Detection of transgene expression using hyperpolarized 13C urea and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Issue 4 (14th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patrick, P. Stephen; Kettunen, Mikko I.; Tee, Sui‐Seng; Rodrigues, Tiago B.; Serrao, Eva; Timm, Kerstin N.; McGuire, Sarah; Brindle, Kevin M.
• Is Part Of: Magnetic resonance in medicine. Volume 73:Issue 4(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 1401
• Page End: 1406
• Publication Date: 2014-04-14
• Subjects: gene reporter -- urea transporter -- hyperpolarization -- 13C MRS; Nuclear magnetic resonance -- Periodicals; Electron paramagnetic resonance -- Periodicals; 616.07548
• DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25254
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0740-3194

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: To assess the potential of a gene reporter system, based on a urea transporter (UTB) and hyperpolarized [ 13 C]urea. Methods: Mice were implanted subcutaneously with either unmodified control cells or otherwise identical cells expressing UTB. After injection of hyperpolarized [ 13 C]urea, a spin echo sequence was used to measure urea concentration, T 1, and diffusion in control and UTB‐expressing tissue. Results: The apparent diffusion coefficient of hyperpolarized urea was 21% lower in tissue expressing UTB, in comparison with control tissue ( P < 0.05, 1‐tailed t ‐test, n = 6 in each group). No difference in water apparent diffusion coefficient or cellularity between these tissues was found, indicating that they were otherwise similar in composition. Conclusion: Expression of UTB, by mediating cell uptake of urea, lowers the apparent diffusion coefficient of hyperpolarized 13 C urea in tissue and thus the transporter has the potential to be used as a magnetic resonance‐based gene reporter in vivo.Magn Reson Med 73:1401–1406, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.