[68Ga]Ga-DO2A-(OBu-l-tyr)2: Synthesis, 68Ga-radiolabeling and in vitro studies of a novel 68Ga-DO2A-tyrosine conjugate as potential tumor tracer for PET

The synthesis, ⁶⁸Ga-labeling and in vitro study of the novel tyrosine chelate derivative [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diacetic acid-4,10-di-(O-butyl)-l-tyrosine ([⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DO₂A-(OBu-l-tyr)₂) as a potential tracer for imaging tumor metabolism by positron emission tomography (PET) is presented. This approach combines the biological amino acid transporter targeting properties of l-tyrosine with the outstanding availability of ⁶⁸Ga^III via the ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator. In vitro studies utilizing the F98-glioblastoma cell line revealed specific uptake of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DO2A-(OBu-l-tyr)₂ that was comparable to that of the reference O-(2-[¹⁸F]fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine (FET). These promising results indicate a high potential of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DO₂A-(OBu-l-tyr)₂ for molecular imaging of tumor-driven amino acid uptake by PET.     

Preclinical evaluation of 68Ga-DOTA-minigastrin for the detection of cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptor-positive tumors

In comparison to somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, gastrin receptor scintigraphy using 111In-DTPA-minigastrin (MG0) showed added value in diagnosing neuroendocrine tumors. We investigated whether the 68Ga-labeled gastrin analogue DOTA-MG0 is suited for positron emission tomography (PET), which could improve image quality. Targeting of cholecystokinin-2 (CCK2)/gastrin receptor-positive tumor cells with DOTA-MG0 labeled with either 111In or 68Ga in vitro was investigated using the AR42J rat tumor cell line. Biodistribution was examined in BALB/c nude mice with a subcutaneous AR42J tumor. In vivo PET imaging was performed using a preclinical PET-computed tomographic scanner. DOTA-MG0 showed high receptor affinity in vitro. Biodistribution studies revealed high tumor uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-MG0: 4.4 ± 1.3 %ID/g at 1 hour postinjection. Coadministration of an excess unlabeled peptide blocked the tumor uptake (0.7 ± 0.1 %ID/g), indicating CCK2/gastrin receptor-mediated uptake (p = .0005). The biodistribution of 68Ga-DOTA-MG0 was similar to that of 111In-DOTA-MG0. Subcutaneous and intraperitoneal tumors were clearly visualized by small-animal PET imaging with 5 MBq 68Ga-DOTA-MG0. 111In- and 68Ga-labeled DOTA-MG0 specifically accumulate in CCK2/gastrin receptor-positive AR42J tumors with similar biodistribution apart from the kidneys. AR42J tumors were clearly visualized by microPET. Therefore, 68Ga-DOTA-MG0 is a promising tracer for PET imaging of CCK2/gastrin receptor-positive tumors in humans.     

Comparison study of [18F]FAl-NOTA-PRGD2, [18F]FPPRGD2, and [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-PRGD2 for PET imaging of U87MG tumors in mice

[(18)F]FPPRGD2, an F-18 labeled dimeric cyclic RGDyK peptide, has favorable properties for PET imaging of angiogenesis by targeting the α(v)β(3) integrin receptor. This radiotracer has been approved by the FDA for use in clinical trials. However, the time-consuming multiple-step synthetic procedure required for its preparation may hinder the widespread usage of this tracer. The recent development of a method using an F-18 fluoride-aluminum complex to radiolabel peptides provides a strategy for simplifying the labeling procedure. On the other hand, the easy-to-prepare [(68)Ga]-labeled NOTA-RGD derivatives have also been reported to have promising properties for imaging α(v)β(3) integrin receptors. The purpose of this study was to prepare [(18)F]FPPRGD2 [corrected] , [(18)F]FAl-NOTA-PRGD2, and [(68)Ga]Ga-NOTA-PRGD2 and to compare their pharmacokinetics and tumor imaging properties using small animal PET. All three compounds showed rapid and high tracer uptake in U87MG tumors with high target-to-background ratios. The uptake in the liver, kidneys, and muscle were similar for all three tracers, and they all showed predominant renal clearance. In conclusion, [(18)F]FAl-NOTA-PRGD2 and [(68)Ga]Ga-NOTA-PRGD2 have imaging properties and pharmacokinetics comparable to those of [(18)F]FPPRGD2. Considering their ease of preparation and good imaging qualities, [(18)F]FAl-NOTA-PRGD2 and [(68)Ga]NOTA-PRGD2 are promising alternatives to [(18)F]FPPRGD2 for PET imaging of tumor α(v)β(3) integrin expression.     

