The effect of LRRK2 mutations on the cholinergic system in manifest and premanifest stages of Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional PET study.

BACKGROUND: Markers of neuroinflammation are increased in some patients with LRRK2 Parkinson's disease compared with individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, suggesting possible differences in disease pathogenesis. Previous PET studies have suggested amplified dopamine turnover and preserved serotonergic innervation in LRRK2 mutation carriers. We postulated that patients with LRRK2 mutations might show abnormalities of central cholinergic activity, even before the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Between June, 2009, and December, 2015, we recruited participants from four movement disorder clinics in Canada, Norway, and the USA. Patients with Parkinson's disease were diagnosed by movement disorder neurologists on the basis of the UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank criteria. LRRK2 carrier status was confirmed by bidirectional Sanger sequencing. We used the PET tracer N-11C-methyl-piperidin-4-yl propionate to scan for acetylcholinesterase activity. The primary outcome measure was rate of acetylcholinesterase hydrolysis, calculated using the striatal input method. We compared acetylcholinesterase hydrolysis rates between groups using ANCOVA, with adjustment for age based on the results of linear regression analysis. FINDINGS: We recruited 14 patients with LRRK2 Parkinson's disease, 16 LRRK2 mutation carriers without Parkinson's disease, eight patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, and 11 healthy controls. We noted significant between-group differences in rates of acetylcholinesterase hydrolysis in cortical regions (average cortex p=0·009, default mode network-related regions p=0·006, limbic network-related regions p=0·020) and the thalamus (p=0·008). LRRK2 mutation carriers without Parkinson's disease had increased acetylcholinesterase hydrolysis rates compared with healthy controls in the cortex (average cortex, p=0·046). Patients with LRRK2 Parkinson's disease had significantly higher acetylcholinesterase activity in some cortical regions (average cortex p=0·043, default mode network-related regions p=0·021) and the thalamus (thalamus p=0·004) compared with individuals with idiopathic disease. Acetylcholinesterase hydrolysis rates in healthy controls were correlated inversely with age. INTERPRETATION: LRRK2 mutations are associated with significantly increased cholinergic activity in the brain in mutation carriers without Parkinson's disease compared with healthy controls and in LRRK2 mutation carriers with Parkinson's disease compared with individuals with idiopathic disease. Changes in cholinergic activity might represent early and sustained attempts to compensate for LRRK2-related dysfunction, or alteration of acetylcholinesterase in non-neuronal cells. FUNDING: Michael J Fox Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Pacific Alzheimer Research Foundation.

Facile synthesis and 18F-radiolabeling of α4ß1-specific LLP2A-aryltrifluoroborate peptidomimetic conjugates.

The peptidomimetic, LLP2A, is a specific, high-affinity ligand for α4ß1 integrin receptors. Previously, several PEGylated LLP2A conjugates were evaluated in vivo as imaging agents for the detection of lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma and melanoma tumours via NIR-fluorescence, 111In-SPECT, and 64Cu- and 68Ga-PET imaging. Despite these successes, to date there is no report of an 18F-labeled LLP2A conjugate. Notably, fluorine-18 is a preferred radionuclide for PET imaging, yet its short half-life and general inactivity under aqueous conditions present challenges for peptide labeling. A simple method for labeling complex biomolecules can be achieved with arylboronic acids that readily capture aqueous [18F]-fluoride ion resulting in an 18F-labeled aryltrifluoroborate ([18F]-ArBF3-) radioprosthetic group. Herein, we present the first radiosynthesis of an 18F-labeled LLP2A conjugate by both one-step 18F-labeling and one-pot two-step 18F-labeling post-'click' conjugation of the 18F-alkynyl-ArBF3- prosthetic. Competition with a fluorescent conjugate of LLP2A demonstrated specific binding of the non-radioactive isotopolog ArBF3--PEG2-LLP2A to α4ß1 integrin-expressing MOLT-4 leukemia cells, as evidenced and confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. This work provides a key first step in the development of an expanding library of [18F]-R-BF3--LLP2A radiotracers for PET imaging.

