1
|
Trencsényi G, Halmos G, Képes Z. Radiolabeled NGR-Based Heterodimers for Angiogenesis Imaging: A Review of Preclinical Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4459. [PMID: 37760428 PMCID: PMC10526435 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since angiogenesis/neoangiogenesis has a major role in tumor development, progression and metastatic spread, the establishment of angiogenesis-targeting imaging and therapeutic vectors is of utmost significance. Aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) is a pivotal biomarker of angiogenic processes abundantly expressed on the cell surface of active vascular endothelial and various neoplastic cells, constituting a valuable target for cancer diagnostics and therapy. Since the asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) sequence has been shown to colocalize with APN/CD13, the research interest in NGR-peptide-mediated vascular targeting is steadily growing. Earlier preclinical experiments have already demonstrated the imaging and therapeutic feasibility of NGR-based probes labeled with different positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) radionuclides, including Gallium-68 (68Ga), Copper-64 (64Cu), Technetium-99m (99mTc), Lutetium-177 (177Lu), Rhenium-188 (188Re) or Bismuth-213 (213Bi). To improve the tumor binding affinity and the retention time of single-receptor targeting peptides, NGR motifs containing heterodimers have been introduced to identify multi-receptor overexpressing malignancies. Preclinical studies with various tumor-bearing experimental animals provide useful tools for the investigation of the in vivo imaging behavior of NGR-based heterobivalent ligands. Herein, we review the reported preclinical achievements on NGR heterodimers that could be highly relevant for the development of further target-specific multivalent compounds in diagnostic and therapeutic settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- György Trencsényi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Gábor Halmos
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zita Képes
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Trencsényi G, Enyedi KN, Mező G, Halmos G, Képes Z. NGR-Based Radiopharmaceuticals for Angiogenesis Imaging: A Preclinical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12675. [PMID: 37628856 PMCID: PMC10454655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in tumour progression and metastatic spread; therefore, the development of specific vectors targeting angiogenesis has attracted the attention of several researchers. Since angiogenesis-associated aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) is highly expressed on the surface of activated endothelial cells of new blood vessels and a wide range of tumour cells, it holds great promise for imaging and therapy in the field of cancer medicine. The selective binding capability of asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) motif containing molecules to APN/CD13 makes radiolabelled NGR peptides promising radiopharmaceuticals for the non-invasive, real-time imaging of APN/CD13 overexpressing malignancies at the molecular level. Preclinical small animal model systems are major keystones for the evaluation of the in vivo imaging behaviour of radiolabelled NGR derivatives. Based on existing literature data, several positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) radioisotopes have been applied so far for the labelling of tumour vasculature homing NGR sequences such as Gallium-68 (68Ga), Copper-64 (64Cu), Technetium-99m (99mTc), Lutetium-177 (177Lu), Rhenium-188 (188Re), or Bismuth-213 (213Bi). Herein, a comprehensive overview is provided of the recent preclinical experiences with radiolabelled imaging probes targeting angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- György Trencsényi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Kata Nóra Enyedi
- ELKH-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (K.N.E.); (G.M.)
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mező
- ELKH-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (K.N.E.); (G.M.)
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Halmos
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Zita Képes
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van der Heide CD, Dalm SU. Radionuclide imaging and therapy directed towards the tumor microenvironment: a multi-cancer approach for personalized medicine. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:4616-4641. [PMID: 35788730 PMCID: PMC9606105 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05870-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Targeted radionuclide theranostics is becoming more and more prominent in clinical oncology. Currently, most nuclear medicine compounds researched for cancer theranostics are directed towards targets expressed in only a small subset of cancer types, limiting clinical applicability. The identification of cancer-specific targets that are (more) universally expressed will allow more cancer patients to benefit from these personalized nuclear medicine–based interventions. A tumor is not merely a collection of cancer cells, it also comprises supporting stromal cells embedded in an altered extracellular matrix (ECM), together forming the tumor microenvironment (TME). Since the TME is less genetically unstable than cancer cells, and TME phenotypes can be shared between cancer types, it offers targets that are more universally expressed. The TME is characterized by the presence of altered processes such as hypoxia, acidity, and increased metabolism. Next to the ECM, the TME consists of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), macrophages, endothelial cells forming the neo-vasculature, immune cells, and cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs). Radioligands directed at the altered processes, the ECM, and the cellular components of the TME have been developed and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies for targeted radionuclide imaging and/or therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the TME targets and their corresponding radioligands. In addition, we discuss what developments are needed to further explore the TME as a target for radionuclide theranostics, with the hopes of stimulating the development of novel TME radioligands with multi-cancer, or in some cases even pan-cancer, application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone U Dalm
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen Q, Chen AZ, Jia G, Li J, Zheng C, Chen K. Molecular Imaging of Tumor Microenvironment to Assess the Effects of Locoregional Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatol Commun 2021; 6:652-664. [PMID: 34738743 PMCID: PMC8948593 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Among all primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type, representing 75%‐85% of all primary liver cancer cases. Median survival following diagnosis of HCC is approximately 6 to 20 months due to late diagnosis in its course and few effective treatment options. Interventional therapy with minimal invasiveness is recognized as a promising treatment for HCC. However, due to the heterogeneity of HCC and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, the long‐term efficacy of treatment for HCC remains a challenge in the clinic. Tumor microenvironment, including factors such as hypoxia, angiogenesis, low extracellular pH, interstitial fluid pressure, aerobic glycolysis, and various immune responses, has emerged as a key contributor to tumor residual and progression after locoregional treatment for HCC. New approaches to noninvasively assess the treatment response and assist in the clinical decision‐making process are therefore urgently needed. Molecular imaging tools enabling such an assessment may significantly advance clinical practice by allowing real‐time optimization of treatment protocols for the individual patient. This review discusses recent advances in the application of molecular imaging technologies for noninvasively assessing changes occurring in the microenvironment of HCC after locoregional treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quan Chen
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Austin Z Chen
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Guorong Jia
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jindian Li