A 68Ga complex based on benzofuran scaffold for the detection of β-amyloid plaques

Since the imaging of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the brain is believed to be a useful tool for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a number of imaging probes to detect Aβ plaques have been developed. Because the radionuclide ⁶⁸Ga (t_1/2 = 68 min) for PET imaging could become an attractive alternative to ¹¹C and ¹⁸F, we designed and synthesized a benzofuran derivative conjugated with a ⁶⁸Ga complex (⁶⁸Ga-DOTA-C3-BF) as a novel Aβ imaging probe. In an in vitro binding assay, Ga-DOTA-C3-BF showed high affinity for Aβ(1-42) aggregates (K_i = 10.8 nM). The Ga-DOTA-C3-BF clearly stained Aβ plaques in a section of Tg2576 mouse, reflecting the affinity for Aβ(1-42) aggregates in vitro. In a biodistribution study in normal mice, ⁶⁸Ga-DOTA-C3-BF displayed low initial uptake (0.45% ID/g) in the brain at 2 min post-injection. While improvement of the brain uptake of ⁶⁸Ga complexes appears to be essential, these results suggest that novel PET imaging probes that include ⁶⁸Ga as the radionuclide for PET may be feasible.     

Synthesis of 68Ga-labeled DOTA-nitroimidazole derivatives and their feasibilities as hypoxia imaging PET tracers

The imaging of hypoxia is important for therapeutic decision making in various diseases. (68)Ga is an important radionuclide for positron emission tomography (PET), and its usage is increasing, due to the development of the (68)Ge/(68)Ga-generator. In the present study, the authors synthesized two nitroimidazole derivatives by conjugating nitroimidazole and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) via an amide bond (4) and a thiourea bond (5). Both derivatives were labeled with (68)Ga with high labeling efficiency and were stable after labeling. The low partition coefficients (logP) of (68)Ga-4 (-4.6) and (68)Ga-5 (-4.5) demonstrated the hydrophilic natures of the derivatives, and both showed higher uptake in cancer cell lines cultured under hypoxic condition than under normoxic condition. However, (68)Ga-5 showed higher liver uptake than (68)Ga-4 in a biodistribution study due to higher lipophilicity. In an animal PET study, (68)Ga-4 showed higher standard uptake values (SUV) in tumors than (68)Ga-5 in mice xenografted with CT-26 mouse colon cancer cells.     

Gallium-68 complex of a macrobicyclic cage amine chelator tethered to two integrin-targeting peptides for diagnostic tumor imaging

Tumor-targeting peptides radiolabeled with positron-emitting (68)Ga are promising candidates as new noninvasive diagnostic agents for positron emission tomography (PET). The targeting peptides are tethered to a chelator that forms a stable coordination complex with Ga(3+) that is inert to dissociation of Ga(3+)in vivo. Metal complexes of macrobicyclic hexaamine "sarcophagine" (sar = 3,6,10,13,16,19-hexaazabicyclo[6.6.6]icosane) ligands exhibit remarkable stability as a result of the encapsulating nature of the cage amine ligand. A Ga(3+) sarcophagine complex, [Ga-(1-NH(3)-8-NH(2)-sar)](4+), has been characterized using X-ray crystallography, demonstrating that Ga(3+) is coordinated to six nitrogen atoms in a distorted octahedral complex. A bifunctional derivative of (NH(2))(2)sar, possessing two aliphatic linkers with carboxylic acid functional groups has been attached to two cyclic-RGD peptides that target the α(v)β(3) integrin receptor that is overexpressed in some types of tumor tissue. This dimeric species can be radiolabeled with (68)Ga(3+) in >98% radiochemical yield and (68)Ga(3+) does not dissociate from the ligand in the presence of transferrin, an endogenous protein with high affinity for Ga(3+). Biodistribution and micro-PET imaging studies in tumor-bearing mice indicate that the tracer accumulates specifically in tumors with high integrin expression. The high tumor uptake is coupled with low nonspecific uptake and clearance predominantly through the kidneys resulting in high-quality PET images in animal models.     