A comparative evaluation of the chelators H4octapa and CHX-A″-DTPA with the therapeutic radiometal (90)Y.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the radiolabeling performance, stability, and practical efficacy of the chelators CHX-A″-DTPA and H4octapa with the therapeutic radiometal (90)Y. METHODS: The bifunctional chelators p-SCN-Bn-H4octapa and p-SCN-Bn-CHX-A″-DTPA were conjugated to the HER2-targeting antibody trastuzumab. The resulting immunoconjugates were radiolabeled with (90)Y to compare radiolabeling efficiency, in vitro and in vivo stability, and in vivo performance in a murine model of ovarian cancer. RESULTS: High radiochemical yields (>95%) were obtained with (90)Y-CHX-A″-DTPA-trastuzumab and (90)Y-octapa-trastuzumab after 15min at room temperature. Both (90)Y-CHX-A″-DTPA-trastuzumab and (90)Y-octapa-trastuzumab exhibited excellent in vitro and in vivo stability. Furthermore, the radioimmunoconjugates displayed high tumoral uptake values (42.3±4.0%ID/g for (90)Y-CHX-A″-DTPA-trastuzumab and 30.1±7.4%ID/g for (90)Y-octapa-trastuzumab at 72h post-injection) in mice bearing HER2-expressing SKOV3 ovarian cancer xenografts. Finally, (90)Y radioimmunotherapy studies performed in tumor-bearing mice demonstrated that (90)Y-CHX-A″-DTPA-trastuzumab and (90)Y-octapa-trastuzumab are equally effective therapeutic agents, as treatment with both radioimmunoconjugates yielded substantially decreased tumor growth compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, this work demonstrates that the acyclic chelators CHX-A″-DTPA and H4octapa have comparable radiolabeling, stability, and in vivo performance, making them both suitable choices for applications requiring (90)Y.

Evaluation of H2CHXdedpa, H2dedpa- and H2CHXdedpa-N,N'-propyl-2-NI ligands for (64)Cu(ii) radiopharmaceuticals.

The chiral acyclic "pa" ligand (pa = picolinic acid) H2CHXdedpa (N4O2) and two NI-containing dedpa analogues (H2CHXdedpa-N,N'-propyl-2-NI, H2dedpa-N,N'-propyl-2-NI, NI = nitroimidazole) were studied as chelators for copper radiopharmaceuticals (CHX = cyclohexyl, H2dedpa = 1,2-[[carboxypyridin-2-yl]methylamino]ethane). The hexadentate ligand H2CHXdedpa was previously established as a superb system for (67/68)Ga radiochemistry. The solid state X-ray crystal structures of [Cu(CHXdedpa-N,N'-propyl-2-NI)] and [Cu(dedpa-N,N'-propyl-2-NI)] reveal the predicted hexadentate, distorted octahedral binding of the copper(ii) ion. Cyclic voltammetry of [Cu(dedpa-N,N'-propyl-2-NI)] shows that there is one reversible couple associated with the NI redox, and one irreversible but reproducible couple attributed to the Cu(ii)/Cu(i) redox cycle. Quantitative radiolabeling (>99%) of CHXdedpa(2-) and (dedpa-N,N'-propyl-2-NI)(2-) with (64)Cu was achieved under fast and efficient labeling conditions (10 min, RT, 0.5 M sodium acetate buffer, pH 5.5) at ligand concentrations as low as 10(-6) M. In vitro kinetic inertness studies of the (64)Cu labelled complexes were studied in human serum at 37 °C over 24 hours; [(64)Cu(CHXdedpa)] was found to be 98% stable compared to previously investigated [(64)Cu(dedpa)] which was only 72% intact after 24 hours.

Overexpression of HER-2 in MDA-MB-435/LCC6 Tumours is Associated with Higher Metabolic Activity and Lower Energy Stress.

Overexpresssion of HER-2 in the MDA-MB-435/LCC6 (LCC6(HER-2)) tumour model is associated with significantly increased hypoxia and reduced necrosis compared to isogenic control tumours (LCC6(Vector)); this difference was not related to tumour size or changes in vascular architecture. To further evaluate factors responsible for HER-2-associated changes in the tumour microenvironment, small animal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) were used to measure tumour tissue perfusion and metabolism, respectively. The imaging data was further corroborated by analysis of molecular markers pertaining to energy homeostasis, and measurements of hypoxia and glucose consumption. The results showed a strong trend towards higher perfusion rates (~58% greater, p = 0.14), and significantly higher glucose uptake in LCC6(HER-2) (~2-fold greater; p = 0.025), relative to control tumours. The expression of proteins related to energy stress (P-AMPK, P-ACC) and glucose transporters (GLUT1) were lower in LCC6(HER-2) tumours (~2- and ~4-fold, respectively). The in vitro analysis showed that LCC6(HER-2) cells become more hypoxic in 1% oxygen and utilise significantly more glucose in normoxia compared to LCC6(Vector)cells (p < 0.005). Amalgamation of all the data points suggests a novel metabolic adaptation driven by HER-2 overexpression where higher oxygen and glucose metabolic rates produce rich energy supply but also a more hypoxic tumour mass.

Novel "bi-modal" H2dedpa derivatives for radio- and fluorescence imaging.

A novel pyridyl functionalized analog of the promising hexadentate 68Ga3+ chelate H2dedpa (N4O2, 1,2-[[6-carboxy-pyridin-2-yl]-methylamine]ethane) was successfully synthesized and characterized. This new bifunctional chelate (BFC) was used to prepare the first proof-of-principle bi-modal H2dedpa derivative for fluorescence and nuclear imaging. Two bi-modal H2dedpa derivatives were prepared: H2dedpa-propylpyr-FITC and H2dedpa-propylpyr-FITC-(N,N'-propyl-2-NI) (FITC=fluorescein, pyr=pyridyl functionalized, NI=nitroimidazole). The ligands possess the strong gallium-coordinating atoms contained within dedpa2- that are ideal for radiolabeling with 68Ga3+ for positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging, and two fluorophores for optical imaging. In addition, one analog contains two NI moieties for specific entrapment of the tracer in hypoxic cells. These new bi-modal analogs were compared to the native unfunctionalized H2dedpa scaffold to determine the extent to which the addition of pyridyl functionalization would affect metal coordination, and complex stability. The non-radioactive gallium complexes were tested in a 3D tumor spheroid model. The novel pyridyl bis-functionalized H2dedpa ligand, H2dedpa-propylpyr-NH2, was quantitatively radiolabeled with 67Ga (RCY>99%) under reaction conditions commensurate with unfunctionalized H2dedpa (10min at room temperature) at ligand concentrations as low as 10-5M. The resultant 67Ga-complex withstood transchelation to the in vivo metal-binding competitor apo-transferrin (2h at 37°C, 93% intact), signifying that [Ga(dedpa-propylpyr-NH2)]+ is a kinetically inert complex suitable for in vivo use, but exhibited slightly reduced stability compared to the native [67Ga(dedpa)] scaffold (>99% intact). Finally, bi-model fluorescent Ga-dedpa compounds were successfully imaged in a 3D tumor spheroid model. The Ga-dedpa-FITC-NI derivative was specifically localized in the central hypoxic core of the spheroid.

Production of Y-86 and other radiometals for research purposes using a solution target system.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnostic radiometals are typically obtained from cyclotrons by irradiating solid targets or from radioisotope generators. These methods have the advantage of high production yields, but require additional solid target handling infrastructure that is not readily available to many cyclotron facilities. Herein, we provide an overview of our results regarding the production of various positron-emitting radiometals using a liquid target system installed on a 13 MeV cyclotron at TRIUMF. Details about the production, purification and quality control of (89)Zr, (68)Ga and for the first time (86)Y are discussed. METHODS: Aqueous solutions containing 1.35-1.65 g/mL of natural-abundance zinc nitrate, yttrium nitrate, and strontium nitrate were irradiated on a 13 MeV cyclotron using a standard liquid target. Different target body and foil materials were investigated for corrosion. Production yields were calculated using theoretical cross-sections from the EMPIRE code and compared with experimental results. The radioisotopes were extracted from irradiated target material using solid phase extraction methods adapted from previously reported methods, and used for radiolabelling experiments. RESULTS: We demonstrated production quantities that are sufficient for chemical and biological studies for three separate radiometals, (89)Zr (Asat = 360 MBq/µA and yield = 3.17 MBq/µA), (86)Y (Asat = 31 MBq/µA and yield = 1.44 MBq/µA), and (68)Ga (Asat = 141 MBq/µA and yield = 64 MBq/µA) from one hour long irradiations on a typical medical cyclotron. (68)Ga yields were sufficient for potential clinical applications. In order to avoid corrosion of the target body and target foil, nitrate solutions were chosen as well as niobium as target-body material. An automatic loading system enabled up to three production runs per day. The separation efficiency ranged from 82 to 99%. Subsequently, (68)Ga and (86)Y were successfully used to radiolabel DOTA-based chelators while deferoxamine was used to coordinate (89)Zr.

