scholarly journals Photoacoustic reporter genes for noninvasive molecular imaging and theranostics

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 2030005
Author(s):  
Zhao Lei ◽  
Yun Zeng ◽  
Xiaofen Zhang ◽  
Xiaoyong Wang ◽  
Gang Liu

Noninvasive molecular imaging makes the observation and comprehensive understanding of complex biological processes possible. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a fast evolving hybrid imaging technology enabling in vivo imaging with high sensitivity and spatial resolution in deep tissue. Among the various probes developed for PAI, genetically encoded reporters attracted increasing attention of researchers, which provide improved performance by acquiring images of a PAI reporter gene’s expression driven by disease-specific enhancers/promoters. Here, we present a brief overview of recent studies about the existing photoacoustic reporter genes (RGs) for noninvasive molecular imaging, such as the pigment enzyme reporters, fluorescent proteins and chromoproteins, photoswitchable proteins, including their properties and potential applications in theranostics. Furthermore, the challenges that PAI RGs face when applied to the clinical studies are also examined.

Author(s):  
Yaxi Li ◽  
Hongli Zhou ◽  
Renzhe Bi ◽  
Xiuting Li ◽  
Menglei Zha ◽  
...  

Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) has been an emerging technique in diverse in vivo applications with high sensitivity/resolution and deep tissue penetration. To date, the designing principle...


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangfan Xu ◽  
Xianqun Fan ◽  
Yang Hu

AbstractEnzyme-catalyzed proximity labeling (PL) combined with mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a revolutionary approach to reveal the protein-protein interaction networks, dissect complex biological processes, and characterize the subcellular proteome in a more physiological setting than before. The enzymatic tags are being upgraded to improve temporal and spatial resolution and obtain faster catalytic dynamics and higher catalytic efficiency. In vivo application of PL integrated with other state of the art techniques has recently been adapted in live animals and plants, allowing questions to be addressed that were previously inaccessible. It is timely to summarize the current state of PL-dependent interactome studies and their potential applications. We will focus on in vivo uses of newer versions of PL and highlight critical considerations for successful in vivo PL experiments that will provide novel insights into the protein interactome in the context of human diseases.


Author(s):  
Jonghoon Kim ◽  
Nohyun Lee ◽  
Taeghwan Hyeon

Molecular imaging enables us to non-invasively visualize cellular functions and biological processes in living subjects, allowing accurate diagnosis of diseases at early stages. For successful molecular imaging, a suitable contrast agent with high sensitivity is required. To date, various nanoparticles have been developed as contrast agents for medical imaging modalities. In comparison with conventional probes, nanoparticles offer several advantages, including controllable physical properties, facile surface modification and long circulation time. In addition, they can be integrated with various combinations for multimodal imaging and therapy. In this opinion piece, we highlight recent advances and future perspectives of nanomaterials for molecular imaging. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Challenges for chemistry in molecular imaging’.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (48) ◽  
pp. 7845-7851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junpeng Shi ◽  
Meng Sun ◽  
Xia Sun ◽  
Hongwu Zhang

Near-infrared persistent luminescence hollow mesoporous nanospheres have been synthesized via a template method. These nanospheres can be used as large capacity drug carriers and realize super long-term and high sensitivity tracking of drug delivery in deep tissue.


Author(s):  
Alan R. Morrison ◽  
Joseph C. Wu ◽  
Mehran M. Sadeghi

Cardiovascular molecular imaging is a relatively young but rapidly expanding discipline that consists of a biologically-targeted approach to the assessment of physiologic and pathologic processes in vivo. This novel approach to imaging involves the integration of multiple disciplines such as cell and molecular biology, chemistry, and imaging sciences. The ultimate goal is quantitative assessment of cardiovascular processes at the cellular and molecular level, moving beyond traditional diagnostic information, in order to guide individually tailored therapy. In fact, it is likely that specific approaches to molecular imaging will be developed in tandem with the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in probe development and imaging systems have contributed to evolution of molecular imaging toward clinical translational. These include technological progress in traditional imaging platforms; along with the emergence of newer imaging modalities such as photoacoustic imaging. In addition, hybrid imaging (e.g. nuclear imaging with CT or MRI) has the potential for improved spatial localization, and more accurate quantification by coupling anatomic and biological information. In addition to potential clinical applications that address existing diagnostic gaps in cardiovascular medicine, molecular imaging allows for unique approaches to studying pathophysiology. This chapter is intended to provide an overview of the state of the art in cardiovascular molecular imaging, highlighting how it may improve the management of major cardiovascular diseases.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Castro-Balado ◽  
Cristina Mondelo-García ◽  
Miguel González-Barcia ◽  
Irene Zarra-Ferro ◽  
Francisco J Otero-Espinar ◽  
...  

