Ferritin Imaging Agents for Non-Invasive Nephron Quantification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring nephron number in humans are inaccurate or destructive, and there is a need for non-invasive, quantitative tools to assess renal health and nephron endowment, particularly in patients at risk for chronic kidney disease or transplant recipients.
Innovation Solution
Development of a ferritin-based imaging agent comprising a recombinant ferritin fusion protein with a magnetic nanoparticle core, which can be used for MRI or PET imaging, allowing for targeted renal imaging and quantification of nephron number by binding to the glomerular basement membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for monitoring nephron number are used, then measurement can be performed, but accuracy is poor and methods are destructive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ferritin-based imaging agents as intermediaries to enable non-destructive measurement of nephron number. The ferritin conjugates bind to glomerular basement membranes and serve as contrast agents for MRI imaging, allowing accurate quantification of nephron number without destroying the kidney tissue, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and destructive harm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical or chemical analysis methods with magnetic resonance imaging technology. By substituting the measurement mechanism from direct tissue analysis to external magnetic field detection of ferritin contrast agents, the method achieves high accuracy while eliminating tissue destruction
2Ease of operation
If ferritin-based imaging agents are developed, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferritin-based imaging agent serves multiple functions: it acts as a contrast agent for MRI imaging, binds specifically to glomerular basement membranes, and enables quantification of nephron number. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate agents or procedures, simplifying the overall operational process despite the complex molecular structure
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging agent structure employs a nested design where ferritin protein subunits form a cage-like structure that can encapsulate contrast-enhancing materials. This nested architecture allows the complex molecule to function as a unified imaging agent while organizing its complexity in a hierarchical manner that facilitates production and application
3Measurement precision
If quantitative assessment of renal health is achieved, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but measurement methodology becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the MRI signal intensity from ferritin-conjugated glomeruli is quantitatively analyzed to determine nephron number. The imaging system provides feedback signals that are processed to generate precise diagnostic information about renal health, allowing accurate assessment while managing system complexity through standardized analysis protocols
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a non-invasive, biocompatible, and repeatable method for assessing nephron endowment and renal health, offering improved accuracy and safety over existing techniques, suitable for clinical applications such as transplant evaluation and monitoring kidney health.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging agent comprises: a recombinant ferritin fusion protein comprising at least one heavy chain subunit of ferritin and at least one light chain subunit of ferritin; and a magnetic nanoparticle core, wherein the magnetic nanoparticle core is bound within the recombinant ferritin fusion protein
Implementation Method 2
The imaging agent further comprises a positron emitting isotope bound within the recombinant ferritin fusion protein
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of using ferritin imaging agents are provided. Exemplary embodiments include methods of measuring nephron number in a subject in need thereof and methods of imaging a target in a subject in need thereof. The methods include administering an imaging agent to the subject, wherein the imaging agent comprises: a recombinant ferritin fusion protein comprising at least one heavy chain subunit of ferritin and at least one light chain subunit of ferritin; and a magnetic nanoparticle core, wherein the magnetic nanoparticle core is bound within the recombinant ferritin fusion protein; and imaging the subject using at least one imaging modality. In some embodiments, the target is an organ of the subject and/or the imaging modality includes at least one of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT).