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Quigley NG, Zierke MA, Ludwig BS, Richter F, Nguyen NT, Reissig F, Šimeček J, Kossatz S, Notni J. The importance of tyrosines in multimers of cyclic RGD nonapeptides: towards αvβ6-integrin targeted radiotherapeutics. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:2018-2029. [PMID: 38911160 PMCID: PMC11187563 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00073k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In a recent paper in this journal (RSC Med. Chem., 2023, 14, 2429), we described an unusually strong impact of regiospecific exchange of phenylalanines by tyrosines in 10 gallium-68-labeled trimers of certain cyclic RGD peptides, c[XRGDLAXp(NMe)K] (X = F or Y), on non-specific organ uptakes. We found that there was, in part, no correlation of liver uptake with established polarity proxies, such as the octanol-water distribution coefficient (log D). Since this observation could not be explained straightforwardly, we suggested that the symmetry of the compounds had resulted in a synergistic interaction of certain components of the macromolecules. In the present work, we investigated whether a comparable effect also occurred for a series of 5 tetramers labeled with lutetium-177. We found that in contrast to the trimers, liver uptake of the tetramers was well correlated to their polarity, indicating that the unusual observations along the trimer series indeed was a unique feature, probably related to their particular symmetry. Since the Lu-177 labeled tetramers are also potential agents for treatment of a variety of αvβ6-integrin expressing cancers, these were evaluated in mice bearing human lung adenocarcinoma xenografts. Due to their tumor-specific uptake and retention in biodistribution and SPECT imaging experiments, these compounds are considered a step forward on the way to αvβ6-integrin-targeted anticancer agents. Furthermore, we noticed that the presence of tyrosines in general had a positive impact on the in vivo performance of our peptide multimers. In view of the fact that a corresponding rule was already proposed in the context of protein engineering, we argue in favor of considering peptide multimers as a special class of small or medium-sized proteins. In summary, we contend that the performance of peptide multimers is less determined by the in vitro characteristics (particularly, affinity and selectivity) of monomers, but rather by the peptides' suitability for the overall macromolecular design concept, and peptides containing tyrosines are preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Gerard Quigley
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health, Technische Universität München Munich Germany
| | | | - Beatrice Stefanie Ludwig
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar and Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine and Health, Technische Universität München Munich Germany
| | - Frauke Richter
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health, Technische Universität München Munich Germany
| | - Nghia Trong Nguyen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar and Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine and Health, Technische Universität München Munich Germany
| | - Falco Reissig
- TRIMT GmbH Carl-Eschebach-Str. 7 D-01454 Radeberg Germany
| | - Jakub Šimeček
- TRIMT GmbH Carl-Eschebach-Str. 7 D-01454 Radeberg Germany
| | - Susanne Kossatz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar and Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine and Health, Technische Universität München Munich Germany
| | - Johannes Notni
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health, Technische Universität München Munich Germany
- TRIMT GmbH Carl-Eschebach-Str. 7 D-01454 Radeberg Germany
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Quigley NG, Richter F, Kossatz S, Notni J. Complexity of αvβ6-integrin targeting RGD peptide trimers: emergence of non-specific binding by synergistic interaction. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2564-2573. [PMID: 38099056 PMCID: PMC10718521 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00365e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Multimerization is an established strategy to design bioactive macromolecules with enhanced avidity, which has been widely employed to increase the target-specific binding and uptake of imaging probes and pharmaceuticals. However, the factors governing the general biodistribution of multimeric probes are less well understood but are nonetheless decisive for their clinical application. We found that regiospecific exchange of phenylalanine by tyrosine (chemically equivalent to addition of single oxygen atoms) can have an unexpected, dramatic impact on the in vivo behavior of gallium-68 labeled αvβ6-integrin binding peptides trimers. For example, introduction of one and two Tyr, equivalent to just 1 and 2 additional oxygens and molecular weight increases of 0.38% and 0.76% for our >4 kDa constructs, reduced non-specific liver uptake by 50% and 72%, respectively. The observed effect did not correlate to established polarity measures such as log D, and generally defies explanation by reductionist approaches. We conclude that multimers should be viewed not just as molecular combinations of peptides whose properties simply add up, but as whole entities with higher intrinsic complexity and thus a strong tendency to exhibit newly emerged properties that, on principle, cannot be predicted from the characteristics of the monomers used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Gerard Quigley
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München Trogerstr. 18 D-81675 München Germany
| | - Frauke Richter
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München Trogerstr. 18 D-81675 München Germany
| | - Susanne Kossatz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar and Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technische Universität München Munich Germany
| | - Johannes Notni
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München Trogerstr. 18 D-81675 München Germany
- TRIMT GmbH Carl-Eschebach-Str. 7 D-01454 Radeberg Germany
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Quigley NG, Steiger K, Hoberück S, Czech N, Zierke MA, Kossatz S, Pretze M, Richter F, Weichert W, Pox C, Kotzerke J, Notni J. PET/CT imaging of head-and-neck and pancreatic cancer in humans by targeting the "Cancer Integrin" αvβ6 with Ga-68-Trivehexin. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:1136-1147. [PMID: 34559266 PMCID: PMC8460406 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05559-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a new probe for the αvβ6-integrin and assess its potential for PET imaging of carcinomas. METHODS Ga-68-Trivehexin was synthesized by trimerization of the optimized αvβ6-integrin selective cyclic nonapeptide Tyr2 (sequence: c[YRGDLAYp(NMe)K]) on the TRAP chelator core, followed by automated labeling with Ga-68. The tracer was characterized by ELISA for activities towards integrin subtypes αvβ6, αvβ8, αvβ3, and α5β1, as well as by cell binding assays on H2009 (αvβ6-positive) and MDA-MB-231 (αvβ6-negative) cells. SCID-mice bearing subcutaneous xenografts of the same cell lines were used for dynamic (90 min) and static (75 min p.i.) µPET imaging, as well as for biodistribution (90 min p.i.). Structure-activity-relationships were established by comparison with the predecessor compound Ga-68-TRAP(AvB6)3. Ga-68-Trivehexin was tested for in-human PET/CT imaging of HNSCC, parotideal adenocarcinoma, and metastatic PDAC. RESULTS Ga-68-Trivehexin showed a high αvβ6-integrin affinity (IC50 = 0.047 nM), selectivity over other subtypes (IC50-based factors: αvβ8, 131; αvβ3, 57; α5β1, 468), blockable uptake in H2009 cells, and negligible uptake in MDA-MB-231 cells. Biodistribution and preclinical PET imaging confirmed a high target-specific uptake in tumor and a low non-specific uptake in other organs and tissues except the excretory organs (kidneys and urinary bladder). Preclinical PET corresponded well to in-human results, showing high and persistent uptake in metastatic PDAC and HNSCC (SUVmax = 10-13) as well as in kidneys/urine. Ga-68-Trivehexin enabled PET/CT imaging of small PDAC metastases and showed high uptake in HNSCC but not in tumor-associated inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Ga-68-Trivehexin is a valuable probe for imaging of αvβ6-integrin expression in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hoberück
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus an der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Norbert Czech
- Center of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Kossatz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, and Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Pretze
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus an der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frauke Richter
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Pox
- Clinic of Internal Medicine, Hospital St. Joseph-Stift Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jörg Kotzerke
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus an der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Notni
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
- Experimental Radiopharmacy, Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
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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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Steiger K, Quigley NG, Groll T, Richter F, Zierke MA, Beer AJ, Weichert W, Schwaiger M, Kossatz S, Notni J. There is a world beyond αvβ3-integrin: Multimeric ligands for imaging of the integrin subtypes αvβ6, αvβ8, αvβ3, and α5β1 by positron emission tomography. EJNMMI Res 2021; 11:106. [PMID: 34636990 PMCID: PMC8506476 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-021-00842-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of nuclear medicine and theranostics, integrin-related research and development was, for most of the time, focused predominantly on 'RGD peptides' and the subtype αvβ3-integrin. However, there are no less than 24 known integrins, and peptides without the RGD sequence as well as non-peptidic ligands play an equally important role as selective integrin ligands. On the other hand, multimerization is a well-established method to increase the avidity of binding structures, but multimeric radiopharmaceuticals have not made their way into clinics yet. In this review, we describe how these aspects have been interwoven in the framework of the German Research Foundation's multi-group interdisciplinary funding scheme CRC 824, yielding a series of potent PET imaging agents for selective imaging of various integrin subtypes. RESULTS The gallium-68 chelator TRAP was utilized to elaborate symmetrical trimers of various peptidic and non-peptidic integrin ligands. Preclinical data suggested a high potential of the resulting Ga-68-tracers for PET-imaging of the integrins α5β1, αvβ8, αvβ6, and αvβ3. For the first three, we provide some additional immunohistochemistry data in human cancers, which suggest several future clinical applications. Finally, application of αvβ3- and αvβ6-integrin tracers in pancreatic carcinoma patients revealed that unlike αvβ3-targeted PET, αvβ6-integrin PET is not characterized by off-target uptake and thus, enables a substantially improved imaging of this type of cancer. CONCLUSIONS Novel radiopharmaceuticals targeting a number of different integrins, above all, αvβ6, have proven their clinical potential and will play an increasingly important role in future theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Steiger
- Institut Für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Neil Gerard Quigley
- Institut Für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Groll
- Institut Für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Frauke Richter
- Institut Für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Wilko Weichert
- Institut Für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Klinik Für Nuklearmedizin Und Zentralinstitut Für Translationale Krebsforschung (TranslaTUM), Klinikum Rechts Der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Kossatz
- Klinik Für Nuklearmedizin Und Zentralinstitut Für Translationale Krebsforschung (TranslaTUM), Klinikum Rechts Der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Notni
- Institut Für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany. .,Experimental Radiopharmacy, Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
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Ludwig BS, Kessler H, Kossatz S, Reuning U. RGD-Binding Integrins Revisited: How Recently Discovered Functions and Novel Synthetic Ligands (Re-)Shape an Ever-Evolving Field. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1711. [PMID: 33916607 PMCID: PMC8038522 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrins have been extensively investigated as therapeutic targets over the last decades, which has been inspired by their multiple functions in cancer progression, metastasis, and angiogenesis as well as a continuously expanding number of other diseases, e.g., sepsis, fibrosis, and viral infections, possibly also Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Although integrin-targeted (cancer) therapy trials did not meet the high expectations yet, integrins are still valid and promising targets due to their elevated expression and surface accessibility on diseased cells. Thus, for the future successful clinical translation of integrin-targeted compounds, revisited and innovative treatment strategies have to be explored based on accumulated knowledge of integrin biology. For this, refined approaches are demanded aiming at alternative and improved preclinical models, optimized selectivity and pharmacological properties of integrin ligands, as well as more sophisticated treatment protocols considering dose fine-tuning of compounds. Moreover, integrin ligands exert high accuracy in disease monitoring as diagnostic molecular imaging tools, enabling patient selection for individualized integrin-targeted therapy. The present review comprehensively analyzes the state-of-the-art knowledge on the roles of RGD-binding integrin subtypes in cancer and non-cancerous diseases and outlines the latest achievements in the design and development of synthetic ligands and their application in biomedical, translational, and molecular imaging approaches. Indeed, substantial progress has already been made, including advanced ligand designs, numerous elaborated pre-clinical and first-in-human studies, while the discovery of novel applications for integrin ligands remains to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice S. Ludwig
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar and Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Horst Kessler
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany;
| | - Susanne Kossatz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar and Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany;
| | - Ute Reuning
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