Novel DOTA-neurotensin analogues for 111In scintigraphy and 68Ga PET imaging of neurotensin receptor-positive tumors

Overexpression of the high affinity neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1), demonstrated in several human cancers, has been proposed as a new marker for human ductal pancreatic carcinoma and as an independent factor for poor prognosis for ductal breast cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer. The aim of the present study was to develop new DOTA-neurotensin analogues for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with (68)Ga and for targeted radiotherapy with (90)Y or (177)Lu. We synthesized a DOTA-neurotensin analogue series. Two of these peptides bear two sequence modifications for metabolic stability: DOTA-NT-20.3 shares the same peptide sequence as the previously described DTPA-NT-20.3. In the sequence of DOTA-NT-20.4, the Arg(8)-Arg(9) bond was N-methylated instead of the Pro(7)-Arg(8) bond in DOTA-NT-20.3. An additional sequence modification was introduced in DOTA-LB119 to increase stability. A spacer was added between DOTA and the peptide sequence to increase affinity. Binding to HT29 cells, which express NTSR1, in vivo stability, and biodistribution of the various analogues were compared, and the best candidate was used to image tumors of various sizes with the microPET in mice. (111)In-DOTA-NT-20.3, in spite of a relatively high uptake in kidneys, showed specific tumor uptake and elevated tumor to other organ uptake ratios. High contrast images were obtained at early time points after injection that allowed tumor detection at a time interval postinjection appropriate for imaging with the short-lived radionuclide (68)Ga. (111)In-DOTA-NT-20.4 displayed inferior binding to HT29 cells and reduced tumor uptake. (111)In-DOTA-LB119 displayed at early time points a significantly lower renal uptake but also a lower tumor uptake than (111)In-DOTA-NT-20.3, although binding to HT29 cells was similar. (68)Ga-DOTA-NT-20.3 displayed higher tumor uptake than (68)Ga-DOTA-LB119 and allowed the detection of very small tumors by PET. In conclusion, DOTA-NT-20.3 is a promising candidate for (68)Ga-PET imaging of neurotensin receptor-positive tumors. DOTA-NT-20.3 may also be considered for therapy, as the yttrium-labeled peptide has higher affinity than that of the indium-labeled one. A prerequisite for therapeutic application of this neurotensin analogue would be to lower kidney uptake, for example, by infusion of basic amino acids, gelofusin, or albumin fragments, to prevent nephrotoxicity, as with radiolabeled somatostatin analogues.     

Synthesis and evaluation of novel tropane derivatives as potential PET imaging agents for the dopamine transporter

A novel series of tropane derivatives containing a fluorinated tertiary amino or amide at the 2β position was synthesized, labeled with the positron-emitter fluorine-18 (t(1/2)=109.8 min), and tested as potential in vivo dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging agents. The corresponding chlorinated analogs were prepared and employed as precursors for radiolabeling leading to the fluorine-18-labeled derivatives via a one-step nucleophilic aliphatic substitution reaction. In vitro binding results showed that the 2β-amino compounds 6b, 6d and 7b displayed moderately high affinities to DAT (K(i)<10nM). Biodistribution studies of [(18)F]6b and [(18)F]6d showed that the brain uptakes in rats were low. This is likely due to their low lipophilicities. Further structural modifications of these tropane derivatives will be needed to improve their in vivo properties as DAT imaging agents.     

