In vivo imaging of metastatic cancer with fluorescent proteins

The Establishment of a Lung Colonization Assay for Circulating Tumor Cell Visualization in Lung Tissues

Metastasis is the major cause of cancer death. The role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in promoting cancer metastasis, in which lung colonization by CTCs critically contributes to early lung metastatic processes, has been vigorously investigated. As such, animal models are the only approach that captures the full systemic process of metastasis. Given that problems occur in previous experimental designs for examining the contributions of CTCs to blood vessel extravasation, we established an in vivo lung colonization assay in which a long-term-fluorescence cell-tracer, carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE), was used to label suspended tumor cells and lung perfusion was performed to clear non-specifically trapped CTCs prior to lung removal, confocal imaging, and quantification. Polymeric fibronectin (polyFN) assembled on CTC surfaces has been found to mediate lung colonization in the final establishment of metastatic tumor tissues. Here, to specifically test the requirement of polyFN assembly on CTCs for lung colonization and extravasation, we performed short term lung colonization assays in which suspended Lewis lung carcinoma cells (LLCs) stably expressing FN-shRNA (shFN) or scramble-shRNA (shScr) and pre-labeled with 20 μM of CFSE were intravenously inoculated into C57BL/6 mice. We successfully demonstrated that the abilities of shFN LLC cells to colonize the mouse lungs were significantly diminished in comparison to shScr LLC cells. Therefore, this short-term methodology may be widely applied to specifically demonstrate the ability of CTCs within the circulation to colonize the lungs.

Cryo-Imaging and Software Platform for Analysis of Molecular MR Imaging of Micrometastases

We created and evaluated a preclinical, multimodality imaging, and software platform to assess molecular imaging of small metastases. This included experimental methods (e.g., GFP-labeled tumor and high resolution multispectral cryo-imaging), nonrigid image registration, and interactive visualization of imaging agent targeting. We describe technological details earlier applied to GFP-labeled metastatic tumor targeting by molecular MR (CREKA-Gd) and red fluorescent (CREKA-Cy5) imaging agents. Optimized nonrigid cryo-MRI registration enabled nonambiguous association of MR signals to GFP tumors. Interactive visualization of out-of-RAM volumetric image data allowed one to zoom to a GFP-labeled micrometastasis, determine its anatomical location from color cryo-images, and establish the presence/absence of targeted CREKA-Gd and CREKA-Cy5. In a mouse with >160 GFP-labeled tumors, we determined that in the MR images every tumor in the lung >0.3 mm² had visible signal and that some metastases as small as 0.1 mm² were also visible. More tumors were visible in CREKA-Cy5 than in CREKA-Gd MRI. Tape transfer method and nonrigid registration allowed accurate (<11 μm error) registration of whole mouse histology to corresponding cryo-images. Histology showed inflammation and necrotic regions not labeled by imaging agents. This mouse-to-cells multiscale and multimodality platform should uniquely enable more informative and accurate studies of metastatic cancer imaging and therapy.

Multimodal molecular 3D imaging for the tumoral volumetric distribution assessment of folate-based biosensors

The aim of this study was to characterize the in vivo volumetric distribution of three folate-based biosensors by different imaging modalities (X-ray, fluorescence, Cerenkov luminescence, and radioisotopic imaging) through the development of a tridimensional image reconstruction algorithm. The preclinical and multimodal Xtreme imaging system, with a Multimodal Animal Rotation System (MARS), was used to acquire bidimensional images, which were processed to obtain the tridimensional reconstruction. Images of mice at different times (biosensor distribution) were simultaneously obtained from the four imaging modalities. The filtered back projection and inverse Radon transformation were used as main image-processing techniques. The algorithm developed in Matlab was able to calculate the volumetric profiles of ^99mTc-Folate-Bombesin (radioisotopic image), ¹⁷⁷Lu-Folate-Bombesin (Cerenkov image), and FolateRSense™ 680 (fluorescence image) in tumors and kidneys of mice, and no significant differences were detected in the volumetric quantifications among measurement techniques. The imaging tridimensional reconstruction algorithm can be easily extrapolated to different 2D acquisition-type images. This characteristic flexibility of the algorithm developed in this study is a remarkable advantage in comparison to similar reconstruction methods.

