Nanoparticle based Cell and Gene Tracking by MRI

Dr. Glenn Walter
Thursday, October 11th, 2007
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Harris Engineering Center 102

Abstract:

It is now well established that widespread gene expression can be achieved in adult cardiac and skeletal muscle using either recombinant adeno- or adeno-associated viruses. Cell based therapies; on the other hand, represent a greater challenge for noninvasive monitoring due to the variability in stem cell incorporation that occurs in the presence of massive cell death. We are developing ultra- high field (4-21T) magnetic resonance (MR) and optical techniques to monitor both adult stem cell and gene transfer.  Both of these imaging modalities require the use of multimodal imaging nanoparticles to generate image contrast in the live animal.  This work combines material sciences with noninvasive imaging methods to develop imaging methods that are sensitive and specific enough to monitor cell migration and fate in the presence of massive cell death and tissue damage.

Bio: