| abstract |
Reporter conjugates for non-invasive in vivo detection, e. g. , imaging, of expression or activity of nucleic acid binding proteins are disclosed. The conjugates include a targeting nucleic acid linked to a reporter group, e. g. , a contrast agent, such as a paramagnetic label that can be used with magnetic resonance imaging. The targeting nucleic acid can be a double-stranded nucleic acid that binds to the nucleic acid binding protein the expression of which is to be imaged. In some embodiments, the contrast agent is a chelated metal such as gadolinium or dysprosium. The invention also features methods to image protein expression in various tissues, including the brain, and therapeutic methods. |