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Vettorato E, Verona M, Bellio G, Croci S, Filadi R, Bisio A, Spessot E, Andrighetto A, Maniglio D, Asti M, Marzaro G, Mastrotto F. Development and Validation of Novel Z-360-Based Macromolecules for the Active Targeting of CCK2-R. Mol Pharm 2024. [PMID: 38959127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00124] [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: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The cholecystokinin type 2 receptor (CCK2-R) represents an ideal target for cancer therapy since it is overexpressed in several tumors and is associated with poor prognosis. Nastorazepide (Z-360), a selective CCK2-R antagonist, has been widely investigated as a CCK2-R ligand for targeted therapy; however, its high hydrophobicity may represent a limit to cell selectivity and optimal in vivo biodistribution. Here, we present three new fluorescent Z-360 derivatives (IP-002G-Rho, IP-002L-Rho, and IP-002M-Rho) in which nastorazepide was linked, through spacers bearing different saccharides (glucose (G), lactose (L), and maltotriose (M)), to sulforhodamine B. A fourth compound (IP-002H-Rho) with no pendant sugar was also synthesized as a control. Through two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) in vitro studies, we evaluated the compound association with and selectivity for CCK2-R-overexpressing cells (A431-CCK2-R+) vs CCK2-R-underexpressing cells (A431 WT). 2D in vitro studies highlighted a progressive increase of IP-002x-Rho association with A431-CCK2-R+ cells according to the linker hydrophilicity, that is, maltotriose > lactose > glucose > hydrogen, with IP-002M-Rho showing a 2.4- and a 1.36-fold higher uptake than IP-002G-Rho and IP-002L-Rho, respectively. Unexpectedly, IP-002H-Rho showed a similar cell association to that of IP-002L-Rho but with no difference between the two tested cell lines. On the contrary, association with A431-CCK2-R+ cells as compared to the A431 WT was found to be 1.08-, 1.14-, and 1.37-fold higher for IP-002G-Rho, IP-002L-Rho, and IP-002M-Rho, respectively, proving IP-002M-Rho to be the best-performing compound, as also confirmed by competition studies. Trafficking studies on A431-CCK2-R+ cells incubated with IP-002M-Rho suggested the coexistence of receptor-mediated endocytosis and simple diffusion. On the contrary, a high and selective uptake of IP-002M-Rho by A431-CCK2-R+ cells only was observed on 3D scaffolds embedded with cells, underlining the importance of 3D models in in vitro preliminary evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Vettorato
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Legnaro National Laboratories, Italian Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), viale dell'Università, 2, 35020 Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - Marco Verona
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Greta Bellio
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Croci
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Advanced Biotechnologies Unit, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, via Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Filadi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bisio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Eugenia Spessot
- Department of Industrial Engineering and BIOtech Research Center, University of Trento, via Delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alberto Andrighetto
- Legnaro National Laboratories, Italian Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), viale dell'Università, 2, 35020 Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - Devid Maniglio
- Department of Industrial Engineering and BIOtech Research Center, University of Trento, via Delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Mattia Asti
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry Section, Nuclear Medicine Unit, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Mastrotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Aloj L, Mansi R, De Luca S, Accardo A, Tesauro D, Morelli G. Radiolabeled peptides and their expanding role in clinical imaging and targeted cancer therapy. J Pept Sci 2024:e3607. [PMID: 38710638 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3607] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
There is an expanding body of evidence showing that synthetic peptides in combination with radioactive isotopes can be utilized for medical purposes. This area is of particular interest in oncology where applications in diagnosis and therapy are at different stages of development. We review the contributions in this area by the group originally founded by Carlo Pedone in Naples many years ago. We highlight the work of this group in the context of other developments in this area, focusing on three biologically relevant receptor systems: somatostatin, gastrin-releasing peptide, and cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptors. We focus on key milestones, state of the art, and challenges in this area of research as well as the current and future outlook for expanding clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Aloj
- Department of Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosalba Mansi
- Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefania De Luca
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Diego Tesauro