Folic acid-conjugated organically modified silica nanoparticles for enhanced targeted delivery in cancer cells and tumor in vivo

Folic acid-conjugated fluorescent silica nanoparticles with biocompatibility and high-selectivity show great potential forin vivotumor imaging.

MicroRNAs in brain metastases: potential role as diagnostics and therapeutics

Brain metastases remain a daunting adversary that negatively impact patient survival. Metastatic brain tumors affect up to 45% of all cancer patients with systemic cancer and account for ~20% of all cancer-related deaths. A complex network of non-coding RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs), regulate tumor metastasis. The brain micro-environment modulates metastatic tumor growth; however, defining the precise genetic events that promote metastasis in the brain niche represents an important, unresolved problem. Understanding these events will reveal disease-based targets and offer effective strategies to treat brain metastases. Effective therapeutic strategies based upon the biology of brain metastases represent an urgent, unmet need with immediate potential for clinical impact. Studies have demonstrated the ability of miRNAs to distinguish normal from cancerous cells, primary from secondary brain tumors, and correctly categorize metastatic brain tumor tissue of origin based solely on miRNA profiles. Interestingly, manipulation of miRNAs has proven effective in cancer treatment. With the promise of reduced toxicity, increased efficacy and individually directed personalized anti-cancer therapy, using miRNA in the treatment of metastatic brain tumors may prove very useful and improve patient outcome. In this review, we focus on the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the treatment of metastatic brain lesions.

Luminescent ruthenium complexes for theranostic applications

The water-soluble and visible luminescent complexes cis-[Ru(L-L)2(L)2](2+) where L-L = 2,2-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline and L= imidazole, 1-methylimidazole, and histamine have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Spectroscopic (circular dichroism, saturation transfer difference NMR, and diffusion ordered spectroscopy NMR) and isothermal titration calorimetry studies indicate binding of cis-[Ru(phen)2(ImH)2](2+) and human serum albumin occurs via noncovalent interactions with K(b) = 9.8 × 10(4) mol(-1) L, ΔH = -11.5 ± 0.1 kcal mol(-1), and TΔS = -4.46 ± 0.3 kcal mol(-1). High uptake of the complex into HCT116 cells was detected by luminescent confocal microscopy. Cytotoxicity of cis-[Ru(phen)2(ImH)2](2+) against proliferation of HCT116p53(+/+) and HCT116p53(-/-) shows IC50 values of 0.1 and 0.7 μmol L(-1). Flow cytometry and western blot indicate RuphenImH mediates cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase in both cells and is more prominent in p53(+/+). The complex activates proapoptotic PARP in p53(-/-), but not in p53(+/+). A cytostatic mechanism based on quantification of the number of cells during the time period of incubation is suggested.

A multimode optical imaging system for preclinical applications in vivo: technology development, multiscale imaging, and chemotherapy assessment

PURPOSE

Several established optical imaging approaches have been applied, usually in isolation, to preclinical studies; however, truly useful in vivo imaging may require a simultaneous combination of imaging modalities to examine dynamic characteristics of cells and tissues. We developed a new multimode optical imaging system designed to be application-versatile, yielding high sensitivity, and specificity molecular imaging.

PROCEDURES

We integrated several optical imaging technologies, including fluorescence intensity, spectral, lifetime, intravital confocal, two-photon excitation, and bioluminescence, into a single system that enables functional multiscale imaging in animal models.

RESULTS

The approach offers a comprehensive imaging platform for kinetic, quantitative, and environmental analysis of highly relevant information, with micro-to-macroscopic resolution. Applied to small animals in vivo, this provides superior monitoring of processes of interest, represented here by chemo-/nanoconstruct therapy assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

This new system is versatile and can be optimized for various applications, of which cancer detection and targeted treatment are emphasized here.

