Cyclic pentapeptides containing the amino acid sequence arginine-glycine-aspartic (RGD) have been widely applied to target αvβ3 integrin, which is upregulated in various tumors during tumor-induced angiogenesis. Multimeric cyclic RGD peptides have been reported to be advantageous over monomeric counterparts for angiogenesis imaging. Here, we prepared mono-, di-, and trimeric cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic-D-phenylalanine-lysine (c (RGDfK)) derivatives by conjugation with the natural chelator fusarinine C (FSC) using click chemistry based on copper (I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The αvβ3 binding properties of 68Ga-labeled mono-, di-, and trimeric c(RGDfK) peptides were evaluated in vitro as well as in vivo and compared with the references monomeric [68Ga]GaNODAGA-c(RGDfK) and trimeric [68Ga]GaFSC(suc-c(RGDfK))3. All 68Ga-labeled c(RGDfK) peptides displayed hydrophilicity (logD = -2.96 to -3.80), low protein binding and were stable in phosphate buffered-saline (PBS) and serum up to 2 h. In vitro internalization assays with human melanoma M21 (αvβ3-positive) and M21-L (αvβ3-negative) cell lines showed specific uptake of all derivatives and increased in the series: mono- < di- < trimeric peptide. The highest tumor uptake, tumor-to-background ratios, and image contrast were found for the dimeric [68Ga]GaMAFC(c(RGDfK)aza)2. In conclusion, we developed a novel strategy for direct, straight forward preparation of mono-, di-, and trimeric c(RGDfK) conjugates based on the FSC scaffold. Interestingly, the best αvβ3 imaging properties were found for the dimeric [68Ga]GaMAFC(c(RGDfK)aza)2.

• Klíčová slova
• Angiogenesis, Gallium-68, PET, RGD, α(v)β(3) integrin,
• MeSH
• alkyny chemie   MeSH
• azidy chemie   MeSH
• cyklické peptidy chemie   farmakokinetika   MeSH
• izotopové značení MeSH
• měď chemie   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• PET/CT MeSH
• polymerizace MeSH
• radioizotopy galia chemie   MeSH
• siderofory chemie   MeSH
• syntetická chemie okamžité shody MeSH
• tkáňová distribuce MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• alkyny MeSH
• azidy MeSH
• cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide MeSH Prohlížeč
• cyklické peptidy MeSH
• Gallium-68 MeSH Prohlížeč
• měď MeSH
• radioizotopy galia MeSH
• siderofory MeSH

Positron emission tomography (PET) as well as optical imaging (OI) with peptide receptor targeting probes have proven their value for oncological applications but also show restrictions depending on the clinical field of interest. Therefore, the combination of both methods, particularly in a single molecule, could improve versatility in clinical routine. This proof of principle study aims to show that a chelator, Fusarinine C (FSC), can be utilized as scaffold for novel dimeric dual-modality imaging agents. Two targeting vectors (a minigastrin analogue (MG11) targeting cholecystokinin-2 receptor overexpression (CCK2R) or integrin αVβ3 targeting cyclic pentapeptides (RGD)) and a near-infrared fluorophore (Sulfo-Cyanine7) were conjugated to FSC. The probes were efficiently labeled with gallium-68 and in vitro experiments including determination of logD, stability, protein binding, cell binding, internalization, and biodistribution studies as well as in vivo micro-PET/CT and optical imaging in U-87MG αVβ3- and A431-CCK2R expressing tumor xenografted mice were carried out. Novel bioconjugates showed high receptor affinity and highly specific targeting properties at both receptors. Ex vivo biodistribution and micro-PET/CT imaging studies revealed specific tumor uptake accompanied by slow blood clearance and retention in nontargeted tissues (spleen, liver, and kidneys) leading to visualization of tumors at early (30 to 120 min p.i.). Excellent contrast in corresponding optical imaging studies was achieved especially at delayed time points (24 to 72 h p.i.). Our findings show the proof of principle of chelator scaffolding for hybrid imaging agents and demonstrate FSC being a suitable bifunctional chelator for this approach. Improvements to fine-tune pharmacokinetics are needed to translate this into a clinical setting.

• MeSH
• chelátory chemie   farmakokinetika   MeSH
• heterografty MeSH
• integrin alfaVbeta3 metabolismus   MeSH
• kyseliny hydroxamové farmakokinetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární sondy chemie   farmakokinetika   MeSH
• multimodální zobrazování metody   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádorové buňky kultivované MeSH
• nádory diagnostické zobrazování   metabolismus   MeSH
• PET/CT MeSH
• radioizotopy galia farmakokinetika   MeSH
• receptor cholecystokininu B metabolismus   MeSH
• železité sloučeniny farmakokinetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chelátory MeSH
• fusigen MeSH Prohlížeč
• integrin alfaVbeta3 MeSH
• kyseliny hydroxamové MeSH
• molekulární sondy MeSH
• radioizotopy galia MeSH
• receptor cholecystokininu B MeSH
• železité sloučeniny MeSH

PURPOSE: Multimeric arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptides have advantages for imaging integrin αvβ3 expression. Here, we compared the in vitro and in vivo behavior of three different Ga-68-labeled multimeric Fusarinine C-RGD (FSC-RGD) conjugates, whereby RGD was coupled directly, via a succinic acid or PEG linker (FSC(RGDfE)3, FSC(succ-RGD)3, FSC(Mal-RGD)3). The positron emission tomography/X-ray computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging properties were further compared using [(68)Ga]FSC(succ-RGD)3 with the monomeric [(68)Ga]NODAGA-RGD in a murine tumor model. PROCEDURE: FSC-RGD conjugates were labeled with Ga-68, and stability properties were studied. For in vitro characterization, the partition coefficient, integrin αvβ3 binding affinity, and cell uptake were determined. To characterize the in vivo properties, biodistribution studies and microPET/CT were carried out using mice bearing either human M21/M21-L melanoma or human U87MG glioblastoma tumor xenografts. RESULTS: All FSC-RGD conjugates were quantitatively labeled with Ga-68 within 10 min at RT. The [(68)Ga]FSC-RGD conjugates exhibited high stability and hydrophilic character, with only minor differences between the different conjugates. In vitro and in vivo studies showed enhanced integrin αvβ3 binding affinity, receptor-selective tumor uptake, and rapid renal excretion resulting in good imaging properties. CONCLUSIONS: The type of linker between FSC and RGD had no pronounced effect on targeting properties of [(68)Ga]FSC-RGD trimers. In particular, [(68)Ga]FSC(succ-RGD)3 exhibited improved properties compared to [(68)Ga]NODAGA-RGD, making it an alternative for imaging integrin αvβ3 expression.

• Klíčová slova
• Fusarinine C, Gallium-68, Integrins, Positron emission tomography (PET), RGD peptides,
• MeSH
• acetáty chemie   MeSH
• endocytóza MeSH
• heterocyklické sloučeniny monocyklické chemie   MeSH
• kyseliny hydroxamové chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• melanom diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• myši inbrední BALB C MeSH
• myši nahé MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• oligopeptidy chemie   MeSH
• PET/CT * MeSH
• radiofarmaka chemie   MeSH
• radioizotopy galia MeSH
• tkáňová distribuce MeSH
• xenogenní modely - testy antitumorózní aktivity * MeSH
• železité sloučeniny chemie   MeSH
• zobrazování trojrozměrné MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• 1-(1,3-carboxypropyl)-4,7-carboxymethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane MeSH Prohlížeč
• acetáty MeSH
• arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid MeSH Prohlížeč
• fusigen MeSH Prohlížeč
• heterocyklické sloučeniny monocyklické MeSH
• kyseliny hydroxamové MeSH
• oligopeptidy MeSH
• radiofarmaka MeSH
• radioizotopy galia MeSH
• železité sloučeniny MeSH

Within the last years (89)Zr has attracted considerable attention as long-lived radionuclide for positron emission tomography (PET) applications. So far desferrioxamine B (DFO) has been mainly used as bifunctional chelating system. Fusarinine C (FSC), having complexing properties comparable to DFO, was expected to be an alternative with potentially higher stability due to its cyclic structure. In this study, as proof of principle, various FSC-RGD conjugates targeting αvß3 integrins were synthesized using different conjugation strategies and labeled with (89)Zr. In vitro stability, biodistribution, and microPET/CT imaging were evaluated using [(89)Zr]FSC-RGD conjugates or [(89)Zr]triacetylfusarinine C (TAFC). Quantitative (89)Zr labeling was achieved within 90 min at room temperature. The distribution coefficients of the different radioligands indicate hydrophilic character. Compared to [(89)Zr]DFO, [(89)Zr]FSC derivatives showed excellent in vitro stability and resistance against transchelation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution (EDTA), and human serum for up to 7 days. Cell binding studies and biodistribution as well as microPET/CT imaging experiments showed efficient receptor-specific targeting of [(89)Zr]FSC-RGD conjugates. No bone uptake was observed analyzing PET images indicating high in vivo stability. These findings indicate that FSC is a highly promising chelator for the development of (89)Zr-based PET imaging agents.

• Klíčová slova
• 89Zr, RGD peptide, fusarinine C, positron emission tomography (PET), triacetylfusarinine C,
• MeSH
• chelátory chemie   MeSH
• kyseliny hydroxamové chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• oligopeptidy chemie   MeSH
• pozitronová emisní tomografie MeSH
• radionuklidy chemie   MeSH
• železité sloučeniny chemie   MeSH
• zirkonium chemie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid MeSH Prohlížeč
• chelátory MeSH
• fusigen MeSH Prohlížeč
• kyseliny hydroxamové MeSH
• N,N',N''-triacetylfusarinine C MeSH Prohlížeč
• oligopeptidy MeSH
• radionuklidy MeSH
• železité sloučeniny MeSH
• zirkonium MeSH