Includes bibliographical references and index.

Imaging functional nucleic acid delivery to skin / Roger L. Kaspar [and others] -- In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of small interfering RNA nanodelivery to pancreatic islets / Ping Wang and Anna Moore -- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of siRNA-based cancer therapy / Marie-France Penet [and others] -- Targeted delivery with imaging assessment of siRNA expressing nanocassettes into cancer / Wei Chen and Lily Yang -- Analyses of tumor burden in vivo and metastasis ex vivo using luciferase-expressing cancer cells in an orthotopic mouse model of neuroblastoma / Frances L. Byrne, Joshua A. McCarroll, and Maria Kavallaris -- Indium-labeling of siRNA for small animal SPECT imaging / Steven Jones and Olivia Merkel -- Imaging of electrotransferred siRNA / Muriel Golzio and Justin Teissié -- Whole-body scanning PCR, a tool for the visualization of the in vivo biodistribution pattern of endogenous and exogenous oligonucleotides in rodents / Julien A. Boos and Iwan Beuvink -- siRNA nanoparticles for ultra-long gene silencing in vivo / Seung Koo Lee and Ching-Hsuan Tung -- Sensing miRNA : signal amplification by cognate RISC for intracellular detection of miRNA in live cells / Amol Kavishwar and Zdravka Medarova -- Molecular beacon-based microRNA imaging during neurogenesis / Jonghwan Lee and Soonhag Kim -- Hypoxia-responsive copolymer for siRNA delivery / Federico Perche [and others] -- Controlling RNA expression in cancer using iron oxide nanoparticles detectable by MRI and in vivo optical imaging / Zdravka Medarova, Mustafa Balcioglu, and Mehmet V. Yigit -- Microvesicles : isolation, characterization for in vitro and in vivo procedures / Karmele Valencia and Fernando Lecanda -- Positive bioluminescence imaging of microRNA expression in small animal models using an engineered genetic-switch expression system, RILES / Patrick Baril and Chantal Pichon -- MicroRNA imaging in combination with diagnostic ultrasound and bubble liposomes for microRNA delivery / Yoko Endo-Takahashi [and others].

This detailed volume will focus on the phenomenon of RNA interference by providing comprehensive coverage of various techniques for in vivo micro/siRNA imaging including the design and synthesis of specific imaging agents and tools, the development of imaging methodologies, and their interpretation. An essential element in the development and optimization of these therapies is the ability to measure the bioavailability and functionality of the RNA/oligonucleotide molecule after administration into the body. Noninvasive imaging provides the necessary set of tools to accomplish this in authentic physiologic environments and across time. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, RNA Imaging: Methods and Protocols serves physicians, scientists, and graduate students who are either new to the field of RNA-based imaging and its associated therapeutic applications or who wish to be apprised of recent advances in the state of the art.