Efficient and multiplexed tracking of single cells using whole-body PET/CT

Area of Science:

• Molecular Imaging
• Cellular Biology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• In vivo molecular imaging is vital for understanding cell movement in biological systems.
• Current methods struggle with single-cell sensitivity across the entire body.

Approach:

• Developed a highly sensitive, multiplexed positron emission tomography (PET) approach.
• Utilized a novel PEPT-EM tracking algorithm to achieve sub-4 Bq/cell detection limits.
• Streamlined workflow for reliable single-cell labeling with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).

Key Points:

• Simultaneously tracked over 20 single cells in a single subject.
• Successfully tracked over 70 melanoma cells after intracardiac injection.
• Identified primary arrest sites in pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and digestive organ capillaries.

Conclusions:

• This method significantly advances the capabilities of PET for cellular tracking.
• Provides unprecedented insights into early-stage cell trafficking in health and disease.
• Demonstrates potential for enhancing cell-based therapies and diagnostics.