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1.
J Nucl Med ; 65(Suppl 1): 4S-11S, 2024 May 06.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38719234

Quinoline-based fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitors (FAPIs) have recently emerged as a focal point in global nuclear medicine, underscored by their promising applications in cancer theranostics and the diagnosis of various nononcological conditions. This review offers an in-depth summary of the existing literature on the evolution and use of FAPI tracers in China, tracing their journey from preclinical to clinical research. Moreover, this review also assesses the diagnostic accuracy of FAPI PET for the most common cancers in China, analyzes its impact on oncologic management paradigms, and investigates the potential of FAP-targeted radionuclide therapy in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. This review also summarizes studies using FAPI PET for nononcologic disorders in China. Thus, this qualitative overview presents a snapshot of China's engagement with FAPI tracers, aiming to guide future research endeavors.


Endopeptidases , Gelatinases , Membrane Proteins , Serine Endopeptidases , Translational Research, Biomedical , Humans , China , Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Gelatinases/metabolism , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Radioactive Tracers , Animals , Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Positron-Emission Tomography
2.
Cancer J ; 30(3): 210-217, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38753756

ABSTRACT: Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor positron emission tomography (PET) has gained interest for its ability to demonstrate uptake in a diverse range of tumors. Its molecular target, fibroblast activation protein, is expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts, a major cell type in tumor microenvironment that surrounds various types of cancers. Although existing literature on FAPI PET is largely from single-center studies and case reports, initial findings show promise for some cancer types demonstrating improved imaging when compared with the widely used 18F-fludeoxyglucose PET for oncologic imaging. As we expand our knowledge of the utility of FAPI PET, accurate understanding of noncancerous uptake seen on FAPI PET is crucial for accurate evaluation. In this review, we summarize potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radiolabeled FAP inhibitors in oncological and nononcological disease processes.


Neoplasms , Humans , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neoplasms/metabolism , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods , Endopeptidases , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Gelatinases/metabolism , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Radiopharmaceuticals , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Animals , Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/metabolism , Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/drug effects
3.
J Nucl Med ; 65(6): 880-887, 2024 Jun 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38724279

Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) is often highly expressed by sarcoma cells and by sarcoma-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. This makes it a promising target for imaging and therapy. The level of FAP expression and the diagnostic value of 68Ga-FAP inhibitor (FAPI) PET for sarcoma subtypes are unknown. We assessed the diagnostic performance and accuracy of 68Ga-FAPI PET in various bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. Potential eligibility for FAP-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy (FAP-RPT) was evaluated. Methods: This prospective observational trial enrolled 200 patients with bone and soft-tissue sarcoma who underwent 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT (186/200, or 93%) for staging or restaging. The number of lesions detected and the uptake (SUVmax) of the primary tumor, lymph nodes, and visceral and bone metastases were analyzed. The Wilcoxon test was used for semiquantitative assessment. The association of 68Ga-FAPI uptake intensity, histopathologic grade, and FAP expression in sarcoma biopsy samples was analyzed using Spearman r correlation. The impact of 68Ga-FAPI PET on clinical management was investigated using questionnaires before and after PET/CT. Eligibility for FAP-RPT was defined by an SUVmax greater than 10 for all tumor regions. Results: 68Ga-FAPI uptake was heterogeneous among sarcoma subtypes. The 3 sarcoma entities with the highest uptake (mean SUVmax ± SD) were solitary fibrous tumor (24.7 ± 11.9), undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (18.8 ± 13.1), and leiomyosarcoma (15.2 ± 10.2). Uptake of 68Ga-FAPI versus 18F-FDG was significantly higher in low-grade sarcomas (10.4 ± 8.5 vs. 7.0 ± 4.5, P = 0.01) and in potentially malignant intermediate or unpredictable sarcomas without a World Health Organization grade (not applicable [NA]; 22.3 ± 12.5 vs. 8.5 ± 10.0, P = 0.0004), including solitary fibrous tumor. The accuracy, as well as the detection rates, of 68Ga-FAPI was higher than that of 18F-FDG in low-grade sarcomas (accuracy, 92.2 vs. 80.0) and NA sarcomas (accuracy, 96.9 vs. 81.9). 68Ga-FAPI uptake and the histopathologic FAP expression score (n = 89) were moderately correlated (Spearman r = 0.43, P < 0.0002). Of 138 patients, 62 (45%) with metastatic sarcoma were eligible for FAP-RPT. Conclusion: In patients with low-grade and NA sarcomas, 68Ga-FAPI PET demonstrates uptake, detection rates, and accuracy superior to those of 18F-FDG PET. 68Ga-FAPI PET criteria identified eligibility for FAP-RPT in about half of sarcoma patients.


Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography , Radiopharmaceuticals , Sarcoma , Humans , Male , Female , Sarcoma/diagnostic imaging , Sarcoma/metabolism , Sarcoma/therapy , Middle Aged , Adult , Aged , Young Adult , Neoplasm Grading , Gallium Radioisotopes , Endopeptidases , Aged, 80 and over , Prospective Studies , Adolescent , Gelatinases/metabolism , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Quinolines
4.
J Med Chem ; 67(9): 7068-7087, 2024 May 09.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38656144

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a very reliable biomarker for tissue remodeling. FAP has so far mainly been studied in oncology, but there is growing interest in the enzyme in other diseases like fibrosis. Recently, FAP-targeting diagnostics and therapeutics have emerged, of which the so-called FAPIs are among the most promising representatives. FAPIs typically have a relatively high molecular weight and contain very polar, multicharged chelator moieties. While this is not limiting the application of FAPIs in oncology, more druglike FAPIs could be required to optimally study diseases characterized by denser, less permeable tissue. In response, we designed the first druglike 18F-labeled FAPIs. We report target potencies, biodistribution, and pharmacokinetics and demonstrate FAP-dependent uptake in murine tumor xenografts. Finally, this paper puts forward compound 10 as a highly promising, druglike FAPI for 18F-PET imaging. This molecule is fit for additional studies in fibrosis and its preclinical profile warrants clinical investigation.


Endopeptidases , Fluorine Radioisotopes , Gelatinases , Membrane Proteins , Positron-Emission Tomography , Serine Endopeptidases , Animals , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods , Endopeptidases/metabolism , Fluorine Radioisotopes/chemistry , Gelatinases/metabolism , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Humans , Mice , Tissue Distribution , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Radiopharmaceuticals/chemistry , Radiopharmaceuticals/pharmacokinetics , Radiopharmaceuticals/chemical synthesis , Radiopharmaceuticals/pharmacology , Cell Line, Tumor , Female
5.
Semin Nucl Med ; 54(3): 340-344, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38365545

The field of nuclear medicine has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, particularly in the area of PET imaging. One such development is the use of Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitors (FAPI) as a novel radiotracer. FAPI PET imaging has shown promising results in various malignancies, including sarcomas, which are a diverse group of cancers originating from mesenchymal cells. This paper aims to explore the potential of FAPI PET imaging in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring of sarcomas. Several studies have demonstrated the potential of FAPI PET in sarcomas. Furthermore, FAPI PET imaging has shown potential in assessing treatment response, with changes in FAPI uptake correlating with treatment outcomes. However, there are challenges to be addressed. The heterogeneity of sarcomas, both inter- and intra-tumoral, may affect the uniformity of Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) expression and thus the effectiveness of FAPI PET imaging. Additionally, the optimal timing and dosage of FAPI for PET imaging in sarcomas need further investigation. In conclusion, the introduction of FAPI PET imaging represents a significant advancement in the field of nuclear medicine and oncology. The ability to target FAP, a protein overexpressed in the majority of sarcomas, offers new possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of these complex and diverse tumors. Its potential applications in diagnosis, staging, and theranostics are vast, and on-going research continues to explore and address its limitations. As we continue to deepen our understanding of this novel imaging technique, it is hoped that FAPI PET imaging will play an increasingly important role in the fight against cancer. However, as with any new technology, further research is needed to fully understand the potential and limitations of FAPI PET imaging in the clinical setting.


