NU 2012-045

Inventors

Thomas J. Meade*

Renee Strauch

Natsuho Yamamoto

Luke Vistain

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a critical tool for clinical diagnosis. The technique works by measuring energy released from water protons as they re-align with a magnetic field after shifts caused by a pulsed radio frequency stimulus. The method is safe for the patient, even with repeated use, and can provide accurate imaging of deep tissues that other technology cannot achieve. This beneficial technology is limited in its sensitivity; there is a general need for contrast agents that can improve the resulting image. Northwestern researchers have developed contrast agents that target an engineered protein. The agents, when bound to the protein, can optimize the rate at which the water protons shift back into alignment, fine-tuning the image. Furthermore, the expression of constructs containing the engineered protein and a gene of interest, when used with the contrast agents, can allow real-time imaging of gene expression. The new contrast agent constructs and methods represent an important development in accurate MRI imaging as well as a powerful research methodology.

Applications

• Clinical diagnostics with MRI
• Gene expression research
• Theranostics: individualized diagnostic therapy

Advantages

• Tunable affects on MRI fundamentals means achievement of the best resolution
• Rare opportunity to observe gene expression (and its changes in response to stimuli) in real time

IP Status

Issued US Patent No. 9,585,975