In vivo imaging of oligonucleotide delivery

RNA interference (RNAi) has rapidly become a powerful tool for drug-target discovery and therapeutics. Cancer is an important application for RNAi therapeutics, since abnormal gene regulation is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis and maintenance of the metastatic phenotype of cancer. Many oncogenic genes present enticing therapeutic target possibilities for RNAi. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) are potent and specific examples of RNAi are able to silence tumor-related genes and multiple oncogenic pathways and appear to be a rational approach to inhibit tumor growth. In subsequent in vivo studies, an appropriate animal model must be developed for a better evaluation of gene-silencing effects on tumors. How to evaluate the effect of siRNA and miRNA in an in vivo therapeutic model is also important. Bioluminescence imaging is an optical imaging method that can evaluate RNAi in vivo.

Ratiometric spectral imaging for fast tumor detection and chemotherapy monitoring in vivo

We report a novel in vivo spectral imaging approach to cancer detection and chemotherapy assessment. We describe and characterize a ratiometric spectral imaging and analysis method and evaluate its performance for tumor detection and delineation by quantitatively monitoring the specific accumulation of targeted gallium corrole (HerGa) into HER2-positive (HER2 +) breast tumors. HerGa temporal accumulation in nude mice bearing HER2 + breast tumors was monitored comparatively by a. this new ratiometric imaging and analysis method; b. established (reflectance and fluorescence) spectral imaging; c. more commonly used fluorescence intensity imaging. We also tested the feasibility of HerGa imaging in vivo using the ratiometric spectral imaging method for tumor detection and delineation. Our results show that the new method not only provides better quantitative information than typical spectral imaging, but also better specificity than standard fluorescence intensity imaging, thus allowing enhanced in vivo outlining of tumors and dynamic, quantitative monitoring of targeted chemotherapy agent accumulation into them.

Enhanced intratumoral uptake of quantum dots concealed within hydrogel nanoparticles

Effective nanomedical devices for tumor imaging and drug delivery are not yet available. In an attempt to construct a more functional device for tumor imaging, we have embedded quantum dots (which have poor circulatory behavior) within hydrogel nanoparticles made of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide. We found that the hydrogel encapsulated quantum dots are more readily taken up by cultured tumor cells. Furthermore, in a melanoma model, hydrogel encapsulated quantum dots also preferentially accumulate in the tumor tissue compared with normal tissue and have ∼16-fold greater intratumoral uptake compared to non-derivatized quantum dots. Our results suggest that these derivatized quantum dots, which have greatly improved tumor localization, may enhance cancer monitoring and chemotherapy.

Molecular imaging of novel cell- and viral-based therapies

Drugs, surgery, and radiation are the traditional modalities of therapy in medicine. To these are being added new therapies based on cells and viruses or their derivatives. In these novel therapies, a cell or viral vector acts as a drug in its own right, altering the host or a disease process to bring about healing. Most of these advances originate from the significant recent advances in molecular medicine, but some have been around for some time. Blood transfusions and cowpox vaccinations are part of the history of medicine...but nevertheless are examples of cell- and viral-based therapies. This article focuses on the modern molecular incarnations of these therapies, and specifically on how imaging is used to track and guide these novel agents. We survey the literature dealing with imaging these new cell and viral particle therapies and provide a framework for understanding publications in this area. Leading technology of gene modifications are the fundamental modifications applied to make these new therapies amenable to imaging.

Lanthanide-Binding Tags as Luminescent Probes for Studying Protein Interactions

Herein, we report a method for studying protein-peptide interactions which exploits the luminescence properties of Tb(III). Lanthanide-binding tags (LBTs) are short peptide sequences comprising 15-20 naturally occurring amino acids that bind Tb(III) with high affinity. These genetically encodable luminescent tags are smaller in size than the Aequorea victoria fluorescent proteins (AFPs) and benefit from the long-lived luminescence lifetime of lanthanides. In this study, luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) was used to monitor the interaction between SH2 domains and different phosphopeptides. For the study, the SH2 domains of Src and Crk kinase were each coexpressed with an LBT, and phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated peptides were chemically synthesized with organic fluorophores. The LRET between the protein-bound Tb(III) and the peptide-based organic fluorophore was shown to be specific for the recognition of the SH2 domain and the peptide binding partner. This method can detect differences in binding affinity and can be used to measure the dissociation constant for the protein-peptide interaction. In addition, decay experiments can be used to calculate the distance between a site in the bound peptide and the protein using Förster theory. In all of these experiments, the millisecond luminescence lifetime of Tb(III) can be exploited using time-resolved detection to eliminate background fluorescence from organic fluorophores.

