Philipp Boehm-Sturm

Labeling cells for in vivo tracking using 19F MRI

Noninvasive in vivo cell tracking is crucial to fully understand the function of mobile and/or transplanted cells, particularly immune cells and cellular therapeutics. (19)F MRI for cell tracking has several advantages; chief among them are its noninvasive nature which allows longitudinal data acquisition, use of a stable, non-radioactive isotope permitting long-term tracking, the absence of confounding endogenous signal, and the ability to quantify cell numbers from image data. However, generation of sufficient signal i.e. (19)F cell loading is a key challenge, particularly with non-phagocytic cells such as lymphocytes and stem cells. A range of (19)F cell labels have been developed, including emulsions, particles, polymers, and agents for clinical use. Various animal and primary human cells, such as dendritic cells, lymphocytes and phagocytes have been successfully labeled and studied in models of autoimmune disease, inflammation and transplant rejection. Primary human cells, particularly dendritic cells as used in vaccine therapy have been tested for imminent clinical application. Here, we summarize current cell loading strategies and sensitivity of in vivo cell imaging with (19)F MRI, and discuss the processing of image data for accurate quantification of cell numbers. This novel technology is uniquely applicable to the longitudinal and quantitative tracking of cells in vivo.

In Vivo Tracking of Human Neural Stem Cells with 19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising tool for monitoring stem cell-based therapy. Conventionally, cells loaded with ironoxide nanoparticles appear hypointense on MR images. However, the contrast generated by ironoxide labeled cells is neither specific due to ambiguous background nor quantitative. A strategy to overcome these drawbacks is 19F MRI of cells labeled with perfluorocarbons. We show here for the first time that human neural stem cells (NSCs), a promising candidate for clinical translation of stem cell-based therapy of the brain, can be labeled with 19F as well as detected and quantified in vitro and after brain implantation. Methodology/Principal Findings Human NSCs were labeled with perfluoropolyether (PFPE). Labeling efficacy was assessed with 19F MR spectroscopy, influence of the label on cell phenotypes studied by immunocytochemistry. For in vitro MRI, NSCs were suspended in gelatin at varying densities. For in vivo experiments, labeled NSCs were implanted into the striatum of mice. A decrease of cell viability was observed directly after incubation with PFPE, which re-normalized after 7 days in culture of the replated cells. No label-related changes in the numbers of Ki67, nestin, GFAP, or βIII-tubulin+ cells were detected, both in vitro and on histological sections. We found that 1,000 NSCs were needed to accumulate in one image voxel to generate significant signal-to-noise ratio in vitro. A detection limit of ∼10,000 cells was found in vivo. The location and density of human cells (hunu+) on histological sections correlated well with observations in the 19F MR images. Conclusion/Significance Our results show that NSCs can be efficiently labeled with 19F with little effects on viability or proliferation and differentiation capacity. We show for the first time that 19F MRI can be utilized for tracking human NSCs in brain implantation studies, which ultimately aim for restoring loss of function after acute and neurodegenerative disorders.

Imaging early endothelial inflammation following stroke by core shell silica superparamagnetic glyconanoparticles that target selectin

Activation of the endothelium is a pivotal first step for leukocyte migration into the diseased brain. Consequently, imaging this activation process is highly desirable. We synthesized carbohydrate-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles that bind specifically to the endothelial transmembrane inflammatory proteins E and P selectin. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the targeted nanoparticles accumulated in the brain vasculature following acute administration into a clinically relevant animal model of stroke, though increases in selectin expression were observed in both brain hemispheres. Nonfunctionalized naked particles also appear to be a plausible agent to target the ischemic vasculature. The importance of these findings is discussed regarding the potential for translation into the clinic.

A multi-modality platform to image stem cell graft survival in the naïve and stroke-damaged mouse brain.

