Development, synthesis, and 68Ga-Labeling of a Lipophilic complexing agent for atherosclerosis PET imaging

Design of Bifunctional Pyclen-Based Lanthanide Luminescent Bioprobes for Targeted Two-Photon Imaging

In the past, Lanthanide Luminescent Bioprobes (LLBs) based on pyclen-bearing π-extended picolinate antennas were synthesized and demonstrated well-adapted optical properties for biphotonic microscopy. The objective of this work is to develop a strategy to design bifunctional analogues of the previously studied LLBs presenting an additional reactive chemical group to allow their coupling to biological vectors to reach deep in vivo targeted two-photon bioimaging. Herein, we elaborated a synthetic scheme allowing the introduction of a primary amine on the para position of the macrocyclic pyridine unit. The photophysical and bioimaging studies demonstrate that the introduction of the reactive function does not alter the luminescent properties of the LLBs paving the way for further applications.

Modern Developments in Bifunctional Chelator Design for Gallium Radiopharmaceuticals

The positron-emitting radionuclide gallium-68 has become increasingly utilised in both preclinical and clinical settings with positron emission tomography (PET). The synthesis of radiochemically pure gallium-68 radiopharmaceuticals relies on careful consideration of the coordination chemistry. The short half-life of 68 min necessitates rapid quantitative radiolabelling (≤10 min). Desirable radiolabelling conditions include near-neutral pH, ambient temperatures, and low chelator concentrations to achieve the desired apparent molar activity. This review presents a broad overview of the requirements of an efficient bifunctional chelator in relation to the aqueous coordination chemistry of gallium. Developments in bifunctional chelator design and application are then presented and grouped according to eight categories of bifunctional chelator: the macrocyclic chelators DOTA and TACN; the acyclic HBED, pyridinecarboxylates, siderophores, tris(hydroxypyridinones), and DTPA; and the mesocyclic diazepines.

Dual-modal polypeptide-containing contrast agents for magnetic resonance/fluorescence imaging

Dual-modal magnetic resonance/fluorescent imaging (MRI/FI) attracts moreandmoreattentions in diagnosis of tumors. A corresponding dual-modal imaging agent with sufficient tumor sensitivity and specificity should be matched to improve imaging quality. Tripeptide (RGD) and pentapeptide (YIGSR) were selected as the tumor-targeting groups and attached to gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) and rhodamine B (RhB), and then make two novel polypeptide-based derivatives (RGD-Gd-DTPA-RhB and YIGSR-Gd-DTPA-RhB), respectively. These derivatives were further characterized and their properties, such as cell uptake, cell cytotoxicity, MRI and FI assay, were measured. YIGSR-Gd-DTPA-RhB and RGD-Gd-DTPA-RhB had high relaxivity, good tumor-targeting property, low cell cytotoxicity and good red FI in B16F10 melanoma cells. Moreover, YIGSR-Gd-DTPA-RhB and RGD-Gd-DTPA-RhB possessed high uptake to B16F10 melanoma, and then achieve highly enhanced FI and MRI of tumors in mice for a prolonged time. Therefore, YIGSR-Gd-DTPA-RhB and RGD-Gd-DTPA-RhB can be applied as the potential agents for tumor targeted MRI/FI in vivo.

Understanding the Exchange of Systemic HDL Particles Into the Brain and Vascular Cells Has Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are complex, heterogenous lipoprotein particles, consisting of a large family of apolipoproteins, formed in subspecies of distinct shapes, sizes, and functions and are synthesized in both the brain and the periphery. HDL apolipoproteins are important determinants of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology and vascular dementia, having both central and peripheral effects on brain amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation and vascular functions, however, the extent to which HDL particles (HLD-P) can exchange their protein and lipid components between the central nervous system (CNS) and the systemic circulation remains unclear. In this review, we delineate how HDL’s structure and composition enable exchange between the brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment, and vascular cells that ultimately affect brain amyloid metabolism and atherosclerosis. Accordingly, we then elucidate how modifications of HDL-P have diagnostic and therapeutic potential for brain vascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

(r)HDL in theranostics: how do we apply HDL's biology for precision medicine in atherosclerosis management?

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are key players in cholesterol metabolism homeostasis since they are responsible for transporting excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver. Imbalance in this process, due to either excessive accumulation or impaired clearance, results in net cholesterol accumulation and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, significant effort has been focused on the development of therapeutic tools capable of either directly or indirectly enhancing HDL-guided reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). More recently, in light of the emergence of precision nanomedicine, there has been renewed research interest in attempting to take advantage of the development of advanced recombinant HDL (rHDL) for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. In this review, we provide an update on the different approaches that have been developed using rHDL, focusing on the rHDL production methodology and rHDL applications in theranostics. We also compile a series of examples highlighting potential future perspectives in the field.