Responsive probes for in vivo magnetic resonance imaging of nitric oxide

초록

Nitric oxide (NO), a pivotal signalling molecule, plays multifaceted roles in physiological and pathological processes, including cardiovascular and immune functions, neurotransmission and cancer progression. Nevertheless, measuring NO in vivo is challenging due to its transient nature and the complexity of the biological environment. Here we describe NO-responsive magnetic probes made of crosslinked superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles tethered to a NO-sensitive cleavable linker for highly sensitive and selective NO magnetic resonance imaging in vivo. These probes enable the detection of NO at concentrations as low as 0.147 mu M, allowing for the imaging and quantification of NO in mouse tumour models, studying its effects on tumour progression and immunity and assessing the response of tumour-associated macrophages to cancer immunotherapeutic agents. Additionally, they facilitate concurrent anatomical and molecular imaging of organs, helping to identify pathological alterations in the liver. Overall, these probes represent promising non-invasive tools for investigating the dose-dependent conflicting role of NO in physiological and pathophysiological processes. Iron oxide nanoparticles containing a nitric oxide-responsive cleavable linker allow in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and the quantification of nitric oxide with high sensitivity and selectivity in mice.

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