Tracking mesenchymal stromal cells using an ultra‐bright TAT‐functionalized plasmonic‐active nanoplatform

• DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201500173
• Publication Date: 2015-09-11T12:08:12Z
• Authors: Hsiangkuo Yuan; Jose A. Gomez; Jennifer S. Chien; Lunan Zhang; Christy M. Wilson; Shuqin Li; Andrew M. Fales; Yang Liu; Gerald A. Grant; Maria Mirotsou; Victor J. Dzau; Tuan Vo‐Dinh
• Keywords: Male; 0303 health sciences; Cell Differentiation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Kidney; Nanostructures; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Cell Tracking; Gene Products, tat; Animals; Nanotechnology; Gold

High‐resolution tracking of stem cells remains a challenging task. An ultra‐bright contrast agent with extended intracellular retention is suitable for in vivo high‐resolution tracking of stem cells following the implantation. Here, a plasmonic‐active nanoplatform was developed for tracking mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in mice. The nanoplatform consisted of TAT peptide‐functionalized gold nanostars (TAT‐GNS) that emit ultra‐bright two‐photon photoluminescence capable of tracking MSCs under high‐resolution optical imaging. In vitro experiment showed TAT‐GNS‐labeled MSCs retained a similar differentiability to that of non‐labeled MSCs controls. Due to their star shape, TAT‐GNS exhibited greater intracellular retention than that of commercial Q‐Tracker. In vivo imaging of TAT‐GNS‐labeled MSCs five days following intra‐arterial injections in mice kidneys showed possible MSCs implantation in juxta‐glomerular (JG) regions, but non‐specifically in glomeruli and afferent arterioles as well. With future design to optimize GNS labeling specificity and clearance, plasmonic‐active nanoplatforms may be a useful intracellular tracking tool for stem cell research. An ultra‐bright intracellular contrast agent is developed using TAT peptide‐functionalized gold nanostars (TAT‐GNS). It poses minimal influence on the stem cell differentiability. It exhibits stronger two‐photon photoluminescence and superior labeling efficiency than commercial Q‐Tracker. Following renal implantation, some TAT‐GNS‐labeled MSCs permeate blood vessels and migrate to the juxta‐glomerular region.magnified imageAn ultra‐bright intracellular contrast agent is developed using TAT peptide‐functionalized gold nanostars (TAT‐GNS). It poses minimal influence on the stem cell differentiability. It exhibits stronger two‐photon photoluminescence and superior labeling efficiency than commercial Q‐Tracker. Following renal implantation, some TAT‐GNS‐labeled MSCs permeate blood vessels and migrate to the juxta‐glomerular region.