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Vaccarin C, Mapanao AK, Deberle LM, Becker AE, Borgna F, Marzaro G, Schibli R, Müller C. Design and Preclinical Evaluation of a Novel Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Radioligand Modified with a Transthyretin Binder. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1262. [PMID: 38610940 PMCID: PMC11011029 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071262] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin binders have previously been used to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of small-molecule drug conjugates and could, thus, be utilized for radiopharmaceuticals as an alternative to the widely explored "albumin binder concept". In this study, a novel PSMA ligand modified with a transthyretin-binding entity (TB-01) was synthesized and labeled with lutetium-177 to obtain [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-TB-01. A high and specific uptake of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-TB-01 was found in PSMA-positive PC-3 PIP cells (69 ± 3% after 4 h incubation), while uptake in PSMA-negative PC-3 flu cells was negligible (<1%). In vitro binding studies showed a 174-fold stronger affinity of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-TB-01 to transthyretin than to human serum albumin. Biodistribution studies in PC-3 PIP/flu tumor-bearing mice confirmed the enhanced blood retention of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-TB-01 (16 ± 1% IA/g at 1 h p.i.), which translated to a high tumor uptake (69 ± 13% IA/g at 4 h p.i.) with only slow wash-out over time (31 ± 8% IA/g at 96 h p.i.), while accumulation in the PC-3 flu tumor and non-targeted normal tissue was reasonably low. Further optimization of the radioligand design would be necessary to fine-tune the biodistribution and enable its use for therapeutic purposes. This study was the first of this kind and could motivate the use of the "transthyretin binder concept" for the development of future radiopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vaccarin
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland; (C.V.); (A.K.M.); (L.M.D.); (A.E.B.); (F.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Ana Katrina Mapanao
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland; (C.V.); (A.K.M.); (L.M.D.); (A.E.B.); (F.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Luisa M. Deberle
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland; (C.V.); (A.K.M.); (L.M.D.); (A.E.B.); (F.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Anna E. Becker
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland; (C.V.); (A.K.M.); (L.M.D.); (A.E.B.); (F.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Francesca Borgna
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland; (C.V.); (A.K.M.); (L.M.D.); (A.E.B.); (F.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, I-35131 Padua, Italy;
| | - Roger Schibli
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland; (C.V.); (A.K.M.); (L.M.D.); (A.E.B.); (F.B.); (R.S.)
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Müller
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland; (C.V.); (A.K.M.); (L.M.D.); (A.E.B.); (F.B.); (R.S.)
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Nock BA, Kanellopoulos P, Joosten L, Mansi R, Maina T. Peptide Radioligands in Cancer Theranostics: Agonists and Antagonists. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050674. [PMID: 37242457 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050674] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical success of radiolabeled somatostatin analogs in the diagnosis and therapy-"theranostics"-of tumors expressing the somatostatin subtype 2 receptor (SST2R) has paved the way for the development of a broader panel of peptide radioligands targeting different human tumors. This approach relies on the overexpression of other receptor-targets in different cancer types. In recent years, a shift in paradigm from internalizing agonists to antagonists has occurred. Thus, SST2R-antagonist radioligands were first shown to accumulate more efficiently in tumor lesions and clear faster from the background in animal models and patients. The switch to receptor antagonists was soon adopted in the field of radiolabeled bombesin (BBN). Unlike the stable cyclic octapeptides used in the case of somatostatin, BBN-like peptides are linear, fast to biodegradable and elicit adverse effects in the body. Thus, the advent of BBN-like antagonists provided an elegant way to obtain effective and safe radiotheranostics. Likewise, the pursuit of gastrin and exendin antagonist-based radioligands is advancing with exciting new outcomes on the horizon. In the present review, we discuss these developments with a focus on clinical results, commenting on challenges and opportunities for personalized treatment of cancer patients by means of state-of-the-art antagonist-based radiopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold A Nock
- Molecular Radiopharmacy, INRaSTES, NCSR "Demokritos", 15310 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Lieke Joosten
- Department of Medical Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rosalba Mansi
- Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Theodosia Maina
- Molecular Radiopharmacy, INRaSTES, NCSR "Demokritos", 15310 Athens, Greece
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5
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Hu Y, Chen D, Napoleon JV, Srinivasarao M, Singhal S, Savran CA, Low PS. Efficient capture of circulating tumor cells with low molecular weight folate receptor-specific ligands. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8555. [PMID: 35595733 PMCID: PMC9122947 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12118-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrieval of circulating tumor cells (CTC) has proven valuable for assessing a patient's cancer burden, evaluating response to therapy, and analyzing which drug might treat a cancer best. Although most isolation methods retrieve CTCs based on size, shape, or capture by tumor-specific antibodies, we explore here the use of small molecule tumor-specific ligands linked to magnetic beads for CTC capture. We have designed folic acid-biotin conjugates with different linkers for the capture of folate receptor (FR) + tumor cells spiked into whole blood, and application of the same technology to isolate FR + CTCs from the peripheral blood of both tumor-bearing mice and non-small cell lung patients. We demonstrate that folic acid linked via a rigid linker to a flexible PEG spacer that is in turn tethered to a magnetic bead enables optimal CTC retrieval, reaching nearly 100% capture when 100 cancer cells are spiked into 1 mL of aqueous buffer and ~ 90% capture when the same quantity of cells is diluted into whole blood. In a live animal model, the same methodology is shown to efficiently retrieve CTCs from tumor-bearing mice, yielding cancer cell counts that are proportional to total tumor burden. More importantly, the same method is shown to collect ~ 29 CTCs/8 mL peripheral blood from patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Since the ligand-presentation strategy optimized here should also prove useful in targeting other nanoparticles to other cells, the methods described below should have general applicability in the design of nanoparticles for cell-specific targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwen Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Danyang Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - John V Napoleon
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Sunil Singhal
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Cagri A Savran
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 1205 W. State St., West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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6
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Hörmann AA, Plhak E, Klingler M, Rangger C, Pfister J, Schwach G, Kvaternik H, von Guggenberg E. Automated Synthesis of 68Ga-Labeled DOTA-MGS8 and Preclinical Characterization of Cholecystokinin-2 Receptor Targeting. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27062034. [PMID: 35335396 PMCID: PMC8949806 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27062034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The new minigastrin analog DOTA-MGS8 targeting the cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R) used in this study displays the combination of two site-specific modifications within the C-terminal receptor binding sequence together with an additional N-terminal amino acid substitution preventing fast metabolic degradation. Within this study, the preparation of 68Ga-labeled DOTA-MGS8 was validated using an automated synthesis module, describing the specifications and analytical methods for quality control for possible clinical use. In addition, preclinical studies were carried out to characterize the targeting potential. [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-MGS8 showed a high receptor-specific cell internalization into AR42J rat pancreatic cells (~40%) with physiological expression of rat CCK2R as well as A431-CCK2R cells transfected to stably express human CCK2R (~47%). A favorable biodistribution profile was observed in BALB/c nude mice xenografted with A431-CCK2R cells and mock-transfected A431 cells as control. The high tumor uptake of ~27% IA/g together with low background activity and limited uptake in non-target tissue confirms the potential for high-sensitivity positron emission tomography of stabilized MG analogs in patients with MTC and other CCK2R-related malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Amadeus Hörmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (C.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Elisabeth Plhak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Maximilian Klingler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (C.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Christine Rangger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (C.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Joachim Pfister
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (C.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Gert Schwach
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Herbert Kvaternik
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Elisabeth von Guggenberg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.A.H.); (M.K.); (C.R.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-512-504-80960
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7
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Nock BA, Kanellopoulos P, Chepurny OG, Rouchota M, Loudos G, Holz GG, Krenning EP, Maina T. Nonpeptidic Z360-Analogs Tagged with Trivalent Radiometals as Anti-CCK2R Cancer Theranostic Agents: A Preclinical Study. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030666. [PMID: 35336041 PMCID: PMC8954547 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Theranostic approaches in the management of cholecystokinin subtype 2 receptor (CCK2R)-positive tumors include radiolabeled gastrin and CCK motifs. Moving toward antagonist-based CCK2R-radioligands instead, we herein present three analogs of the nonpeptidic CCK2R-antagonist Z360, GAS1/2/3. Each was conjugated to a different chelator (DOTA, NODAGA or DOTAGA) for labeling with medically relevant trivalent radiometals (e.g., Ga-68, In-111, Lu-177) for potential use as anti-CCK2R cancer agents; (2) Methods: The in vitro properties of the thee analogs were compared in stably transfected HEK293-CCK2R cells. Biodistribution profiles were compared in SCID mice bearing twin HEK293-CCK2R and wtHEK293 tumors; (3) Results: The GAS1/2/3 analogs displayed high CCK2R-affinity (lower nM-range). The radioligands were fairly stable in vivo and selectively targeted the HEK293-CCK2R, but not the CCK2R-negative wtHEK293 tumors in mice. Their overall pharmacokinetic profile was found strongly dependent on the radiometal-chelate. Results could be visualized by SPECT/CT for the [111In]In-analogs; (4) Conclusions: The present study highlighted the high impact of the radiometal-chelate on the end-pharmacokinetics of a new series of Z360-based radioligands, revealing candidates with promising properties for clinical translation. It also provided the impetus for the development of a new class of nonpeptidic radioligands for CCK2R-targeted theranostics of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold A. Nock
- Molecular Radiopharmacy, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, 15341 Athens, Greece; (B.A.N.); (P.K.)
| | | | - Oleg G. Chepurny
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA and Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (O.G.C.); (G.G.H.)
| | - Maritina Rouchota
- BIOEMTECH, Lefkippos Attica Technology Park NCSR “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece; (M.R.); (G.L.)
| | - George Loudos
- BIOEMTECH, Lefkippos Attica Technology Park NCSR “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece; (M.R.); (G.L.)
| | - George G. Holz
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA and Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (O.G.C.); (G.G.H.)
| | - Eric P. Krenning
- Cyclotron Rotterdam BV, Erasmus MC, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Theodosia Maina
- Molecular Radiopharmacy, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, 15341 Athens, Greece; (B.A.N.); (P.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-650-3908 or +30-210-650-3891
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8
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Maina T, Nock BA. Gamma camera imaging by radiolabeled gastrin/cholecystokinin analogs. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822960-6.00183-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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9
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Mukkamala R, Lindeman SD, Kragness KA, Shahriar I, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. Design and Characterization of Fibroblast Activation Protein Targeted Pan-Cancer Imaging Agent for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery of Solid Tumors. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:2038-2046. [PMID: 35255116 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02651h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-targeted fluorescent dyes have been shown to significantly improve a surgeon's ability to locate and resect occult malignant lesions, thereby enhancing a patient’s chances of long term survival. Although several...
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Mukkamala
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
| | - Spencer D Lindeman
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
| | - Kate A Kragness
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
| | - Imrul Shahriar
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
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10
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Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822960-6.00106-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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11
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Maina T, Nock BA. Peptide radiopharmaceuticals for targeted diagnosis & therapy of human tumors. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822960-6.00078-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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12
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Update on Preclinical Development and Clinical Translation of Cholecystokinin-2 Receptor Targeting Radiopharmaceuticals. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225776. [PMID: 34830930 PMCID: PMC8616406 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Peptide analogs, derived from the natural peptide hormone gastrin, are promising candidates for improving the visualization and treatment of tumors. Gastrin specifically binds to the cholecystokinin-2 receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed on the cell surface of different tumors. This enables specific targeting of tumor cells using gastrin analogs, labeled with radioisotopes. The receptor is expressed at high incidence in medullary thyroid carcinoma, a rare form of thyroid cancer lacking effective treatments at an advanced stage. Different radiolabeled gastrin analogs as well as nonpeptidic compounds targeting CCK2R have been developed. Specific modifications have been introduced in order to safely deliver the radiation to the tumor site. In this review, recent strategies applied to improve the targeting properties are described. These developments enabled the introduction of new radiolabeled peptide analogs for imaging and therapy in cancer patients. In addition to highlighting the current clinical trials, the perspectives for future applications are given. Abstract The cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R) has been a target of interest for molecular imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy for two decades. However, so far CCK2R targeted imaging and therapy has not been introduced in clinical practice. Within this review the recent radiopharmaceutical development of CCK2R targeting compounds and the ongoing clinical trials are presented. Currently, new gastrin derivatives as well as nonpeptidic substances are being developed to improve the properties for clinical use. A team of specialists from the field of radiopharmacy and nuclear medicine reviewed the available literature and summarized their own experiences in the development and clinical testing of CCK2R targeting radiopharmaceuticals. The recent clinical trials with novel radiolabeled minigastrin analogs demonstrate the potential for both applications, imaging as well as targeted radiotherapy, and reinforce the clinical applicability within a theranostic concept. The intense efforts in optimizing CCK2R targeting radiopharmaceuticals has led to new substances for clinical use, as shown in first imaging studies in patients with advanced medullary thyroid cancer. The first clinical results suggest that the wider clinical implication of CCK2R-targeted radiopharmaceuticals is reasonable.
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Preliminary Study of a 1,5-Benzodiazepine-Derivative Labelled with Indium-111 for CCK-2 Receptor Targeting. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26040918. [PMID: 33572353 PMCID: PMC7916174 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK-2R) is overexpressed in several human cancers but displays limited expression in normal tissues. For this reason, it is a suitable target for developing specific radiotracers. In this study, a nastorazepide-based ligand functionalized with a 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) chelator (IP-001) was synthesized and labelled with indium-111. The radiolabeling process yielded >95% with a molar activity of 10 MBq/nmol and a radiochemical purity of >98%. Stability studies have shown a remarkable resistance to degradation (>93%) within 120 h of incubation in human blood. The in vitro uptake of [111In]In-IP-001 was assessed for up to 24 h on a high CCK-2R-expressing tumor cell line (A549) showing maximal accumulation after 4 h of incubation. Biodistribution and single photon emission tomography (SPECT)/CT imaging were evaluated on BALB/c nude mice bearing A549 xenograft tumors. Implanted tumors could be clearly visualized after only 4 h post injection (2.36 ± 0.26% ID/cc), although a high amount of radiotracer was also found in the liver, kidneys, and spleen (8.25 ± 2.21%, 6.99 ± 0.97%, and 3.88 ± 0.36% ID/cc, respectively). Clearance was slow by both hepatobiliary and renal excretion. Tumor retention persisted for up to 24 h, with the tumor to organs ratio increasing over-time and ending with a tumor uptake (1.52 ± 0.71% ID/cc) comparable to liver and kidneys.
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14
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Klingler M, Hörmann AA, Guggenberg EV. Cholecystokinin-2 Receptor Targeting with Radiolabeled Peptides: Current Status and Future Directions. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:7112-7132. [PMID: 32586246 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200625143035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A wide variety of radiolabeled peptide analogs for specific targeting of cholecystokinin- 2 receptors (CCK2R) has been developed in the last decades. Peptide probes based on the natural ligands Minigastrin (MG) and Cholecystokinin (CCK) have a high potential for molecular imaging and targeted radiotherapy of different human tumors, such as Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). MG analogs with high persistent uptake in CCK2R expressing tumors have been preferably used for the development of radiolabeled peptide analogs. The clinical translation of CCK2R targeting has been prevented due to high kidney uptake or low metabolic stability of the different radiopeptides developed. Great efforts in radiopharmaceutical development have been undertaken to overcome these limitations. Various modifications in the linear peptide sequence of MG have been introduced mainly with the aim to reduce kidney retention. Furthermore, improved tumor uptake could be obtained by in situ stabilization of the radiopeptide against enzymatic degradation through coinjection of peptidase inhibitors. Recent developments focusing on the stabilization of the Cterminal receptor binding sequence (Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) have led to new radiolabeled MG analogs with highly improved tumor uptake and tumor-to-kidney ratio. In this review, all the different aspects in the radiopharmaceutical development of CCK2R targeting peptide probes are covered, giving also an overview on the clinical investigations performed so far. The recent development of radiolabeled MG analogs, which are highly stabilized against enzymatic degradation in vivo, promises to have a high impact on the clinical management of patients with CCK2R expressing tumors in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Klingler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anton Amadeus Hörmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Novak D, Tomašič T, Krošelj M, Javornik U, Plavec J, Anderluh M, Kolenc Peitl P. Radiolabelled CCK 2 R Antagonists Containing PEG Linkers: Design, Synthesis and Evaluation. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:155-163. [PMID: 32643833 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptor (CCK2 R) is considered a suitable target for the development of radiolabelled antagonists, due to its overexpression in various tumours, but no such compounds are available in clinical use. Therefore, we designed novel 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid-conjugated ligands based on CCK2 R antagonist Z360/nastorazepide. As a proof of concept that CCK2 R antagonistic activity can be retained by extending the Z360/nastorazepide structure using suitable linker, we present herein three compounds containing various PEG linkers synthesised on solid phase and in solution. The antagonistic properties were measured in a functional assay in the A431-CCK2 R cell line (in the presence of agonist G17), with IC50 values of 3.31, 4.11 and 10.4 nM for compounds containing PEG4 , PEG6 and PEG12 , respectively. All compounds were successfully radiolabelled with indium-111, lutetium-177 and gallium-68 (incorporation of radiometal >95 %). The gallium-68-labelled compounds were stable for up to 2 h (PBS, 37 °C). log D7.4 values were determined for indium-111- and gallium-68-labelled compounds, showing improved hydrophilicity compared to the reference compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doroteja Novak
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,The Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tihomir Tomašič
- The Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Krošelj
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Javornik
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Anderluh
- The Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Petra Kolenc Peitl
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Kaloudi A, Kanellopoulos P, Radolf T, Chepurny OG, Rouchota M, Loudos G, Andreae F, Holz GG, Nock BA, Maina T. [ 99mTc]Tc-DGA1, a Promising CCK 2R-Antagonist-Based Tracer for Tumor Diagnosis with Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:3116-3128. [PMID: 32568549 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Radiolabeled gastrin analogues have been proposed for theranostics of cholecystokinin subtype 2 receptor (CCK2R)-positive cancer. Peptide radioligands based on other receptor antagonists have displayed superior pharmacokinetics and higher biosafety than agonists. Here, we present DGA1, a derivative of the nonpeptidic CCK2R antagonist Z-360 carrying an acyclic tetraamine, for [99mTc]Tc labeling. Preclinical comparison of [99mTc]Tc-DGA1 with [99mTc]Tc-DG2 (CCK2R-agonist reference) was conducted in HEK293-CCK2R/CCK2i4svR cells and mice models, qualifying [99mTc]Tc-DGA1 for further study in patients with CCK2R-positive tumors and single-photon emission computed tomography/CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Kaloudi
- Molecular Radiopharmacy, INRASTES, NCSR "Demokritos", 15310 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Thorsten Radolf
- piCHEM Forschungs-und Entwicklungs GmbH, Parkring 3, 8074 Grambach, Austria
| | - Oleg G Chepurny
- SUNY Upstate Medical University, IHP 4310 at 505 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Maritina Rouchota
- BIOEMTECH, Lefkippos Attica Technology Park NCSR "Demokritos", 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - George Loudos
- BIOEMTECH, Lefkippos Attica Technology Park NCSR "Demokritos", 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Fritz Andreae
- piCHEM Forschungs-und Entwicklungs GmbH, Parkring 3, 8074 Grambach, Austria
| | - George G Holz
- SUNY Upstate Medical University, IHP 4310 at 505 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | | | - Theodosia Maina
- Molecular Radiopharmacy, INRASTES, NCSR "Demokritos", 15310 Athens, Greece
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Novak D, Anderluh M, Kolenc Peitl P. CCK 2R antagonists: from SAR to clinical trials. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1322-1336. [PMID: 32439608 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The widespread involvement of the cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptor (CCK2R) in multiple (patho)physiological processes has propelled extensive searches for nonpeptide small-molecule CCK2R antagonists. For the past three decades, considerable research has yielded numerous chemically heterogeneous compounds. None of these entered into the clinic, mainly because of inadequate biological effects. However, it appears that the ultimate goal of a clinically useful CCK2R antagonist is now just around the corner, with the most promising compounds, netazepide and nastorazepide, now in Phase II clinical trials. Here, we illustrate the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of stablished CCK2R antagonists of various structural classes, and the most recent proof-of-concept studies where new applicabilities of CCK2R antagonists as visualizing agents are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doroteja Novak
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zaloška 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Anderluh
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Petra Kolenc Peitl
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zaloška 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Kanduluru AK, Srinivasarao M, Wayua C, Low PS. Evaluation of a Neurokinin-1 Receptor-Targeted Technetium-99m Conjugate for Neuroendocrine Cancer Imaging. Mol Imaging Biol 2019; 22:377-383. [PMID: 31292915 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-019-01391-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have reasonably high 5-year survival rates when diagnosed at an early stage but are significantly more lethal when discovered only after metastasis. Although several imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging can detect neuroendocrine tumors, their high false positive rates suggest that more specific diagnostic tests are required. Targeted imaging agents such as Octreoscan® have met some of this need for improved specificity, but their inability to image poorly differentiated NETs suggests that improved NET imaging agents are still needed. Because neurokinin 1 receptors (NK1Rs) are widely over-expressed in neuroendocrine tumors, but show limited expression in healthy tissues, we have undertaken to develop an NK1R-targeted imaging agent for improved diagnosis and staging of neuroendocrine tumors. PROCEDURE A small molecule NK1R antagonist was conjugated via a flexible spacer to a Tc-99m chelating peptide. After complexation with Tc-99m, binding of the conjugate to human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells transfected with the human NK1R was evaluated as a function of radioimaging agent concentration. In vivo imaging of HEK293-NK1R tumor xenografts in mice was also performed by single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (γ-SPECT/CT), and the distribution of the conjugate in various tissues was quantified by tissue resection and γ-counting. RESULTS NK1R-targeted Tc-99m-based radioimaging agent displayed excellent affinity (Kd = 16.8 nM) and specificity for HEK293-NK1R tumor xenograft. SPECT/CT analysis of tumor-bearing mice demonstrated significant tumor uptake and high tumor to background ratio as early as 2 h post injection. CONCLUSION The excellent tumor contrast afforded by our NK1R-targeted radioimaging agent exhibits properties that could improve early diagnosis and staging of many neuroendocrine tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Charity Wayua
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Philip S Low
- On Target Laboratories Inc., West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA. .,Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Cholecystokinin-2 Receptor Targeting with Novel C-terminally Stabilized HYNIC-Minigastrin Analogs Radiolabeled with Technetium-99m. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:ph12010013. [PMID: 30650563 PMCID: PMC6469167 DOI: 10.3390/ph12010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The high overexpression of cholecystokinin-2 receptors (CCK2R) in tumors, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma, allows for highly specific diagnostic and therapeutic targeting with radiolabeled peptide probes derived from natural ligands for the receptor. Based on the ideal imaging characteristics, high availability and low cost of technetium-99m (99mTc)-labeled radiopharmaceuticals we have developed two hydrazinonicotinic acid (HYNIC) conjugated minigastrin analogs allowing labeling at high specific activity. The CCK2R targeting peptide conjugates show specific amino acid substitutions in the C-terminal receptor-specific sequence with the aim to increase stability and tumor targeting. The CCK2R affinity and the cell uptake of the new radioligands were analyzed using A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells stably transfected with human CCK2R and mock transfected cells. Metabolic studies in BALB/c mice revealed a high resistance against enzymatic degradation for both radioligands. Biodistribution studies in tumor-xenografted athymic BALB/c nude mice at 1 h and 4 h p.i. showed that the two 99mTc-labeled compounds showed varying uptake in receptor expressing organs, stomach and pancreas (1.3–10.4% IA/g), as well as kidneys, the main route of excretion (7.8–19.9% IA/g). The tumor uptake in A431-CCK2R xenografts was 24.75 ± 4.38% IA/g for [99mTc]Tc-HYNIC-MGS5 and 42.48 ± 6.99% IA/g for [99mTc]Tc-HYNIC-MGS11 at 4 h p.i., whereas the tumor-to-kidney ratio was comparable (2.6–3.3). On demand availability and potential application for radioguided surgery of a 99mTc-labeled minigastrin analog support the further evaluation of these highly promising new compounds.