A new 68Ga-labeled BBN peptide with a hydrophilic linker for GRPR-targeted tumor imaging

Bombesin (BBN) is a peptide exhibiting high affinity for the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), which is overexpressed on several types of cancers. Various GRPR antagonists and agonists have been labeled with radiometals for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of GRPR-positive tumors. However, unfavorable hepatobiliary excretion such as high intestinal activity may prohibit their clinical utility for imaging abdominal cancer. In this study, the modified BBN peptide with a new hydrophilic linker was labeled with ⁶⁸Ga for PET imaging of GRPR-expressing PC-3 prostate cancer xenograft model. GRPR antagonists, MATBBN (Gly-Gly-Gly-Arg-Asp-Asn-d-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-NHCH₂CH₃) and ATBBN (d-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-NHCH₂CH₃), were conjugated with 1,4,7-triazacyclononanetriacetic acid (NOTA) and labeled with ⁶⁸Ga. Partition coefficient and in vitro stability were also determined. GRPR binding affinity of both tracers was investigated by competitive radioligand binding assay. The in vivo receptor targeting potential and pharmacokinetic of ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-MATBBN were also evaluated in PC-3 prostate tumor model and compared with those of ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-ATBBN. NOTA-conjugated BBN analogs were labeled with ⁶⁸Ga within 20 min with a decay-corrected yield ranging from 90 to 95 % and a radiochemical purity of more than 98 %. The specific activity of ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-MATBBN and ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-ATBBN was at least 16.5 and 11.9 GBq/μmol, respectively. The radiotracers were stable in phosphate-buffered saline and human serum. ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-MATBBN was more hydrophilic than ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-ATBBN, as indicated by their log P values (?2.73 ± 0.02 vs. ?1.20 ± 0.03). The IC₅₀ values of NOTA-ATBBN and NOTA-MATBBN were similar (102.7 ± 1.18 and 124.6 ± 1.21 nM). The accumulation of ⁶⁸Ga-labeled GRPR antagonists in the subcutaneous PC-3 tumors could be visualized via small animal PET. The tumors were clearly visible, and the tumor uptakes of ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-MATBBN and ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-ATBBN were determined to be 4.19 ± 0.32, 4.00 ± 0.41, 2.93 ± 0.35 and 4.70 ± 0.40, 4.10 ± 0.30, 3.14 ± 0.30 %ID/g at 30, 60, and 120 min, respectively. There was considerable accumulation and retention of ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-ATBBN in the liver and intestines. In contrast, the abdominal area does not have much retention of ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-MATBBN. Biodistribution data were in accordance with the PET results, showing that ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-MATBBN had more favorable pharmacokinetics and higher tumor to background ratios than those of ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-ATBBN. At 1 h postinjection, the tumor to liver and intestine of ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-MATBBN were 8.05 ± 0.56 and 21.72 ± 3.47 and the corresponding values of unmodified counterpart were 0.85 ± 0.23 and 3.45 ± 0.43, respectively. GRPR binding specificity was demonstrated by reduced tumor uptake of radiolabeled tracers after coinjection of an excess of unlabeled BBN peptides. ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-MATBBN exhibited GRPR-targeting properties both in vitro and in vivo. The favorable characterizations of ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-MATBBN such as convenient synthesis, specific GRPR targeting, high tumor uptake, and satisfactory pharmacokinetics warrant its further investigation for clinical cancer imaging.     

Novel Radiolabeled Peptides for Breast and Prostate Tumor PET Imaging: (64)Cu/and (68)Ga/NOTA-PEG-[d-Tyr(6),βAla(11),Thi(13),Nle(14)]BBN(6-14)