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu L, Ding Z, Li X, Wei H, Chen Y. Research Progress of Radiolabeled Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) Peptides for Imaging and Therapy. Mol Imaging 2021; 19:1536012120934957. [PMID: 32862776 PMCID: PMC7466889 DOI: 10.1177/1536012120934957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) motifs have vasculature-homing properties via interactions with the aminopeptidase N (CD13) expressed on tumor neovasculature. Numerous NGR peptides with different molecular scaffolds have been exploited for targeted delivery of different compounds for imaging and therapy. When conjugated with NGR, complexes recognize the CD13 receptor expressed on the tumor vasculature, which improves the specificity to tumor and avoids systematic toxic reactions. Both preclinical and clinical studies performed with these products suggest that NGR-mediated vascular targeting is an effective strategy for delivering bioactive amounts of cytokines to tumor endothelial cells. For molecular imaging, radiolabeled peptides have been the most successful approach and have been translated into clinic. This review describes current data on radiolabeled tumor vasculature-homing NGR peptides for imaging and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, 556508The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhikai Ding
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, 556508The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingliang Li
- Institute of Nuclear Physics and Chemistry, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyuan Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, 556508The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Nuclear Physics and Chemistry, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, 556508The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Florea A, Mottaghy FM, Bauwens M. Molecular Imaging of Angiogenesis in Oncology: Current Preclinical and Clinical Status. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5544. [PMID: 34073992 PMCID: PMC8197399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is an active process, regulating new vessel growth, and is crucial for the survival and growth of tumours next to other complex factors in the tumour microenvironment. We present possible molecular imaging approaches for tumour vascularisation and vitality, focusing on radiopharmaceuticals (tracers). Molecular imaging in general has become an integrated part of cancer therapy, by bringing relevant insights on tumour angiogenic status. After a structured PubMed search, the resulting publication list was screened for oncology related publications in animals and humans, disregarding any cardiovascular findings. The tracers identified can be subdivided into direct targeting of angiogenesis (i.e., vascular endothelial growth factor, laminin, and fibronectin) and indirect targeting (i.e., glucose metabolism, hypoxia, and matrix metallo-proteases, PSMA). Presenting pre-clinical and clinical data of most tracers proposed in the literature, the indirect targeting agents are not 1:1 correlated with angiogenesis factors but do have a strong prognostic power in a clinical setting, while direct targeting agents show most potential and specificity for assessing tumour vascularisation and vitality. Within the direct agents, the combination of multiple targeting tracers into one agent (multimers) seems most promising. This review demonstrates the present clinical applicability of indirect agents, but also the need for more extensive research in the field of direct targeting of angiogenesis in oncology. Although there is currently no direct tracer that can be singled out, the RGD tracer family seems to show the highest potential therefore we expect one of them to enter the clinical routine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Florea
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.F.); (M.B.)
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Felix M. Mottaghy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.F.); (M.B.)
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias Bauwens
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.F.); (M.B.)
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dénes N, Kis A, Szabó JP, Jószai I, Hajdu I, Arató V, Enyedi KN, Mező G, Hunyadi J, Trencsényi G, Kertész I. In vivo preclinical assessment of novel 68Ga-labelled peptides for imaging of tumor associated angiogenesis using positron emission tomography imaging. Appl Radiat Isot 2021; 174:109778. [PMID: 34004593 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Formation and growth of metastases require a new vascular network. Angiogenesis plays an essential role in the expansion and progression of most malignancies. A high number of molecular pathways regulate angiogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), αvβ3 integrin, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), or aminopeptidase N. The aim of this study is to involve new, easily accessible peptide sequences into the of neo-angiogenesis in malignant processes. Labelling of these peptide ligands with 68Ga enable PET imaging of neo-vascularization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Dénes
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary; Gyula Petrányi Doctoral School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Kis
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary; Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Judit P Szabó
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary; Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Jószai
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Hajdu
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktória Arató
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kata Nóra Enyedi
- Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mező
- Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-ELTE, Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös L. University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Hunyadi
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Trencsényi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary; Gyula Petrányi Doctoral School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary; Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Kertész
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang Y, Zhang J, Zou H, Shen Y, Deng S, Wu Y. Synthesis and evaluation of 68Ga-labeled dimeric cNGR peptide for PET imaging of CD13 expression with ovarian cancer xenograft. J Cancer 2021; 12:244-252. [PMID: 33391421 PMCID: PMC7738837 DOI: 10.7150/jca.49628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Previous studies have shown that peptides containing the asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) sequence can specifically bind to CD13 (aminopeptidase N) receptor, a tumor neovascular biomarker that is over-expressed on the surface of angiogenic blood vessels and various tumor cells, and it plays an important role in angiogenesis and tumor progression. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a gallium-68 (68Ga)-labeled dimeric cyclic NGR (cNGR) peptide as a new molecular probe that binds to CD13 in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods: A dimeric cNGR peptide conjugated with 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) was synthesized and labeled with 68Ga. In vitro uptake and binding analyses of the 68Ga- DOTA-c(NGR)2 were performed in two ovarian tumor cell lines, ES2 and SKOV3, which had different CD13 expression patterns. An in vivo biodistribution study was performed in normal mice, and micro positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was conducted in nude mice bearing ES2 and SKOV3 tumors. Results:68Ga-DOTA-c(NGR)2 was prepared with high radiochemical purity (>95%), and it was stable both in saline at room temperature and in bovine serum at 37°C for 3 h. In vitro studies showed that the uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-c(NGR)2 in ES2 cells was higher compared with SKOV3 cells, and such uptake could be blocked by the cold DOTA-c(NGR)2. Biodistribution studies demonstrated that 68Ga-DOTA-c(NGR)2 was rapidly cleared from blood and mainly excreted from the kidney. MicroPET imaging of ES2 tumor xenografts showed the focal uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-c(NGR)2 in tumors from 1 to 1.5 h post-injection. The high-contrast tumor visualization occurred at 1 h, corresponding to the highest tumor/background ratio of 10.30±0.26. The CD13-specific tumor targeting of the 68Ga-DOTA-c(NGR)2 was further supported by the reduced uptake of the probe in ES2 tumors by co-injection of the unlabeled cold peptide. In SKOV3 tumor models, the tumor was not obviously visible under the same imaging conditions. Conclusions:68Ga-DOTA-c(NGR)2 was easily synthesized, and it showed favorable CD13-specific targeting ability by in vitro data and microPET imaging with ovarian cancer xenografts. Collectively, 68Ga-DOTA-c(NGR)2 might be a potential PET imaging probe for non-invasive evaluation of the CD13 receptor expression in tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Affiliated Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215153, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, China
| | - Huifeng Zou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Affiliated Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215153, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Affiliated Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215153, China
| | - Shengming Deng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Yiwei Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Soliman MA, Guccione J, Reiter AM, Moawad AW, Etchison A, Kamel S, Khatchikian AD, Elsayes KM. Current Concepts in Multi-Modality Imaging of Solid Tumor Angiogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113239. [PMID: 33153067 PMCID: PMC7692820 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The recent increase in the use of targeted molecular therapy including anti-angiogenetic agents in cancer treatment necessitate the use of robust tools to assess and guide treatment. Angiogenesis, the formation of new disorganized blood vessels, is used by tumor cells to grow and spread using different mechanisms that could be targeted by anti-angiogenetic agents. In this review, we discuss the biological principles of tumor angiogenesis and the imaging modalities that could provide information beyond gross tumor size and morphology to capture the efficacy of anti-angiogenetic therapeutic response. Abstract There have been rapid advancements in cancer treatment in recent years, including targeted molecular therapy and the emergence of anti-angiogenic agents, which necessitate the need to quickly and accurately assess treatment response. The ideal tool is robust and non-invasive so that the treatment can be rapidly adjusted or discontinued based on efficacy. Since targeted therapies primarily affect tumor angiogenesis, morphological assessment based on tumor size alone may be insufficient, and other imaging modalities and features may be more helpful in assessing response. This review aims to discuss the biological principles of tumor angiogenesis and the multi-modality imaging evaluation of anti-angiogenic therapeutic responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moataz A. Soliman
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA;
| | - Jeffrey Guccione
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Anna M. Reiter
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Ahmed W. Moawad
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Ashley Etchison
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 76798, USA;
| | - Serageldin Kamel
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Aline D. Khatchikian
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada;
| | - Khaled M. Elsayes
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu Y, Wang Z, Li X, Kang F, Ma X, Yang W, Ma W, Wang J. A Uniquely Modified DKL-based Peptide Probe for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:96-103. [PMID: 30931855 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190329151326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Peptides containing the asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) motif can target the tumor neovascular biomarker CD13/aminopeptidase N receptor. D-K6L9 is a tumor-selective anti-cancer peptide. To improve the capacity of NGR peptides to target tumors, we joined the NGR and D-K6L9 peptides to form NKL. Next, we linked 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) to NKL and labeled it with gallium 68 (68Ga, t1/2 = 67.7 min) to form 68Ga-DOTA-NKL. This novel probe was characterized in vitro. 68Ga-DOTA-NKL was stable in phosphate buffered saline at room temperature and in human serum at 37°C. We determined that the uptake rate of 68Ga-DOTA-NKL in CD13 receptor-positive 22Rv1 tumor cells was 3.15% ± 0.04 after 2 h, and tested 68Ga-DOTA-NKL using positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography imaging in vivo. MicroPET imaging results revealed that 22Rv1 tumor uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-NKL was 8.69 ± 0.20, 6.61 ± 0.22, 3.85 ± 0.06, and 1.41 ± 0.23 percentage injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 h postinjection (pi), respectively. The tumor-to-background contrast in the subcutaneous human prostate cancer 22Rv1 mouse model was 9.97 ± 1.90. The 68Ga-DOTA-NKL probe has combined tumor-targeting and tumor-selective properties, and may be used to diagnose CD13-positive tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Zhengjie Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Fei Kang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Xiaowei Ma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Weidong Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Wenhui Ma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Molecular Imaging of Aminopeptidase N in Cancer and Angiogenesis. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2018; 2018:5315172. [PMID: 30046296 PMCID: PMC6036854 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5315172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on recent advances in the molecular imaging of aminopeptidase N (APN, also known as CD13), a zinc metalloenzyme that cleaves N-terminal neutral amino acids. It is overexpressed in multiple cancer types and also on the surface of vasculature undergoing angiogenesis, making it a promising target for molecular imaging and targeted therapy. Molecular imaging probes for APN are divided into two large subgroups: reactive and nonreactive. The structures of the reactive probes (substrates) contain a reporter group that is cleaved and released by the APN enzyme. The nonreactive probes are not cleaved by the enzyme and contain an antibody, peptide, or nonpeptide for targeting the enzyme exterior or active site. Multivalent homotopic probes utilize multiple copies of the same targeting unit, whereas multivalent heterotopic molecular probes are equipped with different targeting units for different receptors. Several recent preclinical cancer imaging studies have shown that multivalent APN probes exhibit enhanced tumor specificity and accumulation compared to monovalent analogues. The few studies that have evaluated APN-specific probes for imaging angiogenesis have focused on cardiac regeneration. These promising results suggest that APN imaging can be expanded to detect and monitor other diseases that are associated with angiogenesis.
Collapse
|
12
|
Tripodi AAP, Tóth S, Enyedi KN, Schlosser G, Szakács G, Mező G. Development of novel cyclic NGR peptide-daunomycin conjugates with dual targeting property. Beilstein J Org Chem 2018; 14:911-918. [PMID: 29765472 PMCID: PMC5942373 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.14.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic NGR peptides as homing devices are good candidates for the development of drug conjugates for targeted tumor therapy. In our previous study we reported that the Dau=Aoa-GFLGK(c[KNGRE]-GG-)-NH2 conjugate has a significant antitumor activity against both CD13+ HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma and CD13- but integrin positive HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells. However, it seems that the free ε-amino group of Lys in the cycle is not necessary for the biological activity. Therefore, we developed novel cyclic NGR peptide-daunomycin conjugates in which Lys was replaced by different amino acids (Ala, Leu, Nle, Pro, Ser). The exchange of the Lys residue in the cycle simplified the cyclization step and resulted in a higher yield. The new conjugates showed lower chemostability against deamidation of Asn than the control compound, thus they had lower selectivity to CD13+ cells. However, the cellular uptake and cytotoxic effect of Dau=Aoa-GFLGK(c[NleNGRE]-GG-)-NH2 was higher in comparison to the control especially on HT-29 cells. Therefore, this conjugate is more suitable for drug targeting with dual targeting property.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angelo Pierluigi Tripodi
- Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Pázmány P. stny. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. stny. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Tóth
- Institute of Enzimology, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kata Nóra Enyedi
- Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Pázmány P. stny. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. stny. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gitta Schlosser
- Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Pázmány P. stny. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. stny. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Szakács
- Institute of Enzimology, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.,Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gábor Mező
- Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Pázmány P. stny. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. stny. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gao Y, Wang Z, Ma X, Ma W, Zhao M, Fu T, Li G, Wang S, Wang Z, Yang W, Kang F, Wang J. The uptake exploration of 68Ga-labeled NGR in well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts: Indication for the new clinical translational of a tracer based on NGR. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:2859-2866. [PMID: 28901442 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
18F-FDG has low uptake and poor diagnostic efficiency in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in well-differentiated HCC. The NGR peptide selectively targets CD13, which is overexpressed in many types of tumor cells as well as neovasculature cells. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing 68Ga-NGR to image CD13-positive well-differentiated HCC xenografts. The in vitro cellular uptake, in vivo micro-PET/CT imaging and biodistribution studies of 68Ga-NGR and 18F-FDG were quantitatively compared in SMMC-7721-based well‑differentiated HCC xenografts. The human fibrosarcoma (HT-1080) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) xenografts were respectively used as positive and negative reference groups for CD13. The expression of CD13 was qualitatively verified by immunofluorescence staining and immunohistostaining studies. The expression levels of CD13 and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) were semi-quantitatively analyzed by western blotting. The in vitro SMMC-7721 cellular uptake of 68Ga‑NGR was significantly higher than that of 18F-FDG (1.23±0.11 vs. 0.515±0.14%; P<0.01). The in vivo micro-PET/CT imaging results revealed that the uptake of 68Ga-NGR in SMMC-7721-derived tumors was 2.17±0.21% ID/g (percentage of injected dose per gram of tissue), which was higher compared to that of 18F-FDG (0.73±0.26% ID/g; P<0.01); however, the tumor/liver ratio of 68Ga-NGR was 2-fold higher than that of 18F-FDG. We concluded that the uptake of 68Ga-NGR was significantly higher both in vitro and in vivo than 18F-FDG in the well‑differentiated HCC xenografts and therefore, it is promising for further clinical translation in well-differentiated HCC PET/CT diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongheng Gao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Zhengjie Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Ma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Wenhui Ma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Mingxuan Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kunming General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Tianming Fu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Guoquan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Fei Kang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Satpati D, Sharma R, Kumar C, Sarma HD, Dash A. 68Ga-Chelation and comparative evaluation of N, N'-bis-[2-hydroxy-5-(carboxyethyl)benzyl]ethylenediamine- N, N'-diacetic acid (HBED-CC) conjugated NGR and RGD peptides as tumor targeted molecular imaging probes. MEDCHEMCOMM 2017; 8:673-679. [PMID: 30108785 DOI: 10.1039/c7md00006e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Peptides containing RGD and NGR motifs display high affinity towards tumor vasculature molecular markers, integrin αvβ3 and CD13 receptors, respectively. In the present study, RGD and NGR peptides were conjugated with the novel acyclic chelator N,N'-bis-[2-hydroxy-5-(carboxyethyl)benzyl]ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (HBED-CC) for radiolabeling with 68Ga. The radiotracers [68Ga-HBED-CC-c(NGR)] and [68Ga-HBED-CC-c(RGD)] were quite hydrophilic with respective log P values being -2.8 ± 0.14 and -2.1 ± 0.17. 68Ga-HBED-CC-c(RGD) displayed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) uptake in murine melanoma B16F10 tumors as compared to 68Ga-HBED-CC-c(NGR) indicating its higher specificity towards integrin αvβ3-positive tumors. The two radiotracers showed similar uptake in CD13-positive human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 tumor xenografts (∼1.5 ± 0.2% ID g-1). The tumor uptake of the two radiotracers was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in both animal models during blocking studies. The tumor-to-blood ratio was observed to be ∼2-2.5 for the two radiotracers, whereas the tumor-to-muscle ratio was significantly higher (p < 0.005) for 68Ga-HBED-CC-c(RGD) in the two animal models. The two radiotracers 68Ga-HBED-CC-c(NGR) and 68Ga-HBED-CC-c(RGD) exhibited renal excretion with rapid clearance from blood and other non-target organs. Thus, 68Ga-chelated HBED-CC conjugated NGR and RGD peptides expressed features conducive towards development as tumor targeted molecular imaging probes. This study further opens avenues for the successful conjugation of different peptides with the acyclic chelator HBED-CC and expansion of 68Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Drishty Satpati
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division , Bhabha Atomic Research Centre , Mumbai , India . ; ; Tel: +91 22 25590748
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division , Bhabha Atomic Research Centre , Mumbai , India . ; ; Tel: +91 22 25590748
| | - Chandan Kumar
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division , Bhabha Atomic Research Centre , Mumbai , India . ; ; Tel: +91 22 25590748
| | - Haladhar Dev Sarma
- Radiation Biology and Health Science Division , Bhabha Atomic Research Centre , Mumbai , India
| | - Ashutosh Dash
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division , Bhabha Atomic Research Centre , Mumbai , India . ; ; Tel: +91 22 25590748
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Boonstra MC, de Geus SWL, Prevoo HAJM, Hawinkels LJAC, van de Velde CJH, Kuppen PJK, Vahrmeijer AL, Sier CFM. Selecting Targets for Tumor Imaging: An Overview of Cancer-Associated Membrane Proteins. BIOMARKERS IN CANCER 2016; 8:119-133. [PMID: 27721658 PMCID: PMC5040425 DOI: 10.4137/bic.s38542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tumor targeting is a booming business: The global therapeutic monoclonal antibody market accounted for more than $78 billion in 2012 and is expanding exponentially. Tumors can be targeted with an extensive arsenal of monoclonal antibodies, ligand proteins, peptides, RNAs, and small molecules. In addition to therapeutic targeting, some of these compounds can also be applied for tumor visualization before or during surgery, after conjugation with radionuclides and/or near-infrared fluorescent dyes. The majority of these tumor-targeting compounds are directed against cell membrane-bound proteins. Various categories of targetable membrane-bound proteins, such as anchoring proteins, receptors, enzymes, and transporter proteins, exist. The functions and biological characteristics of these proteins determine their location and distribution on the cell membrane, making them more, or less, accessible, and therefore, it is important to understand these features. In this review, we evaluate the characteristics of cancer-associated membrane proteins and discuss their overall usability for cancer targeting, especially focusing on imaging applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin C Boonstra
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Susanna W L de Geus
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter J K Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.; Antibodies for Research Applications BV, Gouda, the Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelis F M Sier
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.; Antibodies for Research Applications BV, Gouda, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
In Vivo Tumor Angiogenesis Imaging Using Peptide-Based Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probes. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1444:73-84. [PMID: 27283419 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3721-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is an emerging imaging technique for studying diseases at the molecular level. Optical imaging with a near-infrared emitting fluorophore for targeting tumor angiogenesis offers a noninvasive method for early tumor detection and efficient monitoring of tumor response to anti-angiogenesis therapy. CD13 receptor, a zinc-dependent membrane-bound ectopeptidase, plays important roles in regulating tumor angiogenesis and the growth of new blood vessels. In this chapter, we use CD13 receptor as an example to demonstrate how to construct CD13-specific NGR-containing peptides via bioorthogonal click chemistry for visualizing and quantifying the CD13 receptor expression in vivo by means of NIRF optical imaging.
