MRI detection of gene expression in the mammalian brain using the Manganese transporter Zip14

We report the use of Zip14, a Manganese transporter, as an MRI-visible gene expression reporter system. Mice were intracranially injected into various brain areas with AAVs carrying a plasmid construct of Synapsin promoter for neuronal-specific expression, Zip14, and histological marker. MRI was performed immediately after, 2 weeks after, and 4 weeks after injection. Significant, large magnitude hyperintensity was observed 2 and 4 weeks after injection, but not immediately after, at the injection site and areas projecting away or towards the injection site. This gene expression reporter system is viable without the use of additional contrast agents or non-standard imaging protocols.