Our laboratory has developed a magnetic resonance contrast agent that is an in vivo indicator for gene expression. This agent is activated by enzymatic cleavage with the common reporter gene, beta-galactosidase. The patterns of gene expression observed in vivo can yield clues to underlying gene regulation processes; this has important ramifications for understanding disease pathogenesis and therapy. Preliminary results show that the agent is very effective in a Xenopus embryo system, wherein the agent is introduced by microinjection. However, little is known about the uptake of the agent by cells, or the distribution of the agent in tissues in the absence of microinjection. In order to advance our understanding of this agent, we propose to study its behavior in cell culture systems, in a mouse tumor model, and in transgenic mice. We will examine the movement and activation of the agent in these systems, investigate the efficacy of liposomal delivery systems, and explore how modifications to the agent affect its activation efficiency and transport properties.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32GM020526-02
Application #
6385182
Study Section
Diagnostic Radiology Study Section (RNM)
Program Officer
Cassatt, James
Project Start
2000-06-01
Project End
Budget Start
2001-06-01
Budget End
2002-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$47,348
Indirect Cost
Name
California Institute of Technology
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
078731668
City
Pasadena
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
91125
Alauddin, Mian M; Louie, Angelique Y; Shahinian, Antranik et al. (2003) Receptor mediated uptake of a radiolabeled contrast agent sensitive to beta-galactosidase activity. Nucl Med Biol 30:261-5