Nitroimidazole-Containing H2dedpa and H2CHXdedpa Derivatives as Potential PET Imaging Agents of Hypoxia with (68)Ga.

(68)Ga is an attractive radiometal for use in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The success of (68)Ga-based agents is dependent on a chelator that exhibits rapid radiometal incorporation, and strong kinetic inertness to prevent transchelation of (68)Ga in vivo. The linear chelating agents H2dedpa (1,2-[[6-carboxypyridin-2-yl]methylamino]ethane) and H2CHXdedpa (CHX = cyclohexyl/cyclohexane) (N4O2) have recently been developed that bind Ga(3+) quickly and under mild conditions, ideal properties to be incorporated into a (68)Ga PET imaging agent. Herein, nitroimidazole (NI) derivatives of H2dedpa and H2CHXdedpa to investigate specific targeting of hypoxic tumor cells are investigated, given that NI can be reduced and retained exclusively in hypoxic cells. Nine N,N'-bis-alkylated derivatives of H2dedpa and H2CHXdedpa have been synthesized; they have been screened for their ability to bind gallium, and cyclic voltammetry of nonradioactive complexes was performed to probe the redox cycling mechanism of NI. The compounds were radiolabeled with (67)Ga and (68)Ga and show promising radiolabeling efficiencies (>99%) when labeled at 10(-5) M for 10 min at room temperature. Moreover, stability studies (via apo-transferrin challenge, 37 °C) show that the (67)Ga complexes exhibit exceptional stability (86-99% intact) after 2 h. In vitro uptake studies under hypoxic (0.5% O2) and normoxic (21% O2) conditions in three cancerous cell lines [HT-29 (colon), LCC6(HER-2) (breast), and CHO (Chinese hamster ovarian)] were performed. Of the four H2dedpa or H2CHXdedpa NI derivatives tested, all showed preferential uptake in hypoxic cells compared to normoxic cells with hypoxic/normoxic ratios as high as 7.9 ± 2.7 after 120 min. The results suggest that these novel bis-alkylated NI-containing H2dedpa and H2CHXdedpa ligands would be ideal candidates for further testing in vivo for PET imaging of hypoxia with (68)Ga.

H2CHXdedpa and H4CHXoctapa-chiral acyclic chelating ligands for (67/68)Ga and (111)In radiopharmaceuticals.

The chiral acyclic ligands H2CHXdedpa (N4O2), H2CHXdedpa-bb (N4O2), and H4CHXoctapa (N4O4) (CHX = cyclohexyl/cyclohexane, H2dedpa = 1,2-[[6-carboxy-pyridin-2-yl]-methylamino]ethane, bb = N,N'-dibenzylated, H4octapa = N,N'-bis(6-carboxy-2-pyridylmethyl)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid) were synthesized, complexed with Ga(III) and/or In(III), and evaluated for their potential as chelating agents in radiopharmaceutical applications. The ligands were compared to the previously studied hexadentate H2dedpa and octadentate H4octapa ligands to determine the effect adding a chiral 1R,2R-trans-cyclohexane to replace the ethylenediamine backbone would have on metal complex stability and radiolabeling kinetics. It was found that [Ga(CHXdedpa)](+) showed very similar properties to those of [Ga(dedpa)](+), with only one isomer in solution observed by NMR spectroscopy, and minimal structural changes in the solid-state X-ray structure. Like [Ga(dedpa)](+), [Ga(CHXdedpa)](+) exhibited exceptionally high thermodynamic stability constants (log KML = 28.11(8)), and the chelate retained the ability to label (67)Ga quantitatively in 10 min at room temperature at ligand concentrations of 1 × 10(-5) M. In vitro kinetic inertness assays demonstrated the [(67)Ga(CHXdedpa)](+) complex to be more stable than [(67)Ga(dedpa)](+) in a human serum competition, with 90.5% and 77.8% of (67)Ga remaining chelate-bound after 2 h, respectively. Preliminary coordination studies of H4CHXoctapa with In(III) demonstrated [In(CHXoctapa)](-) to have an equivalently high thermodynamically stable constant as [In(octapa)](-), with log KML values of 27.16(9) and 26.76(14), respectively. The [(111)In(CHXoctapa)](-) complex showed exceptionally high in vitro kinetic inertness over 120 h in human serum, comparing well with previously reported [(111)In(octapa)](-) values, and an improved stability compared to the current industry "gold standards" 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). Initial investigations reveal that the chiral acyclic hexadentate H2CHXdedpa and octadentate H4CHXoctapa ligands are ideal candidates for radiopharmaceutical elaboration of gallium or indium isotopes, respectively.

