Labeling of stem cells with monocrystalline iron oxide for tracking and localization by magnetic resonance imaging.
Precise localization of exogenously delivered stem cells is critical to our understanding of their reparative response. Our current inability to determine the exact location of small numbers of cells may hinder optimal development of these cells for clinical use. We describe a method using magnetic resonance imaging to track and localize small numbers of stem cells following transplantation. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) were labeled with monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) which neither adversely altered their viability nor their ability to migrate in vitro and allowed successful detection of limited numbers of these cells in muscle. MION-labeled stem cells were also injected into the vitreous cavity of mice undergoing the model of choroidal neovascularization, laser rupture of Bruch's membrane. Migration of the MION-labeled cells from the injection site towards the laser burns was visualized by MRI. In conclusion, MION labeling of EPC provides a non-invasive means to define the location of small numbers of these cells. Localization of these cells following injection is critical to their optimization for therapy.
Li Calzi
Sergio
S
Program in Stem Cell Biology, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Kent
David L
DL
Chang
Kyung-Hee
KH
Padgett
Kyle R
KR
Afzal
Aqeela
A
Chandra
Saurav B
SB
Caballero
Sergio
S
English
Denis
D
Garlington
Wendy
W
Hiscott
Paul S
PS
Sheridan
Carl M
CM
Grant
Maria B
MB
Forder
John R
JR
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000378:metabolism; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000378:metabolism*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005295:Ferrocyanides / Q000378:metabolism; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D005295:Ferrocyanides; D005353:Fibronectins; C499827:monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticle; C000170:ferric ferrocyanide; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide