Fast Fluorine-18 labeling and preclinical evaluation of novel Mucin1 and its Folate hybrid peptide conjugate for targeting breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to develop new and more potent radiofluorinated peptide and their hybrid conjugates for multiple-receptors targeting properties that overexpress on many cancers. METHODS: We have synthesized MUC1-[18F] SFB and MUC1-FA-[18F] SFB hybrid conjugates using a convenient and one-step nucleophilic displacement reaction. In vitro cell binding and in vivo evaluation in animals were performed to determine the potential of these radiolabeled compounds. RESULTS: Radiochemical yields for MUC1-[18F] SFB and MUC1-FA-[18F] SFB conjugates were greater than 70% in less than 30 min synthesis time. Radiochemical purities were greater than 97% without HPLC purification, which makes these approaches amenable to automation. In vitro studies on MCF7 breast cancer cells showed that the significant amounts of the radiofluorinated conjugates were associated with cell fractions and held good affinity and specificity for MCF7 cells. In vivo characterization in Balb/c mice revealed rapid blood clearance with excretion predominantly by urinary as well as hepatobiliary systems for MUC1-[18F] SFB and MUC1-FA-[18F] SFB, respectively. Biodistribution in SCID mice bearing MCF7 xenografts, demonstrated excellent tumor uptake (12% ID/g) and favorable kinetics for MUC1-FA-[18F] SFB over MUC1-[18F]SFB. The tumor uptake was blocked by the excess co-injection of cold peptides suggesting the receptor-mediated process. CONCLUSION: Initial PET/CT imaging of SCID mice with MCF7 xenografts, confirmed these observations. These results demonstrate that MUC1-FA-[18F] SFB may be a useful PET imaging probe for breast cancer detection and monitoring tumor response to the treatment.

Novel synthesis and preclinical evaluation of folic acid derivatives labeled with (18)F-[FDG] for PET imaging of folate receptor-positive tumors.

There is a need to develop more potent radiofluorinated folic acid conjugates for a better visualization of folate receptors that overexpress on many human cancers. Due to the clinical importance of [(18)F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([(18)F]-FDG) and its availability in almost every positron-emission tomography center, new radiofluorinated [(18)F]-FDG-folate and methotrexate conjugates ([(18)F]-5 and [(18)F]-8) were synthesized using [(18)F]-FDG as a prosthetic group. In a convenient and simple one-step radiosynthesis, [(18)F]-5 and [(18)F]-8 conjugates were prepared in high radiochemical yields (>80%) with total synthesis time of almost 20 min, and radiochemical purities were found to be greater than 98% without high-performance liquid chromatography purification, which make these approaches amenable for automation. In vitro tests on KB cell line showed that a significant amount of the radioconjugates were associated with the cell fractions. In vivo characterization in normal Balb/c mice revealed rapid blood clearance of these radioconjugates with excretion predominantly by the urinary and hepatobiliary systems for [(18)F]-5 and [(18)F]-8 conjugates, respectively. Biodistribution studies in nude mice-bearing human KB cell line xenografts demonstrated significant tumor uptake and favorable kinetics profile for [(18)F]-5 over the other conjugate. The uptake in the tumors was blocked by the excess coinjection of cold folic acid, suggesting the receptor-mediated process. These results demonstrate that [(18)F]-5 may be useful as a molecular probe for detecting and staging of folate receptor-positive cancers, such as ovarian cancer and their metastasis, as well as monitoring tumor response to the treatment.

Rapid synthesis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of folic acid derivatives labeled with fluorine-18 for PET imaging of folate receptor-positive tumors.