Neural stem cell implantations have been extensively investigated for treatment of brain diseases such as stroke. In order to follow the localization and functional status of cells after implantation noninvasive imaging is essential. Therefore, we developed a comprehensive multi-modality platform for in vivo imaging of graft localization, density, and survival using 19F magnetic resonance imaging in combination with bioluminescence imaging. We quantitatively analyzed cell graft survival over the first 4 weeks after transplantation in both healthy and stroke-damaged mouse brain and correlated our findings of graft vitality with the host innate immune response. The multi-modality imaging platform will help to improve cell therapy also in context other than stroke and to gain indispensable information for clinical translation.

Dual-Frequency Calcium-Responsive MRI Agents

Responsive or smart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents are molecular sensors that alter the MRI signal upon changes in a particular parameter in their microenvironment. Consequently, they could be exploited for visualization of various biochemical events that take place at molecular and cellular levels. In this study, a set of dual-frequency calcium-responsive MRI agents are reported. These are paramagnetic, fluorine-containing complexes that produce remarkably high MRI signal changes at the (1)H and (19)F frequencies at varying Ca(2+) concentrations. The nature of the processes triggered by Ca(2+) was revealed, allowing a better understanding of these complex systems and their further improvement. The findings indicate that these double-frequency tracers hold great promise for development of novel functional MRI methods.

In vivo 19F MRI for cell tracking.

In vivo (19)F MRI allows quantitative cell tracking without the use of ionizing radiation. It is a noninvasive technique that can be applied to humans. Here, we describe a general protocol for cell labeling, imaging, and image processing. The technique is applicable to various cell types and animal models, although here we focus on a typical mouse model for tracking murine immune cells. The most important issues for cell labeling are described, as these are relevant to all models. Similarly, key imaging parameters are listed, although the details will vary depending on the MRI system and the individual setup. Finally, we include an image processing protocol for quantification. Variations for this, and other parts of the protocol, are assessed in the Discussion section. Based on the detailed procedure described here, the user will need to adapt the protocol for each specific cell type, cell label, animal model, and imaging setup. Note that the protocol can also be adapted for human use, as long as clinical restrictions are met.

Uptake of citrate-coated iron oxide nanoparticles into atherosclerotic lesions in mice occurs via accelerated transcytosis through plaque endothelial cells

1 Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Kardiologie und Angiologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany 2 Abteilung für Experimentelle Neurologie, Center for Stroke Research, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany 3 Charité Core Facility “7 T experimental MRIs”, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany 4 Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Abbestr. 2-12, 10587 Berlin, Germany 5 Institut für Radiologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany 6 DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany 7 Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), 10117 Berlin, Germany

Neuroimaging Biomarkers Predict Brain Structural Connectivity Change in a Mouse Model of Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Background and Purpose— Chronic hypoperfusion in the mouse brain has been suggested to mimic aspects of vascular cognitive impairment, such as white matter damage. Although this model has attracted attention, our group has struggled to generate a reliable cognitive and pathological phenotype. This study aimed to identify neuroimaging biomarkers of brain pathology in aged, more severely hypoperfused mice. Methods— We used magnetic resonance imaging to characterize brain degeneration in mice hypoperfused by refining the surgical procedure to use the smallest reported diameter microcoils (160 &mgr;m). Results— Acute cerebral blood flow decreases were observed in the hypoperfused group that recovered over 1 month and coincided with arterial remodeling. Increasing hypoperfusion resulted in a reduction in spatial learning abilities in the water maze that has not been previously reported. We were unable to observe severe white matter damage with histology, but a novel approach to analyze diffusion tensor imaging data, graph theory, revealed substantial reorganization of the hypoperfused brain network. A logistic regression model from the data revealed that 3 network parameters were particularly efficient at predicting group membership (global and local efficiency and degrees), and clustering coefficient was correlated with performance in the water maze. Conclusions— Overall, these findings suggest that, despite the autoregulatory abilities of the mouse brain to compensate for a sudden decrease in blood flow, there is evidence of change in the brain networks that can be used as neuroimaging biomarkers to predict outcome.

