What does a picture tell? In vivo imaging of ABC transporter function

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Molecular Imaging
• Biochemistry

Background:

• ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in tumors and the blood-brain barrier contribute to drug resistance and treatment failure.
• The heterogeneity of transporter activity across patients necessitates reliable diagnostic tools for assessing transporter function.
• Current research focuses on improving in vivo quantification of ABC transporter activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in molecular imaging techniques for evaluating in vivo ABC transporter function.
• To discuss the development of novel positron-emitting tracers and optimized protocols for existing tracers.
• To cover applications in healthy subjects, disease models, and human patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of molecular imaging techniques, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
• Evaluation of novel positron-emitting tracers designed for ABC transporter imaging.
• Assessment of modified experimental protocols for enhanced in vivo quantification.
• Analysis of studies involving healthy animals, disease models, and human patients.

Main Results:

• Molecular imaging offers promising avenues for in vivo quantification of ABC transporter function.
• Development of new tracers and optimized protocols enhances the ability to study transporter activity.
• Imaging studies in various models provide insights into transporter roles in health and disease.

Conclusions:

• In vivo imaging of ABC transporter function is essential for understanding and overcoming treatment failure.
• Advancements in molecular imaging are critical for developing personalized medicine approaches.
• Further research and clinical translation of these imaging techniques are warranted.