Emeline Julie Ribot1, Carmen Simedrea2,
Patricia McGowan2, Ann Chambers2, Paula J. Foster1
1Imaging Laboratories, Robarts Research
Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; 2Medical Biophysics,
University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
In
this abstract, we describe technology developed in our labs for tracking
stem-like cancer cells (CSC), in a mouse model of breast cancer metastasis to
the brain, using MRI and magnetic particles. A human breast cancer cell line
was sorted by flow cytometry into two distinct populations: CD44high/CD24low
and CD44low/CD24high, representing the CSC-like and non-CSC cells,
respectively. The sorted cell populations can be labeled efficiently and
without toxicity with the iron agent MoldayION Rhodamine B. Labeled CSC can
be detected in vivo in images of the mouse brain after injection into the
left ventricle of the heart in nude mice.