Behavioral Profiling of Human Transitional Cell Carcinoma Ex vivo

Outcome studies of many types of cancer have revealed that tumors of indistinguishable histologic appearance may differ significantly in aggressiveness and in their response to therapy. A strategy that would enable early identification of patients at high risk for disease progression and allow screening of multiple therapeutic agents simultaneously for efficacy would improve clinical management. We have developed an orthotopic organ culture model of bladder cancer in which quantum dot-based fluorescent imaging approaches are used to obtain quantitative measurements of tumor cell behavior. Human transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cells are labeled with quantum dot nanoparticles, and the cells instilled into the rat bladder in vivo, after which the bladder is excised and cultured ex vivo. Cell implantation, proliferation, and invasion into the organ wall are monitored using epifluorescence imaging and two-photon laser scanning confocal microscopy. Using this approach, we were able to assign distinct phenotypes to two metastatic bladder cancer cell lines based on different patterns of invasiveness into the bladder wall. We also showed that established tumor cell masses regressed following intravesical administration of the chemotherapeutic drug thiotepa. Collectively, these findings suggest that this assay system, which we have named EViTAS (for ex vivo tumor assay system), can recapitulate salient aspects of tumor growth in the host and is amenable to behavioral profiling of human cancer.

In vivo optical imaging of human adenoid cystic carcinoma cell metastasis

A noninvasive, whole-body, real-time fluorescence optical imaging of stable high-level green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing human adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC-M-GFP) was demonstrated for in vivo visualization of metastatic behavior in nude mice. Five-week-old female nude mice were injected with ACC-M-GFP in the primary organ: submandibular gland. Metastases were only visualized by GFP expression in the lung. However, metastatic lesions of ACC-M-GFP in the lung, muscle, bladder and bony were found by imaging of GFP expression in intact mice through tail vein injection of ACC-M-GFP cells. The construction of highly fluorescent and stable GFP transfectants of ACC-M has revealed the multi-organ metastatic capability of ACC-M cells through this optical imaging.

Protein biomarkers and drug design for cancer treatments

The development of new cancer treatments is quickly evolving away from traditional practices of the last 25 years. This change is occurring not only at the technical level, but also conceptually as the human genome is unravelled and decades of research contribute to our understanding of the molecular complexity of this disease. It is anticipated that disease initiation and progression is dictated by an understandable set of acquired capabilities. Knowledge of the molecular events associated with these acquired capabilities will allow the development of targeted agents coupled with new biomarkers for the prevention of cancer progression. This will have a profound influence on how drugs are developed, approved, and used by the medical community. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has over 400 Investigational New Drug (IND) applications for cancer in its portfolio, which increasingly involve molecular targets and genomic applications. However, only one-fifth of IND agents succeed in New Drug Application (NDA) and there is more expense and uncertainty around successful drug development than ever before. Biomarkers should help the success rate of INDs by enhancing the link between target and disease as well as in improving patient selection and monitoring response. In this review, we discuss how biomarkers can be used for target validation and pharmacodynamic modeling in preclinical drug discovery. We then explore the use of biomarkers in clinical development from proof of mechanism to proof of concept studies, as well as their use in the prevention setting.

Bioluminescence imaging in vivo - application to cancer research

Molecular events promoting tumourigenesis and anticancer therapeutic strategies have been intensively studied in tumour cell culture models. In the past few years, non-invasive bioluminescence imaging (BLI) has emerged as a powerful strategy for the validation of cell culture findings in animal models of cancer. BLI allows for repetitive and exceptionally sensitive real-time monitoring of a disease course, as well as of tumour response to therapeutic interventions in an individual animal. This review discusses the application of BLI to cancer research in general and to the area of experimental neuro-oncology in particular.