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Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging
Published on: December 30, 2016
Therapeutic target metabolism observed using hyperpolarized 15N choline
Cristina Gabellieri1, Steven Reynolds, Arnon Lavie
1Cancer Research UK Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Institute of Cancer Research, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Downs Road Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|March 19, 2008
Summary
Choline, a key metabolite, can be visualized using enhanced Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging. This technique allows for the observation of choline kinase activity, a potential target for new cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Choline is essential for cellular phospholipid metabolism.
- Choline-based biomarkers are used in Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for cancer detection and treatment response assessment.
- Choline kinase is a significant target for developing novel cancer therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the MR signal of 15N in choline.
- To develop a method for observing choline kinase activity.
- To explore novel cancer therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) to enhance the MR signal.
- Measuring the relaxation time of 15N in choline.
- Investigating the action of choline kinase.
Main Results:
- Achieved an MR signal enhancement of 15N in choline by at least 4 orders of magnitude.
- Determined a relaxation time of approximately 4 minutes for the enhanced signal.
- Demonstrated a method to observe choline kinase activity.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic Nuclear Polarization significantly enhances choline's MR signal.
- This enhanced signal allows for the observation of choline kinase activity.
- This provides a novel imaging approach for evaluating cancer therapeutics targeting choline metabolism.

