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Scorzo AV, Kwon CY, Strawbridge RR, Duke RB, Chen KL, Li C, Fan X, Hoopes PJ, Roberts DW, Paulsen KD, Davis SC. Comparing spatial distributions of ALA-PpIX and indocyanine green in a whole pig brain glioma model using 3D fluorescence cryotomography. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2025; 30:S13704. [PMID: 39247519 PMCID: PMC11379406 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.30.s1.s13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Significance ALA-PpIX and second-window indocyanine green (ICG) have been studied widely for guiding the resection of high-grade gliomas. These agents have different mechanisms of action and uptake characteristics, which can affect their performance as surgical guidance agents. Elucidating these differences in animal models that approach the size and anatomy of the human brain would help guide the use of these agents. Herein, we report on the use of a new pig glioma model and fluorescence cryotomography to evaluate the 3D distributions of both agents throughout the whole brain. Aim We aim to assess and compare the 3D spatial distributions of ALA-PpIX and second-window ICG in a glioma-bearing pig brain using fluorescence cryotomography. Approach A glioma was induced in the brain of a transgenic Oncopig via adeno-associated virus delivery of Cre-recombinase plasmids. After tumor induction, the pro-drug 5-ALA and ICG were administered to the animal 3 and 24 h prior to brain harvest, respectively. The harvested brain was imaged using fluorescence cryotomography. The fluorescence distributions of both agents were evaluated in 3D in the whole brain using various spatial distribution and contrast performance metrics. Results Significant differences in the spatial distributions of both agents were observed. Indocyanine green accumulated within the tumor core, whereas ALA-PpIX appeared more toward the tumor periphery. Both ALA-PpIX and second-window ICG provided elevated tumor-to-background contrast (13 and 23, respectively). Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate the use of a new glioma model and large-specimen fluorescence cryotomography to evaluate and compare imaging agent distribution at high resolution in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustino V. Scorzo
- Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
| | - Caleb Y. Kwon
- Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
| | | | - Ryan B. Duke
- Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
| | - Kristen L. Chen
- Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
| | - Chengpei Li
- Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
| | - Xiaoyao Fan
- Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
| | - P. Jack Hoopes
- Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
- Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States
| | - David W. Roberts
- Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
- Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States
| | - Keith D. Paulsen
- Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States
| | - Scott C. Davis
- Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
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Mateusiak Ł, Floru S, De Groof TWM, Wouters J, Declerck NB, Debie P, Janssen S, Zeven K, Puttemans J, Vincke C, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N, Hernot S. Generation and Characterization of Novel Pan-Cancer Anti-uPAR Fluorescent Nanobodies as Tools for Image-Guided Surgery. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400700. [PMID: 38845188 PMCID: PMC11321701 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescence molecular imaging plays a vital role in image-guided surgery. In this context, the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is an interesting biomarker enabling the detection and delineation of various tumor types due to its elevated expression on both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. In this study, anti-uPAR Nanobodies (Nbs) are generated through llama immunization with human and murine uPAR protein. Extensive in vitro characterization and in vivo testing with radiolabeled variants are conducted to assess their pharmacokinetics and select lead compounds. Subsequently, the selected Nbs are converted into fluorescent agents, and their application for fluorescence-guided surgery is evaluated in various subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor models. The study yields a panel of high-affinity anti-uPAR Nbs, showing specific binding across multiple types of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Lead fluorescently-labeled compounds exhibit high tumor uptake with high contrast at 1 h after intravenous injection across all assessed uPAR-expressing tumor models, outperforming a non-targeting control Nb. Additionally, rapid and accurate tumor localization and demarcation are demonstrated in an orthotopic human glioma model. Utilizing these Nbs can potentially enhance the precision of surgical tumor resection and, consequently, improve survival rates in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Mateusiak
- Laboratory for Molecular Imaging and TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)MITHLaarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
| | - Sam Floru
- Laboratory for Molecular Imaging and TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)MITHLaarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
| | - Timo W. M. De Groof
- Laboratory for Molecular Imaging and TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)MITHLaarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
| | - Janne Wouters
- Laboratory for Molecular Imaging and TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)MITHLaarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
| | - Noemi B. Declerck
- Laboratory for Molecular Imaging and TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)MITHLaarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
