Small Interfering RNA Imaging Probes for Neurological Applications

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have emerged as a potent new class of therapeutics that regulate gene expression through sequence-specific inhibition of mRNA translation. Clinical trials of siRNAs have highlighted the need for robust delivery and detection techniques that would enable the application of these therapeutics to increasingly complex diseases and organ systems. Here we detail the generation and evaluation of siRNA-based optical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents for the treatment of neurological diseases, including ischemic stroke and glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer.