Novel Non-Immunogenic Positron Emission Tomography Gene Reporter
Tech ID: 30321 / UC Case 2007-474-0
SUMMARY
UCLA researchers in the Department of Pharmacology and Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics have developed a novel positron emission tomography reporter gene to preferentially trap radiolabeled deoxycytidine analogs.
BACKGROUND
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging tool that is used to monitor the metabolic activity of tissues within a patient’s body. PET scanners detect positron emitting isotopes or probes that are taken up by biologically active cells. This technique has been modified as a reporter system for cellular imaging. In a PET reporter gene system, a reporter gene is introduced to cells of interest that encodes either an enzyme or a receptor that functions to induce the accumulation of PET probes into or onto a cell surface. Once the cells are labeled by the presence of the PET probes, they can be detected within the body by a PET scanner, thus allowing downstream image analysis of cells of interest.
INNOVATION
UCLA researchers have developed a novel gene that encodes an enhanced version of deoxycytidine kinase (EdCK) to function as a PET reporter. EdCK preferentially traps radiolabeled analogs of deoxycytidine, a novel field of probes. This EdCK has been modified to achieve high levels of expression and reporter activity within cells, making it a robust system for labeling cells of interest. Furthermore, EdCK is a human gene and therefore would not cause an immunogenic response in human subjects, making it a potential tool for labeling cells for cell transplantation therapy.
APPLICATIONS
Targeted cell labeling in vitro and in vivo
ADVANTAGES
Utilizes novel fluorinated deoxycytidine analogs (which may have improved pharmacokinetics and signal-to-noise ratios compared to currently used probes)
Non-immunogenic
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT
Testing in cell culture to determine the efficacy of EdCK compared to dCK as a PET reporter.