Hokkaido University Research Profiles

Japanese

Metabolic MRI: 1

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  • Hyperpolarized 13C MRI for Genetic Mutation Imaging

    Non-invasive visualization of genetic mutations in tumors by metabolic MRI

    The outcome of cancer treatment largely depends on the type of genetic mutation that the cancer cells carry. Using the characteristic metabolic changes brought about by genetic mutations as an indicator, we are developing a molecular imaging technique to identify mutated genes non-invasively using the latest metabolic MRI.

    Research

    Hyperpolarized 13C nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a state-of-the-art technique for real-time visualization of metabolic reactions in vivo by temporarily amplifying the MRI signal of any compound labeled with 13C tens of thousands of times. It is expected to be a dream molecular imaging technology that can acquire signals from deep inside the body, which is difficult with optical imaging without radiation exposure like PET/CT.
    Cells become cancerous through the accumulation of genetic mutations, and the type of mutation greatly influences the response to cancer therapy. Many cancer-causing mutations are associated with characteristic metabolic changes. Hyperpolarized 13C MRI can be used to non-invasively identify mutated genes in tumors by looking at specific metabolic changes.