Bombesin (BBN)-based radiolabeled peptides exhibit promising properties for targeted imaging of gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPR)-positive tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate with positron emission tomography (PET) the pharmacokinetic and imaging properties of two novel BBN-based radiolabeled peptides, (64)Cu/and (68)Ga/NOTA-PEG-BBN(6-14), for diagnosis of breast and prostate cancers using small animal models. Competitive binding assays on T47D breast and PC3 prostate cancer cells showed that the affinity for GRPR depends on the complexed metal and can vary up to a factor of about 3; (64)Cu/NOTA-PEG-BBN(6-14) was found to have the lowest inhibition constant (1.60 ± 0.59 nM). (64)Cu/and (68)Ga/NOTA-PEG-BBN(6-14) presented similar cell uptake on T47D and PC3 cells and were stable in vivo. Biodistribution studies of radiolabeled peptides carried out in Balb/c and tumor-bearing Balb/c nude mice showed that (64)Cu/NOTA-PEG-BBN(6-14) presented higher GRPR-mediated uptake in pancreas and adrenal glands, but comparable PC3 tumor uptake as (68)Ga/NOTA-PEG-BBN(6-14). Finally, receptor-dependent responses were observed during blocking studies with unlabeled peptide in both biodistribution and small-animal PET imaging studies. Our results confirmed the dependence of the affinity and pharmacokinetics of BBN-based radiopeptides on the complexed radiometal. Interspecies differences between mouse and human GRPR binding properties were also noted in these preclinical studies. Considering their good imaging characteristics, both (64)Cu/NOTA-PEG-BBN(6-14) and (68)Ga/NOTA-PEG-BBN(6-14) are promising candidates for GRPR-targeted PET imaging of breast and prostate cancers.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 68Ga labeled bis-DOTA-3,3′-(benzylidene)-bis-(1H-indole-2-carbohydrazide) as a PET tracer for in vivo visualization of necrosis

The aim of the present study was to develop a ⁶⁸Ga labeled bis-DOTA derivative of benzylidene-bis-indole and compare the in vivo stability and biodistribution with that of the previously reported bis-DTPA derivate for in vivo imaging of necrosis using PET. Uptake of the tracer was evaluated in a mouse model of Fas-mediated hepatic apoptosis in correlation with histochemical stainings. The novel ⁶⁸Ga labeled tracer showed an improved in vivo stability and could therefore be used for selective non-invasive imaging of necrotic cell death using PET.     

Characterization of chemical, radiochemical and optical properties of a dual-labeled MMP-9 targeting peptide

Optical imaging possesses similar sensitivity to nuclear imaging and has led to the emergence of multimodal approaches with dual-labeled nuclear/near-infrared (NIR) agents. The growing impact of (68)Ga (t(1/2)=68 min) labeled peptides on preclinical and clinical research offers a promising opportunity to merge the high spatial resolution of NIR imaging with the clinically-accepted positron emission tomography (PET). Previously, dual-labeled agents have been prepared with longer-lived radiometals and showed no detrimental effects on optical properties as a result of radiolabeling. In this study, we selected a peptide (M(2)) that targets MMP-2/9 and is dual-labeled with IRDye 800 CW and (68)Ga. Since (68)Ga chelation typically requires low pH (3.5-4) and elevated heating temperatures (95 °C), we sought to evaluate the impact of (68)Ga labeling on the optical properties of M(2). An efficient method for preparation of (68)Ga-M(2) was developed and reaction conditions were optimized. Stability studies in PBS, DTPA, and serum were performed and high levels of intact agent were evident under each condition. The addition of multiple reporters to a targeting agent adds further complexity to the characterization and validation and thus requires not only testing to ensure the agent is stable chemically and radiochemically, but also optically. Therefore, fluorescence properties were evaluated using a spectrofluorometer as well as by fluorescence detection via HPLC. It was determined that (68)Ga-labeling conditions did not impair the fluorescent properties of the agent. The agent was then used for in vivo imaging in a mouse model of heterotopic ossification (HO) with activated MMP-9 expression as an early biomarker which precedes mineralization. Although (68)Ga-complexation greatly reduced binding affinity of the peptide and negated tracer uptake on PET, NIR imaging showed consistent fluorescent signal that correlated to MMP-9 expression. This attests to the feasibility of using (68)Ga/NIR for dual-labeling of other peptides or small molecules for multimodality molecular imaging.     

