Exploring the potential of water channels for developing MRI reporters and sensors without the need for exogenous contrast agents.

ABSTRACT: Genetically encoded reporters for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer a valuable technology for making molecular-scale measurements of biological processes within living organisms with high anatomical resolution and whole-organ coverage without relying on ionizing radiation. However, most MRI reporters rely on contrast agents, typically paramagnetic metals and metal complexes, which often need to be supplemented exogenously to create optimal contrast. To eliminate the need for contrast agents, we previously introduced aquaporin-1, a mammalian water channel, as a new reporter gene for the fully autonomous detection of genetically labeled cells using diffusion-weighted MRI. In this study, we aimed to expand the toolbox of diffusion-based genetic reporters by modulating aquaporin membrane

SUBMITTER: Chacko AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10849501 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature