A novel monoacylglycerol lipase-targeted 18F-labeled probe for positron emission tomography imaging of brown adipose tissue in the energy network.

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) constitutes a serine hydrolase that orchestrates endocannabinoid homeostasis and exerts its function by catalyzing the degradation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) to arachidonic acid (AA). As such, selective inhibition of MAGL represents a potential therapeutic and diagnostic approach to various pathologies including neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases and cancers. Based on a unique 4-piperidinyl azetidine diamide scaffold, we developed a reversible and peripheral-specific radiofluorinated MAGL PET ligand [18F]FEPAD. Pharmacokinetics and binding studies on [18F]FEPAD revealed its outstanding specificity and selectivity towards MAGL in brown adipose tissue (BAT) - a tissue that is known to be metabolically active. We employed [18F]FEPAD in PET studies to assess the abundancy of MAGL in BAT deposits of mice and found a remarkable degree of specific tracer binding in the BAT, which was confirmed by post-mortem tissue analysis. Given the negative regulation of endocannabinoids on the metabolic BAT activity, our study supports the concept that dysregulation of MAGL is likely linked to metabolic disorders. Further, we now provide a suitable imaging tool that allows non-invasive assessment of MAGL in BAT deposits, thereby paving the way for detailed mechanistic studies on the role of BAT in endocannabinoid system (ECS)-related pathologies.

Development of a triazolobenzodiazepine-based PET probe for subtype-selective vasopressin 1A receptor imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To enable non-invasive real-time quantification of vasopressin 1A (V1A) receptors in peripheral organs, we sought to develop a suitable PET probe that would allow specific and selective V1A receptor imaging in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: We synthesized a high-affinity and -selectivity ligand, designated compound 17. The target structure was labeled with carbon-11 and tested for its utility as a V1A-targeted PET tracer by cell uptake studies, autoradiography, in vivo PET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution experiments. RESULTS: Compound 17 (PF-184563) and the respective precursor for radiolabeling were synthesized in an overall yield of 49% (over 7 steps) and 40% (over 8 steps), respectively. An inhibitory constant of 0.9 nM towards the V1A receptors was measured, while excellent selectivity over the related V1B, V2 and OT receptor (IC50 >10,000 nM) were obtained. Cell uptake studies revealed considerable V1A binding, which was significantly reduced in the presence of V1A antagonists. Conversely, there was no significant blockade in the presence of V1B and V2 antagonists. In vitro autoradiography and PET imaging studies in rodents indicated specific tracer binding mainly in the liver. Further, the pancreas, spleen and the heart exhibited specific binding of [11C]17 ([11C]PF-184563) by ex vivo biodistribution experiments. CONCLUSION: We have developed the first V1A-targeted PET ligand that is suitable for subtype-selective receptor imaging in peripheral organs including the liver, heart, pancreas and spleen. Our findings suggest that [11C]PF-184563 can be a valuable tool to study the role of V1A receptors in liver diseases, as well as in cardiovascular pathologies.

Erratum: Influence of structural moieties in squaraine dyes on optoacoustic signal shape and intensity.

[This corrects the article PMC11087056.].

Influence of structural moieties in squaraine dyes on optoacoustic signal shape and intensity.

Optoacoustic imaging has grown in clinical relevance due to inherent advantages in sensitivity, resolution, and imaging depth, but the development of contrast agents is lacking. This study assesses the influence of structural features of squaraine dyes on optoacoustic activity through computational models, in vitro testing, and in vivo experimentation. The squaraine scaffold was decorated with halogens and side-chain extensions. Extension of side chains and heavy halogenation of squaraines both increased optoacoustic signals individually, although they had a more significant effect in tandem. Density functional theory models suggest that the origin of the increased optoacoustic signal is the increase in transition dipole moment and vibrational entropy, which manifested as increased absorbance in near-infrared region (NIR) wavelengths and decreased fluorescence quantum yield. This study provides insight into the structure-function relationships that will lead guiding principles for optimizing optoacoustic contrast agents. Further developments of squaraines and other agents will further increase the relevance of optoacoustic imaging in a clinical setting.

Erratum: Influence of structural moieties in squaraine dyes on optoacoustic signal shape and intensity.

[This corrects the article PMC11087056.].