Classical methodologies used in ocular pharmacokinetics studies have difficulties to obtain information about topical and intraocular distribution and clearance of drugs and formulations. This is associated with multiple factors related to ophthalmic physiology, as well as the complexity and invasiveness intrinsic to the sampling. Molecular imaging is a new diagnostic discipline for in vivo imaging, which is emerging and spreading rapidly. Recent developments in molecular imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allow obtaining reliable pharmacokinetic data, which can be translated into improving the permanence of the ophthalmic drugs in its action site, leading to dosage optimisation. They can be used to study either topical or intraocular administration. With these techniques it is possible to obtain real-time visualisation, localisation, characterisation and quantification of the compounds after their administration, all in a reliable, safe and non-invasive way. None of these novel techniques presents simultaneously high sensitivity and specificity, but it is possible to study biological procedures with the information provided when the techniques are combined. With the results obtained, it is possible to assume that molecular imaging techniques are postulated as a resource with great potential for the research and development of new drugs and ophthalmic delivery systems.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. F. Fiordelisi ◽  
L. Auletta ◽  
L. Meomartino ◽  
L. Basso ◽  
G. Fatone ◽  
...  

Precision and personalized medicine is gaining importance in modern clinical medicine, as it aims to improve diagnostic precision and to reduce consequent therapeutic failures. In this regard, prior to use in human trials, animal models can help evaluate novel imaging approaches and therapeutic strategies and can help discover new biomarkers. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, accounting for 25% of cases of all cancers and is responsible for approximately 500,000 deaths per year. Thus, it is important to identify accurate biomarkers for precise stratification of affected patients and for early detection of responsiveness to the selected therapeutic protocol. This review aims to summarize the latest advancements in preclinical molecular imaging in breast cancer mouse models. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging remains one of the most common preclinical techniques used to evaluate biomarker expression in vivo, whereas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly diffusion-weighted (DW) sequences, has been demonstrated as capable of distinguishing responders from nonresponders for both conventional and innovative chemo- and immune-therapies with high sensitivity and in a noninvasive manner. The ability to customize therapies is desirable, as this will enable early detection of diseases and tailoring of treatments to individual patient profiles. Animal models remain irreplaceable in the effort to understand the molecular mechanisms and patterns of oncologic diseases.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (04) ◽  
pp. 1730004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liming Liu ◽  
Huan Qin

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) breaks through the optical diffusion limit by making use of the PA effect. By converting incident photons into ultrasonic waves, PAI combines high contrast of optical imaging and high spatial resolution in depth tissue of ultrasound imaging in a single imaging modality. This imaging modality has now shown potential for molecular imaging, which enables visualization of biological processes with systemically introduced functional nanoparticles. In the current review, the potentials of different optical nanoprobes as PAI contrast agents were elucidated and discussed.


2012 ◽  
Vol 303 (12) ◽  
pp. H1397-H1410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alkystis Phinikaridou ◽  
Marcelo E. Andia ◽  
Ajay M. Shah ◽  
René M. Botnar

Molecular imaging of the cardiovascular system heavily relies on the development of new imaging probes and technologies to facilitate visualization of biological processes underlying or preceding disease. Molecular imaging is a highly active research discipline that has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. It has broadened our understanding of oncologic, neurologic, and cardiovascular diseases by providing new insights into the in vivo biology of disease progression and therapeutic interventions. As it allows for the longitudinal evaluation of biological processes, it is ideally suited for monitoring treatment response. In this review, we will concentrate on the major accomplishments and advances in the field of molecular imaging of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction with a special focus on magnetic resonance imaging.


2020 ◽  
Vol 93 (1113) ◽  
pp. 20190740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Bing ◽  
Krithika Loganath ◽  
Philip Adamson ◽  
David Newby ◽  
Alastair Moss

Despite recent advances, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. As such, there is a need to optimise our current diagnostic and risk stratification pathways in order to better deliver individualised preventative therapies. Non-invasive imaging of coronary artery plaque can interrogate multiple aspects of coronary atherosclerotic disease, including plaque morphology, anatomy and flow. More recently, disease activity is being assessed to provide mechanistic insights into in vivo atherosclerosis biology. Molecular imaging using positron emission tomography is unique in this field, with the potential to identify specific biological processes using either bespoke or re-purposed radiotracers. This review provides an overview of non-invasive vulnerable plaque detection and molecular imaging of coronary atherosclerosis.


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