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhao M, Yang W, Zhang M, Li G, Wang S, Wang Z, Ma X, Kang F, Wang J. Evaluation of 68Ga-labeled iNGR peptide with tumor-penetrating motif for microPET imaging of CD13-positive tumor xenografts. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:12123-12131. [PMID: 27220318 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5068-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of 68Ga-labeled iNGR, containing Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) homing sequence and CendR (R/KXXR/K) penetrating motif, as a new molecular probe for microPET imaging of CD13-positive xenografts. The synthesized iNGR and NGR peptides were conjugated with DOTA and then labeled with 68Ga. 68Ga-iNGR and 68Ga-NGR were compared in the performance of the in vitro stability, partition coefficient, binding affinity, cell uptake analysis, in vivo microPET imaging, and biodistribution studies in CD13-positive HT-1080 and CD13-negative HT-29 cell lines. The in vitro results revealed that both probes exhibited high radiochemical purity and stability, and no significant difference between two probes was observed in terms of the binding affinity to CD13. In vivo microPET/CT imaging showed that the uptake of 68Ga-iNGR in HT-1080 tumor was significantly higher than that of 68Ga-NGR. Moreover, tumor 68Ga-iNGR uptake could be completely blocked by cold NGR and partially blocked by neutralizing NRP-1 antibody. We concluded that 68Ga-iNGR has a higher tumor uptake and better tumor retention than 68Ga-NGR through NRP-1, indicating that CendR motif modification is a promising method for improving NGR peptide performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxuan Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kunming General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, No. 212 Daguan Road, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Weidong Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Mingru Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Guoquan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xiaowei Ma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fei Kang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No.127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ma W, Shao Y, Yang W, Li G, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Zuo C, Chen K, Wang J. Evaluation of (188)Re-labeled NGR-VEGI protein for radioimaging and radiotherapy in mice bearing human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 xenografts. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:9121-9. [PMID: 26768609 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-4810-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI) is an anti-angiogenic protein, which includes three isoforms: VEGI-174, VEGI-192, and VEGI-251. The NGR (asparagine-glycine-arginine)-containing peptides can specifically bind to CD13 (Aminopeptidase N) receptor which is overexpressed in angiogenic blood vessels and tumor cells. In this study, a novel NGR-VEGI fusion protein was prepared and labeled with (188)Re for radioimaging and radiotherapy in mice bearing human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 xenografts. Single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging results revealed that (188)Re-NGR-VEGI exhibits good tumor-to-background contrast in CD13-positive HT-1080 tumor xenografts. The CD13 specificity of (188)Re-NGR-VEGI was further verified by significant reduction of tumor uptake in HT-1080 tumor xenografts with co-injection of the non-radiolabeled NGR-VEGI protein. The biodistribution results demonstrated good tumor-to-muscle ratio (4.98 ± 0.25) of (188)Re-NGR-VEGI at 24 h, which is consistent with the results from SPECT imaging. For radiotherapy, 18.5 MBq of (188)Re-NGR-VEGI showed excellent tumor inhibition effect in HT-1080 tumor xenografts with no observable toxicity, which was confirmed by the tumor size change and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of major mouse organs. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that (188)Re-NGR-VEGI has the potential as a theranostic agent for CD13-targeted tumor imaging and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Ma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- Molecular Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, CSC 103, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-9061, USA
| | - Yahui Shao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, General Hospital of Jinan Military Region, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Weidong Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Guiyu Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Yingqi Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mingru Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Changjing Zuo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Molecular Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, CSC 103, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-9061, USA.
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhu J, Zhao L, Cheng Y, Xiong Z, Tang Y, Shen M, Zhao J, Shi X. Radionuclide (131)I-labeled multifunctional dendrimers for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of tumors. NANOSCALE 2015; 7:18169-18178. [PMID: 26477402 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr05585g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We report the synthesis, characterization, and utilization of radioactive (131)I-labeled multifunctional dendrimers for targeted single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and radiotherapy of tumors. In this study, amine-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers of generation 5 (G5·NH2) were sequentially modified with 3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid-OSu (HPAO) and folic acid (FA) linked with polyethylene glycol (PEG), followed by acetylation modification of the dendrimer remaining surface amines and labeling of radioactive iodine-131 ((131)I). The generated multifunctional (131)I-G5·NHAc-HPAO-PEG-FA dendrimers were characterized via different methods. We show that prior to (131)I labeling, the G5·NHAc-HPAO-PEG-FA dendrimers conjugated with approximately 9.4 HPAO moieties per dendrimer are noncytotoxic at a concentration up to 20 μM and are able to target cancer cells overexpressing FA receptors (FAR), thanks to the modified FA ligands. In the presence of a phenol group, radioactive (131)I is able to be efficiently labeled onto the dendrimer platform with good stability and high radiochemical purity, and render the platform with an ability for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of an FAR-overexpressing xenografted tumor model in vivo. The designed strategy to use the facile dendrimer nanotechnology may be extended to develop various radioactive theranostic nanoplatforms for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of different types of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingzhou Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yongjun Cheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijuan Xiong
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yueqin Tang
- Experiment Center, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingwu Shen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinhua Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangyang Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, People's Republic of China and College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Enyedi KN, Czajlik A, Knapp K, Láng A, Majer Z, Lajkó E, Kőhidai L, Perczel A, Mező G. Development of cyclic NGR peptides with thioether linkage: structure and dynamics determining deamidation and bioactivity. J Med Chem 2015; 58:1806-17. [PMID: 25646854 DOI: 10.1021/jm501630j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
NGR peptides that recognize CD13 receptors in tumor neovasculature are of high interest, in particular due to their potential applications in drug targeting. Here we report the synthesis and structural analysis of novel thioether bond-linked cyclic NGR peptides. Our results show that their chemostability (resistance against spontaneous decomposition forming isoAsp and Asp derivatives) strongly depends on both sample handling conditions and structural properties. A significant correlation was found between chemostability and structural measures, such as NH(Gly)-CO(Asn-sc) distances. The side-chain orientation of Asn is a key determining factor; if it is turned away from HN(Gly), the chemostability increases. Structure stabilizing factors (e.g., H-bonds) lower their internal dynamics, and thus biomolecules become even more resistant against spontaneous decomposition. The effect of cyclic NGR peptides on cell adhesion was examined in A2058 melanoma cell lines. It was found that some of the investigated peptides gradually increased cell adhesion with long-term characteristics, indicating time-dependent formation of integrin binding isoAsp derivatives that are responsible for the adhesion-inducing effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kata Nóra Enyedi
