Detecting enzyme activities with exogenous MRI contrast agents

Chemistry. 2014 Aug 4;20(32):9840-50. doi: 10.1002/chem.201402474. Epub 2014 Jul 2.

Abstract

This review focuses on exogenous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents that are responsive to enzyme activity. Enzymes can catalyze a change in water access, rotational tumbling time, the proximity of a (19)F-labeled ligand, the aggregation state, the proton chemical-exchange rate between the agent and water, or the chemical shift of (19)F, (31)P, (13)C or a labile (1)H of an agent, all of which can be used to detect enzyme activity. The variety of agents attests to the creativity in developing enzyme-responsive MRI contrast agents.

Keywords: CEST MRI; MR spectroscopy; enzymes; imaging agents; relaxation-based MRI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocatalysis
  • Contrast Media / analysis*
  • Contrast Media / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Assays / instrumentation
  • Enzyme Assays / methods*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / instrumentation
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Models, Molecular

Substances

  • Contrast Media