In an attempt to visualize folate receptors that overexpress on many cancers, [(18)F]-fluorobenzene and pyridinecarbohydrazide-folate/methotrexate conjugates ([(18)F]-1, [(18)F]-2-folates and [(18)F]-8, [(18)F]-9-MTXs) were synthesized by the nucleophilic displacement reactions using ethyl-trimethylammonium-benzoate and pyridinecarboxylate precursors. The intermediates ethyl [(18)F]-fluorinated benzene and pyridine esters were reacted with hydrazine to produce the [(18)F]-fluorobenzene and pyridinecarbohydrazides, followed by coupling with N-hydroxysuccinimide-folate/MTX. Radiochemical yields were greater than 80% (decay corrected), with total synthesis time of less than 45 min. Radiochemical purities were always greater than 97% without high-performance liquid chromatography purification. These synthetic approaches hold considerable promise as rapid and simple method for the radiofluorination of folate derivatives with high radiochemical yield in short synthesis time. In vitro tests on KB cell line showed that significant amount of the radioconjugates were associated with cell fractions, and in vivo characterization in normal Balb/c mice revealed rapid blood clearance of these radioconjugates with excretion predominantly by the urinary and partially by the hepatobiliary systems. Biodistribution studies in nude mice bearing human KB cell line xenografts demonstrated significant tumor uptake and favorable biodistribution profile for [(18)F]-2-folate over the other conjugates. The uptake in the tumors was blocked by excess coinjection of folic acid, suggesting a receptor-mediated process. Micro-positron emission tomography images of nude mice bearing human KB cell line xenografts confirmed these observations. These results demonstrate that [(18)F]-2-folate may be useful as molecular probe for detecting and staging of folate receptor-positive cancers, such as ovarian cancer and their metastasis as well as monitoring tumor response to treatment.

Synthesis and evaluation of radioiodinated substituted beta-naphthylalanine as a potential probe for pancreatic beta-cells imaging.

A non-invasive imaging technique capable of relating a signal from the beta-cells to their mass will be of immense value in understanding the progression of diabetes. Several molecular markers have indeed been identified and investigations are ongoing aimed at accomplishing the said goal. These include pancreatic islet antigen (IC-2), somatostatin receptors (SSTRs), and sulfonylurea receptors (SURs) on the pancreatic beta-cells. Therefore investigations exploiting the potential application of the radiolabeled ligands for these receptors for beta-cell imaging are receiving intensive research attention. Radioiodinated peptidomimetic based on beta-naphthylalanine and n-hexanediamine has been synthesized. The molecule was subjected to in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Radioligand binding studies on CHO cell line expressing the SSTR2 showed very low affinity. Nonetheless, biodistribution in normal mice showed significant uptake in the pancreas. There was partial blockage of the pancreatic uptake when excess of the peptidomimetic was coinjected. The result implies that the pancreatic uptake was receptor mediated but may not involve the SSTR2 and therefore warrants further investigation.

Synthesis and biodistribution of 2-[123I]iodomelatonin in normal mice.

Melatonin demands that this hormone and its receptors be well understood. With this aim in mind, synthetic melatonin was radioiodinated with no-carrier-added (n.c.a.) sodium iodide-123 using in situ generated peracetic acid as oxidizing agent for electrophilic iodination at room temperature. The radiochemical yield was typically greater than 80% after 20 min reaction time especially when relatively small amounts of activities were used (

Prosthetic radioiodination of interleukin-8 ([(123/131)I]-IL-8): biological behavior in a mouse infection model.

Numerous molecular entities with diverse structures have been radiolabeled and investigated as potential infection and inflammation detection agents. However, none of these molecules have gained the acceptance of gallium citrate or radiolabeled autologous white blood cells. We have radioiodinated interleukin-8 using two different methods and tested the biological behavior of the products in mice. As expected, the direct radioiodinated material displayed extensive in vivo deiodination. The use of pyridine-based prosthetic label yielded a product with better kinetics than the direct radioiodination method and showed a better target to non-target ratio. Nonetheless, this method is not suited for labeling of bioactive peptides such as the title peptide because of the very high specific activity required to prevent cytotoxic effects in a human application.

2-[(18)F]-fluoroisonicotinic acid hydrazide: biological evaluation in an acute infection model.

We have synthesized 2-[(18)F]-fluoroisonicotinic acid hydrazide by nucleophilic displacement reaction on ethyl-2- (trimethylammonium)-isonicotinate precursor in acetonitrile. Kryptofix 222 was used as the phase transfer catalyst. The intermediate fluorinated ethyl ester reacted with hydrazine hydrate to produce the hydrazide. Excellent radiochemical yield was attained with total synthesis time of approximately 60 min. Biological evaluation was performed in bacterial cells and biodistribution in normal as well as E. coli infected CBA/J mice. It was found that the S. pneumoniae cells retained the radiotracer in an in vitro assay. The tracer showed positive localization at the infection/inflammation site in E. coli infected mice.

Synthesis, radiolabelling and biological characteristics of a bombesin peptide analog as a tumor imaging agent.

BACKGROUND: Several human cancers, including small cell lung, prostate, breast, gastric, colon and pancreatic cancers, express receptors for bombesin-like peptides. Bombesin (BN) peptides that bind specifically to these receptors are useful for detection of bombesin receptor-expressing cancers in vivo. A new 99mTc-labelled-BN peptide for targeting bombesin receptor-expressing cancers was prepared and characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MAG3-coupled BN peptide (MAG3-BN) was prepared by solid-phase synthesis and radiolabelled with 99mTc by an exchange method. In vitro cell binding assays were conducted on human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. In vivo biodistribution studies were performed in normal and nude mice bearing bombesin receptor-positive tumors. RESULTS: Radiolabelling of MAG3-BN with 99mTc produces a single radioactive species (> 95%). In vitro cell-binding indicated the affinity and specificity of 99mTc-MAG3-BN towards bombesin receptors. In vivo biodistribution in mice demonstrated that 99mTc-MAG3-BN cleared rapidly from the blood and most non-targeted tissues and was excreted mainly via the kidneys. Uptake in bombesin receptor-positive tissues and in the tumor was low to moderate. CONCLUSION: 99mTc-MAG3-BN displays good radiolabelling together with certain favorable biological characteristics and might be a useful peptide radiopharmaceutical in the detection of bombesin receptor-expressing cancers in vivo.

A novel route to radioiodinated [123I]-N-succinimidyl-3-iodobenzoate, a reagent for radioiodination of bioactive peptides.

Radiolabeled peptides continue to emerge as potential radiopharmaceuticals for targeting several diseases such as cancer, infection and inflammation and even tissue and organ rejection. The classical method for labeling these molecules has been the electrophilic route. Evidence suggests that most molecules labeled via this route perturb their biological activity. Moreover, this method is not applicable to peptides lacking a tyrosine moiety in their structure. Hence, there is the need to develop alternate methods such as the prosthetic approach. We have optimized a solid-state radioiodination by exchange to produce [123I]-metaiodobenzylguanidine ([123I]-mIBG). The mIBG served as a precursor to obtain an activated N-succinimidyl ester for efficient coupling to amine functions in peptides, preferably the lysine group(s). The method was used to label a model chemotactic peptide and evaluated in vivo.

Novel synthesis of 2-[18F]-fluoroisonicotinic acid hydrazide and initial biological evaluation.

2-[18F]-Fluoroisonicotinic acid hydrazide was synthesized by nucleophilic displacement reaction on ethyl-2- (trimethylammonium)-isonicotinate precursor in acetonitrile. Kryptofix 222 was used as the phase transfer catalyst. The intermediate fluorinated ethyl ester reacted with hydrazine hydrate to produce the hydrazide in excellent radiochemical yield. The overall radiochemical yield was greater than 70% with total synthesis time of approximately 60 minutes. Biological evaluation was performed in bacterial cells and biodistribution in normal CBA/J mice. It was found that the S. pneumoniae cells retained the radiotracer in an in vitro assay.

Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of Tc-99m-labeled somatostatin analog (RC-160) using "3+1" mixed ligand approach.

The success of (111)In-pentetreotide as a cancer-imaging agent has given impetus to the search for other peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals. The labeling with Tc-99m has become even more attractive because of the ready availability and near ideal physical properties. Additionally, the kinetics of the peptide-receptor interactions favors the radiolabeling with technetium-99m. A somatostatin analog RC-160 has been labeled with Tc-99m using the "3+1" mixed ligand approach utilizing the NNS/S coordination sites. The ternary complex was formed in greater than 95% within 30 min by simultaneous reduction and complexation of technetium-99m pertechnetate. The Tc-99m and the surrogate rhenium complexes showed similar chromatographic behavior. The complex was evaluated by in vitro receptor binding studies carried out on HTB-121 breast cancer cell line and biodistribution studies performed in normal mice. Our findings suggest that RC-160 can be labeled by the mixed ligand approach with the complex retaining its biological activity and warrants further studies.

An efficient batch preparation of high specific activity.

The increasing demand for radiolabeled metaiodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) prompted the need to obtain the radiopharmaceutical by a reliable, routine and simple synthetic method for batch production. The production of mIBG labeled with either 123I or 124I has been optimized by modifying literature methods that involve solid-state exchange reaction on "cold" mIBG facilitated by ammonium sulfate. The radiochemical yield and purity of radioiodinated mIBG generally exceeded 80 and 98%, respectively, with specific activity of > 50 mCi/mg.