Multimodality noninvasive imaging of gene transfer using the human sodium iodide symporter.
In this study we investigated the feasibility of using radionuclide accumulation mediated by the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) gene in conjunction with various imaging modalities as a reporter system to noninvasively monitor the expression of transgenes delivered for gene therapy.


METHODS
NIS-expressing adenovirus (Ad-hNIS) was delivered in vitro to MB-435 breast carcinoma cells. NIS-mediated accumulation of (125)I(-), (99m)TcO(4)(-), and (76)Br(-) by the cells was visualized using autoradiography, gamma-camera scintigraphy, and PET imaging, respectively.


RESULTS
For all imaging modalities, signal intensity generated by the cells correlated linearly both with the amount of Ad-hNIS and with the activity of radionuclide added to the cells.


CONCLUSIONS
hNIS-mediated cellular accumulation of radionuclide was clearly visualized by all 3 imaging modalities tested. This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of using hNIS for monitoring the location and magnitude of expression of genes delivered during gene therapy.
Niu
Gang
G
Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
Gaut
Andrew W
AW
Ponto
Laura L Boles
LL
Hichwa
Richard D
RD
Madsen
Mark T
MT
Graham
Michael M
MM
Domann
Frederick E
FE
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D017930:Genes, Reporter / Q000502:physiology; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D027981:Symporters / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D000099209:Sodium-Iodide Symporters
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D027981:Symporters; D000099209:Sodium-Iodide Symporters