| | - Pieterjan Debie
- Laboratory for Molecular Imaging and TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)MITHLaarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
| | - Simone Janssen
- Laboratory for Molecular Imaging and TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)MITHLaarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineSmall Animal DepartmentGhent University (UGent)Salisburylaan 133Merelbeke9820Belgium
| | - Katty Zeven
- Laboratory for Molecular Imaging and TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)MITHLaarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
| | - Janik Puttemans
- Laboratory for Molecular Imaging and TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)MITHLaarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
| | - Cécile Vincke
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular ImmunologyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)Pleinlaan 2Brussels1050Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology LabVIB Center for Inflammation ResearchPleinlaan 2Brussels1050Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)Laarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Laboratory for Molecular Imaging and TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)MITHLaarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
| | - Sophie Hernot
- Laboratory for Molecular Imaging and TherapyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)MITHLaarbeeklaan 103Brussels1090Belgium
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3
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Chirizzi C, Pellegatta S, Gori A, Falco J, Rubiu E, Acerbi F, Bombelli FB. Next-generation agents for fluorescence-guided glioblastoma surgery. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10608. [PMID: 38818124 PMCID: PMC11135154 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a fast-growing and aggressive form of brain cancer. Even with maximal treatment, patients show a low median survival and are often subjected to a high recurrence incidence. The currently available treatments require multimodal management, including maximal safe surgical resection, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Because of the infiltrative glioblastoma nature, intraoperative differentiation of cancer tissue from normal brain parenchyma is very challenging, and this accounts for the low rate of complete tumor resection. For these reasons, clinicians have increasingly used various intraoperative adjuncts to improve surgical results, such as fluorescent agents. However, most of the existing fluorophores show several limitations such as poor selectivity, photostability, photosensitization and high costs. This could limit their application to successfully improve glioblastoma resection. In the present perspective, we highlight the possibility to develop next-generation fluorescent tools able to more selectively label cancer cells during surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Chirizzi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”Politecnico di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Brain TumorsFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
- Unit of NeuroncologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Alessandro Gori
- National Research Council of Italy, Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche (SCITEC‐CNR)MilanItaly
| | - Jacopo Falco
- Neurosurgical Unit 2, Department of NeurosurgeryFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Emanuele Rubiu
- Neurosurgical Unit 2, Department of NeurosurgeryFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Francesco Acerbi
- Neurosurgical Unit 2, Department of NeurosurgeryFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
- Experimental Microsurgical Laboratory, Department of NeurosurgeryFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanoItaly
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He Y, Døssing KBV, Rossing M, Bagger FO, Kjaer A. uPAR (PLAUR) Marks Two Intra-Tumoral Subtypes of Glioblastoma: Insights from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1998. [PMID: 38396677 PMCID: PMC10889167 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) encoded by the PLAUR gene is known as a clinical marker for cell invasiveness in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). It is additionally implicated in various processes, including angiogenesis and inflammation within the tumor microenvironment. However, there has not been a comprehensive study that depicts the overall functions and molecular cooperators of PLAUR with respect to intra-tumoral subtypes of GBM. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data from 37 GBM patients, we identified PLAUR as a marker gene for two distinct subtypes in GBM. One subtype is featured by inflammatory activities and the other subtype is marked by ECM remodeling processes. Using the whole-transcriptome data from single cells, we are able to uncover the molecular cooperators of PLAUR for both subtypes without presuming biological pathways. Two protein networks comprise the molecular context of PLAUR, with each of the two subtypes characterized by a different dominant network. We concluded that targeting PLAUR directly influences the mechanisms represented by these two protein networks, regardless of the subtype of the targeted cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue He
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET & Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (Y.H.); (K.B.V.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina B. V. Døssing
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET & Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (Y.H.); (K.B.V.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Rossing
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (F.O.B.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frederik Otzen Bagger
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (F.O.B.)