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences,▽MTA-ELTE Protein Modelling Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, ∥Laboratory for Chiroptical Structure Analysis, Institute of Chemistry, and ⊥Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University , Pázmány P. sétány 1/A, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kim DW, Kim WH, Kim MH, Kim CG. Synthesis and evaluation of novel Tc-99m labeled NGR-containing hexapeptides as tumor imaging agents. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2015; 58:30-5. [PMID: 25583160 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR)-containing peptides targeting aminopeptidase N (APN)/CD13 can be an excellent candidate for targeting ligands in molecular tumor imaging. In this study, we developed two NGR-containing hexapeptides, and evaluated the diagnostic performance of Tc-99m labeled hexapeptides as molecular imaging agents in an HT-1080 fibrosarcoma-bearing murine model. Peptides were synthesized using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Radiochemical purity of Tc-99m was evaluated using instant thin-layer chromatography. The uptake of two NGR-containing hexapeptides within HT-1080 cells was evaluated in vitro. In HT-1080 fibrosarcoma tumor-bearing mice, gamma images were acquired. A biodistribution study was performed to calculate percentage of the injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g). Two hexapeptides, glutamic acid-cysteine-glycine (ECG)-NGR and NGR-ECG were successfully synthesized. After radiolabeling procedures with Tc-99m, the complexes Tc-99m hexapeptides were prepared in high yield. The uptake of Tc-99m ECG-NGR within the tumor cells had been assured by in vitro studies. The gamma camera imaging in the murine model showed that Tc-99m ECG-NGR was accumulated substantially in the subcutaneously engrafted tumor. However, Tc-99m NGR-ECG was accumulated minimally in the tumor. Two NGR-containing hexapeptides, ECG-NGR and NGR-ECG were developed as molecular imaging agents to target APN/CD13 in HT-1080 fibrosarcoma. Tc-99m ECG-NGR showed a significant uptake in the tumor, and it is a good candidate for tumor imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Weung Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea; Research Unit of Molecular Imaging Agent (RUMIA), Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Máté G, Kertész I, Enyedi KN, Mező G, Angyal J, Vasas N, Kis A, Szabó É, Emri M, Bíró T, Galuska L, Trencsényi G. In vivo imaging of Aminopeptidase N (CD13) receptors in experimental renal tumors using the novel radiotracer (68)Ga-NOTA-c(NGR). Eur J Pharm Sci 2015; 69:61-71. [PMID: 25592229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) plays an important role in tumor neoangiogenic process and the development of metastases. Furthermore, it may serve as a potential target for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Previous studies have already shown that asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) peptides specifically bind to APN/CD13. The aim of the study was to synthesize and investigate the APN/CD13 specificity of a novel (68)Ga-labeled NOTA-c(NGR) molecule in vivo using miniPET. METHODS c[KNGRE]-NH2 peptide was conjugated with p-SCN-Bn-NOTA and was labeled with Ga-68 ((68)Ga-NOTA-c(NGR)). Orthotopic and heterotopic transplanted mesoblastic nephroma (NeDe) bearing Fischer-344 rats were prepared, on which biodistribution studies and miniPET scans were performed for both (68)Ga-NOTA-c(NGR) and ανβ3 integrin selective (68)Ga-NODAGA-[c(RGD)]2 tracers. APN/CD13 receptor expression of NeDe tumors and metastases was analyzed by western blot. RESULTS (68)Ga-NOTA-c(NGR) was produced with high specific activity (5.13-5.92GBq/μmol) and with excellent radiochemical purity (95%<), at all cases. Biodistribution studies in normal rats showed that uptake of the (68)Ga-NOTA-c(NGR) was significantly (p⩽0.05) lower in abdominal organs in comparison with (68)Ga-NODAGA-[c(RGD)]2. Both radiotracers were mainly excreted from the kidney. In NeDe tumor bearing rats higher (68)Ga-NOTA-c(NGR) accumulation was found in the tumors than that of the (68)Ga-NODAGA-[c(RGD)]2. Using orthotopic transplantation, metastases were developed which showed specific (68)Ga-NOTA-c(NGR) uptake. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of APN/CD13 expression in NeDe tumors and metastases. CONCLUSION Our novel radiotracer (68)Ga-NOTA-c(NGR) showed specific binding to the APN/CD13 expressed ortho- and heterotopic transplanted NeDe tumors. Therefore, (68)Ga-NOTA-c(NGR) is a suitable tracer for the detection of APN/CD13 positive tumors and metastases in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Máté
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Kertész
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kata Nóra Enyedi
- MTA-ELTE, Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös L. University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mező
- MTA-ELTE, Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös L. University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Angyal
- Department of Periodontology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Vasas
- Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Kis
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Szabó
- Department of Periodontology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Miklós Emri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bíró
- Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Galuska
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Trencsényi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary; Scanomed LTD, Debrecen, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Baishya R, Nayak DK, Karmakar S, Chattopadhyay S, Sachdeva SS, Sarkar BR, Ganguly S, Debnath MC. Synthesis and evaluation of technetium-99m-labeled bioreductive pharmacophores conjugated with amino acids and peptides for tumor imaging. Chem Biol Drug Des 2014; 85:504-17. [PMID: 25243793 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Development of molecular imaging agents to target tumor has become a major trend in nuclear medicine. With the aim to develop new potential 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals for targeting tumor, we have synthesized 5-nitroimidazolyl amino acids and RGD-coupled 2-nitroimidazoles. Technetium-99m radiolabeling with high radiochemical purity (>90%) was achieved for all the compounds. The radiolabeled complexes exhibited substantial in vitro stability in saline, serum, and histidine solution (10(-2) m). Cell binding studies in EAC and B16F10 cell lines also revealed rapid and comparatively high cellular internalization. Among all the compounds studied, the binding of 99mTc(CO)3-5 to B16F10 cells was moderately inhibited by the competitive peptide c[RGDfV], suggesting specificity of the radioligand toward αvβ3 receptor. However, no significant displacement of bound radioligand was observed when the binding of the 99mTc-labeled complexes to above cells was challenged with excess competitive peptide. Fluorescent microscopy study provided direct evidence of intracellular localization of 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein-labeled 2-nitroimidazolyl-RGD-peptide in αvβ3-positive B16F10 mouse melanoma cell line. The ligands caused only 8-13% of hemolysis toward rat erythrocytes at concentrations as high as 100 μm. Imaging and biodistribution studies were performed in Swiss albino mice bearing induced tumor. 99mTc-1 and 99mTc(CO)3-5 demonstrated a very favorable in vivo profile. Selective uptake and retention in tumor with encouraging tumor/muscle and tumor/blood ratio and significant cellular uptake of fluorescence-labeled-2-nitroimidazolyl RGD indicate the great potentiality of the pharmacophore for further evaluation as potential molecular imaging agent in cancer diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rinku Baishya
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700 032, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
68Ga-labeled cyclic NGR peptide for microPET imaging of CD13 receptor expression. Molecules 2014; 19:11600-12. [PMID: 25100253 PMCID: PMC6271277 DOI: 10.3390/molecules190811600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides containing the asparagines-glycine-arginine (NGR) motif have been identified as specific ligands binding to CD13/aminopeptidase N (APN) receptor, a tumor neovascular biomarker. In this study, we synthesized a novel NGR-containing peptide (NOTA-G3-NGR), and labeled NOTA-G3-NGR with 68Ga (t1/2 = 67.7 min). The resulting 68Ga-NOTA-G3-NGR peptide was subject to in vitro and in vivo characterization. The microPET imaging results revealed that the 68Ga-NOTA-G3-NGR peptide exhibits rapid and specific tumor uptake, and high tumor-to-background contrast in a subcutaneous HT-1080 fibrosarcoma mouse model. We concluded that the 68Ga-NOTA-G3-NGR peptide has potential in the diagnosis of CD13-targeted tumor angiogenesis.
