
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: Jan. 25, 2024
Abstract The development of genetic reporters for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential investigating biological functions in intact animals. However, current MRI have low sensitivity, making it challenging to create significant contrast against the tissue background, especially when only a small percentage cells express reporter. To overcome this limitation, we developed an approach that amplifies signals by co-expressing reporter gene, Oatp1b3, with water channel, aquaporin-1 (Aqp1). We first show expression Aqp1 paramagnetic relaxation effect Oatp1b3 facilitating transmembrane exchange. This mechanism provides Oatp1b3-expressing access larger pool compared typical exchange-limited conditions. further demonstrated our methodology allows dual-labeled be detected using approximately 10-fold lower concentrations agent than Aqp1-free scenario. Finally, enables mixed-cell populations containing fraction Oatp1b3-labeled are otherwise undetectable based on alone.
Language: Английский