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Böhmer VI, Szymanski W, Feringa BL, Elsinga PH. Multivalent Probes in Molecular Imaging: Reality or Future? Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:379-393. [PMID: 33436332 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly developing field of molecular medical imaging focuses on specific visualization of (patho)physiological processes through the application of imaging agents (IAs) in multiple clinical modalities. Although our understanding of the principles underlying efficient IAs design has increased tremendously, many IAs still show poor in vivo imaging performance because of low binding affinity and/or specificity. These limitations can be addressed by taking advantage of multivalency, in which multiple copies of a ligand are employed to strengthen the interaction. We critically address specific challenges associated with the application of multivalent compounds in molecular imaging, and we give directions for a stepwise approach to the design of multivalent imaging probes to improve their target binding and pharmacokinetics (PK) for improved diagnostic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena I Böhmer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands; Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747, AF, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wiktor Szymanski
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747, AF, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747, AF, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Philip H Elsinga
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Quigley NG, Steiger K, Richter F, Weichert W, Hoberück S, Kotzerke J, Notni J. Tracking a TGF-β activator in vivo: sensitive PET imaging of αvβ8-integrin with the Ga-68-labeled cyclic RGD octapeptide trimer Ga-68-Triveoctin. EJNMMI Res 2020; 10:133. [PMID: 33128636 PMCID: PMC7603442 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-020-00706-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose As a major activator of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), the RGD receptor αvβ8-integrin is involved in pathogenic processes related to TGF-β dysregulation, such as tumor growth, invasion, and radiochemoresistance, metastasis and tumor cell stemness, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceutical Ga-68-Triveoctin for in vivo mapping of αvβ8-integrin expression might enhance the prognosis of certain tumor entities, as well as support and augment TGF-β-targeted therapeutic approaches. Methods Monomeric and trimeric conjugates of cyclo(GLRGDLp(NMe)K(pent-4-ynoic amide)) were synthesized by click chemistry (CuAAC), labeled with Ga-68, and evaluated in MeWo (human melanoma) xenografted SCID mice by means of PET and ex-vivo biodistribution. αvβ8-integrin expression in murine tissues was determined by β8-IHC. A human subject received a single injection of 173 MBq of Ga-68-Triveoctin and underwent 3 subsequent PET/CT scans at 25, 45, and 90 min p.i.. Results The trimer Ga-68-Triveoctin exhibits a 6.7-fold higher αvβ8-integrin affinity than the monomer (IC50 of 5.7 vs. 38 nM, respectively). Accordingly, biodistribution showed a higher tumor uptake (1.9 vs. 1.0%IA/g, respectively) but a similar baseline upon blockade (0.25%IA/g for both). IHC showed an intermediate β8-expression in the tumor while most organs and tissues were found β8-negative. Low non-target tissue uptakes (< 0.4%IA/g) confirmed a low degree of unspecific binding. Due to its hydrophilicity (log D = − 3.1), Ga-68-Triveoctin is excreted renally and shows favorable tumor/tissue ratios in mice (t/blood: 6.7; t/liver: 6.8; t/muscle: 29). A high kidney uptake in mice (kidney-to-blood and -to-muscle ratios of 126 and 505, respectively) is not reflected by human PET (corresponding values are 15 and 30, respectively), which furthermore showed notable uptakes in coeliac and choroid plexus (SUVmean 6.1 and 9.7, respectively, 90 min p.i.). Conclusion Ga-68-Triveoctin enables sensitive in-vivo imaging αvβ8-integrin expression in murine tumor xenografts. PET in a human subject confirmed a favorable biodistribution, underscoring the potential of Ga-68-Triveoctin for mapping of αvβ8-integrin expression in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Gerard Quigley
- Institut für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Trogerstraße 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institut für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Trogerstraße 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Frauke Richter
- Institut für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Trogerstraße 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institut für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Trogerstraße 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hoberück
- Klinik Und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus an der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jörg Kotzerke
- Klinik Und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus an der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Notni
- Institut für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Trogerstraße 18, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Quigley NG, Tomassi S, di Leva FS, Di Maro S, Richter F, Steiger K, Kossatz S, Marinelli L, Notni J. Click-Chemistry (CuAAC) Trimerization of an α v β 6 Integrin Targeting Ga-68-Peptide: Enhanced Contrast for in-Vivo PET Imaging of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Xenografts. Chembiochem 2020; 21:2836-2843. [PMID: 32359011 PMCID: PMC7586803 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
