Abstract
Carbohydrate chemistry and glycobiology have become a “hot” subject. These extensive, complex structures serve essential roles in cell surface phenomena, but we are only beginning to understand what some of these functions are; any advances in the development of synthetic and/or analytical tools for glycobiology are extremely useful for our understanding of the roles of carbohydrates in biology, and as biomarkers of physiological/pathological states. This review provides an outlook of the potential of carbohydrate chemistry/ biology in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a major important and prominent technique in diagnostic clinical medicine and biomedical research. During the last 30 years, MRI has developed from an intriguing research project to an essential diagnostic method in the clinic. Although MRI contrast in endogenous tissues provides excellent sensitivity for detecting subtle changes in anatomy and function, MRI still has poor specificity for attributing image contrast to specific biological processes. To overcome this limitation, MRI methods are being developed that induce changes in MR image contrast in response to molecular compositions and functions that serve as early biomarkers of pathologies. Carbohydrates with their intriguing chemistry, not only can provide structures for novel MRI probes for imaging specific biological processes, but can themselves provide novel targets/biomarkers. For example, the glycan structure can simply provide a molecular scaffold for modulating the physicochemical properties of the imaging contrast agent, or can be used for the design of novel MR agents with the ability to disclose relevant physiological or pathological cellular events.
Keywords: MRI, carbohydrates, contrast agents, Glycans, glycobiology, cell surface phenomena, biomarkers, endogenous tissues, pathologies, glycan structure, pathological cellular events, glycolipids, protein folding
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Glycans in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Determinants of Relaxivity to Smart Agents, and Potential Applications in Biomedicine
Volume: 18 Issue: 7
Author(s): Laura Cipolla, Maria Gregori and Po-Wah So
Affiliation:
Keywords: MRI, carbohydrates, contrast agents, Glycans, glycobiology, cell surface phenomena, biomarkers, endogenous tissues, pathologies, glycan structure, pathological cellular events, glycolipids, protein folding
Abstract: Carbohydrate chemistry and glycobiology have become a “hot” subject. These extensive, complex structures serve essential roles in cell surface phenomena, but we are only beginning to understand what some of these functions are; any advances in the development of synthetic and/or analytical tools for glycobiology are extremely useful for our understanding of the roles of carbohydrates in biology, and as biomarkers of physiological/pathological states. This review provides an outlook of the potential of carbohydrate chemistry/ biology in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a major important and prominent technique in diagnostic clinical medicine and biomedical research. During the last 30 years, MRI has developed from an intriguing research project to an essential diagnostic method in the clinic. Although MRI contrast in endogenous tissues provides excellent sensitivity for detecting subtle changes in anatomy and function, MRI still has poor specificity for attributing image contrast to specific biological processes. To overcome this limitation, MRI methods are being developed that induce changes in MR image contrast in response to molecular compositions and functions that serve as early biomarkers of pathologies. Carbohydrates with their intriguing chemistry, not only can provide structures for novel MRI probes for imaging specific biological processes, but can themselves provide novel targets/biomarkers. For example, the glycan structure can simply provide a molecular scaffold for modulating the physicochemical properties of the imaging contrast agent, or can be used for the design of novel MR agents with the ability to disclose relevant physiological or pathological cellular events.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Cipolla Laura, Gregori Maria and So Po-Wah, Glycans in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Determinants of Relaxivity to Smart Agents, and Potential Applications in Biomedicine, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2011; 18 (7) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986711794940851
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986711794940851 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Discovering Tumor Suppressor Genes Through Genome-Wide Copy Number Analysis
Current Genomics A Systems Biology Road Map for the Discovery of Drugs Targeting Cancer Cell Metabolism
Current Pharmaceutical Design The MCM Complex: Its Role in DNA Replication and Implications for Cancer Therapy
Current Cancer Drug Targets C-Myc Signaling Pathway in Treatment and Prevention of Brain Tumors
Current Cancer Drug Targets Signaling Intermediates (MAPK and PI3K) as Therapeutic Targets in NSCLC
Current Pharmaceutical Design Discovery of Small Molecule c-Met Inhibitors: Evolution and Profiles of Clinical Candidates
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Targeting Histone Deacetylases for the Treatment of Immune, Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Class II Phosphoinositide 3-Kinases as Potential Novel Drug Targets
Current Signal Transduction Therapy Selective Modulator of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 Reduces Memory Impairment and Infarct Size During Cerebral Hypoperfusion and Vascular Dementia
Current Neurovascular Research Cancer Drug Discovery Targeting Histone Methyltransferases: An Update
Current Medicinal Chemistry Chemical Modifications of Two Polysaccharides as Drug Carriers
Current Organic Synthesis Effects of Anesthetics on Mitochondrial Signaling and Function
Current Drug Safety Armed Oncolytic Adenoviruses and Polymer-shielded Nanocomplex for Systemic Delivery
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Agents of Immunomodulation and Neuroprotection
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Overcoming the Drug Resistance Problem with Second-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: From Enzymology to Structural Models
Current Medicinal Chemistry Pleiotropic Effects of Tocotrienols and Quercetin on Cellular Senescence: Introducing the Perspective of Senolytic Effects of Phytochemicals
Current Drug Targets Editorial from Guest Editor (DNA Methylation: A Target for Current and Future Therapies?)
Epigenetic Diagnosis & Therapy (Discontinued) Curcumin: Not So Spicy After All
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Anti-Angiogenesis in Glioblastoma: The Clinical Consequences of Redundancy and Evasion?
Current Angiogenesis (Discontinued) Cancer Gene Therapy through Autonomous Parvovirus - Mediated Gene Transfer
Current Gene Therapy