What a difference a carbon makes: H4octapa vs H4C3octapa, ligands for In-111 and Lu-177 radiochemistry.

The acyclic ligands H4C3octapa and p-SCN-Bn-H4C3octapa were synthesized for the first time, using nosyl protection chemistry. These new ligands were compared to the previously studied ligands H4octapa and p-SCN-Bn-H4octapa to determine the extent to which the addition of a single carbon atom to the backbone of the ligand would affect metal coordination, complex stability, and, ultimately, utility for in vivo radiopharmaceutical applications. Although only a single carbon atom was added to H4C3octapa and the metal donor atoms and denticity were not changed, the solution chemistry and radiochemistry properties were drastically altered, highlighting the importance of careful ligand design and radiometal-ligand matching. It was found that [In(C3octapa)](-) and [Lu(C3octapa)](-) were substantially different from the analogous H4octapa complexes, exhibiting fluxional isomerization and a higher number of isomers, as observed by (1)H NMR, VT-NMR, and 2D COSY/HSQC-NMR experiments. Past evaluation of the DFT structures of [In(octapa)](-) and [Lu(octapa)](-) revealed very symmetric complexes; in contrast, the [In(C3octapa)](-) and [Lu(C3octapa)](-) complexes were much less symmetric, suggesting lower symmetry and less rigidity than that of the analogous H4octapa complexes. Potentiometric titrations revealed the formation constants (log K(ML), pM) were ~2 units lower for the In(3+) and Lu(3+) complexes of H4C3octapa when compared to that of the more favorable H4octapa ligand (~2 orders of magnitude less thermodynamically stable). The bifunctional ligands p-SCN-Bn-H4C3octapa and p-SCN-Bn-H4octapa were conjugated to the antibody trastuzumab and radiolabeled with (111)In and (177)Lu. Over a 5 day stability challenge experiment in blood serum, (111)In-octapa- and (111)In-C3octapa-trastuzumab immunoconjugates were determined to be ~91 and ~24% stable, respectively, and (177)Lu-octapa- and (177)Lu-C3octapa-trastuzumab, ~89% and ~4% stable, respectively. This work suggests that 5-membered chelate rings are superior to 6-membered chelate rings for large metal ions like In(3+) and Lu(3+), which is a crucial consideration for the design of bifunctional chelates for bioconjugation to targeting vectors for in vivo work.

Modular syntheses of H4octapa and H2dedpa, and yttrium coordination chemistry relevant to 86Y/9°Y radiopharmaceuticals.

The ligands H2dedpa, H4octapa, p-SCN-Bn-H2dedpa, and p-SCN-Bn-H4octapa were synthesized using a new protection chemistry approach, with labile tert-butyl esters replacing the previously used methyl esters as protecting groups for picolinic acid moieties. Additionally, the ligands H2dedpa and p-SCN-Bn-H2dedpa were synthesized using nosyl protection chemistry for the first time. The use of tert-butyl esters allows for deprotection at room temperature in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which compares favorably to the harsh conditions of refluxing HCl (6 M) or LiOH that were previously required for methyl ester cleavage. H4octapa has recently been shown to be a very promising (111)In and (177)Lu ligand for radiopharmaceutical applications; therefore, coordination chemistry studies with Y(3+) are described to assess its potential for use with (86)Y/(90)Y. The solution chemistry of H4octapa with Y(3+) is shown to be suitable via solution NMR studies of the [Y(octapa)](-) complex and density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the predicted structure, suggesting properties similar to those of the analogous In(3+) and Lu(3+) complexes. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) was mapped onto the molecular surface of the DFT-calculated coordination structures, suggesting very similar and even charge distributions between both the Lu(3+) and Y(3+) complexes of octapa(4-), and coordinate structures between 8 (ligand only) and 9 (ligand and one H2O). Potentiometric titrations determined H4octapa to have a formation constant (log K(ML)) with Y(3+) of 18.3 ± 0.1, revealing high thermodynamic stability. This preliminary work suggests that H4octapa may be a competent ligand for future (86)Y/(90)Y radiopharmaceutical applications.

