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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Preparation of Multifunctional Silk-Based Microcapsules Loaded with DNA Plasmids Encoding RNA Aptamers and Riboswitches

Preparation of Multifunctional Silk-Based Microcapsules Loaded with DNA Plasmids Encoding RNA Aptamers and Riboswitches

Published on: October 8, 2021

A programmable genetic platform for engineering noninvasive biosensors.

Asish N Chacko¹, Kaamini M Dhanabalan², Jinyang Wan¹

¹Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.

Science Advances

|January 14, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Scientists developed a new platform called MAPPER to create genetic sensors for MRI. This technology enables noninvasive visualization of biological activities in deep tissues, advancing biomedical research and diagnostics.

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Efficient Sampling of Genetically Encoded Biosensor Design Space Enabled with a Design of Experiments and Automation Workflow

Efficient Sampling of Genetically Encoded Biosensor Design Space Enabled with a Design of Experiments and Automation Workflow

Published on: October 17, 2025

Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Molecular Imaging
Genetic Engineering

Background:

Noninvasive visualization of biological activities in deep tissues is crucial for research and therapies.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers high-resolution, non-ionizing deep tissue imaging but lacks adaptable genetic contrast methods.
Linking molecular events to genetically encoded MRI contrast remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce MAPPER (modular aquaporin-based protease-activatable probes for enhanced reporting), a novel platform for creating genetic sensors for MRI.
To engineer protease-activatable MRI reporters using protein stabilization and subcellular trafficking.
To demonstrate the versatility and applicability of MAPPER for diverse molecular targets.

Main Methods:

Development of modular aquaporin-based protease-activatable probes.
Engineering of MRI reporters through protein stabilization techniques.
Utilizing subcellular trafficking for enhanced reporter function.
Testing MAPPER in various mammalian cell types.

Main Results:

Successfully created a versatile platform (MAPPER) for systematic genetic sensor development.
Demonstrated the applicability of MAPPER in distinct mammalian cell types.
Assembled genetic sensors for diverse molecular targets with minimal customization.
Validated the use of protein stabilization and subcellular trafficking for reporter design.

Conclusions:

MAPPER provides a programmable and streamlined approach for developing genetic MRI sensors.
This platform facilitates noninvasive, nonionizing imaging for biomedical research.
MAPPER enhances the potential for in vivo diagnostics and genetic/cell-based therapies.