Convenient preparation of 68Ga-based PET-radiopharmaceuticals at room temperature

A straightforward labeling using generator produced positron emitting (68)Ga, which provides high quality images, may result in kit type production of PET radiopharmaceuticals and make PET examinations possible also at centers lacking accelerators. The introduction of macrocyclic bifunctional chelators that would provide fast (68)Ga-complexation at room temperature would simplify even further tracer preparation and open wide possibilities for (68)Ga-labeling of fragile and potent macromolecules. Gallium-68 has the potential to facilitate development of clinically practical PET and to promote PET technique for individualized medicine. The macrocyclic chelator, 1,4,7-triazacyclononanetriacetic acid (NOTA), and its derivative coupled to an eight amino acid residue peptide (NODAGA-TATE, [NODAGA (0), Tyr(3)]Octreotate) were labeled with (68)Ge/(68)Ga-generator produced positron emitting (68)Ga. Formation kinetics of (68)Ga-NOTA was studied as a function of pH and formation kinetics of (68)Ga-NODAGA-TATE was studied as a function of the bioconjugate concentration. The nearly quantitative radioactivity incorporation (RAI>95%) for (68)Ga-NOTA was achieved within less than 10 min at room temperature and pH 3.5. The concentrations of NODAGA-TATE required for RAI of >90% and >95% were, respectively, 2-5 and 10 microM. In both cases the purification of the (68)Ga-labeled products was not necessary since the radiochemical purity was >95% and the preparation buffer, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl) piperazine-1-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) is suitable for human use. In order to confirm the identity of the products, complexes comprising (nat)Ga were synthesized and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The complex was found to be stable in the reaction mixture, phosphate buffer, and human plasma during 4.5 h incubation. Free and peptide conjugated NOTA formed stable complexes with (68)Ga at room temperature within 10 min. This might be of special interest for the labeling of fragile and potent macromolecules and allow for kit type preparation of (68)Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals.     

Design, evaluation, and comparison of ghrelin receptor agonists and inverse agonists as suitable radiotracers for PET imaging

Ghrelin agonist and inverse agonist radiotracers, suitable for positron emission tomography (PET), were developed to study the behavior of ghrelin receptor ligands in vivo and for further design of druggable peptides. The target peptides were synthesized on solid support and conjugated to the bifunctional chelator 1,4,7-triazacyclononane,1-glutaric acid-4,7-acetic acid (NODAGA), which is known to form a stable complex with Ga(3+). Complexation with (68)Ga could be achieved under mild conditions and led to radiotracers with high radiochemical purity and specific activity. The biological activity of the radiotracers was evaluated in vitro by an inositol phosphate turnover assay. Pharmacokinetic profile and metabolic stability of the (68)Ga-NODAGA-radiotracers were investigated by small animal PET in rodent. Ghrelin derived agonists presented very high kidney accumulation, negligible tissue distribution, fast blood clearance, and poor stability in blood. Contrarily, the inverse agonist radiotracer exhibited very high stability in blood, large diffusion in tissues, reasonable kidney and liver metabolism, and slow blood clearance. This pharmacokinetic profile makes the ghrelin inverse agonist motif KwFwLL-CONH(2) suitable for further development of radiotracers and a promising lead to design peptide-based therapeutics against obesity.     

Synthesis, biodistribution and micro-PET imaging of radiolabeled antimitotic agent T138067 analogues

Radiolabeled antimitotic agents [11C]T138067 and [18F]T138067 have been synthesized for evaluation as new potential positron emission tomography (PET) biomarkers for cancer imaging. In vivo biodistribution and micro-PET imaging of [11C]T138067 were performed in breast cancer animal models MCF-7 transfected with IL-1alpha implanted athymic mice and MDA-MB-435 implanted athymic mice. The results suggest that the uptakes of [11C]T138067 in both MCF-7 transfected with IL-1alpha tumor and MDA-MB-435 tumor are non-specific binding.     