Membrane Proteins , Nuclear Medicine , Positron-Emission Tomography , Sarcoma , Humans , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods , Sarcoma/diagnostic imaging , Nuclear Medicine/methods , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Gelatinases/metabolism , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Animals , Endopeptidases , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism
6.
Int J Mol Sci ; 22(20)2021 Oct 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34681790

Our previous works produced a whey fermentation methodology that yielded antibacterial activity and potential inhibition of matrix metalloproteases (MMP)-2 and -9. Here, we evaluated if these activities were due to fermentation-produced peptides. Prolonged fermentation was carried out in the presence of our specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB) consortium. LAB fermentation yielded a total of 11 polypeptides, which were predominantly produced after 6 days of fermentation. One which was derived from beat casein presented a particularly high antibacterial activity against food pathogenic bacteria and was more effective than standard food disinfectants. This polypeptide was further studied and was also found to be active against several strains of pathogenic bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), in a dose-dependent manner. It also inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 whilst reducing HT29 cancer cell migration in vitro. Overall, this novel whey-derived polypeptide presents dual antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, revealing a strong potential to be used in functional foods or as a nutraceutical. Its identification and further characterization can open novel perspectives in the field of preventive/curative diets related to gut microbiota, gut inflammation, and cancer prevention, particularly if used in in vivo studies.


Cheese , Fermentation/physiology , Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/metabolism , Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/metabolism , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Caseins/metabolism , Caseins/pharmacology , Cattle , Cell Movement/drug effects , Cheese/analysis , Cheese/microbiology , Food Microbiology , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Gelatinases/metabolism , Goats , HT29 Cells , Humans , Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/chemistry , Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Neoplasms/pathology , Peptides/metabolism , Peptides/pharmacology , Sheep , Whey/chemistry , Whey/metabolism , Whey/microbiology , Whey Proteins/metabolism , Whey Proteins/pharmacology
7.
Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) ; 69(1): 40-47, 2021.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33390520

An investigation into the methanol extracts obtained from the stems of Dodonaea viscosa led to the isolation of one nor-clerodane diterpene (1) and two labdane diterpenes (2, 3), as well as 17 known compounds (4-20). The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on chemical and spectral evidence. The stereochemical structure of the nor-clerodane diterpene was confirmed via its circular dichroism spectrum and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectrum. Isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on collagenase and tyrosinase. Since 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-5'-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3,6-dimethoxyflavone (9) showed collagenase inhibitory activity and scopoletin (12) had significant tyrosinase inhibitory activity, they were considered to be good candidates for cosmetic agents.


Diterpenes/isolation & purification , Plant Extracts/isolation & purification , Sapindaceae/chemistry , Agaricales/enzymology , Diterpenes/chemistry , Diterpenes/pharmacology , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Gelatinases/metabolism , Molecular Structure , Monophenol Monooxygenase/antagonists & inhibitors , Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Stereoisomerism
8.
Clin Nucl Med ; 46(3): e141-e150, 2021 03 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33351507

PURPOSE: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a cell membrane-bound serine peptidase, overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts and activated fibroblasts at wound healing/inflammatory sites. Recently, molecular PET/CT imaging with radiolabeled FAP inhibitor (FAPI) has been evaluated in different diseases. We aimed to assess its potential role based on the available literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive review of the available preclinical and clinical data on FAPI PET/CT in an attempt to summarize its current status and potential future role. Based on that, we have discussed the pathophysiology behind FAP-based imaging, followed by a discussion of FAPI radiopharmaceuticals including their synthesis, biodistribution, and dosimetry. Next, we have discussed studies evaluating FAPI PET/CT in different oncological and nononcological pathologies. The potential of FAPI PET/CT in theranostics has also been addressed. RESULTS: Based on the early scientific evidence available, including preclinical and clinical studies, FAPI PET/CT seems to be a promising molecular imaging tool, especially in oncology. It can be used for imaging different types of cancers and outperforms 18F-FDG PET/CT in some of these. Its potential as a theranostic tool warrants special attention. CONCLUSIONS: Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor PET/CT has the potential to emerge as a powerful molecular imaging tool in the future. However, as of yet, the available evidence is limited, warranting further research and trials in this field.


Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography/methods , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Endopeptidases , Humans , Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Serine Endopeptidases
11.
BMC Complement Med Ther ; 20(1): 379, 2020 Dec 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33308217

BACKGROUND: Aloe's reported bioactivities (anticancer, anti-inflammatory and wound healing) suggest they might inhibit a subgroup of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) called gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). The goal of the present study was to compare the MMP inhibitory potential of two Aloe species, A. vera and A. arborescens. METHODS: Different types of extraction were tested and specific bioactive compounds were quantified. Cancer cell invasion inhibitory activities were measured in vitro using the wound healing assay in human colon cancer cells (HT29). Effects on gelatinase activities were further assessed by dye-quenched gelatin and gelatin zymography. RESULTS: Different types of extraction yielded significantly different levels of bioactivities and of bioactive compounds, which might be due to a greater amount of extractable bioactive compounds such as anthraquinones. Both A. arborescens and A. vera have potential as inhibitory agents in cancer cell proliferation via MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzymatic activity inhibition, being able to reduce colon cancer cell proliferation and migration but A. arborescens showed to be a more effective inhibitor of cancer cell migration than A. vera. CONCLUSION: This work opens novel perspectives on the mode of action of Aloe species in cancer cell migration and may provide clues as to why there are so many conflicting results on Aloe's activities.


Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy , Aloe , Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Cell Movement/drug effects , Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor , HT29 Cells , Humans , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Species Specificity
12.
Sci Rep ; 10(1): 21280, 2020 12 04.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33277568

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is a class of hepatokines that plays a protective role against obesity, insulin resistance, and liver damage. Despite this, protective effects of FGF21 in human appear to be minimal, possibly due to its proteolytic cleavage by the fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Here, we presented a novel FAP inhibitor, BR103354, and described its pharmacological activities as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of metabolic disorders. BR103354 inhibited FAP with an IC50 value of 14 nM, showing high selectivity against dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-related enzymes and prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP). In differentiated 3T3/L1 adipocytes, the addition of FAP diminished hFGF21-induced Glut1 and phosphorylated levels of ERK, which were restored by BR103354. BR103354 exhibited good pharmacokinetic properties as evidenced by oral bioavailability of 48.4% and minimal hERG inhibition. Single co-administration of BR103354 with hFGF21 reduced nonfasting blood glucose concentrations, in association with increased intact form of hFGF21 in ob/ob mice. Additionally, chronic treatment of BR103354 for 4 weeks reduced nonfasting blood glucose concentrations with improved glucose tolerance and with reduced triglyceride (TG) content in liver of ob/ob mice. Consistently, BR103354 improved hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD)-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mouse model. FAP inhibitory effects of BR103354 were confirmed in normal cynomolgus monkeys. Together, BR103354 acts as an effective FAP inhibitor in vitro and in vivo, thereby demonstrating its potential application as an anti-diabetic and anti-NASH agent.


Fatty Liver/drug therapy , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Glucose Metabolism Disorders/drug therapy , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology , Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , 3T3-L1 Cells , Adipocytes/drug effects , Animals , Drug Discovery , Drug Evaluation, Preclinical , Endopeptidases , Macaca fascicularis , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Serine Endopeptidases
13.
Toxins (Basel) ; 12(10)2020 09 27.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32992585

