Monitoring Stem Cell Therapy Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology "Helps Establish Efficient Treatment Strategies"

In vivo monitoring system of stem cells using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Image courtesy of Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Domestic researchers have developed a stem cell in vivo monitoring system based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This system allows observation of the treatment process using human stem cells, which is expected to greatly contribute to the development of efficient treatment strategies.

The Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology announced on the 11th that Dr. Eun-Kyung Lim's team at the Bio-Nano Research Center, in collaboration with Professor Seung-Joo Ham's team from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Yonsei University and Professor Yong-Min Heo's team from the Department of Radiology, published this research paper in the online edition of the international academic journal Bio Sensors and Bio Electronics on January 26.

Stem cells can differentiate into various cell types and self-renew, so extensive research is being conducted on stem cell therapeutics that regenerate damaged tissues or organs. Among stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are cells capable of differentiating into all body organs and can be created by reprogramming somatic cells of adult humans. iPSCs possess abilities similar to embryonic stem cells but avoid the ethical issues related to destroying embryos during embryonic stem cell production. Additionally, since iPSCs are induced by reprogramming the patient's own somatic cells, they can overcome immune rejection problems, making them highly promising cells.

Adult stem cells derived from iPSCs have been studied extensively to improve therapeutic effects by inducing differentiation into specific cells, despite their limited proliferation and low migration speed. Furthermore, since only 1-2% of the induced stem cells reach the target tissue and the rest are lost, verification of the therapeutic effects of stem cell differentiation is necessary.

The research team developed special manganese nanoparticles and applied them to produce an 'Integrin β1 antibody (MnOHo-Ab)' capable of targeted monitoring of stem cells. Using magnetic resonance imaging devices, they developed a minimally invasive monitoring method for transplanted human stem cells in preclinical models. Additionally, when 'Integrin β1-manganese nanoparticles (MnOHo-Ab)' were injected into the veins of rats, they were delivered to the testis, confirming the possibility of monitoring human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) differentiated into various lineages.

Dr. Eun-Kyung Lim, the lead researcher, stated, “In the field of regenerative medicine using stem cells, the excellence of this study lies in the visual confirmation of the transplantation and migration of stem cells to target disease sites in preclinical models using magnetic resonance imaging technology.” She added, “The achievement developed this time is an imaging platform that can verify whether the injected stem cells have been properly delivered to the target cells and confirm the progress of stem cell therapy in the future. It is expected to contribute to the stem cell therapy field in the bio-pharmaceutical sector.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.