• BMB Reports
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.65-72
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• 2013

In situ detection of RNAs is becoming increasingly important for analysis of gene expression within and between intact cells in tissues. International genomics efforts are now cataloging patterns of RNA transcription that play roles in cell function, differentiation, and disease formation, and they are demon-strating the importance of coding and noncoding RNA transcripts in these processes. However, these techniques typically provide ensemble averages of transcription across many cells. In situ hybridization-based analysis methods complement these studies by providing information about how expression levels change between cells within normal and diseased tissues, and they provide information about the localization of transcripts within cells, which is important in understanding mechanisms of gene regulation. Multi-color, single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) is particularly useful since it enables analysis of several different transcripts simultaneously. Combining smFISH with immunofluorescent protein detection provides additional information about the association between transcription level, cellular localization, and protein expression in individual cells.

• 한국방사선학회논문지
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• 제8권3호
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• pp.123-136
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• 2014

본 논문에서는 분자영상을 분류하고 적용 분야와 미래를 예측해 보고자 하였다. 분자영상은 생체 내에서 분자수준과 세포수준에서 일어나는 변화를 영상화하는 것으로써 분자세포생물학과 첨단영상기술이 발전하여 접목된 새로운 분야이다. 분자영상은 형광, 생물발광, SPECT, PET, MRI, Ultrasound 등의 영상 기법들을 이용하여 유전자 치료 모니터링, 세포추적, 세포 치료 모니터링, 항체영상, 약제 개발, 분자 상호작용 영상, 근적외선 형광 물질을 이용한 암 형광 영상, Bacteria 를 이용한 종양 표적 영상, 치료효과 조기 평가, 치료 효과 예측 등에 적용되고 있다. 분자 영상의 미래는 분자세포 생물학, 유전학, 화학, 약학, 물리학, 전산학, 의공학, 핵의학, 영상의학, 임상의학 등 여러 학문 분야가 융합되어 상호협조와 공동연구를 통하여 발전해 나갈 것이다. 분자영상의 태동으로 미래의 의료의 모습은 질병의 조기진단과 개인 맞춤형 치료가 가능하게 될 것이다.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.226-233
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• 2007

목적: 광학과 핵의학 및 자기공명 분자영상 기술은 생체내에서 리포터 유전자의 발현을 비침습적으로 평가할 수 있다. 한가지 이상의 유전자 발현을 영상화 할 수 있는 복합분자영상은 유전자의 발현과 유전자 치료 후 효능의 평가를 다양한 방법으로 반복하여 평가할 수 있다는 장점이 있다. 본 연구에서는 핵의학 영상이 가능한 NIS와 광학 영상이 가능한 EGFP 두가지 유전자를 동시에 발현하는 HepG2-Retro-PNRGW (PGKp-NIS-RSVp-EGFP-WPRE) plasmid를 이용한 간암 세포주(HepG2-NE)를 구축하고, NIS와 EGFP 리포터 유전자의 기능 발현을 체내에서 광학영상과 핵의학 영상으로 확인하고자 하였다. 재료 및 방법: pcDNA-NIS로 부터 NIS 유전자를 분리하여 pRetro-PN vector를 만든 후, pLNRGW (LTR-NeoR-RSV-EGFP-WPRE)로부터 RSV-EGFP-WPRE 조각을 분리하여 최종적으로 NIS와 EGFP 유전자가 동시에 발현할 수 있는 pRetro-PNRGW vector를 구축하였다. 구축된 vector를 이용하여 Retro-PNRGW retrovirus를 생산하였으며, 이를 HepG2 세포에 감염시켜 HepG2-NE 세포주를 만들었다. 이 세포주의 NIS 유전자의 발현은 역전사효소 중합효소 연쇄반응으로 mRNA 발현을 확인하였고, EGFP 유전자의 발현은 형광현미경을 통하여 EGFP 단백질이 발현하는 녹색형광을 관찰함으로써 확인하였다. 이중 리포터 유전자 중 NIS 유전자의 기능은 세포에서 방사능 옥소의 섭취량과 유출량의 측정을 통해서 확인하였다. 이렇게 만들어진 세포를 누드마우스에 이식하여 형광 영상, I-123을 이용한 감마카메라 영상과 I-124를 이용한 소동물용 PET 영상을 획득하였다. 결과: NIS와 EGFP의 이중 리포터 유전자를 가지고 있는 HepG2 세포주가 성공적으로 만들어졌다. 세포의 약 50% 정도가 형광 현미경 아래에서 관찰되었다. NIS 유전자의 발현은 역전사효소 중합효소 연쇄반응 실험을 통해서 확인하였고, NIS가 발현된 세포의 방사능옥소 섭취량은 대조군에 비하여 약 9배 정도 높게 나타났다. 방사능옥소 유출량 실험에서는 약 9분에 반 정도의 옥소가 유출되는 것이 확인되었다. 구축된 세포주를 이식한 후 획득한 형광 영상, 감마카메라과 소동물용 PET 영상에서는 반대쪽의 대조군 세포를 이식한 것에 비하여 뚜렷한 형광신호가 보였고, 더 높은 방사능옥소 섭취가 확인되었다. 결론: NIS와 EGFP의 이중 리포터 유전자를 가지는 간암 세포주가 성공적으로 구축되었고, 소동물에서 두 유전자를 각각 치료용 리포터 유전자와 영상 리포터 유전자로의 사용이 가능할 것이라고 생각된다.