H6phospa-trastuzumab: bifunctional methylenephosphonate-based chelator with 89Zr, 111In and 177Lu.

The acyclic chelator H6phospa and the bifunctional derivative p-SCN-Bn-H6phospa have been synthesized using nosyl protection chemistry and evaluated with (89)Zr, (111)In, and (177)Lu. The p-SCN-Bn-H6phospa derivative was successfully conjugated to trastuzumab with isotopic dilution assays indicating 3.3 ± 0.1 chelates per antibody and in vitro cellular binding assays indicating an immunoreactivity value of 97.9 ± 2.6%. Radiolabeling of the H6phospa-trastuzumab immunoconjugate was achieved with (111)In in 70-90% yields at room temperature in 30 minutes, while (177)Lu under the same conditions produced more inconsistent yields of 40-80%. Stability experiments in human serum revealed the (111)In-phospa-trastuzumab complex to be 52.0 ± 5.3% intact after 5 days at 37 °C, while the (177)Lu-phospa-trastuzumab to be only 2.0 ± 0.3% intact. Small animal SPECT/CT imaging using mice bearing subcutaneous SKOV-3 ovarian cancer xenografts was performed, and it was found that (111)In-phospa-trastuzumab successfully identified and delineated small (~2 mm in diameter) tumors from surrounding tissues, despite visible uptake in the kidneys and bone due to moderate chelate instability. As predicted from stability assays in serum, the (177)Lu-phospa-trastuzumab conjugate served as a negative control and displayed no tumor uptake, with high uptake in bones indicating rapid and complete radiometal dissociation and suggesting a potential application of H6phospa in transient lanthanide chelation for bone-delivery. Radiolabeling with (89)Zr was attempted, but even with elevated temperatures of 37 °C, the maximum observed radiometal incorporation over 18 hours was 12%. It can be concluded from this work that H6phospa is not superior to the previously studied H4octapa for use with (111)In and (177)Lu, but improvements in (89)Zr radiolabeling were observed over H4octapa, suggesting H6phospa to be an excellent starting point for elaboration of (89)Zr-based radiopharmaceutical development. To our knowledge, H6phospa is the best desferrioxamine alternative for (89)Zr radiolabeling to be studied to date.

H(4)octapa-trastuzumab: versatile acyclic chelate system for 111In and 177Lu imaging and therapy.

A bifunctional derivative of the versatile acyclic chelator H4octapa, p-SCN-Bn-H4octapa, has been synthesized for the first time. The chelator was conjugated to the HER2/neu-targeting antibody trastuzumab and labeled in high radiochemical purity and specific activity with the radioisotopes (111)In and (177)Lu. The in vivo behavior of the resulting radioimmunoconjugates was investigated in mice bearing ovarian cancer xenografts and compared to analogous radioimmunoconjugates employing the ubiquitous chelator 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA). The H4octapa-trastuzumab conjugates displayed faster radiolabeling kinetics with more reproducible yields under milder conditions (15 min, RT, ~94-95%) than those based on DOTA-trastuzumab (60 min, 37 °C, ~50-88%). Further, antibody integrity was better preserved in the (111)In- and (177)Lu-octapa-trastuzumab constructs, with immunoreactive fractions of 0.99 for each compared to 0.93-0.95 for (111)In- and (177)Lu-DOTA-trastuzumab. These results translated to improved in vivo biodistribution profiles and SPECT imaging results for (111)In- and (177)Lu-octapa-trastuzumab compared to (111)In- and (177)Lu-DOTA-trastuzumab, with increased tumor uptake and higher tumor-to-tissue activity ratios.

Structural characteristics of chloroquine-bridged ferrocenophane analogues of ferroquine may obviate malaria drug-resistance mechanisms.

Five compounds displaying an unprecedented binding mode of chloroquine to ferrocene through the bridging of the cyclopentadienyl rings were studied alongside their monosubstituted ferrocene analogues and organic fragments. The antiplasmodial activity was evaluated against strains of the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum). While the chloroquine-bridged ferrocenyl derivatives were less active than their five monosubstituted ferrocenyl analogues, they retained activity in the drug-resistant strains. The biological and physical properties were correlated to antiplasmodial activity. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding was associated with increased antiplasmodial action, but it is not the determining factor. Instead, balance between lipophilicity and hydrophilicity had a greater influence. It was found that calculated partition coefficient (log P) values of 4.5-5.0 and topological polar surfaces area (tPSA) values of ∼26.0 Å(2) give the best balance. The particular conformation, compact size, and lipophilicity/hydrophilicity balance observed in the bridged compounds provide them with the structural characteristics needed to escape the mechanisms responsible for resistance.

