Novel reporter gene for magnetic resonance imaging applications.The ability to image the duration and location of gene expression in vivo and noninvasively is imperative for the future of biology and clinical medicine. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a widely used noninvasive clinical diagnostic tool that offers views into deep tissues at exquisite spatial resolution. Recently, MRI has emerged as a valuable tool for monitoring the expression of genes by utilizing metal-complexed MRI agents to display transgene activity in vivo. However, administration of metal complexes into tissues and cells is challenging. Intra-cellular metalloproteins such as Ferritin have been utilized as endogenous MRI contrast agents, but offer relatively low sensitivity. The present technology provides a novel Ferritin-based transgene with enhanced MRI contrast.
Ferritin, the main Iron storage intracellular protein, contains a paramagnetic ferryhydrate core, and thus was proposed as an endogenous MRI reporter gene. However, Ferritin provides relatively low sensitivity. One way to increase sensitivity of Ferritin is to convert the non-crystalline ferrihydrate in its core into crystal magnetite as has been done chemically, to form magneto-ferritin. The current method enhances the magnetic properties of Ferritin by engineering a Ferritin protein fused to a bacteria-derived peptide. This novel recombinant fusion protein facilitates conversion of ferrihydrate into crystal magnetite and by this induces MRI contrast. The new construct can serve for monitoring delivery and differentiation of cells in vivo in cellular based therapy.
