Artificial reporter gene providing MRI contrast based on proton exchange.

Gilad, Assaf A; McMahon, Michael T; Walczak, Piotr; Winnard, Paul T; Raman, Venu; van Laarhoven, Hanneke W M; Skoglund, Cynthia M; Bulte, Jeff W M et al. · Nat Biotechnol · 2007

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Existing magnetic resonance reporter genes all rely on the presence of (super)paramagnetic substances and employ water relaxation to gain contrast. We designed a nonmetallic, biodegradable, lysine rich-protein (LRP) reporter, the prototype of a potential family of genetically engineered reporters expressing artificial proteins with frequency-selective contrast. This endogenous contrast, based on transfer of radiofrequency labeling from the reporter's amide protons to water protons, can be switched on and off.

Medical subject headings