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Klingler M, Decristoforo C, Rangger C, Summer D, Foster J, Sosabowski JK, von Guggenberg E. Site-specific stabilization of minigastrin analogs against enzymatic degradation for enhanced cholecystokinin-2 receptor targeting. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:2896-2908. [PMID: 29896292 PMCID: PMC5996369 DOI: 10.7150/thno.24378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Minigastrin (MG) analogs show high affinity to the cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R) and have therefore been intensively studied to find a suitable analog for imaging and treatment of CCK2R-expressing tumors. The clinical translation of the radioligands developed thus far has been hampered by high kidney uptake or low enzymatic stability. In this study, we aimed to develop new MG analogs with improved targeting properties stabilized against degradation through site-specific amino acid modifications. Method: Based on the lead structure of a truncated MG analog, four new MG derivatives with substitutions in the C-terminal part of the peptide (Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) were synthesized and derivatized with DOTA at the N-terminus for radiolabeling with trivalent radiometals. The in vitro properties of the new analogs were characterized by analyzing the lipophilicity, the protein binding, and the stability of the Indium-111 (111In)-labeled analogs in different media. Two different cell lines, AR42J cells physiologically expressing the rat CCK2R and A431 cells transfected with human CCK2R (A431-CCK2R), were used to study the receptor affinity and cell uptake. For the two most promising MG analogs, metabolic studies in normal BALB/c mice were carried out as well as biodistribution and imaging studies in tumor xenografted athymic BALB/c nude mice. Results: Two out of four synthesized peptide analogs (DOTA-MGS1 and DOTA-MGS4) showed retained receptor affinity and cell uptake when radiolabeled with 111In. These two peptide analogs, however, showed a different stability against enzymatic degradation in vitro and in vivo. When injected to normal BALB/c mice, for 111In-DOTA-MGS1 at 10 min post injection (p.i.) no intact radiopeptide was found in the blood, whereas for 111In-DOTA-MGS4 more than 75% was still intact. 111In-DOTA-MGS4 showed a clear increase in injected activity per gram tissue (IA/g) for A431-CCK2R xenografts (10.40±2.21% IA/g 4 h p.i.) when compared to 111In-DOTA-MGS1 (1.23±0.15% IA/g 4 h p.i.). The tumor uptake of 111In-DOTA-MGS4 was also combined with a low uptake in stomach and kidney leading to high-contrast NanoSPECT/CT images. Conclusion: Of the four new MG analogs developed, the best results in terms of enzymatic stability and increased tumor targeting were obtained with 111In-DOTA-MGS4 showing two substitutions with N-methylated amino acids. 111In-DOTA-MGS4 was also superior to other MG analogs reported thus far and seems therefore an extremely promising targeting molecule for theranostic use with alternative radiometals.
