Review of MRI Reporter Genes in Oncology

Molecular imaging aims to detect molecular events in entire organisms. Even though it is not possible to directly detect the genes and proteins located in intracellular compartments, it is possible to detect them via reporter genes that encode for the specific proteins. The reporter gene has gained importance in diagnostics, enabling monitoring of gene expression patterns and in vivo monitoring of cell survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation. As cancer is the one of the most significant burdens for both population health and healthcare systems, it is of high importance to devote significant efforts towards timely diagnosis. The MRI reporter genes can be used for this purpose. For the purposes of this work, the following databases were searched: ScienceDirect, PubMed and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria is the publications containing keywords such as MRI, MRI reporter gene, MRI reporter gene cancer, Molecular-Genetic Imaging, and reporter gene imaging, language of publication is English, articles including in vivo monitoring released between 2000 and 2023, and full-text journal publications, conference publications, standards, guidelines, and books. Applying the previous criterion 24 articles were found and analyzed. This review will present some of the MRI reporter genes that are used in oncology with an emphasis on most recent trends.