Quantification of the engraftment status of mesenchymal stem cells in glioma using dual-modality MRI and BLI

Motivation: The engraftment status of MSCs in glioma after transplantation via different administration routes remains unclear due to the lack of quantitative analysis. Goal(s): This study aimed to quantify the engraftment of MSCs in glioma after administration via different routes using noninvasive dual-modality MRI and BLI. Approach: FTH and FLUC reporter genes-overexpressed MSCs (FTH-FLUC-MSCs) was constructed. MRI and BLI were performed to monitor FTH-FLUC-MSCs in vivo. Results: Based on quantifying by the optical signal intensity of BLI, peritumoral injection delivered a remarkable proportion of FTH-FLUC-MSCs arrived in the glioma, and a higher quantity of peritumorally injected FTH-FLUC-MSCs retained within the tumor site. Impact: FTH and FLUC reporter genes-based MRI and BLI are practical tools for noninvasively monitoring the engraftment of MSCs in vivo. Peritumoral delivery of FTH-FLUC-MSCs offers robust engraftment and could be used as the optimal delivery route for treating malignant glioma.