H(2)azapa: a versatile acyclic multifunctional chelator for (67)Ga, (64)Cu, (111)In, and (177)Lu.

Preliminary experiments with the novel acyclic triazole-containing bifunctional chelator H2azapa and the radiometals (64)Cu, (67)Ga, (111)In, and (177)Lu have established its significant versatile potential as an alternative to 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) for metal-based radiopharmaceuticals. Unlike DOTA, H2azapa radiolabels quantitatively with (64)Cu, (67)Ga, (111)In, and (177)Lu in 10 min at room temperature. In vitro competition experiments with human blood serum show that (64)Cu remained predominantly chelate-bound, with only 2% transchelated to serum proteins after 20 h. Biodistribution experiments with [(64)Cu(azapa)] in mice reveal uptake in various organs, particularly in the liver, lungs, heart, intestines, and kidneys. When compared to [(64)Cu(DOTA)](2-), the lipophilic neutral [(64)Cu(azapa)] was cleared through the gastrointestinal tract and accumulated in the liver, which is common for lipophilic compounds or free (64)Cu. The chelator H2azapa is a model complex for a click-based bifunctional chelating agent, and the lipophilic benzyl "place-holders" will be replaced by hydrophilic peptides to modulate the pharmacokinetics and direct activity away from the liver and gut. The solid-state molecular structure of [In(azapa)(H2O)][ClO4] reveals a very rare eight-coordinate distorted square antiprismatic geometry with one triazole arm bound, and the structure of [(64)Cu(azapa)] shows a distorted octahedral geometry. The present study demonstrates significant potential for bioconjugates of H2azapa as alternatives to DOTA in copper-based radiopharmaceuticals, with the highly modular and "clickable" molecular scaffold of H2azapa easily modified into a variety of bioconjugates. H2azapa is a versatile addition to the "pa" family, joining the previously published H2dedpa ((67/68)Ga and (64)Cu), H4octapa ((111)In, (177)Lu, and (90)Y), and H5decapa ((225)Ac) to cover a wide range of important nuclides.

Evaluation of the H2)dedpa scaffold and its cRGDyK conjugates for labeling with 64Cu.

Studies of the acyclic ligand scaffold H(2)dedpa and its derivatives with the peptide cRGDyK for application in copper radiopharmaceuticals are described. Previously shown to be a superb ligand for (67/68)Ga, the chelate is now shown to coordinate (64)Cu in its derivatized and nonderivatized forms rapidly under mild reaction conditions (10 min, RT, pH 5.5 10 mM sodium acetate buffered solution). The hexadentate, distorted octahedral coordination of H(2)dedpa is confirmed in the corresponding solid state X-ray crystal structure of [Cu(dedpa)]. Cyclic voltammetry determined the reduction potential of [Cu(dedpa)] to be below values found for common bioreductants. Reduction and reoxidation were irreversible but reproducible, indicating a potential change of coordination mode upon reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I). The thermodynamic stability constant log K(CuL) was determined to be 19.16(5), comparable to other frequently used (64)Cu chelates. Serum stability of the (64)Cu labeled chelate revealed only 3% transchelation/association to serum proteins after 2 h, while the conjugates reveal 10% ([Cu(RGD1)]) and 6% ([Cu(RGD2)]) transchelation at the same time point.

H4octapa: an acyclic chelator for 111In radiopharmaceuticals.

