doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A0863
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American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:409-418, March 2008
© 2008 American Society of Neuroradiology
Review Article
Noninvasive Molecular Neuroimaging Using Reporter Genes: Part II, Experimental, Current, and Future Applications
a Department of Radiology, Section of Neuroradiology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
b Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Bio-X Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif
c Departments of Radiology and Bioengineering, Bio-X Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif
Please address correspondence to Tarik F. Massoud, MD, PhD, Department of Radiology, Section of Neuroradiology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 219, Level 5, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, United Kingdom; e-mail: tfm23{at}radiol.cam.ac.uk
SUMMARY: In this second article, we review the various strategies and applications that make use of reporter genes for molecular imaging of the brain in living subjects. These approaches are emerging as valuable tools for monitoring gene expression in diverse applications in laboratory animals, including the study of gene-targeted and trafficking cells, gene therapies, transgenic animals, and more complex molecular interactions within the central nervous system. Further development of more sensitive and selective reporters, combined with improvements in detection technology, will consolidate the position of in vivo reporter gene imaging as a versatile technique for greater understanding of intracellular biologic processes and underlying molecular neuropathology and will potentially establish a future role in the clinical management of patients with neurologic diseases.