A programmable genetic platform for engineering noninvasive biosensors.

ABSTRACT: Creating genetic sensors for noninvasive visualization of biological activities in optically opaque tissues holds immense potential for basic research and the development of genetic and cell-based therapies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stands out among deep tissue imaging methods for its ability to generate high-resolution images without ionizing radiation. However, the adoption of MRI as a mainstream biomolecular technology has been hindered by the lack of adaptable methods to link molecular events with genetically encodable contrast. Here, we introduce modular aquaporin-based protease-activatable probes for enhanced reporting (MAPPER), a platform for the systematic creation of genetic sensors for MRI. To develop MAPPER, we engineered protease-activatable MRI reporters using two appr

SUBMITTER: Chacko AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12802846 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature