Micro-CT acquisition and image processing to track and characterize pulmonary nodules in mice.
Abstract
X-ray computed tomography is a reliable technique for the detection and longitudinal monitoring of pulmonary nodules. In preclinical stages of diagnostic or therapeutic development, the miniaturized versions of the clinical computed tomography scanners are ideally suited for carrying out translationally-relevant research in conditions that closely mimic those found in the clinic. In this Protocol, we provide image acquisition parameters optimized for low radiation dose, high-resolution and high-throughput computed tomography imaging using three commercially available micro-computed tomography scanners, together with a detailed description of the image analysis tools required to identify a variety of lung tumor types, characterized by specific radiological features. For each animal, image acquisition takes 4-8 min, and data analysis typically requires 10-30 min. Researchers with basic training in animal handling, medical imaging and software analysis should be able to implement this protocol across a wide range of lung cancer models in mice for investigating the molecular mechanisms driving lung cancer development and the assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
Collections
Subject
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Biochemical Research Methods
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
TRANSGENIC MOUSE MODEL
X-RAY TUBE
COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY
MICROCOMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
CANCER MODELS
LUNG-TUMORS
SPECTRA
LUCIFERASE
RESISTANCE
GROWTH
Research team
Cancer Stem Cell
Lung Cancer Group
Convergence SC Management
Language
eng
Date accepted
2022-08-09
License start date
2022-12-09
Citation
Nature Protocols, 2022,
Publisher
NATURE PORTFOLIO