Radiolabeling of folic acid-modified chitosan with (99m)Tc as potential agents for folate-receptor-mediated targeting

The feasibility of chitosan (CS) as a backbone for the design of (99m)Tc-labeled targeting agent was evaluated in this study. Chitosan-folate conjugate (CSFA) and chitosan-folate dithiocarbamate (CSFADTC) were synthesized, characterized and radiolabeled with (99m)Tc as model compounds for folate-receptor (FR) targeting. (99m)Tc-complexes were prepared with high radiochemical purity and high stability. The hydrophilicities of these (99m)Tc-complexes were determined by partition coefficient experiments. The results of biodistribution in normal mice showed that the folic-acid modified agents ((99m)Tc-CSFA and (99m)TcN-CSFADTC) had obviously higher uptake in FR-positive kidney and much lower liver and spleen uptakes than that of non-folic-acid modified (99m)Tc-agent, and the kidney uptakes of FA-modified agents could be blocked significantly by the corresponding cold ligand. Furthermore in vitro and in vivo specific studies will be done in cell line and tumor bearing mice to confirm the usefulness of this chitosan backbone for FR targeting agent design.     

Multivalent bifunctional chelator scaffolds for gallium-68 based positron emission tomography imaging probe design: signal amplification via multivalency

The role of the multivalent effect has been well recognized in the design of molecular imaging probes toward the desired imaging signal amplification. Recently, we reported a bifunctional chelator (BFC) scaffold design, which provides a simple and versatile approach to impart multivalency to radiometal based nuclear imaging probes. In this work, we report a series of BFC scaffolds ((t)Bu(3)-1-COOH, (t)Bu(3)-2-(COOH)(2), and (t)Bu(3)-3-(COOH)(3)) constructed on the framework of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA) for (68)Ga-based PET probe design and signal amplification via the multivalent effect. For proof of principle, a known integrin α(v)β(3) specific ligand (c(RGDyK)) was used to build the corresponding NOTA conjugates (H(3)1, H(3)2, and H(3)3), which present 1-3 copies of c(RGDyK) peptide, respectively, in a systematic manner. Using the integrin α(v)β(3) binding affinities (IC(50) values), enhanced specific binding was observed for multivalent conjugates (H(3)2: 43.9 ± 16.1 nM; H(3)3: 14.7 ± 5.0 nM) as compared to their monovalent counterpart (H(3)1: 171 ± 60 nM) and the intact c(RGDyK) peptide (204 ± 76 nM). The obtained conjugates were efficiently labeled with (68)Ga(3+) within 30 min at room temperature in high radiochemical yields (>95%). The in vivo evaluation of the labeled conjugates, (68)Ga-1, (68)Ga-2, and (68)Ga-3, was performed using male severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice bearing integrin α(v)β(3) positive PC-3 tumor xenografts (n = 3). All (68)Ga-labeled conjugates showed high in vivo stability with no detectable metabolites found by radio-HPLC within 2 h postinjection (p.i.). The PET signal amplification in PC-3 tumor by the multivalent effect was clearly displayed by the tumor uptake of the (68)Ga-labeled conjugates ((68)Ga-3: 2.55 ± 0.50%ID/g; (68)Ga-2: 1.90 ± 0.10%ID/g; (68)Ga-1: 1.66 ± 0.15%ID/g) at 2 h p.i. In summary, we have designed and synthesized a series of NOTA-based BFC scaffolds with signal amplification properties, which may find potential applications as diagnostic gallium radiopharmaceuticals.     

68Ga‐labeling of internalizing RGD (iRGD) peptide functionalized with DOTAGA and NODAGA chelators

The dual interaction with integrins and neuropilin‐1 receptor is the peculiar feature of iRGD peptide. Hence, in the present study, two iRGD peptide analogs were synthesized with DOTAGA and NODAGA as bifunctional chelator and aminohexanoic acid as a spacer for radiometalation with ⁶⁸GaCl₃. Negatively charged ⁶⁸Ga‐DOTAGA‐iRGD and neutral ⁶⁸Ga‐NODAGA‐iRGD radiotracers were investigated through in vitro cell uptake studies and in vivo biodistribution studies. Significant internalization of radiotracers in murine melanoma B16F10 cells was observed during in vitro studies. During in vivo studies, tumor uptake was higher for neutral ⁶⁸Ga‐NODAGA‐iRGD, but ⁶⁸Ga‐DOTAGA‐iRGD exhibited better tumor‐to‐blood ratio due to faster blood clearance. High kidney uptake of the two radiotracers was the limitation, which needs to be resolved through modification either in the peptide backbone or spacer/chelator.     