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET & Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (Y.H.); (K.B.V.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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5
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Leth JM, Newcombe EA, Grønnemose AL, Jørgensen JT, Qvist K, Clausen AS, Knudsen LBS, Kjaer A, Kragelund BB, Jørgensen TJD, Ploug M. Targeted imaging of uPAR expression in vivo with cyclic AE105 variants. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17248. [PMID: 37821532 PMCID: PMC10567728 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43934-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive literature reports on the correlation between elevated levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and the severity of diseases with chronic inflammation including solid cancers. Molecular imaging is widely used as a non-invasive method to locate disease dissemination via full body scans and to stratify patients for targeted treatment. To date, the only imaging probe targeting uPAR that has reached clinical phase-II testing relies on a high-affinity 9-mer peptide (AE105), and several studies by positron emission tomography (PET) scanning or near-infra red (NIR) fluorescence imaging have validated its utility and specificity in vivo. While our previous studies focused on applying various reporter groups, the current study aims to improve uPAR-targeting properties of AE105. We successfully stabilized the small uPAR-targeting core of AE105 by constraining its conformational landscape by disulfide-mediated cyclization. Importantly, this modification mitigated the penalty on uPAR-affinity typically observed after conjugation to macrocyclic chelators. Cyclization did not impair tumor targeting efficiency of AE105 in vivo as assessed by PET imaging and a trend towards increased tracer uptake was observed. In future studies, we predict that this knowledge will aid development of new fluorescent AE105 derivatives with a view to optical imaging of uPAR to assist precision guided cancer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Maja Leth
- Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Estella Anne Newcombe
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- REPIN, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- The Linderstrøm Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anne Louise Grønnemose
- Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Jesper Tranekjær Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Katrine Qvist
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anne Skovsbo Clausen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Line Bruhn Schneider Knudsen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Birthe Brandt Kragelund
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- REPIN, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- The Linderstrøm Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | | | - Michael Ploug
- Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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6
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Beola L, Iturrioz-Rodríguez N, Pucci C, Bertorelli R, Ciofani G. Drug-Loaded Lipid Magnetic Nanoparticles for Combined Local Hyperthermia and Chemotherapy against Glioblastoma Multiforme. ACS NANO 2023; 17:18441-18455. [PMID: 37698887 PMCID: PMC10540267 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a devastating tumor of the central nervous system, currently missing an effective treatment. The therapeutic gold standard consists of surgical resection followed by chemotherapy (usually with temozolomide, TMZ) and/or radiotherapy. TMZ does not, however, provide significant survival benefit after completion of treatment because of development of chemoresistance and of heavy side effects of systemic administration. Improvement of conventional treatments and complementary therapies are urgently needed to increase patient survival and quality of life. Stimuli-responsive lipid-based drug delivery systems offer promising prospects to overcome the limitations of the current treatments. In this work, multifunctional lipid-based magnetic nanovectors functionalized with the peptide angiopep-2 and loaded with TMZ (Ang-TMZ-LMNVs) were tested to enhance specific GBM therapy on an in vivo model. Exposure to alternating magnetic fields (AMFs) enabled magnetic hyperthermia to be performed, that works in synergy with the chemotherapeutic agent. Studies on orthotopic human U-87 MG-Luc2 tumors in nude mice have shown that Ang-TMZ-LMNVs can accumulate and remain in the tumor after local administration without crossing over into healthy tissue, effectively suppressing tumor invasion and proliferation and significantly prolonging the median survival time when combined with the AMF stimulation. This powerful synergistic approach has proven to be a robust and versatile nanoplatform for an effective GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilianne Beola
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera 56025, Italy
| | - Nerea Iturrioz-Rodríguez
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera 56025, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pucci
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera 56025, Italy
| | - Rosalia Bertorelli
- Translational
Pharmacology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera 56025, Italy
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7
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Mondal A, Kang J, Kim D. Recent Progress in Fluorescent Probes for Real-Time Monitoring of Glioblastoma. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:3484-3503. [PMID: 36917648 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Treating glioblastoma (GBM) by resecting to a large extent can prolong a patient's survival by controlling the tumor cells, but excessive resection may produce postoperative complications by perturbing the brain structures. Therefore, various imaging procedures have been employed to successfully diagnose and resect with utmost caution and to protect vital structural or functional features. Fluorescence tagging is generally used as an intraoperative imaging technique in glioma cells in collaboration with other surgical tools such as MRI and navigation methods. However, the existing fluorescent probes may have several limitations, including poor selectivity, less photostability, false signals, and intraoperative re-administration when used in clinical and preclinical studies for glioma surgery. The involvement of smart fluorogenic materials, specifically fluorescent dyes, and biomarker-amended cell-penetrable fluorescent probes have noteworthy advantages for precise glioma imaging. This review outlines the contemporary advancements of fluorescent probes for imaging glioma cells along with their challenges and visions, with the anticipation to develop next-generation smart glioblastoma detection modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Mondal
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisoo Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, South Korea
| | - Dokyoung Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, South Korea
- Center for Converging Humanities, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, Core Research Institute (CRI), Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Center for Brain Technology, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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A novel urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-targeted peptide-based probe for in-vivo molecular imaging of glioblastoma. Nucl Med Commun 2023; 44:142-149. [PMID: 36630218 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a promising biomarker for cancer diagnosis and therapy. We herein fabricated a new type of uPAR-targeted imaging probe Al18F-NOTA-VC and preliminarily evaluated its potential application in PET imaging of the glioma model in vivo. METHODS Peptide VC was synthesized and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. The IC50 between VC/precursor NOTA-VC and uPAR was then determined before the synthesis and purification of Al18F-NOTA-VC, followed by further studies of in-vitro properties of Al18F-NOTA-VC. Meanwhile, the AE105-based probe followed a similar procedure in-vitro test. Finally, the PET imaging properties, including uPAR-targeting ability and the metabolism of Al18F-NOTA-VC, were investigated. RESULTS The VC and NOTA-VC were obtained successfully and demonstrated a good affinity with uPAR. Followed by Al18F labeling successfully, excellent properties, including the serum stability, water solubility, and specificity of Al18F-NOTA-VC, were obtained in-vitro test compared with AE105 based probe. An excellent tumor uptake and renal excretion data of Al18F-NOTA-VC were acquired from in-vivo U87MG tumor model PET imaging, consistent with the subsequent biodistribution study. CONCLUSION In addition to the excellent specificity and high tumor/normal tissue contrast for uPAR-targeted PET imaging of U87MG tumor, Al18F-NOTA-VC possessed promising clearance ability by renal system route. These excellent properties facilitated Al18F-NOTA-VC to be a promising imaging agent for uPAR high-expressing tumors and, thus, provided a paradigm for developing peptide-based probes for uPAR-associated disease diagnosis.
