Magnetic Resonance Contrast Agents for the Detection and Imaging of Senescence
NU 2024-024
INVENTORS
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Thomas Meade*
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Heike Daldrup-Link
SHORT DESCRIPTION
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
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Early detection of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders
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Identifying risks of cancer and/or virus-induced senescence (e.g., COVID)
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Monitoring senolytic therapies and tailoring treatment plans
ADVANTAGES
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Non-invasive longitudinal assessments of a living subject in real time
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Inexpensive, sensitive, and senescence-specific detection
PUBLICATIONS
IP STATUS
PCT Application Filed.
Senescent and control cells in the distal femur of porcine explants detected by B-gal responsive Gd-chelate.
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Categories:
Life Sciences > Biomarkers & Biomedical Research Tools
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