Quantitative PET Reporter Gene Imaging with [¹¹C]Trimethoprim.

ABSTRACT: There is a need for improved methods to image genetically engineered cells, including immune cells used for cell-based therapy. Given the genetic manipulation inherent to gene therapy, the use of a reporter protein is a logical solution and positron emission tomography (PET) can provide the desired sensitivity and spatial localization. We developed a broadly applicable PET imaging strategy based on the small bacterial protein E. coli dihydrofolate reductase (Ec dhfr) and its highly specific small molecule inhibitor, trimethoprim (TMP). The difference in TMP affinity for bacterial compared to mammalian DHFR suggests that a TMP radioligand would have a low background in unmodified mammalian tissues and high retention in Ec dhfr engineered cells, providing high contrast imaging. Here, we desc

SUBMITTER: Sellmyer MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5363299 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature