Innovative Imaging Method for Bone Marrow Could Transform Drug Development

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have introduced a groundbreaking imaging technique that enhances the study of bone marrow in mouse models. This innovation addresses significant challenges associated with imaging this intricate tissue, potentially facilitating advancements in drug development and therapeutic strategies for various bone marrow-related conditions, including cancers, autoimmune disorders, and musculoskeletal diseases.

The newly developed method utilizes the advanced multiplex imaging tool known as the Phenocycler 2.0, which allows scientists to visualize an unprecedented number of cellular markers within intact bone marrow tissue derived from mice. The findings of this research are detailed in the journal Leukemia.

Bone marrow presents unique challenges for study due to its gelatinous nature and protective encasement within hard bone. The innovative imaging approach provides a valuable resource for a diverse range of research applications, as bone marrow plays a crucial role in the formation of blood and immune cells and serves as a reservoir for important stem cells.

Traditional imaging methods such as flow cytometry and standard fluorescence imaging are well-established for tissue analysis. However, flow cytometry involves the disruption of complex tissues to analyze and quantify cell populations, while standard fluorescence imaging can only detect three cellular markers simultaneously. In contrast, this new technique enables the visualization of 25 distinct cellular markers in intact bone marrow tissue, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the tissue, which is essential for improving treatment efficacy.

Although the Phenocycler 2.0 has been previously applied to the study of other organs, such as the spleen and kidney, the team from the IU Cooperative Center of Excellence in Hematology has successfully adapted it for use with mouse bone marrow.

Mouse models are widely utilized for investigating human diseases, making this imaging technique a promising tool for exploring a variety of conditions, including autoimmune diseases and leukemia, alongside other disorders associated with bone marrow.

The IU Innovation and Commercialization Office has taken steps to secure a provisional patent for this imaging methodology. The research team is also working on expanding the range of markers to include additional features such as bones, nerves, muscles, and various immune and signaling cell types.

Other contributors to the study include Connor Gulbronson, Paige C. Jordan, Rahul Kanumuri, Baskar Ramdas, Ramesh Kumar, Melissa L. Hartman, Izza Khurram, Drew M. Brown, Karen E. Pollok, Pratibha Singh, and Melissa A. Kacena.

For further details, see the original study by Sonali J. Karnik et al in Leukemia.