A Novel Luciferase-Based Reporter Gene Technology for Simultaneous Optical and Radionuclide Imaging of Cells

Area of Science:

• Molecular Imaging
• Reporter Gene Systems
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Multimodality reporter gene imaging offers sensitivity, resolution, and translational potential.
• Limited adoption in animal imaging due to unproven utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a novel complementation-based reporter gene system for in vivo multimodal imaging.
• Validate its utility for sensitive and specific cell tracking.

Main Methods:

• Engineered cells with surface-displayed large component of split NanoLuc luciferase (TM-LgBiT).
• Developed a radiotracer with a high-affinity HiBiT peptide labeled with a radionuclide.
• Imaged radiotracer uptake in mice using SPECT/CT and bioluminescence.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated complementation between TM-LgBiT and HiBiT radiotracer.
• Achieved in vivo imaging of cells within two hours post-implantation.
• Validated imaging data with ex vivo biodistribution studies.

Conclusions:

• The new system enables highly specific in vivo multimodal imaging of cells.
• Highlights the potential for advancing cell and gene therapies from research to clinical application.