IMAGENE: Non-invasive molecular imaging of gene expression useful for doping control: Extension study in animals after erythropoietin gene transfer

Project Title: IMAGENE: Non-invasive molecular imaging of gene expression useful for doping control: Extension study in animals after erythropoietin gene transfer

Researchers: J. Segura, J. Pascual, Z. Nikolovski (Pharmacology Research Unit, Institut Municipal Investigacio Medica, Barcelona, Spain), D. Andreu, B.G. de la Torre (Peptide synthesis and proteomics, (CEXS-UPS), Barcelona, Spain), C. Fillat (Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain), E. Martinez-Miralles, J. Llop, J. D. Gispert (PET Center, High Technology Institute, Barcelona, Spain)

Year accepted: 2006

Summary: The specific objectives were as follows:

a) to develop modified oligonucleotides (peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) with cell penetration properties (Tat-PNAs) to hybridize mRNA expressing transfected EPO;

b) to label the Tat-PNAs with radiochemicals suitable for radiological external detection;

c) to evaluate in vivo the imaging capability (PET/SPECT) in animals expressing EPO in muscle after a gene transfer process;

d) to develop recommendations for the development of similar procedures for the detection of EPO and other gene transferred doping hormone-proteins in humans.