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Wei Z, Li B, Wen X, Jakobsson V, Liu P, Chen X, Zhang J. Engineered Antibodies as Cancer Radiotheranostics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2402361. [PMID: 38874523 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Radiotheranostics is a rapidly growing approach in personalized medicine, merging diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy to allow for the precise detection and treatment of diseases, notably cancer. Radiolabeled antibodies have become indispensable tools in the field of cancer theranostics due to their high specificity and affinity for cancer-associated antigens, which allows for accurate targeting with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while reducing side effects, immune-modulating ability, and versatility and flexibility in engineering and conjugation. However, there are inherent limitations in using antibodies as a platform for radiopharmaceuticals due to their natural activities within the immune system, large size preventing effective tumor penetration, and relatively long half-life with concerns for prolonged radioactivity exposure. Antibody engineering can solve these challenges while preserving the many advantages of the immunoglobulin framework. In this review, the goal is to give a general overview of antibody engineering and design for tumor radiotheranostics. Particularly, the four ways that antibody engineering is applied to enhance radioimmunoconjugates: pharmacokinetics optimization, site-specific bioconjugation, modulation of Fc interactions, and bispecific construct creation are discussed. The radionuclide choices for designed antibody radionuclide conjugates and conjugation techniques and future directions for antibody radionuclide conjugate innovation and advancement are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenni Wei
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Theranostics Center of Excellence (TCE), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 11 Biopolis Way, Helios, Singapore, 138667, Singapore
| | - Bingyu Li
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Theranostics Center of Excellence (TCE), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 11 Biopolis Way, Helios, Singapore, 138667, Singapore
| | - Xuejun Wen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Theranostics Center of Excellence (TCE), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 11 Biopolis Way, Helios, Singapore, 138667, Singapore
| | - Vivianne Jakobsson
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Peifei Liu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Theranostics Center of Excellence (TCE), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 11 Biopolis Way, Helios, Singapore, 138667, Singapore
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Theranostics Center of Excellence (TCE), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 11 Biopolis Way, Helios, Singapore, 138667, Singapore
- Departments of Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Theranostics Center of Excellence (TCE), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 11 Biopolis Way, Helios, Singapore, 138667, Singapore
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Braga Emidio N, Cheloha RW. Sortase-mediated labeling: Expanding frontiers in site-specific protein functionalization opens new research avenues. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2024; 80:102443. [PMID: 38503199 PMCID: PMC11164631 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.102443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
New applications for biomolecules demand novel approaches for their synthesis and modification. Traditional methods for modifying proteins and cells using non-specific labeling chemistry are insufficiently precise to rigorously interrogate the mechanistic biological and physiological questions at the forefront of biomedical science. Site-specific catalytic modification of proteins promises to meet these challenges. Here, we describe recent applications of the enzyme sortase A in facilitating precise biomolecule labeling. We focus on describing new chemistries to broaden the scope of sortase-mediated labeling (sortagging), the development of new probes for imaging via enzymatic labeling, and the modulation of biological systems using probes and reactions mediated by sortase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Braga Emidio
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, United States
| | - Ross W Cheloha
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, United States.
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3
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Rudd SE, Noor A, Morgan KA, Donnelly PS. Diagnostic Positron Emission Tomography Imaging with Zirconium-89 Desferrioxamine B Squaramide: From Bench to Bedside. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:1421-1433. [PMID: 38666539 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Molecular imaging with antibodies radiolabeled with positron-emitting radionuclides combines the affinity and selectivity of antibodies with the sensitivity of Positron Emission Tomography (PET). PET imaging allows the visualization and quantification of the biodistribution of the injected radiolabeled antibody, which can be used to characterize specific biological interactions in individual patients. This characterization can provide information about the engagement of the antibody with a molecular target such as receptors present in elevated levels in tumors as well as providing insight into the distribution and clearance of the antibody. Potential applications of clinical PET with radiolabeled antibodies include identifying patients for targeted therapies, characterization of heterogeneous disease, and monitoring treatment response.Antibodies often take several days to clear from the blood pool and localize in tumors, so PET imaging with radiolabeled antibodies requires the use of a radionuclide with a similar radioactive half-life. Zirconium-89 is a positron-emitting radionuclide that has a radioactive half-life of 78 h and relatively low positron emission energy that is well suited to radiolabeling antibodies. It is essential that the zirconium-89 radionuclide be attached to the antibody through chemistry that provides an agent that is stable in vivo with respect to the dissociation of the radionuclide without compromising the biological activity of the antibody.This Account focuses on our research using a simple derivative of the bacterial siderophore desferrioxamine (DFO) with a squaramide ester functional group, DFO-squaramide (DFOSq), to link the chelator to antibodies. In our work, we produce