αv β6 Integrin is an epithelial transmembrane protein that recognizes latency-associated peptide (LAP) and primarily activates transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). It is overexpressed in carcinomas (most notably, pancreatic) and other conditions associated with αv β6 integrin-dependent TGF-β dysregulation, such as fibrosis. We have designed a trimeric Ga-68-labeled TRAP conjugate of the αv β6 -specific cyclic pentapeptide SDM17 (cyclo[RGD-Chg-E]-CONH2 ) to enhance αv β6 integrin affinity as well as target-specific in-vivo uptake. Ga-68-TRAP(SDM17)3 showed a 28-fold higher αv β6 affinity than the corresponding monomer Ga-68-NOTA-SDM17 (IC50 of 0.26 vs. 7.4 nM, respectively), a 13-fold higher IC50 -based selectivity over the related integrin αv β8 (factors of 662 vs. 49), and a threefold higher tumor uptake (2.1 vs. 0.66 %ID/g) in biodistribution experiments with H2009 tumor-bearing SCID mice. The remarkably high tumor/organ ratios (tumor-to-blood 11.2; -to-liver 8.7; -to-pancreas 29.7) enabled high-contrast tumor delineation in PET images. We conclude that Ga-68-TRAP(SDM17)3 holds promise for improved clinical PET diagnostics of carcinomas and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Gerard Quigley
- Institute of PathologyTechnische Universität MünchenTrogerstrasse 1881675MünchenGermany
| | - Stefano Tomassi
- Dipartimento di FarmaciaUniversità degli Studi di Napoli Federico IIVia D. Montesano 4980131NapoliItaly
| | - Francesco Saverio di Leva
- Dipartimento di FarmaciaUniversità degli Studi di Napoli Federico IIVia D. Montesano 4980131NapoliItaly
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e FarmaceuticheUniversità degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”Via A. Vivaldi 4381100CasertaItaly
| | - Frauke Richter
- Institute of PathologyTechnische Universität MünchenTrogerstrasse 1881675MünchenGermany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of PathologyTechnische Universität MünchenTrogerstrasse 1881675MünchenGermany
| | - Susanne Kossatz
- Klinik für Nuklearmedizin and TranslaTUMCentral Institute for Translational Cancer ResearchTechnische Universität MünchenIsmaninger Str. 2281675MünchenGermany
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Dipartimento di FarmaciaUniversità degli Studi di Napoli Federico IIVia D. Montesano 4980131NapoliItaly
| | - Johannes Notni
- Institute of PathologyTechnische Universität MünchenTrogerstrasse 1881675MünchenGermany
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Current State of Radiolabeled Heterobivalent Peptidic Ligands in Tumor Imaging and Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13080173. [PMID: 32751666 PMCID: PMC7465997 DOI: 10.3390/ph13080173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, an approach emerged that combines different receptor-specific peptide radioligands able to bind different target structures on tumor cells concomitantly or separately. The reason for the growing interest in this special field of radiopharmaceutical development is rooted in the fact that bispecific peptide heterodimers can exhibit a strongly increased target cell avidity and specificity compared to their corresponding monospecific counterparts by being able to bind to two different target structures that are overexpressed on the cell surface of several malignancies. This increase of avidity is most pronounced in the case of concomitant binding of both peptides to their respective targets but is also observed in cases of heterogeneously expressed receptors within a tumor entity. Furthermore, the application of a radiolabeled heterobivalent agent can solve the ubiquitous problem of limited tumor visualization sensitivity caused by differential receptor expression on different tumor lesions. In this article, the concept of heterobivalent targeting and the general advantages of using radiolabeled bispecific peptidic ligands for tumor imaging or therapy as well as the influence of molecular design and the receptors on the tumor cell surface are explained, and an overview is given of the radiolabeled heterobivalent peptides described thus far.
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Structural modifications of amino acid sequences of radiolabeled peptides for targeted tumor imaging. Bioorg Chem 2020; 99:103802. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Abstract
Monomeric RGD peptides show unspecific fluid-phase uptake in cells, whereas multimeric RGD peptides are thought to be internalized by integrin-mediated endocytosis. However, a potential correlation between uptake mechanism and molecular mass has been neglected so far. A dual derivatization of peptide c(RGDw(7Br)K) was performed to investigate this. A fluorescent probe was installed by chemoselective Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of the 7-bromotryptophan and a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linker was attached to the lysine residue. Flow cytometry and live cell imaging confirmed unspecific uptake of the small, non-PEGylated peptide, whereas the PEG5000 peptide conjugate unveiled a selective internalization by M21 cells overexpressing αv β3 and no uptake in αv -deficient M21L cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Kemker
- Organische und Bioorganische ChemieFakultät für ChemieUniversität BielefeldUniversitätsstrasse 2533615BielefeldGermany
| | - Rebecca C. Feiner
