MR Imaging of Bioscaffold-Induced Neural Progenitor Migration

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Abstract The regeneration of brain tissue has been considered one of the greatest challenges for regenerative medicine. Implantation of an extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel can produce de novo brain tissue by attracting endogenous neural progenitors into a tissue cavity. These neural progenitors originate in the subventricular zone (SVZ), one of the few neurogenic sites in the adult brain. Initially, neural progenitors migrate in the peri-infarct- damaged tissue before invading the bioscaffold. However, little is known about the route or time-course of migration of these cells. The objective of this application is to develop a non-invasive MR imaging paradigm that affords the tracking of neural progenitors from the SVZ to the bioscaffold. Specifically, we here aim to: 1) develop and optimize contrast agent to label endogenous neural progenitor cells, 2) to non-invasively track the migration of neural progenitors and 3) to determine the temporal dynamics of neural progenitors responding to a hydrogel implant. Achieving an in vivo visualization of neural progenitor migrations will aid us to understand the contribution of neurogenesis to brain tissue regeneration, but also to devise novel strategies that can manipulate this process.