Tracking protein function with sodium multi quantum spectroscopy in a 3D-tissue culture based on microcavity arrays

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of strophanthin induced inhibition of the Na-/KATPase in liver cells using a magnetic resonance (MR) compatible bioreactor. A microcavity array with a high density three-dimensional cell culture served as a functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phantom for sodium multi quantum (MQ) spectroscopy. Direct contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI revealed the homogenous distribution of biochemical substances inside the bioreactor. NMR experiments using advanced bioreactors have advantages with respect to having full control over a variety of physiological parameters such as temperature, gas composition and fluid flow. Simultaneous detection of single quantum (SQ) and triple quantum (TQ) MR signals improves accuracy and was achieved by application of a pulse sequence with a time proportional phase increment (TQTPPI). The time course of the Na-/KATPase inhibition in the cell culture was demonstrated by the corresponding alterations of sodium TQ/ SQ MR signals

Use of MRI, metabolomic, and genomic biomarkers to identify mechanisms of chemoresistance in glioma

Gliomas are the most common form of central nervous system tumor. The most prevalent form, glioblastoma multiforme, is also the most deadly with mean survival times that are less than 15 months. Therapies are severely limited by the ability of these tumors to develop resistance to both radiation and chemotherapy. Thus, new tools are needed to identify and monitor chemoresistance before and after the initiation of therapy and to maximize the initial treatment plan by identifying patterns of chemoresistance prior to the start of therapy. Here we show how magnetic resonance imaging, particularly sodium imaging, metabolomics, and genomics have all emerged as potential approaches toward the identification of biomarkers of chemoresistance. This work also illustrates how use of these tools together represents a particularly promising approach to understanding mechanisms of chemoresistance and the development individualized treatment strategies for patients