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Clawson GA, Abraham T, Pan W, Tang X, Linton SS, McGovern CO, Loc WS, Smith JP, Butler PJ, Kester M, Adair JH, Matters GL. A Cholecystokinin B Receptor-Specific DNA Aptamer for Targeting Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Nucleic Acid Ther 2016; 27:23-35. [PMID: 27754762 PMCID: PMC5312616 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2016.0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) constitutively express the G-protein-coupled cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR). In this study, we identified DNA aptamers (APs) that bind to the CCKBR and describe their characterization and targeting efficacy. Using dual SELEX selection against “exposed” CCKBR peptides and CCKBR-expressing PDAC cells, a pool of DNA APs was identified. Further downselection was based on predicted structures and properties, and we selected eight APs for initial characterizations. The APs bound specifically to the CCKBR, and we showed not only that they did not stimulate proliferation of PDAC cell lines but rather inhibited their proliferation. We chose one AP, termed AP1153, for further binding and localization studies. We found that AP1153 did not activate CCKBR signaling pathways, and three-dimensional Confocal microscopy showed that AP1153 was internalized by PDAC cells in a receptor-mediated manner. AP1153 showed a binding affinity of 15 pM. Bioconjugation of AP1153 to the surface of fluorescent NPs greatly facilitated delivery of NPs to PDAC tumors in vivo. The selectivity of this AP-targeted NP delivery system holds promise for enhanced early detection of PDAC lesions as well as improved chemotherapeutic treatments for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary A Clawson
- 1 Department of Pathology, Gittlen Cancer Research Laboratories, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Thomas Abraham
- 2 Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and the Microscopy Imaging Facility, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Weihua Pan
- 1 Department of Pathology, Gittlen Cancer Research Laboratories, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiaomeng Tang
- 3 Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania.,4 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Samuel S Linton
- 5 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Christopher O McGovern
- 5 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Welley S Loc
- 3 Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania.,4 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Jill P Smith
- 6 Department of Medicine, Georgetown University , Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Peter J Butler
- 7 Department of Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark Kester
- 8 Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - James H Adair
- 4 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Gail L Matters
- 5 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
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23
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Roy J, Putt KS, Coppola D, Leon ME, Khalil FK, Centeno BA, Clark N, Stark VE, Morse DL, Low PS. Assessment of cholecystokinin 2 receptor (CCK2R) in neoplastic tissue. Oncotarget 2016; 7:14605-15. [PMID: 26910279 PMCID: PMC4924738 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of cholecystokinin 2 receptor (CCK2R, CCKBR or gastrin receptor) has been reported on a diverse range of cancers such as colorectal, liver, lung, pancreatic, ovarian, stomach, thyroid and numerous neuroendocrine/carcinoid tumors. Some cancers of the colorectum, lung, pancreas and thyroid have been shown to overexpress CCK2R in relation to normal matched tissues of the same organ. This reported overexpression has led to the development of a number of CCK2R-ligand targeted imaging and therapeutic agents. However, no comprehensive study comparing the expression of CCK2R in multiple cancers to multiple normal tissues has been performed. Herein, we report the immunohistochemical analysis of cancer samples from gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and thyroid cancer against multiple normal tissue samples from esophagus, liver, lung, pancreas, stomach, spleen and thyroid. These results show that CCK2R expression is present in nearly all cancer and normal samples tested and that none of the cancer samples had expression that was statistically greater than that of all of the normal samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Roy
- Center for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
| | - Karson S. Putt
- Center for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
| | - Domenico Coppola
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL 33612 USA
| | - Marino E. Leon
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL 33612 USA
| | - Farah K. Khalil
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL 33612 USA
| | - Barbara A. Centeno
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL 33612 USA
| | - Noel Clark
- Tissue Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL 33612 USA
| | - Valerie E. Stark
- Department of Cancer Imaging and Metabolism, Imaging and Technology Center of Excellence, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL 33612 USA
| | - David L. Morse
- Department of Cancer Imaging and Metabolism, Imaging and Technology Center of Excellence, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL 33612 USA
| | - Philip S. Low
- Center for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
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Kue CS, Kamkaew A, Burgess K, Kiew LV, Chung LY, Lee HB. Small Molecules for Active Targeting in Cancer. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:494-575. [PMID: 26992114 DOI: 10.1002/med.21387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
For the purpose of this review, active targeting in cancer research encompasses strategies wherein a ligand for a cell surface receptor expressed on tumor cells is used to deliver a cytotoxic or imaging cargo. This area of research is more than two decades old, but in those 20 and more years, how many receptors have been studied extensively? What kinds of the ligands are used for active targeting? Are they mostly naturally occurring molecules such as folic acid, or synthetic substances developed in campaigns for medicinal chemistry efforts? This review outlines the most important receptor or ligand combinations that have been used in active targeting to answer these questions, and therefore to address the most important one of all: is research in active targeting affording diminishing returns, or is this an area for which the potential far exceeds progress made so far?
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin S Kue
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anyanee Kamkaew
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, Box 30012, College Station, TX, 77842
| | - Kevin Burgess
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, Box 30012, College Station, TX, 77842
| | - Lik V Kiew
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lip Y Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hong B Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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