Using venom for predation often leads to the evolution of resistance in prey. Understanding individual variation in venom resistance is key to unlocking basic mechanisms by which antagonistic coevolution can sustain variation in traits under selection. For prey, the opposing challenges of predator avoidance and resource acquisition often lead to correlated levels of risk and reward, which in turn can favor suites of integrated morphological, physiological and behavioral traits. We investigate the relationship between risk-sensitive behaviors, physiological resistance to rattlesnake venom, and stress in a population of California ground squirrels. For the same individuals, we quantified foraging decisions in the presence of snake predators, fecal corticosterone metabolites (a measure of "stress"), and blood serum inhibition of venom enzymatic activity (a measure of venom resistance). Individual responses to snakes were repeatable for three measures of risk-sensitive behavior, indicating that some individuals were consistently risk-averse whereas others were risk tolerant. Venom resistance was lower in squirrels with higher glucocorticoid levels and poorer body condition. Whereas resistance failed to predict proximity to and interactions with snake predators, individuals with higher glucocorticoid levels and in lower body condition waited the longest to feed when near a snake. We compared alternative structural equation models to evaluate alternative hypotheses for the relationships among stress, venom resistance, and behavior. We found support for stress as a shared physiological correlate that independently lowers venom resistance and leads to squirrels that wait longer to feed in the presence of a snake, whereas we did not find evidence that resistance directly facilitates latency to forage. Our findings suggest that stress may help less-resistant squirrels avoid a deadly snakebite, but also reduces feeding opportunities. The combined lethal and non-lethal effects of stressors in predator-prey interactions simultaneously impact multiple key traits in this system, making environmental stress a potential contributor to geographic variation in trait expression of toxic predators and resistant prey.


Crotalid Venoms/enzymology , Crotalus/metabolism , Feeding Behavior , Gelatinases/metabolism , Predatory Behavior , Sciuridae/physiology , Snake Bites/enzymology , Stress, Physiological , Animals , Blood Proteins/metabolism , Body Composition , Corticosterone/metabolism , Crotalid Venoms/antagonists & inhibitors , Feces/chemistry , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Phenotype , Protease Inhibitors/blood , Risk-Taking , Sciuridae/blood , Sciuridae/psychology , Snake Bites/blood , Time Factors
14.
Bioorg Med Chem Lett ; 30(20): 127467, 2020 10 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32768649

Despite a high degree of structural similarity, it is known that MMP2 and MMP9 have distinct roles in the angiogenic switch and in cell migration, as they activate diverse signaling pathways. Indeed, inhibition of MMP2 and MMP9 can show beneficial or detrimental effects depending on the stage of tumor progression. Thus, the selective inhibition of gelatinases is of relevance for a successful drug lead, which has to be achieved despite the high structural similarity of the two gelatinases. Herein, the synthesis and evaluation of d-proline-derived hydroxamic acids containing amino appendages at C-4 as gelatinase inhibitors are reported. Inhibition assays enabled the identification of a > 200-fold selective MMP9 inhibitor when Lys was considered as a C-4 substituent, thus addressing gelatinase selectivity beyond the S1' subsite, which is a major driver for selectivity. Molecular docking studies revealed the basic moiety of Lys as detrimental for inhibition of MMP2 as compared to MMP9.


Drug Discovery , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Peptidomimetics/pharmacology , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Gelatinases/metabolism , Humans , Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis , Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/chemistry , Molecular Docking Simulation , Molecular Structure , Peptidomimetics/chemical synthesis , Peptidomimetics/chemistry , Structure-Activity Relationship
15.
Bioorg Med Chem Lett ; 30(14): 127253, 2020 07 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32527554

To facilitate the discovery of FAP inhibitors, a convenient cell-based fluorescent assay was developed by using a commonly available U87MG cell line and a FAP-specific substrate Suc-Gly-Pro-AMC. The assay enabled the fast determination of multiple IC50s by simply incubating a solution of phosphate-buffered saline in a 96-well plate within 30 min. The substrate specificity, cross-reaction and other related conditions were systematically optimized. This method was successfully applied to determine the IC50s of seven known inhibitors. The results are in consistence with the trend reported, which indicating that this practical assay is a valuable method to accelerate the discovery of FAP inhibitor.