Low-Molecular-Weight Iron Chelates May Be an Alternative to Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents for T1-weighted Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging

Purpose To synthesize two low-molecular-weight iron chelates and compare their T1 contrast effects with those of a commercial gadolinium-based contrast agent for their applicability in dynamic contrast material-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Materials and Methods The animal experiments were approved by the local ethics committee. Two previously described iron (Fe) chelates of pentetic acid (Fe-DTPA) and of trans-cyclohexane diamine tetraacetic acid (Fe-tCDTA) were synthesized with stability constants several orders of magnitude higher than those of gadolinium-based contrast agents. The T1 contrast effects of the two chelates were compared with those of gadopentetate dimeglumine in blood serum phantoms at 1.5 T, 3 T, and 7 T. For in vivo studies, a human breast cancer cell line (MDA-231) was implanted in five mice per group. The dynamic contrast effects of the chelates were compared by performing DCE MR imaging with intravenous application of Fe-DTPA or Fe-tCDTA on day 1 and DCE MR imaging in the same tumors with gadopentetate dimeglumine on day 2. Quantitative DCE maps were generated with software and were compared by means of a one-tailed Pearson correlation test. Results Relaxivities in serum (0.94 T at room temperature) of Fe-tCDTA (r1 = 2.2 mmol-1 · sec-1, r2 = 2.5 mmol-1 · sec-1) and Fe-DTPA (r1 = 0.9 mmol-1 · sec-1, r2 = 0.9 mmol-1 · sec-1) were approximately twofold and fivefold lower, respectively, compared with those of gadopentetate dimeglumine (r1 = 4.1 mmol-1 · sec-1, r2 = 4.8 mmol-1 · sec-1). Used at moderately higher concentrations, however, iron chelates generated similar contrast effects at T1-weighted MR imaging in vitro in serum, in vivo in blood, and for DCE MR imaging of breast cancer xenografts. The volume transfer constant values for Fe-DTPA and Fe-tCDTA in the same tumors correlated well with those observed for gadopentetate dimeglumine (Fe-tCDTA Pearson R, 0.99; P = .0003; Fe-DTPA Pearson R, 0.97; P = .003). Conclusion Iron-based contrast agents are promising as alternatives for contrast enhancement at T1-weighted MR imaging and have the potential to contribute to the safety of MR imaging.

Increased homocysteine levels impair reference memory and reduce cortical levels of acetylcholine in a mouse model of vascular cognitive impairment

HighlightsMthfr+/− mice fed FADD with microcoils (VCI) had impaired reference memory.All FADD mice had elevated levels of plasma homocysteine.Arterial remodeling was present in Mthfr+/− microcoil mice.Acetylcholine was reduced in FADD microcoil mice. ABSTRACT Folates are B‐vitamins that are vital for normal brain function. Deficiencies in folates either genetic (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, MTHFR) or dietary intake of folic acid result in elevated levels of homocysteine. Clinical studies have shown that elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy) may be associated with the development of dementia, however this link remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of increased Hcy levels on a mouse model of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) produced by chronic hypoperfusion. Male and female Mthfr+/+ and Mthfr+/− mice were placed on either control (CD) or folic acid deficient (FADD) diets after which all animals underwent microcoil implantation around each common carotid artery or a sham procedure. Post‐operatively animals were tested on the Morris water maze (MWM), y‐maze, and rotarod. Animals had no motor impairments on the rotarod, y‐maze, and could learn the location of the platform on the MWM. However, on day 8 of testing of MWM testing during the probe trial, Mthfr+/− FADD microcoil mice spent significantly less time in the target quadrant when compared to Mthfr+/− CD sham mice, suggesting impaired reference memory. All FADD mice had elevated levels of plasma homocysteine. MRI analysis revealed arterial remodeling was present in Mthfr+/− microcoil mice not Mthfr+/+ mice. Acetylcholine and related metabolites were reduced in cortical tissue because of microcoil implantation and elevated levels of homocysteine. Deficiencies in folate metabolism resulting in increased Hcy levels yield a metabolic profile that increases susceptibility to neurodegeneration in a mouse model of VCI.