• BMB Reports
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• 제54권10호
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• pp.489-496
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• 2021

Chromatin has highly organized structures in the nucleus, and these higher-order structures are proposed to regulate gene activities and cellular processes. Sequencing-based techniques, such as Hi-C, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) have revealed a spatial segregation of active and inactive compartments of chromatin, as well as the non-random positioning of chromosomes in the nucleus, respectively. However, regardless of their efficiency in capturing target genomic sites, these techniques are limited to fixed cells. Since chromatin has dynamic structures, live cell imaging techniques are highlighted for their ability to detect conformational changes in chromatin at a specific time point, or to track various arrangements of chromatin through long-term imaging. Given that the imaging approaches to study live cells are dramatically advanced, we recapitulate methods that are widely used to visualize the dynamics of higher-order chromatin structures.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.1-15
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• 1987

Magnetic Resonance (M.R.) is rapidly emerging technique that provides high quality images and potentially provides much more diagnostic information than do conventional imaging modalities. M.R.I. is conceptually quite different from currently used imaging methods. The complex nature of M.R.I. allows a great deal of flexibility in image product ion and available information, and key points are as follows. 1. M.R.I. offers a non-invasive technique with which to gene rate in vivo human images without ionizing radiation and with no known adverse biological effects. 2. Imaging mechanism of M.R.I. is quite different from conventional imaging modality and for more accurate diagnostic application, It is necessary for physician to understand imaging mechanism of M.R.I. 3. M.R. makes available basic chemical parameters that may provide to be useful for diagnostic medical imaging and more specific pathophysiologic information which are not available by alternate techniques. 4. M.R. can be produced by number of different methods. This flexibility allows the imaging technique to be applicated for particular clinical purpose. Multiplanar and three dimensional imaging may extend the imaging process beyond the single section available with current CT. 5. Future directions include efforts to; a. Further development of hard ware b. More fasternning scan time c. Respiratory and cardiac gated imaging d. Imaging of additional nuclei except hydrogen e. Further development of contrast media f. M.R. in vivo spectroscopy g. Real time M.R. imaging.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.41-46
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• 2013

신세포암의 여러 종류 중 Xp11.2 염색체 재배열/TFE3 유전자 융합 연관 신세포암은 드물며 소아나 젊은 성인에서 더 흔한 것으로 알려져 있다. 이 증례보고는 병리학적으로 확인된 4세 남자 환자의 Xp11.2 염색체 재배열/TFE3 유전자 융합 연관 신세포암에 대한 것이다. 본 증례에서 종양은 컴퓨터 단층 촬영에서 우측 신장에 2.5 cm 크기의 경계가 불명확한 종괴로 보였으며, 초음파상 고에코 병변으로 보였다. 자기공명영상에서는 종괴 캡슐의 조영증강과 함께 종괴의 확산 제한이 보였다. 저자들은 이 드문 신세포암의 영상 소견에 대해 증례를 보고하고 문헌을 고찰하는 바이다.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제22권7호
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• pp.1021-1033
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• 2021

Objective: To assess the expression of vascular normalization genes in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer and to determine whether molecular subtypes with a higher vascular normalization gene expression can be identified using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Materials and Methods: This prospective study evaluated 306 female (mean age ± standard deviation, 50 ± 10 years), recruited between January 2014 and August 2017, who had de novo breast cancer larger than 1 cm in diameter (308 tumors). DCE MRI followed by IVIM DWI studies using 11 different b-values (0 to 1200 s/mm²) were performed on a 1.5T MRI system. The Tofts model and segmented biexponential IVIM analysis were used. For each tumor, the molecular subtype (according to six [I-VI] subtypes and PAM50 subtypes), expression profile of genes for vascular normalization, pericytes, and normal vascular signatures were determined using freshly frozen tissue. Statistical associations between imaging parameters and molecular subtypes were examined using logistic regression or linear regression with a significance level of p = 0.05. Results: Breast cancer subtypes III and VI and PAM50 subtypes luminal A and normal-like exhibited a higher expression of genes for vascular normalization, pericyte markers, and normal vessel function signature (p < 0.001 for all) compared to other subtypes. Subtypes III and VI and PAM50 subtypes luminal A and normal-like, versus the remaining subtypes, showed significant associations with K^trans, k_ep, v_p, and IAUGC_BN90 on DEC MRI, with relatively smaller values in the former. The subtype grouping was significantly associated with D, with relatively less restricted diffusion in subtypes III and VI and PAM50 subtypes luminal A and normal-like. Conclusion: DCE MRI and IVIM parameters may identify molecular subtypes of breast cancers with a different vascular normalization gene expression.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제38권5호
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• pp.399-404
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• 2006

