Biochemical phosphates observed using hyperpolarized 31P in physiological aqueous solutions

Nat Commun. 2017 Aug 24;8(1):341. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-00364-3.

Abstract

The dissolution-dynamic nuclear polarization technology had previously enabled nuclear magnetic resonance detection of various nuclei in a hyperpolarized state. Here, we show the hyperpolarization of 31P nuclei in important biological phosphates (inorganic phosphate and phosphocreatine) in aqueous solutions. The hyperpolarized inorganic phosphate showed an enhancement factor >11,000 (at 5.8 T, 9.3% polarization) in D2O (T1 29.4 s). Deuteration and the solution composition and pH all affected the lifetime of the hyperpolarized state. This capability opens up avenues for real-time monitoring of phosphate metabolism, distribution, and pH sensing in the live body without ionizing radiation. Immediate changes in the microenvironment pH have been detected here in a cell-free system via the chemical shift of hyperpolarized inorganic phosphate. Because the 31P nucleus is 100% naturally abundant, future studies on hyperpolarized phosphates will not require expensive isotope labeling as is usually required for hyperpolarization of other substrates.Real-time monitoring of phosphate metabolism and distribution in the live body without ionizing radiation is highly desirable. Here, the authors show dissolution-dynamic nuclear polarization technology can enable nuclear magnetic resonance detection of hyperpolarized 31P of important biological phosphates in aqueous solutions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Isotope Labeling
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Phosphates / metabolism*
  • Phosphocreatine / metabolism
  • Phosphorus Isotopes / metabolism*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Solutions / chemistry*

Substances

  • Phosphates
  • Phosphorus Isotopes
  • Solutions
  • Phosphocreatine
  • Adenosine Triphosphate