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9
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The multifaceted roles of peptides in “always-on” near-infrared fluorescent probes for tumor imaging. Bioorg Chem 2022; 129:106182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Adams Y, Jensen AR. Cerebral malaria - modelling interactions at the blood-brain barrier in vitro. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275963. [PMID: 35815443 PMCID: PMC9302004 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a continuous endothelial barrier that is supported by pericytes and astrocytes and regulates the passage of solutes between the bloodstream and the brain. This structure is called the neurovascular unit and serves to protect the brain from blood-borne disease-causing agents and other risk factors. In the past decade, great strides have been made to investigate the neurovascular unit for delivery of chemotherapeutics and for understanding how pathogens can circumvent the barrier, leading to severe and, at times, fatal complications. One such complication is cerebral malaria, in which Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells disrupt the barrier function of the BBB, causing severe brain swelling. Multiple in vitro models of the BBB are available to investigate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and other diseases. These range from single-cell monolayer cultures to multicellular BBB organoids and highly complex cerebral organoids. Here, we review the technologies available in malaria research to investigate the interaction between P. falciparum-infected red blood cells and the BBB, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Summary: This Review discusses the available in vitro models to investigate the impact of adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells on the blood–brain barrier, a process associated with cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Adams
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anja Ramstedt Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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Netufo O, Connor K, Shiels LP, Sweeney KJ, Wu D, O’Shea DF, Byrne AT, Miller IS. Refining Glioblastoma Surgery through the Use of Intra-Operative Fluorescence Imaging Agents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:550. [PMID: 35631376 PMCID: PMC9143023 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive adult brain tumour with a dismal 2-year survival rate of 26-33%. Maximal safe resection plays a crucial role in improving patient progression-free survival (PFS). Neurosurgeons have the significant challenge of delineating normal tissue from brain tumour to achieve the optimal extent of resection (EOR), with 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) the only clinically approved intra-operative fluorophore for GBM. This review aims to highlight the requirement for improved intra-operative imaging techniques, focusing on fluorescence-guided imaging (FGS) and the use of novel dyes with the potential to overcome the limitations of current FGS. The review was performed based on articles found in PubMed an.d Google Scholar, as well as articles identified in searched bibliographies between 2001 and 2022. Key words for searches included 'Glioblastoma' + 'Fluorophore'+ 'Novel' + 'Fluorescence Guided Surgery'. Current literature has favoured the approach of using targeted fluorophores to achieve specific accumulation in the tumour microenvironment, with biological conjugates leading the way. These conjugates target specific parts overexpressed in the tumour. The positive results in breast, ovarian and colorectal tissue are promising and may, therefore, be applied to intracranial neoplasms. Therefore, this design has the potential to produce favourable results in GBM by reducing the residual tumour, which translates to decreased tumour recurrence, morbidity and ultimately, mortality in GBM patients. Several preclinical studies have shown positive results with targeted dyes in distinguishing GBM cells from normal brain parenchyma, and targeted dyes in the Near-Infrared (NIR) emission range offer promising results, which may be valuable future alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwakanyinsolami Netufo
- Precision Cancer Medicine Group, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 2, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (O.N.); (K.C.); (L.P.S.); (K.J.S.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Kate Connor
- Precision Cancer Medicine Group, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 2, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (O.N.); (K.C.); (L.P.S.); (K.J.S.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Liam P. Shiels
- Precision Cancer Medicine Group, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 2, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (O.N.); (K.C.); (L.P.S.); (K.J.S.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Kieron J. Sweeney
- Precision Cancer Medicine Group, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 2, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (O.N.); (K.C.); (L.P.S.); (K.J.S.); (A.T.B.)
