Advances in using MRI probes and sensors for in vivo cell tracking as applied to regenerative medicine

Amit K Srivastava; Deepak K Kadayakkara; Amnon Bar-Shir; Assaf A Gilad; Michael T McMahon; Jeff W M Bulte

doi:10.1242/dmm.018499

Advances in using MRI probes and sensors for in vivo cell tracking as applied to regenerative medicine

Dis Model Mech. 2015 Apr;8(4):323-36. doi: 10.1242/dmm.018499. Epub 2015 Apr 1.

Authors

Amit K Srivastava¹, Deepak K Kadayakkara², Amnon Bar-Shir¹, Assaf A Gilad³, Michael T McMahon⁴, Jeff W M Bulte⁵

Affiliations

¹ 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.
² 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 Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
³ 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. F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
⁴ Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
⁵ 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 Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 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. jwmbulte@mri.jhu.edu.

Abstract

The field of molecular and cellular imaging allows molecules and cells to be visualized in vivo non-invasively. It has uses not only as a research tool but in clinical settings as well, for example in monitoring cell-based regenerative therapies, in which cells are transplanted to replace degenerating or damaged tissues, or to restore a physiological function. The success of such cell-based therapies depends on several critical issues, including the route and accuracy of cell transplantation, the fate of cells after transplantation, and the interaction of engrafted cells with the host microenvironment. To assess these issues, it is necessary to monitor transplanted cells non-invasively in real-time. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a tool uniquely suited to this task, given its ability to image deep inside tissue with high temporal resolution and sensitivity. Extraordinary efforts have recently been made to improve cellular MRI as applied to regenerative medicine, by developing more advanced contrast agents for use as probes and sensors. These advances enable the non-invasive monitoring of cell fate and, more recently, that of the different cellular functions of living cells, such as their enzymatic activity and gene expression, as well as their time point of cell death. We present here a review of recent advancements in the development of these probes and sensors, and of their functioning, applications and limitations.

Keywords: Biosensor; CEST; Cell labeling; Cellular function; Magnetic resonance imaging; Paramagnetic contrast agents; Perfluorocarbon particles; Regenerative medicine; Stem cells.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Animals
Cell Tracking / methods*
Contrast Media
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Regenerative Medicine / methods*
Translational Research, Biomedical

Substances

Contrast Media

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Grants and funding