A genetic reporter for visualizing nitroreductase activity using magnetic resonance imaging

The genetic expression of bacterial nitroreductase offers a potent approach for the targeted ablation of eukaryotic cells, holding significant potential for both fundamental research and gene-directed enzyme-prodrug therapy. The effectiveness of nitroreductase in these applications critically depends on robust transgene expression, driving a need for imaging probes to visualize nitroreductase expression and activity in gene-engineered cells. Current probes predominantly rely on optical methods, which are inherently limited by their poor penetration in deep, optically dense tissues. Here, we report the molecular engineering of a genetically encoded reporter capable of detecting nitroreductase activity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This reporter comprises human aquaporin fused to a dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)-destabilizing domain. The sensor remains in a degraded "off-state" until nitroreductase-mediated cleavage of a caged trimethoprim prodrug releases active trimethoprim, which binds to and stabilizes aquaporin, thereby restoring MRI signals. We optimized signal induction by screening N- and C-terminal fusions and incorporating an evolved DHFR variant. We validated a direct, dose-dependent correlation between nitroreductase expression and diffusion-weighted MRI contrast across diverse human cell types. These findings validate the use of destabilized aquaporins as switchable, metal-free MRI reporters for monitoring nitroreductase activity, facilitating the noninvasive evaluation of nitroreductase-based genetic tools in intact deep tissues.