Magnetic Resonance Contrast Agents for the Detection and Imaging of Senescence

NU 2024-024

INVENTORS

 

An MRI probe to detect senescent cells in vivo and in real-time.

BACKGROUND

 

Senescent cells promote osteoarthritis progression and are also found in cancer, virus infection, and other disease states. However, there is a lack of diagnostic tool to detect senescent cell and monitor senolytic therapies in vivo and in real time.

ABSTRACT

 

Northwestern researchers have designed a gadolinium (Gd) contrast agent responsive to β-galactosidase (β-gal), a biomarker of senescent cells. This innovative agent allows for non-invasive detection of senescent cells in real time using standard clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. The enzyme-sensitive contrast agent was evaluated in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo in large animal models of arthritis via intraarticular injection. When senescent cells are present, our contrast agent exhibits a significantly enhanced MRI signal.  This β-gal-responsive MRI contrast agent enables monitoring and treating diseases states associated with cell senescence simultaneously

APPLICATIONS

 

PCT Application Filed.