- Zelluläre und Molekulare BiotechnologieTechnische FakultätUniversität BielefeldUniversitätsstrasse 2533615BielefeldGermany
| | - Kristian M. Müller
- Zelluläre und Molekulare BiotechnologieTechnische FakultätUniversität BielefeldUniversitätsstrasse 2533615BielefeldGermany
| | - Norbert Sewald
- Organische und Bioorganische ChemieFakultät für ChemieUniversität BielefeldUniversitätsstrasse 2533615BielefeldGermany
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13
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Wurzer A, Pollmann J, Schmidt A, Reich D, Wester HJ, Notni J. Molar Activity of Ga-68 Labeled PSMA Inhibitor Conjugates Determines PET Imaging Results. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:4296-4302. [PMID: 30011372 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Radiopharmaceuticals targeting the enzyme prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA; synonyms: glutamate carboxypeptidase II, NAALADase; EC 3.4.17.21) have recently emerged as powerful agents for diagnosis and therapy (theranostics) of prostate carcinoma (PCa). The radiation doses for therapeutic application of such compounds are limited by substantial uptakes in kidneys and salivary glands, with excess doses reportedly leading to radiotoxicity-related adverse effects, such as kidney insufficiency or xenostomia. On the basis of the triazacyclononane-triphosphinate (TRAP) chelator, monomeric to trimeric conjugates of the PSMA inhibitor motif lysine-urea-glutamic acid (KuE) were synthesized by means of Cu(I)-mediated (CuAAC) or 5-aza-dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-driven, strain-promoted click chemistry (SPAAC), which were labeled with gallium-68 for application in positron emission tomography (PET), and characterized in terms of PSMA affinity (determined in cellular displacement assays against I-125-BA) and lipophilicity (expressed as log D). Using subcutaneous murine LNCaP (PSMA-positive human prostate carcinoma) xenografts, the influence of ligand multiplicity, affinity, polarity, and molar activity (i.e., mass dose) on the uptakes in tumor, kidney, salivary, and background (muscle) was analyzed by means of region-of-interest (ROI) based quantification of small-animal PET imaging data. As expected, trimerization of the KuE motif resulted in high PSMA affinities (IC50 ranging from 6.0-1.5 nM). Of all parameters, molar activity/cold mass had the most pronounced influence on PET uptakes. Because accumulation in nontumor tissues was effected to a larger extent than tumor uptakes, lower molar activities resulted in substantially better tumor-to-organ ratios. For example, for one trimer, 68Ga-AhxKuE3 (IC50 = 1.5 ± 0.3 nM, log D = -3.8 ± 0.1), a higher overall amount of active compound (12 pmol vs 2 nmol, equivalent to molar activities of 1200 and 8 MBq/nmol) resulted in a remarkable reduction of the kidney-to-tumor ratio from 11.4 to 1.4, respectively, at 60 min p.i. Our study suggests that, for PSMA-targeting radiopharmaceuticals, molar activity has a more pronounced influence on small-animal PET imaging results than structural or in vitro parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Wurzer
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry , Technische Universität München , Walther-Meißner-Straße 3 , D-85748 Garching , Germany
| | - Julia Pollmann
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry , Technische Universität München , Walther-Meißner-Straße 3 , D-85748 Garching , Germany
| | - Alexander Schmidt
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry , Technische Universität München , Walther-Meißner-Straße 3 , D-85748 Garching , Germany
| | - Dominik Reich
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry , Technische Universität München , Walther-Meißner-Straße 3 , D-85748 Garching , Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Wester
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry , Technische Universität München , Walther-Meißner-Straße 3 , D-85748 Garching , Germany
| | - Johannes Notni
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry , Technische Universität München , Walther-Meißner-Straße 3 , D-85748 Garching , Germany
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14
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Wurzer A, Vágner A, Horváth D, Fellegi F, Wester HJ, Kálmán FK, Notni J. Synthesis of Symmetrical Tetrameric Conjugates of the Radiolanthanide Chelator DOTPI for Application in Endoradiotherapy by Means of Click Chemistry. Front Chem 2018; 6:107. [PMID: 29692987 PMCID: PMC5902495 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its 4 carbonic acid groups being available for bioconjugation, the cyclen tetraphosphinate chelator DOTPI, 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7, 10-tetrakis[methylene(2-carboxyethylphosphinic acid)], represents an ideal scaffold for synthesis of tetrameric bioconjugates for labeling with radiolanthanides, to be applied as endoradiotherapeuticals. We optimized a protocol for bio-orthogonal DOTPI conjugation via Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen-cycloaddition of terminal azides and alkynes (CuAAC), based on the building block DOTPI(azide)4. A detailed investigation of kinetic properties of Cu(II)-DOTPI