Fig. 1.

Mechanism of action of cell surface transporter reporter proteins. 1 Reporter gene is integrated within stem cell’s genome. 2 Protein is expressed and synthesized within the cell. Subsequently, the protein gets anchored as a cell membrane receptor. 3 An exogenously administered contrast agent is transported inside the cell via the reporter protein. 4 Contrast agent makes detection of cell possible using various imaging modalities, like MRI or PET