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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Synthesis of an In vivo MRI-detectable Apoptosis Probe
Published on: July 31, 2012
Translational imaging: imaging of apoptosis
H William Strauss1, Francis Blankenberg, Jean-Luc Vanderheyden
1Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, 1275 York Ave., Room S-212, Nuclear Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA. straussh@mskcc.org
Abstract:
Since its original description in 1972, apoptosis or programmed cell death has been recognized as the major pathway by which the body precisely regulates the number and type of its cells as part of normal embryogenesis, development, and homeostasis. Later it was found that apoptosis was also involved in the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases, cell immunity, and the action of cytotoxotic drugs and radiation therapy in cancer treatment. As such, the imaging of apoptosis with noninvasive techniques such as with radiotracers, including annexin V and lipid proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, may have a wide range of clinical utility in both the diagnosis and monitoring therapy of a wide range of human disorders. In this chapter we review the basic biochemical and morphologic features of apoptosis and the methods developed thus far to image this complex process in humans.
Insights
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is vital for development and homeostasis. Imaging apoptosis noninvasively aids in diagnosing diseases and monitoring cancer therapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is crucial for regulating cell numbers in embryogenesis, development, and homeostasis.
- Apoptosis plays a role in human disease pathogenesis, immune responses, and cancer treatment efficacy.
- Noninvasive imaging of apoptosis is essential for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental biochemical and morphological characteristics of apoptosis.
- To discuss current methods for noninvasively imaging apoptosis in humans.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on apoptosis.
- Discussion of imaging techniques including radiotracers, annexin V, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis is a fundamental biological process with implications in health and disease.
- Various noninvasive imaging techniques are being developed to visualize apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Noninvasive imaging of apoptosis holds significant clinical potential for diagnosis and therapy monitoring.
- Further development of these imaging modalities is crucial for widespread clinical utility.
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