Non-invasive detection of apoptosis using magnetic resonance imaging and a targeted contrast agent

Nat Med. 2001 Nov;7(11):1241-4. doi: 10.1038/nm1101-1241.

Abstract

The C2 domain of synaptotagmin I, which binds to anionic phospholipids in cell membranes, was shown to bind to the plasma membrane of apoptotic cells by both flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Conjugation of the protein to superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles allowed detection of this binding using magnetic resonance imaging. Detection of apoptotic cells, using this novel contrast agent, was demonstrated both in vitro, with isolated apoptotic tumor cells, and in vivo, in a tumor treated with chemotherapeutic drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis*
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Contrast Media
  • Etoposide / therapeutic use
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Flow Cytometry
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Rats
  • Synaptotagmin I
  • Synaptotagmins

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Contrast Media
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Synaptotagmin I
  • Syt1 protein, mouse
  • Syt1 protein, rat
  • Synaptotagmins
  • ferric oxide
  • Etoposide