Functional MRI’ of Liver using Simultaneous PET/MRI and Hepatospecific Chelates-Functional MRI

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Eric Shapiro, Associate Chair of Research and Professor at Michigan State University’s Radiology Department, presented innovative imaging approaches for early diagnosis and progression monitoring of liver disease. His lab focuses on using advanced imaging—primarily dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and PET—to quantify liver function via hepatic organic anion transport polypeptides (OATPs), which mediate detoxification by clearing pharmaceuticals and toxins from the blood. Experiments in diabetic mouse models showed reduced OATP activity detectable by imaging contrast agents, paralleling diminished liver function. To improve quantification challenges in MRI, his team developed PET-compatible contrast agents by substituting gadolinium with radioactive isotopes such as yttrium-86 and copper-64. These PET/MRI dual agents enable precise measurement of hepatic influx and efflux kinetics, potentially serving as biomarkers for early liver dysfunction. Additionally, they're leveraging humanized mouse models and translational imaging in large animals (pigs, dogs) to better replicate human liver transporter activity, aiming to refine and validate imaging biomarkers. Discussions highlighted the technology's potential for assessing drug-induced liver injury and drug accumulation in the liver, as well as comparisons with other diagnostic approaches. Dr. Shapiro envisions integrating these imaging techniques into clinical practice for sensitive, non-invasive, quantitative liver function assessment and personalized medicine, despite current logistical and regulatory challenges.

Keywords

Dr. Eric Shapiro

liver disease

dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI

PET imaging

hepatic organic anion transport polypeptides

OATP activity

PET/MRI dual contrast agents

humanized mouse models

drug-induced liver injury