Tracking of stem cells

Introduction: A non-invasive method to track stem cells implanted is very important for stem cell transplantation in both animal experiments and clinical applications. With high sensitivity and specificity of imaging of many kinds of molecular of cells, nuclear medicine imaging technique should be able to monitor stem cells transplanted in vivo. Basing on presentation of recent developments of radionuclide imaging and stem cells investigations, possibilities of in vivo tracking of stem cells with various methods are discussed respectively. Receptor imaging maybe firstly utilized to solve the problem for its simplicity but with low stability and universality.Description: In the context of this overview, 24 articles were used between the years 2010 through the end of 2018 using the Keywords of PubMed, Google scholar search engines.Discussion and conclusion: Several preclinical and clinical trials have shown that stem cell therapy is safe and feasible and has the ability to promote cells functional recovery. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the benefits of stem cell transplantation have not yet been fully elucidated. To achieve optimal therapeutic effects and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which stem cells promote functional recovery in disorders, it is essential that we develop noninvasive, reproducible, and quantitative in vivo imaging approaches to track stem cell fate. Additionally, the combination of different labeling agents facilitates better and long-term stem cell tracking in vivo with appropriate safety and feasibility. Each imaging modality has advantages and disadvantages, and the combined use of different imaging modalities strengthens their respective advantages, allowing us to gain a better understanding of the homing, distribution, and differentiation of implanted cells in vivo.