Collapse
|
25
|
Pathuri G, Madka V, Hedrick AF, Lightfoot S, Awasthi V, Cowley BD, Rao CV, Gali H. Evaluation of (99m)Tc-probestin SPECT as a novel technique for noninvasive imaging of kidney aminopeptidase N expression. Mol Pharm 2014; 11:2948-53. [PMID: 24988047 PMCID: PMC4144757 DOI: 10.1021/mp5002872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Aminopeptidase N (APN; CD13; EC 3.4.11.2) is a zinc-dependent membrane-bound exopeptidase that catalyzes the removal of N-terminal amino acids from peptides. APN is known to be highly expressed on renal cortical proximal tubules. APN expression levels are markedly decreased under the influence of nephrotoxins and in the tumor regions of renal cancers. Thus, molecular imaging of kidney APN expression could provide pathophysiological information about kidneys noninvasively. Probestin is a potent APN inhibitor and binds to APN. Abdominal SPECT imaging was conducted at 1 h postinjection of (99m)Tc-probestin in a group of 12 UPII-SV40T transgenic and wild-type mice. UPII-SV40T mice spontaneously develop urothelial carcinoma in situ and invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) that invade kidneys. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to confirm the presence of tumor and to evaluate APN expression in kidney. Radioactivity in normal tissue regions of renal cortex was clearly visible in SPECT images, whereas tumor regions of renal cortex displayed significantly lower or no radioactivity uptake. Histopathological analysis of kidney sections showed normal morphology for both renal pelvic and cortical regions in wild-type mice and abnormal morphology in some transgenic mice. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining confirmed the presence of tumor in those abnormal regions. Immunohistochemical analysis of kidney sections using anti-CD13 antibody showed significantly lower APN expression in tumor regions compared to normal regions. Results obtained in this study demonstrate the potential use of (99m)Tc-probestin SPECT as a novel technique for noninvasive imaging of kidney APN expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Pathuri
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Center for Cancer
Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology/Oncology Section, Department
of Medicine, PCS Oklahoma Cancer Center, and Nephrology Section, Department of Medicine,
College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma 73117, United States
| | - Venkateshwar Madka
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Center for Cancer
Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology/Oncology Section, Department
of Medicine, PCS Oklahoma Cancer Center, and Nephrology Section, Department of Medicine,
College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma 73117, United States
| | - Andria F. Hedrick
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Center for Cancer
Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology/Oncology Section, Department
of Medicine, PCS Oklahoma Cancer Center, and Nephrology Section, Department of Medicine,
College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma 73117, United States
| | - Stanley
A. Lightfoot
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Center for Cancer
Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology/Oncology Section, Department
of Medicine, PCS Oklahoma Cancer Center, and Nephrology Section, Department of Medicine,
College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma 73117, United States
| | - Vibhudutta Awasthi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Center for Cancer
Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology/Oncology Section, Department
of Medicine, PCS Oklahoma Cancer Center, and Nephrology Section, Department of Medicine,
College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma 73117, United States
| | - Benjamin D. Cowley
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Center for Cancer
Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology/Oncology Section, Department
of Medicine, PCS Oklahoma Cancer Center, and Nephrology Section, Department of Medicine,
College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma 73117, United States
| | - Chinthalapally V. Rao
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Center for Cancer
Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology/Oncology Section, Department
of Medicine, PCS Oklahoma Cancer Center, and Nephrology Section, Department of Medicine,
College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma 73117, United States
| | - Hariprasad Gali
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Center for Cancer
Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology/Oncology Section, Department
of Medicine, PCS Oklahoma Cancer Center, and Nephrology Section, Department of Medicine,
College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma 73117, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li G, Wang X, Zong S, Wang J, Conti PS, Chen K. MicroPET imaging of CD13 expression using a (64)Cu-labeled dimeric NGR peptide based on sarcophagine cage. Mol Pharm 2014; 11:3938-46. [PMID: 25054774 DOI: 10.1021/mp500354x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CD13 receptor as a tumor vasculature biomarker has attracted great attention in cancer research. Through phage display screening, NGR-containing peptides have been characterized as specific ligands binding to CD13 receptor. In this study, a (64)Cu-labeled dimeric NGR peptide based on sarcophagine cage was synthesized and evaluated for micropositron emission tomography (PET) imaging of CD13 expression in vivo. Macrocyclic chelating agent (sarcophagine cage) was conjugated with two azide moieties, followed by mixing with an alkyne-containing NGR peptide to rapidly provide the Sar-NGR2 peptide by click chemistry. Radiolabeling of Sar-NGR2 with (64)Cu was achieved in >90% decay-corrected yield with radiochemical purity of >99%. The cell uptake study showed that (64)Cu-Sar-NGR2 binds to CD13-positive HT-1080 cells, but not to CD13-negative MCF-7 cells. MicroPET imaging results revealed that (64)Cu-Sar-NGR2 exhibits good tumor uptake in CD13-positive HT-1080 xenografts and significantly lower tumor uptake in CD13-negative MCF-7 xenografts. The CD13-specific binding of (64)Cu-Sar-NGR2 was further verified by significant reduction of tumor uptake in HT-1080 tumor xenografts with coinjection of a nonradiolabeled NGR peptide. The biodistribution results demonstrated good tumor/muscle ratio (8.28 ± 0.37) of (64)Cu-Sar-NGR2 at 24 h pi in HT-1080 tumor xenografts, which is in agreement with the quantitative analysis of microPET imaging. In conclusion, sarcophagine cage has been successfully applied to the construction of a (64)Cu-labeled dimeric NGR-containing peptide. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that (64)Cu-Sar-NGR2 is a promising PET probe for imaging CD13 expression in living mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoquan Li