This preliminary investigation of the octadentate acyclic chelator H(4)octapa (N(4)O(4)) with (111)In/(115)In(3+) has demonstrated it to be an improvement on the shortcomings of the current industry "gold standards" DOTA (N(4)O(4)) and DTPA (N(3)O(5)). The ability of H(4)octapa to radiolabel quantitatively (111)InCl(3) at ambient temperature in 10 min with specific activities as high as 2.3 mCi/nmol (97.5% radiochemical yield) is presented. In vitro mouse serum stability assays have demonstrated the (111)In complex of H(4)octapa to have improved stability when compared to DOTA and DTPA over 24 h. Mouse biodistribution studies have shown that the radiometal complex [(111)In(octapa)](-) has exceptionally high in vivo stability over 24 h with improved clearance and stability compared to [(111)In(DOTA)](-), demonstrated by lower uptake in the kidneys, liver, and spleen at 24 h. (1)H/(13)C NMR studies of the [In(octapa)](-) complex revealed a 7-coordinate solution structure, which forms a single isomer and exhibits no observable fluxional behavior at ambient temperature, an improvement to the multiple isomers formed by [In(DTPA)](2-) and [In(DOTA)](-) under the same conditions. Potentiometric titrations have determined the thermodynamic formation constant of the [In(octapa)](-) complex to be log K(ML) = 26.8(1). Through the same set of analyses, the [(111/115)In(decapa)](2-) complex was found to have nonoptimal stability, with H(5)decapa (N(5)O(5)) being more suitable for larger metal ions due to its higher potential denticity (e.g., lanthanides and actinides). Our initial investigations have revealed the acyclic chelator H(4)octapa to be a valuable alternative to the macrocycle DOTA for use with (111)In, and a significant improvement to the acyclic chelator DTPA.

RGD conjugates of the H2dedpa scaffold: synthesis, labeling and imaging with 68Ga.

INTRODUCTION: The rekindled interest in the (68)Ga generator as an attractive positron emission tomography generator system has led us and others to investigate novel chelate systems for (68)Ga. We have previously reported our findings with the acyclic, rapidly coordinating chelate H(2)dedpa and its model derivatives. METHODS: In this report, we describe the synthesis of the corresponding bifunctional chelate scaffolds (H(2)dp-bb-NCS and H(2)dp-N-NCS) as well as the radiolabeling properties, transferrin stability, binding to the target using in vitro cell models and in vivo behavior the corresponding conjugates with the α(v)ß(3) targeting cyclic pentapeptide cRGDyK (monomeric H(2)RGD-1 and dimeric H(2)RGD-2). RESULTS: The ability of the conjugated ligands to coordinate Ga isotopes within 10 min at room temperature at concentrations of 1 nmol was confirmed. Complex [(67)Ga(RGD-1)](+) was more stable (92% after 2 h) than [(67)Ga(RGD-2)](+) (73% after 2 h) in a transferrin challenge experiment. IC(50) values for both conjugates (H(2)RGD-1 and H(2)RGD-2) and nonconjugated RGD were determined in a cell-based competitive binding assay with (125)I-echistatin using U87MG cells, where enhanced specific binding was observed for the multivalent H(2)RGD-2 conjugate compared to the monovalent H(2)RGD-1 and nonconjugated cRGDyK. The U87MG cell line was also used to generate subcutaneous xenograft tumors on RAG2M mice, which were used to evaluate the in vivo properties of [(68)Ga(RGD-1)](+) and [(68)Ga(RGD-2)](+). After 2 h of dynamic imaging, both block and nonblock mice were sacrificed to collect select organs at the 2-h time point. Although the uptake is specific, as judged from the ratios of nonblock to block (2.36 with [(67)Ga(RGD-1)](+), 1.46 with [(67)Ga(RGD-2)](+)), both conjugates display high uptake in blood. CONCLUSIONS: We have successfully synthesized and applied the first bifunctional versions of H(2)dedpa for conjugation to a targeting vector and subsequent imaging of the corresponding conjugates.

1,2-disubstituted ferrocenyl carbohydrate chloroquine conjugates as potential antimalarial agents.

This work presents a new family of organometallic antimalarial compounds consisting of ferrocene bearing a chloroquine-derived moiety as well as a 1,2;3,5-diisopropylidene glucofuranose moiety at a cyclopentadienyl scaffold in a 1,2-substitution pattern. The synthetic route proceeds via a stereoselective functionalization of ferrocene carboxaldehyde to the 1,2-disubstituted conjugates. After complete characterization of these new, trifunctional conjugates, they were examined for their cytotoxicity in two cancerous cell lines (MDA-MB-435S and Caco2) and one non-cancerous cell line (MCF-10A), showing that increased cytotoxicity can be observed for the chloroquine ferrocenyl conjugates compared to their carbohydrate-substituted precursors. The antiplasmodial activity of the conjugates in a chloroquine-sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum (D10) and a chloroquine-resistant strain (Dd2) was determined. Monosubstituted conjugates 13, 14 and 15 exhibit decreasing activity with increasing alkyl chain length between the ferrocene and quinoline moiety, bifunctional conjugates 16, 17, 18 show constant activity, performing better than chloroquine in the Dd2 strain.