conjugates with an average ∼4 chelators per antibody, and this does not compromise the binding of the antibody to the target. The resulting antibody conjugates of DFOSq are stable and can be easily radiolabeled with zirconium-89 in high radiochemical yields and purity. Automated methods for the radiolabeling of DFOSq-antibody conjugates have been developed to support multicenter clinical trials. Evaluation of several DFOSq conjugates with antibodies and low molecular weight targeting agents in tumor mouse models gave PET images with high tumor uptake and low background. The promising preclinical results supported the translation of this chemistry to human clinical trials using two different radiolabeled antibodies. The potential clinical impact of these ongoing clinical trials is discussed.The use of DFOSq to radiolabel relatively low molecular weight targeting molecules, peptides, and peptide mimetics is also presented. Low molecular weight molecules typically clear the blood pool and accumulate in target tissue more rapidly than antibodies, so they are usually radiolabeled with positron-emitting radionuclides with shorter radioactive half-lives such as fluorine-18 (t1/2 ∼ 110 min) or gallium-68 (t1/2 ∼ 68 min). Radiolabeling peptides and peptide mimetics with zirconium-89, with its longer radioactive half-life (t1/2 = 78 h), could facilitate the centralized manufacture and distribution of radiolabeled tracers. In addition, the ability to image patients at later time points with zirconium-89 based agents (e.g. 4-24 h after injection) may also allow the delineation of small or low-uptake disease sites as the delayed imaging results in increased clearance of the tracer from nontarget tissue and lower background signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey E Rudd
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Asif Noor
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Katherine A Morgan
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
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Amacher JF, Antos JM. Sortases: structure, mechanism, and implications for protein engineering. Trends Biochem Sci 2024:S0968-0004(24)00100-2. [PMID: 38692993 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Sortase enzymes are critical cysteine transpeptidases on the surface of bacteria that attach proteins to the cell wall and are involved in the construction of bacterial pili. Due to their ability to recognize specific substrates and covalently ligate a range of reaction partners, sortases are widely used in protein engineering applications via sortase-mediated ligation (SML) strategies. In this review, we discuss recent structural studies elucidating key aspects of sortase specificity and the catalytic mechanism. We also highlight select recent applications of SML, including examples where fundamental studies of sortase structure and function have informed the continued development of these enzymes as tools for protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine F Amacher
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA.
| | - John M Antos
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA.
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5
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Mangin F, Fonquernie O, Jewula P, Brandès S, Penouilh MJ, Bonnin Q, Vincent B, Espinosa E, Aubert E, Meyer M, Chambron JC. Combining Desferriferrioxamine B and 1-Hydroxy-2-Piperidone ((PIPO)H) to Chelate Zirconium. Solution Structure of a Model Complex of the [ 89Zr]Zr-DFOcyclo*-mAb Radioimmunoconjugate. Chempluschem 2024:e202400062. [PMID: 38613508 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
89Zr-immunoPET is a hot topic as 89Zr cumulates the advantages of 64Cu and 124I without their drawbacks. We report the synthesis of a model ligand of a chiral bioconjugable tetrahydroxamic chelator combining the desferriferrioxamine B siderophore and 1-hydroxy-2-piperidone ((PIPO)H), a chiral cyclic hydroxamic acid derivative, and the study by NMR spectroscopy of its zirconium complex. Nuclear Overhauser effect measurements (ROESY) indicated that the complex exists in the form of two diastereomers, in 77 : 23 ratio, resulting from the combination of the central chiralities at the 3-C of the (PIPO)H component and at the Zr4+ cation. The 44 lowest energy structures out of more than 1000 configurations/conformations returned by calculations based on density functional theory were examined. Comparison of the ROESY data and the calculated interatomic H⋅⋅⋅H distances allowed us to select the most probable configuration and conformations of the major complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriane Mangin
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne UMR 6302 CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9, avenue Alain Savary, BP 47870, 21078, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Osian Fonquernie
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne UMR 6302 CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9, avenue Alain Savary, BP 47870, 21078, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Pawel Jewula
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne UMR 6302 CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9, avenue Alain Savary, BP 47870, 21078, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Stéphane Brandès
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne UMR 6302 CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9, avenue Alain Savary, BP 47870, 21078, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Marie-José Penouilh
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne UMR 6302 CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9, avenue Alain Savary, BP 47870, 21078, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Quentin Bonnin
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne UMR 6302 CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9, avenue Alain Savary, BP 47870, 21078, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Bruno Vincent
- Institut de Chimie de Strasbourg UMR 7177 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 4, rue Blaise Pascal, 67070, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | - Michel Meyer
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne UMR 6302 CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9, avenue Alain Savary, BP 47870, 21078, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Claude Chambron
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne UMR 6302 CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, 9, avenue Alain Savary, BP 47870, 21078, Dijon Cedex, France
- Institut de Chimie de Strasbourg UMR 7177 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 4, rue Blaise Pascal, 67070, Strasbourg, France