- National Centre for Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, 9, D09 V2N0 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), 2, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (D.W.); (D.F.O.)
| | - Donal F. O’Shea
- Department of Chemistry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), 2, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (D.W.); (D.F.O.)
| | - Annette T. Byrne
- Precision Cancer Medicine Group, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 2, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (O.N.); (K.C.); (L.P.S.); (K.J.S.); (A.T.B.)
- National Pre-Clinical Imaging Centre (NPIC), 2, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ian S. Miller
- Precision Cancer Medicine Group, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 2, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (O.N.); (K.C.); (L.P.S.); (K.J.S.); (A.T.B.)
- National Pre-Clinical Imaging Centre (NPIC), 2, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
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Alfano D, Franco P, Stoppelli MP. Modulation of Cellular Function by the Urokinase Receptor Signalling: A Mechanistic View. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:818616. [PMID: 35493073 PMCID: PMC9045800 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.818616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR or CD87) is a glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol anchored (GPI) membrane protein. The uPAR primary ligand is the serine protease urokinase (uPA), converting plasminogen into plasmin, a broad spectrum protease, active on most extracellular matrix components. Besides uPA, the uPAR binds specifically also to the matrix protein vitronectin and, therefore, is regarded also as an adhesion receptor. Complex formation of the uPAR with diverse transmembrane proteins, including integrins, formyl peptide receptors, G protein-coupled receptors and epidermal growth factor receptor results in intracellular signalling. Thus, the uPAR is a multifunctional receptor coordinating surface-associated pericellular proteolysis and signal transduction, thereby affecting physiological and pathological mechanisms. The uPAR-initiated signalling leads to remarkable cellular effects, that include increased cell migration, adhesion, survival, proliferation and invasion. Although this is beyond the scope of this review, the uPA/uPAR system is of great interest to cancer research, as it is associated to aggressive cancers and poor patient survival. Increasing evidence links the uPA/uPAR axis to epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a highly dynamic process, by which epithelial cells can convert into a mesenchymal phenotype. Furthermore, many reports indicate that the uPAR is involved in the maintenance of the stem-like phenotype and in the differentiation process of different cell types. Moreover, the levels of anchor-less, soluble form of uPAR, respond to a variety of inflammatory stimuli, including tumorigenesis and viral infections. Finally, the role of uPAR in virus infection has received increasing attention, in view of the Covid-19 pandemics and new information is becoming available. In this review, we provide a mechanistic perspective, via the detailed examination of consolidated and recent studies on the cellular responses to the multiple uPAR activities.
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Leth JM, Ploug M. Targeting the Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) in Human Diseases With a View to Non-invasive Imaging and Therapeutic Intervention. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:732015. [PMID: 34490277 PMCID: PMC8417595 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.732015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the serine protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its glycolipid-anchored receptor (uPAR) focalizes plasminogen activation to cell surfaces, thereby regulating extravascular fibrinolysis, cell adhesion, and migration. uPAR belongs to the Ly6/uPAR (LU) gene superfamily and the high-affinity binding site for uPA is assembled by a dynamic association of its three consecutive LU domains. In most human solid cancers, uPAR is expressed at the invasive areas of the tumor-stromal microenvironment. High levels of uPAR in resected tumors or shed to the plasma of cancer patients are robustly associated with poor prognosis and increased risk of relapse and metastasis. Over the years, a plethora of different strategies to inhibit uPA and uPAR function have been designed and investigated in vitro and in vivo in mouse models, but so far none have been implemented in the clinics. In recent years, uPAR-targeting with the intent of cytotoxic eradication of uPAR-expressing cells have nonetheless gained increasing momentum. Another avenue that is currently being explored is non-invasive imaging with specific uPAR-targeted reporter-molecules containing positron emitting radionuclides or near-infrared (NIR) florescence probes with the overarching aim of being able to: (i) localize disease dissemination using positron emission tomography (PET) and (ii) assist fluorescence guided surgery using optical imaging. In this review, we will discuss these advancements with special emphasis on applications using a small 9-mer peptide antagonist that targets uPAR with high affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Maja Leth
- Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Ploug
- Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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