Imaging molecules.

ABSTRACT

Molecular imaging using MRI is gaining momentum. While sensitivity of MR is limited compared to other molecular imaging modalities, the molecular specificity is high in comparison. Moreover, MRI offers contrast based on multitude of processes and scales, from intramolecular relaxation pathways to water diffusion. Living tissue offers abundance of potential molecular targets of interest in biology and medicine. In this short perspective we focus on some direct and indirect methods to visualize endogenous molecules. We briefly discuss Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI), Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) and Magnetization Transfer Contrast (MTC). Imaging molecules with MRI is part of the larger universe of imaging methods. Moreover, it is part of ever increasing pool of data combining imaging with other modalities, biology and patient outcomes.