In vivo targeting of HER2-positive tumor using 2-helix affibody molecules

Molecular imaging of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) expression has drawn significant attention because of the unique role of the HER2 gene in diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of human breast cancer. In our previous research, a novel cyclic 2-helix small protein, MUT-DS, was discovered as an anti-HER2 Affibody analog with high affinity through rational protein design and engineering. MUT-DS was then evaluated for positron emission tomography (PET) of HER2-positive tumor by labeling with two radionuclides, 68Ga and 18F, with relatively short half-life (t1/2<2 h). In order to fully study the in vivo behavior of 2-helix small protein and demonstrate that it could be a robust platform for labeling with a variety of radionuclides for different applications, in this study, MUT-DS was further radiolabeled with 64Cu or 111In and evaluated for in vivo targeting of HER2-positive tumor in mice. Design 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) conjugated MUT-DS (DOTA-MUT-DS) was chemically synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesizer and I2 oxidation. DOTA-MUT-DS was then radiolabeled with 64Cu or 111In to prepare the HER2 imaging probe (64Cu/111In-DOTA-MUT-DS). Both biodistribution and microPET imaging of the probe were evaluated in nude mice bearing subcutaneous HER2-positive SKOV3 tumors. DOTA-MUT-DS could be successfully synthesized and radiolabeled with 64Cu or 111In. Biodistribution study showed that tumor uptake value of 64Cu or 111In-labeled DOTA-MUT-DS was 4.66±0.38 or 2.17±0.15%ID/g, respectively, in nude mice bearing SKOV3 xenografts (n=3) at 1 h post-injection (p.i.). Tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratios for 64Cu-DOTA-MUT-DS were attained to be 3.05 and 3.48 at 1 h p.i., respectively, while for 111In-DOTA-MUT-DS, they were 2.04 and 3.19, respectively. Co-injection of the cold Affibody molecule ZHER2:342 with 64Cu-DOTA-MUT-DS specifically reduced the SKOV3 tumor uptake of the probe by 48%. 111In-DOTA-MUT-DS displayed lower liver uptake at all the time points investigated and higher tumor to blood ratios at 4 and 20 h p.i., when compared with 64Cu-DOTA-MUT-DS. This study demonstrates that the 2-helix protein based probes, 64Cu/111In DOTA-MUT-DS, are promising molecular probes for imaging HER2-positive tumor. Two-helix small protein scaffold holds great promise as a novel and robust platform for imaging and therapy applications.     

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of 68Ga-DOTA-4-FBn-TN14003, a novel tracer for the imaging of CXCR4 expression

The expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 in tumors is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis for the patient and contributes to metastatic seeding. Therefore it is of high interest to find a specific PET tracer for the imaging of CXCR4 expression in tumors. The aim of this study was the synthesis, (68)Ga labeling and first evaluation of DOTA-4-FBn-TN14003 as a potential PET tracer for this purpose. DOTA-4-FBn-TN14003 was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis and radiolabeling of this versatile precursor was performed with (68)Ga, which was obtained from a (68)Ge/(68)Ga generator. (68)Ga-DOTA-4-FBn-TN14003 was reproducibly obtained in isolated radiochemical yields of 72.5±4.9% with an excellent radiochemical purity of >99.5%. Specific activities of up to 29.8±3.1 GBq/μmol were achieved. In competition binding assays with SDF-1α, human T cell lymphoma Jurkat cells expressed high levels of CXCR4 whereas human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells expressed significantly lower levels of this chemokine receptor. The inhibition constants (IC(50)) of Ga-DOTA-4-FBn-TN14003 and 4-FBn-TN14003 to CXCR4 were determined in a competition assay against (125)I-SDF-1α using Jurkat as well as MDA-MB-231 cells. The IC(50) values of Ga-DOTA-4-FBn-TN14003 (1.99±0.31 nM) and 4-FBn-TN14003 (4.07±1.00 nM) proved to be comparable, indicating negligible influence of the metal complex. These results suggest (68)Ga-DOTA-4-FBn-TN14003 as a promising agent for the imaging of CXCR4 expression in tumors and metastases.