MRI of CEST-based reporter gene.

In recent years, several reporter genes have been designed for non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here, we offer a brief summary of recent advances in MRI reporter gene technology, as well as elaborated protocols for cloning, expression, and imaging of reporter genes based on a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) method. These protocols emphasize new developments in CEST-MRI data acquisition and processing.