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6
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Morgan KA, Rudd SE, Noor A, Donnelly PS. Theranostic Nuclear Medicine with Gallium-68, Lutetium-177, Copper-64/67, Actinium-225, and Lead-212/203 Radionuclides. Chem Rev 2023; 123:12004-12035. [PMID: 37796539 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Molecular changes in malignant tissue can lead to an increase in the expression levels of various proteins or receptors that can be used to target the disease. In oncology, diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy of tumors is possible by attaching an appropriate radionuclide to molecules that selectively bind to these target proteins. The term "theranostics" describes the use of a diagnostic tool to predict the efficacy of a therapeutic option. Molecules radiolabeled with γ-emitting or β+-emitting radionuclides can be used for diagnostic imaging using single photon emission computed tomography or positron emission tomography. Radionuclide therapy of disease sites is possible with either α-, β-, or Auger-emitting radionuclides that induce irreversible damage to DNA. This Focus Review centers on the chemistry of theranostic approaches using metal radionuclides for imaging and therapy. The use of tracers that contain β+-emitting gallium-68 and β-emitting lutetium-177 will be discussed in the context of agents in clinical use for the diagnostic imaging and therapy of neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer. A particular emphasis is then placed on the chemistry involved in the development of theranostic approaches that use copper-64 for imaging and copper-67 for therapy with functionalized sarcophagine cage amine ligands. Targeted therapy with radionuclides that emit α particles has potential to be of particular use in late-stage disease where there are limited options, and the role of actinium-225 and lead-212 in this area is also discussed. Finally, we highlight the challenges that impede further adoption of radiotheranostic concepts while highlighting exciting opportunities and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Morgan
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Stacey E Rudd
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Asif Noor
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
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7
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Rodriguez C, Delaney S, Sarrett SM, Keinänen OM, Zeglis BM. Antibody Engineering for Nuclear Imaging and Radioimmunotherapy. J Nucl Med 2022; 63:1316-1322. [PMID: 35863894 PMCID: PMC9454464 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.122.263861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiolabeled antibodies have become indispensable tools in nuclear medicine. However, the natural roles of antibodies within the immune system mean that they have several intrinsic limitations as a platform for radiopharmaceuticals. In recent years, the field has increasingly turned to antibody engineering to circumvent these issues while retaining the manifold benefits of the immunoglobulin framework. In this "Focus on Molecular Imaging" review, we cover recent advances in the application of antibody engineering to immunoPET, immunoSPECT, and radioimmunotherapy. Specifically, we address how antibody engineering has been used to improve radioimmunoconjugates on four fronts: optimizing pharmacokinetics, facilitating site-specific bioconjugation, modulating Fc interactions, and creating bispecific constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Rodriguez
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, New York
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Samantha Delaney
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Samantha M Sarrett
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Outi M Keinänen
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; and
| | - Brian M Zeglis
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York;
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, New York
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, New York
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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8
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Fay R, Törő I, Schinke AL, Simic B, Schaefer JV, Dreier B, Plückthun A, Holland JP. Sortase-Mediated Site-Specific Conjugation and 89Zr-Radiolabeling of Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins for PET. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3576-3585. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Fay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Imre Törő
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna-Lena Schinke
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Branko Simic
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonas V. Schaefer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Dreier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jason P. Holland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Abstract
Artificial receptors able to recognise biologically relevant molecules or ions have gained interest in the chemical community because they offer a plethora of posibilities. Molecular cage compounds are polycyclic compounds with a cavity designed for the encapsulation of guest species. Once inside the host cavity, the substrate can be transported through membranes and protected from the action of enzymes or other reactive species, thus offering the possibility of interfering with biological systems. Commonly, enzymes have been an inspiration for chemists in the search and design of defined cavities for different purposes. However, the chemical preparation of molecular cages has struggled with many synthetic challenges but this effort is worthwhile as they are a very promising tool for many applications ranging from sensing, delivery, purification or even promotion of/prevention from chemical modifications. Since the early reports at the end of the 60s, this field has experienced a growing interest; this review summarises the progress in the preparation and study of cage-like compounds highlighting their importance in biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Tapia
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, IQAC-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ignacio Alfonso
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, IQAC-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jordi Solà
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, IQAC-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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