Assessment of cholesterol homeostasis in the living human brain.

Alterations in brain cholesterol homeostasis have been broadly implicated in neurological disorders. Notwithstanding the complexity by which cholesterol biology is governed in the mammalian brain, excess neuronal cholesterol is primarily eliminated by metabolic clearance via cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1). No methods are currently available for visualizing cholesterol metabolism in the living human brain; therefore, a noninvasive technology that quantitatively measures the extent of brain cholesterol metabolism via CYP46A1 could broadly affect disease diagnosis and treatment options using targeted therapies. Here, we describe the development and testing of a CYP46A1-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, 18F-CHL-2205 (18F-Cholestify). Our data show that PET imaging readouts correlate with CYP46A1 protein expression and with the extent to which cholesterol is metabolized in the brain, as assessed by cross-species postmortem analyses of specimens from rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans. Proof of concept of in vivo efficacy is provided in the well-established 3xTg-AD murine model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), where we show that the probe is sensitive to differences in brain cholesterol metabolism between 3xTg-AD mice and control animals. Furthermore, our clinical observations point toward a considerably higher baseline brain cholesterol clearance via CYP46A1 in women, as compared to age-matched men. These findings illustrate the vast potential of assessing brain cholesterol metabolism using PET and establish PET as a sensitive tool for noninvasive assessment of brain cholesterol homeostasis in the clinic.

Development of a highly-specific 18F-labeled irreversible positron emission tomography tracer for monoacylglycerol lipase mapping.

As a serine hydrolase, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is principally responsible for the metabolism of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to the formation of arachidonic acid (AA). Dysfunction of MAGL has been associated with multiple CNS disorders and symptoms, including neuroinflammation, cognitive impairment, epileptogenesis, nociception and neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibition of MAGL provides a promising therapeutic direction for the treatment of these conditions, and a MAGL positron emission tomography (PET) probe would greatly facilitate preclinical and clinical development of MAGL inhibitors. Herein, we design and synthesize a small library of fluoropyridyl-containing MAGL inhibitor candidates. Pharmacological evaluation of these candidates by activity-based protein profiling identified 14 as a lead compound, which was then radiolabeled with fluorine-18 via a facile SNAr reaction to form 2-[18F]fluoropyridine scaffold. Good blood-brain barrier permeability and high in vivo specific binding was demonstrated for radioligand [18F]14 (also named as [18F]MAGL-1902). This work may serve as a roadmap for clinical translation and further design of potent 18F-labeled MAGL PET tracers.

Novel Reversible-Binding PET Ligands for Imaging Monoacylglycerol Lipase Based on the Piperazinyl Azetidine Scaffold.

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a 33 kDa serine protease primarily responsible for hydrolyzing 2-arachidonoylglycerol into the proinflammatory eicosanoid precursor arachidonic acid in the central nervous system. Inhibition of MAGL constitutes an attractive therapeutic concept for treating psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we present the design and synthesis of multiple reversible MAGL inhibitor candidates based on a piperazinyl azetidine scaffold. Compounds 10 and 15 were identified as the best-performing reversible MAGL inhibitors by pharmacological evaluations, thus channeling their radiolabeling with fluorine-18 in high radiochemical yields and favorable molar activity. Furthermore, evaluation of [18F]10 and [18F]15 ([18F]MAGL-2102) by autoradiography and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in rodents and nonhuman primates demonstrated favorable brain uptakes, heterogeneous radioactivity distribution, good specific binding, and adequate brain kinetics, and [18F]15 demonstrated a better performance. In conclusion, [18F]15 was found to be a suitable PET radioligand for the visualization of MAGL, harboring potential for the successful translation into humans.

Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of 18F-Labeled Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitors as Novel Positron Emission Tomography Probes.

Dysfunction of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is associated with several psychopathological disorders, including drug addiction and neurodegenerative diseases. Herein we design, synthesize, and evaluate several irreversible fluorine-containing MAGL inhibitors for positron emission tomography (PET) ligand development. Compound 6 (identified from a therapeutic agent) was advanced for 18F-labeling via a novel spirocyclic iodonium ylide (SCIDY) strategy, which demonstrated high brain permeability and excellent specific binding. This work supports further development of novel 18F-labeled MAGL PET probes.