Molecular Imaging Using Endogenous Cellular Proteins

Abstract

Abstract:

Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging is a novel molecular MRI technique that generates image contrast based on endogenous cellular proteins in tissue. Theoretically, the APT-MRI signal depends primarily on the mobile amide proton concentration and amide proton exchange rates (which are related to tissue pH). The APT technique has been used for non-invasive pH imaging in stroke (where pH drops) and protein content imaging in tumor (where many proteins are overexpressed). It has been demonstrated recently in animal models that the APT-MRI signal is also a unique imaging biomarker to distinguish between radiation necrosis and active tumor. In this paper, we will briefly introduce the basic principles of APT imaging and review its applications in stroke and brain tumor studies in animal models and patients.

Key words: amide proton transfer (APT), pH imging, molecular imaging, stroke, brain tumor

CLC Number:

O482.53

ZHOU Jin-yuan1,2*, HONG Xiao-hua1,3. Molecular Imaging Using Endogenous Cellular Proteins[J]. Chinese Journal of Magnetic Resonance.

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