complexes aimed at optimization of removal of DOTPI-bound copper by transchelation. Protonation and equilibrium properties of Ca(II)-, Zn(II), and Cu(II)-complexes of DOTPI and its tetra-cyclohexylamide DOTPI(Chx)4 (a model for DOTPI conjugates) as well as kinetic inertness (transchelation challenge in the presence of 20 to 40-fold excess of EDTA) were investigated by pH-potentiometry and spectrophotometry. Similar stability constants of CaII-, ZnII, and CuII-complexes of DOTPI (logK(CaL) = 8.65, logK(ZnL = 15.40, logK(CuL) = 20.30) and DOTPI(Chx)4 (logK(CaL) = 8.99, logK(ZnL) = 15.13, logK(CuL) = 20.42) were found. Transchelation of Cu(II)-complexes occurs via proton-assisted dissociation, whereafter released Cu(II) is scavenged by EDTA. The corresponding dissociation rates [kd = 25 × 10−7 and 5 × 10−7 s−1 for Cu(DOTPI) and Cu(DOTPI(Chx)4), respectively, at pH 4 and 298 K] indicate that conjugation increases the kinetic inertness by a factor of 5. However, demetallation is completed within 4.5 and 7.2 h at pH 2 and 25°C, respectively, indicating that Cu(II) removal after formation of CuAAC can be achieved in an uncomplicated manner by addition of excess H4EDTA. For proof-of-principle, tetrameric DOTPI conjugates of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeting motif Lys-urea-Glu (KuE) were synthesized via CuAAC as well as dibenzo-azacyclooctine (DBCO) based, strain-promoted click chemistry (SPAAC), which were labeled with Lu-177 and subsequently evaluated in vitro and in SCID mice bearing subcutaneous LNCaP tumor (PSMA+ human prostate carcinoma) xenografts. High affinities (3.4 and 1.4 nM, respectively) and persistent tumor uptakes (approx. 3.5% 24 h after injection) confirm suitability of DOTPI-based tetramers for application in targeted radionuclide therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Wurzer
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Adrienn Vágner
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dávid Horváth
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Flóra Fellegi
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Hans-Jürgen Wester
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ferenc K Kálmán
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Johannes Notni
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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15
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Kapp TG, Di Leva FS, Notni J, Räder AFB, Fottner M, Reichart F, Reich D, Wurzer A, Steiger K, Novellino E, Marelli UK, Wester HJ, Marinelli L, Kessler H. N-Methylation of isoDGR Peptides: Discovery of a Selective α5β1-Integrin Ligand as a Potent Tumor Imaging Agent. J Med Chem 2018; 61:2490-2499. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias G. Kapp
- Institute for Advanced Study and Center of Integrated Protein Science, Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Francesco Saverio Di Leva
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Johannes Notni
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Radiochemie, Technische Universität München, Walther-Meißner Straße 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Andreas F. B. Räder
- Institute for Advanced Study and Center of Integrated Protein Science, Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Maximilian Fottner
- Institute for Advanced Study and Center of Integrated Protein Science, Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Florian Reichart
- Institute for Advanced Study and Center of Integrated Protein Science, Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Dominik Reich
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Radiochemie, Technische Universität München, Walther-Meißner Straße 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Alexander Wurzer
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Radiochemie, Technische Universität München, Walther-Meißner Straße 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Department of Pathology, Technische Universität München, Trogerstraße 18, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Udaya Kiran Marelli
- Central NMR Facility and Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, 411008 Pune, India
| | - Hans-Jürgen Wester
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Radiochemie, Technische Universität München, Walther-Meißner Straße 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Horst Kessler
- Institute for Advanced Study and Center of Integrated Protein Science, Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
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16
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Maschauer S, Prante O. Radiopharmaceuticals for imaging and endoradiotherapy of neurotensin receptor-positive tumors. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2018; 61:309-325. [DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Maschauer
- Molecular Imaging and Radiochemistry, Department of Nuclear Medicine; Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU); Erlangen Germany
| | - Olaf Prante
- Molecular Imaging and Radiochemistry, Department of Nuclear Medicine; Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU); Erlangen Germany
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