Non-invasive detection and quantification of cardiac gene and cell therapy using reporter genes and radionuclide imaging

The aim of the project is to develop methods for non-invasive monitoring of gene and cell therapy using membrane transporters as a reporter in combination with radionuclide imaging.

Specific objectives:

1. In vitro validation of the functional expression of NIS and LAT3 reporter genes in H9c2(2-1) myoblastic cells.

2. In vivo detection and quantification of reporter gene expression in rat myocardium: assessment of the reproducibility of the in vivo measurements.

3. Monitoring cardiac gene therapy (VEGF, NGF) in an animal model of heart failure: correlation with the recovery of myocardial function.

4. Intra-myocardial transplantation of NIS-Fluc transgenic stem cells: monitoring cell viability, biodistribution and differentiation.