Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Radionuclide-fluorescence Reporter Gene Imaging to Track Tumor Progression in Rodent Tumor Models
Published on: March 13, 2018
Modulation of tracer accumulation in malignant tumors: gene expression, gene transfer, and phage display
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Heidelberg Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Assessment of gene function following the completion of human genome sequencing may be done using radionuclide imaging procedures. These procedures are needed for the evaluation of genetically manipulated animals or new designed biomolecules which requires a thorough understanding of physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology. The experimental approaches will involve many new technologies including in vivo imaging with SPECT and PET. Nuclear medicine procedures may be applied for the determination of gene function and regulation using established and new tracers or using in vivo reporter genes such as genes encoding enzymes, receptors, antigens or transporters. Visualization of in vivo reporter gene expression can be done using radiolabeled substrates, antibodies or ligands. Combinations of specific promoters and in vivo reporter genes may deliver information about the regulation of the corresponding genes. Furthermore, protein-protein interactions and activation of signal transduction pathways may be visualized non-invasively. The role of radiolabeled antisense molecules for the analysis of mRNA content has to be investigated. However, possible applications are therapeutic intervention using triplex oligonucleotides with therapeutic isotopes which can be brought near to specific DNA sequences to induce DNA strand breaks at selected loci. Imaging of labeled siRNA's makes sense if these are used for therapeutic purposes in order to assess the delivery of these new drugs to their target tissue. Finally, new biomolecules will be developed by bioengineering methods which may be used for isotope-based diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Insights
Radionuclide imaging, including SPECT and PET, assesses gene function and regulation after human genome sequencing. These nuclear medicine techniques visualize reporter gene expression and enable non-invasive study of biological processes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human genome sequencing enables new methods for assessing gene function.
- Genetically modified organisms and novel biomolecules require detailed physiological, biochemical, and pharmacological understanding.
- In vivo imaging technologies like SPECT and PET are crucial for these evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore radionuclide imaging procedures for assessing gene function and regulation.
- To investigate the application of nuclear medicine techniques in understanding gene expression and biological pathways.
- To evaluate the potential of novel biomolecules and radiolabeled agents for diagnosis and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing in vivo imaging with Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
- Employing established and novel tracers, alongside in vivo reporter genes (e.g., enzymes, receptors), for gene function determination.
- Visualizing reporter gene expression using radiolabeled substrates, antibodies, or ligands.
Main Results:
- Radionuclide imaging can determine gene function and regulation through reporter gene expression.
- Non-invasive visualization of protein-protein interactions and signal transduction pathways is achievable.
- Potential therapeutic applications include targeted DNA breaks with oligonucleotides and assessing siRNA delivery.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear medicine imaging is a powerful tool for gene function assessment post-genome sequencing.
- In vivo reporter gene systems combined with radionuclide imaging offer insights into gene regulation and biological processes.
- Future developments in bioengineered molecules hold promise for isotope-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