Noninvasive molecular targeting in living subjects is highly demanded for better understanding of such diverse topics as the efficient delivery of drugs, genes, or radionuclides for the diagnosis or treatment of diseases. Progress in molecular biology, genetic engineering and polymer chemistry provides various tools to target molecules and cells in vivo. We used chitosan as a polymer, and $^{99m}Tc$ as a radionuclide. We developed $^{99m}Tc-galactosylated$ chitosan to target asialoglycoprotein receptors for nuclear imaging. We also developed $^{99m}Tc-HYNIC-chitosan-transferrin$ to target inflammatory cells, which was more effective than $^{67}Ga-citrate$ for imaging inflammatory lesions. For an effective delivery of molecules, a longer circulation time is needed. We found that around 10% PEGylation was most effective to prolong the circulation time of liposomes for nuclear imaging of $^{99m}Tc-HMPAO-labeled$ liposomes in rats. Using various characteristics of molecules, we can deliver drugs into targets more effectively. We found that $^{99m}Tc-labeled$ biodegradable pullulan-derivatives are retained in tumor tissue in response to extracellular ion-strength. For the trafficking of various cells or bacteria in an intact animal, we used optical imaging techniques or radiolabeled cells. We monitored tumor-targeting bacteria by bioluminescent imaging techniques, dentritic cells by radiolabeling and neuronal stem cells by sodium-iodide symporter reporter gene imaging. In summary, we introduced recent achievements of molecular nuclear imaging technologies in targeting receptors for hepatocyte or inflammatory cells and in trafficking bacterial, immune and stem cells using molecular nuclear imaging techniques.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.839-847
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• 2006

The aim of this study is to monitor reporter gene expression under osteocalcin gene promoter, using a real-time molecular imaging system, as tool to investigate osteoblast differentiation. The promoter region of mouse osteocalcin gene 2 (mOG2), the best-characterized osteoblast-specific gene, was inserted in promoterless luciferase reporter vector. Expression of reporter gene was confirmed and relationship between the reporter gene expression and osteoblastic differentiation was evaluated. Gene expression according to osteoblstic differentiation on biomaterials, utilizing a real-time molecular imaging system, was monitored. Luciferase was expressed at the only cells transduced with pGL4/mOGP and the level of expression was statistically higher at cells cultured in mineralization medium than cells in growth medium. CCCD camera detected the luciferase expression and was visible differentiation-dependent intensity of luminescence. The cells produced osteocalcin with time-dependent increment in BMP-2 treated cells and there was difference between BMP-2 treated cells and untreated cells at 14days. There was difference at the level of luciferase expression under pGL4/mOGP between BMP-2 treated cells and untreated cells at 3days. CCCD camera detected the luciferase expression at cells transduced with pGL4/mOGP on Ti disc and was visible differentiation-dependent intensity of luminescence This study shows that 1) expression of luciferase is regulated by the mouse OC promoter, 2) the CCCD detection system is a reliable quantitative gene detection tool for the osteoblast differentiation, 3) the dynamics of mouse OC promoter regulation during osteoblast differentiation is achieved in real time and quantitatively on biomaterial. The present system is a very reliable system for monitoring of osteoblast differentiation in real time and may be used for monitoring the effects of growth factors, drug, cytokines and biomaterials on osteoblast differentiation in animal.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.73-80
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• 2001

Lung perfusion scanning, invariably combined with ventilation studies provides a reliable and non-invasive mean to diagnose lung related pathologies despite the availability of modern techniques such as angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, and helical (spiral) computed tomography. The technique involves the generation of images by radiations emitted from radioisotopes introduced in to the lungs. Various radiopharmaceuticals have been proposed and designed to incorporate $Tc^{99m}$ in to macroparticulate form for lung perfusion imaging. However, most of these have associated difficulties such as reproducibility of the product with regards to particle size distribution and poor elimination from the lung capillary bed. $Tc^{99m}$ macroaggregated albumin $(Tc^{99m}-MAA)$ is used extensively for clinical lung perfusion imaging and is considered as the radiopharmaceutical of choice. It is non-toxic, safe, and being biodegradable, is easily eliminated from the lung capillary bed by proteolytic enzyme metabolism and by mechanical forces due to lung movement.