Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows anatomy but not molecular activity inside cells. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara developed a genetically encoded protein sensor to address this gap.
The sensor uses aquaporin, a protein that forms water channels in the cell membrane. By controlling water movement, the team can make the MRI signal specific to certain cells or processes. The modular system is called MAPPER and its parts can be swapped to detect different signals.
Because MAPPER can report from inside cells, it may allow continuous imaging in animal studies and so reduce the need to sacrifice animals for internal measurements.
Difficult words
- magnetic resonance imaging — A medical scan that shows inside the body.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MRI
- anatomy — The structure and parts of the body.
- molecular — Related to very small chemical parts inside cells.
- sensor — A device or protein that detects a signal.
- channel — A passage that lets water move through membrane.channels
- modular — Made of parts that can be changed or swapped.
- sacrifice — To kill an animal for scientific internal measurements.
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Discussion questions
- Do you think it is good to use methods that reduce animal sacrifice? Why?
- Have you or someone you know had an MRI? What was it for?
- How could a sensor that reports from inside cells help scientists or doctors?
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