-invasively measuring phosphoarginine (PArg) after gene delivery of arginine kinase (AK) using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to murine hindlimbs. This was achieved by evaluating the time course, regional distribution and metabolic flux of PArg using (31)phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P-MRS). AK gene was injected into the gastrocnemius of the left hindlimb of C57Bl10 mice (age 5 weeks, male) using self-complementary AAV, type 2/8 with desmin promoter. Non-localized (31)P-MRS data were acquired over 9 months after injection using 11.1-T and 17.6-T Bruker Avance spectrometers. In addition, (31)P two-dimensional chemical shift imaging and saturation transfer experiments were performed to examine the spatial distribution and metabolic flux of PArg, respectively. PArg was evident in each injected mouse hindlimb after gene delivery, increased until 28 weeks, and remained elevated for at least 9 months (P<0.05). Furthermore, PArg was primarily localized to the injected posterior hindimb region and the metabolite was in exchange with ATP. Overall, the results show the viability of AAV gene transfer of AK gene to skeletal muscle, and provide support of PArg as a reporter that can be used to non-invasively monitor the transduction of genes for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C. Forbes
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Lawrence T. Bish
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Fan Ye
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Janelle Spinazzola
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Celine Baligand
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Daniel Plant
- Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Facility, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | | | - Elisabeth R. Barton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Glenn A. Walter
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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11
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Lehouritis P, Springer C, Tangney M. Bacterial-directed enzyme prodrug therapy. J Control Release 2013; 170:120-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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12
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Byrne WL, DeLille A, Kuo C, de Jong JS, van Dam GM, Francis KP, Tangney M. Use of optical imaging to progress novel therapeutics to the clinic. J Control Release 2013; 172:523-34. [PMID: 23680286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
There is an undisputed need for employment and improvement of robust technology for real-time analyses of therapeutic delivery and responses in clinical translation of gene and cell therapies. Over the past decade, optical imaging has become the in vivo imaging modality of choice for many preclinical laboratories due to its efficiency, practicality and affordability, while more recently, the clinical potential for this technology is becoming apparent. This review provides an update on the current state of the art in in vivo optical imaging and discusses this rapidly improving technology in the context of it representing a translation enabler or indeed a future clinical imaging modality in its own right.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Byrne
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, BioScience Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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13
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Quantum dot coating of baculoviral vectors enables visualization of transduced cells and tissues. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 434:110-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.01.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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14
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Osorio FG, de la Rosa J, Freije JM. Luminescence-based in vivo monitoring of NF-κB activity through a gene delivery approach. Cell Commun Signal 2013; 11:19. [PMID: 23517552 PMCID: PMC3608945 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-11-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Monitoring activity of specific signaling pathways in vivo is challenging and requires highly sensitive methods to detect dynamic perturbations in whole organisms. Results In vivo gene delivery of a luciferase reporter followed by bioluminiscence imaging allows measuring NF-κB activity in mice liver and lungs. Conclusions This protocol allows a direct measure of NF-κB activity through quantification of bioluminescence signal, demonstrating its accuracy and sensitivity in different animal models and experimental conditions. Variants could be also applied for the analysis of NF-κB activity in different tissues or for studying other signaling pathways in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando G Osorio
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Oncología, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, 33006, Spain.
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15
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Baban CK, Cronin M, Akin AR, O'Brien A, Gao X, Tabirca S, Francis KP, Tangney M. Bioluminescent bacterial imaging in vivo. J Vis Exp 2012:e4318. [PMID: 23149597 DOI: 10.3791/4318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This video describes the use of whole body bioluminesce imaging (BLI) for the study of bacterial trafficking in live mice, with an emphasis on the use of bacteria in gene and cell therapy for cancer. Bacteria present an attractive class of vector for cancer therapy, possessing a natural ability to grow preferentially within tumors following systemic administration. Bacteria engineered to express the lux gene cassette permit BLI detection of the bacteria and concurrently tumor sites. The location and levels of bacteria within tumors over time can be readily examined, visualized in two or three dimensions. The method is applicable to a wide range of bacterial species and tumor xenograft types. This article describes the protocol for analysis of bioluminescent bacteria within subcutaneous tumor bearing mice. Visualization of commensal bacteria in the Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by BLI is also described. This powerful, and cheap, real-time imaging strategy represents an ideal method for the study of bacteria in vivo in the context of cancer research, in particular gene therapy, and infectious disease. This video outlines the procedure for studying lux-tagged E. coli in live mice, demonstrating the spatial and temporal readout achievable utilizing BLI with the IVIS system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chwanrow K Baban
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork
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Cronin M, Stanton RM, Francis KP, Tangney M. Bacterial vectors for imaging and cancer gene therapy: a review. Cancer Gene Ther 2012; 19:731-40. [PMID: 22996740 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2012.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The significant burden of resistance to conventional anticancer treatments in patients with advanced disease has prompted the need to explore alternative therapeutic strategies. The challenge for oncology researchers is to identify a therapy which is selective for tumors with limited toxicity to normal tissue. Engineered bacteria have the unique potential to overcome traditional therapies' limitations by specifically targeting tumors. It has been shown that bacteria are naturally capable of homing to tumors when systemically administered resulting in high levels of replication locally, either external to (non-invasive species) or within tumor cells (pathogens). Pre-clinical and clinical investigations involving bacterial vectors require relevant means of monitoring vector trafficking and levels over time, and development of bacterial-specific real-time imaging modalities are key for successful development of clinical bacterial gene delivery. This review discusses the currently available imaging technologies and the progress to date exploiting these for monitoring of bacterial gene delivery in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cronin
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Control and augmentation of long-term plasmid transgene expression in vivo in murine muscle tissue and ex vivo in patient mesenchymal tissue. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:379845. [PMID: 22811595 PMCID: PMC3395381 DOI: 10.1155/2012/379845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2012] [Revised: 04/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose. In vivo gene therapy directed at tissues of mesenchymal origin could potentially augment healing. We aimed to assess the duration and magnitude of transene expression in vivo in mice and ex vivo in human tissues. Methods. Using bioluminescence imaging, plasmid and adenoviral vector-based transgene expression in murine quadriceps in vivo was examined. Temporal control was assessed using a doxycycline-inducible system. An ex vivo model was developed and optimised using murine tissue, and applied in ex vivo human tissue. Results. In vivo plasmid-based transgene expression did not silence in murine muscle, unlike in liver. Although maximum luciferase expression was higher in muscle with adenoviral delivery compared with plasmid, expression reduced over time. The inducible promoter cassette successfully regulated gene expression with maximum levels a factor of 11 greater than baseline. Expression was re-induced to a similar level on a temporal basis. Luciferase expression was readily detected ex vivo in human muscle and tendon. Conclusions. Plasmid constructs resulted in long-term in vivo gene expression in skeletal muscle, in a controllable fashion utilising an inducible promoter in combination with oral agents. Successful plasmid gene transfection in human ex vivo mesenchymal tissue was demonstrated for the first time.
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