Non-invasive imaging using reporter genes altering cellular water permeability

• DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13891
• Publication Date: 2016-12-24T21:05:04Z
• Authors: Arnab Mukherjee; Di Wu; Hunter C. Davis; Mikhail G. Shapiro
• Keywords: Molecular Imaging

Abstract Non-invasive imaging of gene expression in live, optically opaque animals is important for multiple applications, including monitoring genetic circuits and tracking cell-based therapeutics. Magnetic resonance (MRI) could enable such with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, existing MRI reporter genes based on metalloproteins or chemical exchange probes are limited by their reliance metals relatively low sensitivity. Here we introduce a new class reporters the human water channel aquaporin 1. We show that overexpression produces contrast diffusion-weighted increasing tissue diffusivity without affecting viability. Low levels mixed populations comprising as few 10% aquaporin-expressing cells sufficient to produce contrast. characterize this mechanism through experiments simulations, demonstrate its utility vivo tumours. Our results establish an alternative sensitive, metal-free non-invasive imaging.