- Molecular Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shao Y, Liang W, Kang F, Yang W, Ma X, Li G, Zong S, Chen K, Wang J. A direct comparison of tumor angiogenesis with ⁶⁸Ga-labeled NGR and RGD peptides in HT-1080 tumor xenografts using microPET imaging. Amino Acids 2014; 46:2355-64. [PMID: 24990522 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1788-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Peptides containing asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) and arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) sequence are being developed for tumor angiogenesis-targeted imaging and therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of NGR- and RGD-based probes for imaging tumor angiogenesis in HT-1080 tumor xenografts. Two PET probes, (68)Ga-NOTA-G₃-NGR2 and ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-G₃-RGD2, were successfully prepared. In vitro stability, partition coefficient, tumor cell binding, as well as in vivo biodistribution properties were also analyzed for both PET probes. The results revealed that the two probes were both hydrophilic and stable in vitro and in vivo, and they were excreted predominately and rapidly through the kidneys. For both probes, the higher tumor uptake and lower accumulation in vital organs were determined. No significant difference between two probes was observed in terms of tumor uptake and the in vivo biodistribution properties. We concluded that these two probes are promising in tumor angiogenesis imaging. ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-G₃-NGR2 has the potential as an alternative for PET imaging in patients with fibrosarcoma, and it may offer an opportunity to noninvasively monitor CD13-targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Shao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 15 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Biodistribution and SPECT imaging study of (99m)Tc labeling NGR peptide in nude mice bearing human HepG2 hepatoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:618096. [PMID: 24977153 PMCID: PMC4052532 DOI: 10.1155/2014/618096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A peptide containing Asn-Gly-Arg(NGR) sequence was synthesized and directly labeled with 99mTc. Its radiochemical characteristics, biodistribution, and SPECT imaging were evaluated in nude mice bearing human HepG2 hepatoma. Nude mice bearing HepG2 were randomly divided into 5 groups with 5 mice in each group and injected with ~7.4 MBq 99mTc-NGR. The SPECT images were acquired in 1, 4, 8, and 12 h postinjection via caudal vein. The metabolism of tracers was determined in major organs at different time points, which demonstrated rapid, significant tumor uptake and slow tumor washout. The control group mice were blocked by coinjecting unlabelled NGR (20 mg/kg). Tumor uptake was (2.52 ± 0.83%) ID/g at 1 h, with the highest uptake of (3.26 ± 0.63%) ID/g at 8 h. In comparison, the uptake of the blocked control group was (1.65 ± 0.61%) ID/g at 1 h after injection. The SPECT static images and the tumor/muscle (T/NT) value were obtained. The highest T/NT value was 7.58 ± 1.92 at 8 h. The xenografted tumor became visible at 1 h and the clearest image of the tumor was observed at 8 h. In conclusion, 99mTc-NGR can be efficiently prepared and it exhibited good properties for the potential SPECT imaging agent of tumor.
Collapse
|
29
|
Faintuch BL, Oliveira EA, Targino RC, Moro AM. Radiolabeled NGR phage display peptide sequence for tumor targeting. Appl Radiat Isot 2014; 86:41-5. [PMID: 24480451 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) peptide sequence found by phage display, was radiolabeled with technetium-99m and tested in different tumor models. Similar uptake occurred with ovarian and lung tumor cells. Biodistribution of the radiotracer revealed predominant renal excretion with more substantial uptake in animals bearing ovarian tumor cells. In contrast imaging studies indicated better visualization for lung tumor. NGR peptide was characterized as a promising diagnostic candidate, particularly for lung cancer. Improvements are envisaged using NGR combined with RGD as a heterodimer molecule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B L Faintuch
- Radiopharmacy, Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 2242, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - E A Oliveira
- Radiopharmacy, Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 2242, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - R C Targino
- Laboratory of Biopharmacology in Animal Cells, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil 1500, 05503900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - A M Moro
- Laboratory of Biopharmacology in Animal Cells, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil 1500, 05503900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
68Ga-DOTA-NGR as a novel molecular probe for APN-positive tumor imaging using MicroPET. Nucl Med Biol 2013; 41:268-75. [PMID: 24438818 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2013.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Aminopeptidase N (APN) is selectively expressed on many tumors and the endothelium of tumor neovasculature, and may serve as a promising target for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) peptides have been shown to bind specifically to the APN receptor and have served as vehicles for the delivery of various therapeutic drugs in previous studies. The purpose of this study was to synthesize and evaluate the efficacy of a (68)Ga-labeled NGR peptide as a new molecular probe that binds to APN. METHODS NGR peptide was conjugated with 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N",N"'-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and labeled with (68)Ga at 95°C for 10 min. In vitro uptake and binding analysis was performed with A549 and MDA-MB231 cells. Biodistribution of (68)Ga-DOTA-NGR was determined in normal mice by dissection method. (68)Ga-DOTA-NGR PET was performed in A549 and MDA-MB231 xenografts, and included dynamic and static imaging. APN expression in tumors and new vasculatures was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The radiochemical purity of (68)Ga-DOTA-NGR was 98.0% ± 1.4% with a specific activity of about 17.49 MBq/nmol. The uptake of (68)Ga-DOTA-NGR in A549 cells increased with longer incubation times, and could be blocked by cold DOTA-NGR, while no specific uptake was found in MDA-MB231 cells. In vivo biodistribution studies showed that (68)Ga-DOTA-NGR was mainly excreted from the kidney, and rapidly cleared from blood and nonspecific organs. MicroPET imaging showed that high focal accumulation had occurred in the tumor site at 1 h post-injection (pi) in A549 tumor xenografts. A significant reduction of tumor uptake was observed following coinjection with a blocking dose of DOTA-NGR, whereas only mild uptake was found in MDA-MB231 tumor xenografts. Tumor uptake, measured as the tumor/lung ratio, increased with time peaking at 12.58 ± 1.26 at 1.5 h pi. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that APN was overexpressed on A549 cells and neovasculature. CONCLUSIONS (68)Ga-DOTA-NGR was easily synthesized and showed favorable biodistribution and kinetics. (68)Ga-DOTA-NGR could also specifically bind to the APN receptor in vitro and in vivo, and might be a potential molecular probe for the noninvasive detection of APN-positive tumors and neovasculature.
Collapse
|
31
|
Pathuri G, Hedrick AF, Awasthi V, Ihnat MA, Gali H. Evaluation of 99mTc-probestin for imaging APN expressing tumors by SPECT. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:5049-52. [PMID: 23937983 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Aminopeptidase N (APN) is known to play important roles in tumor angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. Thus, APN is an attractive biomarker for imaging tumor angiogenesis. Here we report results obtained from biodistribution and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging studies of a technetium-99m labeled probestin (a potent APN inhibitor) conjugate containing a tripeptide, Asp-DAP-Cys (DAP=2,3-diaminopropionic acid), chelator and a 8-amino-3,6-dioxaoctanoic acid (PEG2) linker conducted in nude mice xenografted with HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma tumors (APN-positive tumors). These results collectively demonstrate that (99m)Tc-probestin uptake by tumors and other APN expressing tissues in vivo is specific and validate the use of probestin as a vector for targeting APN in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Pathuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|