Molecular and magnetic resonance imaging: The value of immunoliposomes

Molecular imaging has the potential to transform the field of diagnostic imaging through enabling far more detailed investigation and characterisation of disease processes than is currently possible. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is capable of three-dimensional non-invasive imaging of opaque tissues at near cellular resolution. Among the imaging techniques available today, MRI has, perhaps, the greatest potential to exploit the possibilities that molecular imaging presents. Nanoparticles are the focus of intense research, due to a wide variety of potential applications in the biomedical, optical, and electronic fields. In this article we examine the progress made in the development of nanoparticles as targeted contrast agents for molecular magnetic resonance imaging. In particular, we will examine the potential of antibody-targeted liposomes (immunoliposomes) as vehicles for delivering MRI contrast agents to cellular biomarkers, thus enabling visualisation of structures and processes at the molecular level. We will address some of the challenges that must be faced by researchers in this field before the progress made in the laboratory can be translated into improved clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.     

磷脂酰乙醇胺结合蛋白的研究进展

磷脂酰乙醇胺结合蛋白是一类结构高度保守、生物功能多样的碱性胞质蛋白,可与膜磷脂、阿片、核苷酸等多种物质结合。该家族蛋白可作为信号转导过程中的调节器以及海马胆碱能神经刺激肽(HCNP)前体蛋白,在神经元保护、生物膜的构建与重塑、阿尔采末症、糖尿病肾病、癌症等生理、病理过程中发挥重要作用。