Drug Discovery , Fluorescent Dyes/pharmacology , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Optical Imaging , Cell Line, Tumor , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Endopeptidases , Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry , Gelatinases/metabolism , Humans , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Microscopy, Confocal , Molecular Structure , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Structure-Activity Relationship
16.
J Nucl Med ; 61(12): 1806-1813, 2020 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32332144

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has emerged as an interesting molecular target used in the imaging and therapy of various types of cancers. 68Ga-labeled chelator-linked FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) have been successfully applied to PET imaging of various tumor types. To broaden the spectrum of applicable PET tracers for extended imaging studies of FAP-dependent diseases, we herein report the radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation of an 18F-labeled glycosylated FAPI ([18F]FGlc-FAPI). Methods: An alkyne-bearing precursor was synthesized and subjected to click chemistry-based radiosynthesis of [18F]FGlc-FAPI by 2-step 18F-fluoroglycosylation. FAP-expressing HT1080hFAP cells were used to study competitive binding to FAP, cellular uptake, internalization, and efflux of [18F]FGlc-FAPI in vitro. Biodistribution studies and in vivo small-animal PET studies of [18F]FGlc-FAPI compared with [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 were conducted in nude mice bearing HT1080hFAP tumors or U87MG xenografts. Results: [18F]FGlc-FAPI was synthesized with a 15% radioactivity yield and a high radiochemical purity of more than 99%. In HT1080hFAP cells, [18F]FGlc-FAPI showed specific uptake, a high internalized fraction, and low cellular efflux. Compared with FAPI-04 (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 32 nM), the glycoconjugate, FGlc-FAPI (IC50 = 167 nM), showed slightly lower affinity for FAP in vitro, whereas plasma protein binding was higher for [18F]FGlc-FAPI. Biodistribution studies revealed significant hepatobiliary excretion of [18F]FGlc-FAPI; however, small-animal PET studies in HT1080hFAP xenografts showed higher specific tumor uptake of [18F]FGlc-FAPI (4.5 percentage injected dose per gram of tissue [%ID/g]) than of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 (2 %ID/g). In U87MG tumor-bearing mice, both tracers showed similar tumor uptake, but [18F]FGlc-FAPI showed a higher tumor retention. Interestingly, [18F]FGlc-FAPI demonstrated high specific uptake in bone structures and joints. Conclusion: [18F]FGlc-FAPI is an interesting candidate for translation to the clinic, taking advantage of the longer half-life and physical imaging properties of 18F. The availability of [18F]FGlc-FAPI may allow extended PET studies of FAP-related diseases, such as cancer, but also arthritis, heart diseases, or pulmonary fibrosis.


Fluorine Radioisotopes/chemistry , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/chemistry , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis , Animals , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic , Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic , Endopeptidases , Female , Humans , Isotope Labeling , Mice , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Positron-Emission Tomography , Radiochemistry , Serine Endopeptidases , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/pharmacokinetics , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Tissue Distribution
17.
J Nucl Med ; 61(10): 1507-1513, 2020 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32169911

Most epithelial tumors recruit fibroblasts and other nonmalignant cells and activate them into cancer-associated fibroblasts. This often leads to overexpression of the membrane serine protease fibroblast-activating protein (FAP). It has already been shown that DOTA-bearing FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) generate high-contrast images with PET/CT scans. Since SPECT is a lower-cost and more widely available alternative to PET, 99mTc-labeled FAPIs represent attractive tracers for imaging applications in a larger number of patients. Furthermore, the chemically homologous nuclide 188Re is available from generators, which allows FAP-targeted endoradiotherapy. Methods: For the preparation of 99mTc-tricarbonyl complexes, a chelator was selected whose carboxylic acids can easily be converted into various derivatives in the finished product, enabling a platform strategy based on the original tracer. The obtained 99mTc complexes were investigated in vitro by binding and competition experiments on FAP-transfected HT-1080 (HT-1080-FAP) or on mouse FAP-expressing (HEK-muFAP) and CD26-expressing (HEKCD26) HEK cells and characterized by planar scintigraphy and organ distribution studies in tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, a first-in-humans application was done on 2 patients with ovarian and pancreatic cancer, respectively. Results:99mTc-FAPI-19 showed specific binding to recombinant FAP-expressing cells with high affinity. Unfortunately, liver accumulation, biliary excretion, and no tumor uptake were observed on planar scintigraphy for a HT-1080-FAP-xenotransplanted mouse. To improve the pharmacokinetic properties, hydrophilic amino acids were attached to the chelator moiety of the compound. The resulting 99mTc-labeled FAPI tracers revealed excellent binding properties (≤45% binding; >95% internalization), high affinity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, 6.4-12.7 nM), and significant tumor uptake (≤5.4% injected dose per gram of tissue) in biodistribution studies. The lead candidate 99mTc-FAPI-34 was applied for diagnostic scintigraphy and SPECT of patients with metastasized ovarian and pancreatic cancer for follow-up to therapy with 90Y-FAPI-46. 99mTc-FAPI-34 accumulated in the tumor lesions, as also shown on PET/CT imaging using 68Ga-FAPI-46. Conclusion:99mTc-FAPI-34 represents a powerful tracer for diagnostic scintigraphy, especially when PET imaging is not available. Additionally, the chelator used in this compound allows labeling with the therapeutic nuclide 188Re, which is planned for the near future.


Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Radioisotopes/therapeutic use , Radiopharmaceuticals/pharmacokinetics , Rhenium/therapeutic use , Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Computed Tomography/methods , Technetium/pharmacokinetics , Animals , Cells, Cultured , Drug Design , Endopeptidases , Humans , Liver/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Quinolines/pharmacokinetics , Serine Endopeptidases
18.
Bioorg Chem ; 94: 103365, 2020 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31676116

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zinc-containing endopeptidases involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix, make a major contribution to the progression of a vast number of diseases, such cancer or epilepsy. Although several MMP inhibitors (MMPi) have been developed to date for the treatment of cancer, they have all failed in clinical trials due to lack of efficacy and, most importantly, the presence of severe side effects. The latter can be explained by their lack of selectivity of these inhibitors. In this regard, MMPs' family members have a high structural homology, which challenge the development of selective inhibitors for a specific MMP. Here, we have used in silico calculations and in vitro data to design MMPi that selectively target gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and have the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier. Following this approach, we obtained compound 40 that shows high proteolytic stability and low cytotoxicity. This compound may be of particular interest for the treatment of central nervous diseases such epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease, where gelatinase activity is increased. Our data show the specificity of compound 40 for recombinant MMP-9 and MMP-2 and endogenous MMP-9 from rat hippocampal cell cultures, and reveals its permeability across the blood-brain barrier in vivo.


Blood-Brain Barrier/drug effects , Drug Design , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Hydroxamic Acids/pharmacology , Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Animals , Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cells, Cultured , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Gelatinases/metabolism , Hydroxamic Acids/chemical synthesis , Hydroxamic Acids/chemistry , Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis , Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/chemistry , Molecular Structure , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Structure-Activity Relationship
19.
Anal Chem ; 91(23): 14873-14878, 2019 12 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31670506

Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP), as a crucial member of cell surface glycoprotein, highly expresses in reactive fibroblasts of tumors and several fibrosis diseases. It is a potential target for drug design and also reported as a prodrug strategy to increase the therapeutic window of some anticancer agents. In this work, we developed the first bioluminogenic probe for FAP with a limit-of-detection of 0.254 ng/mL, which could be applied to evaluate the FAP inhibitors in vitro. The experiments of transgenic mice and tumor-bearing nude mice validated our probe 1 could reflect the endogenous FAP level in vivo. Furthermore, this probe was successfully used to reflect FAP up-regulation in the lung homogenates of the bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis mice.


Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Diagnostic Imaging/methods , Gelatinases/genetics , Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/diagnostic imaging , Membrane Proteins/genetics , Molecular Probes/pharmacokinetics , Serine Endopeptidases/genetics , Animals , Biomarkers, Tumor/antagonists & inhibitors , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Bleomycin/administration & dosage , Brain Neoplasms/enzymology , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival/drug effects , Endopeptidases , Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology , Fibroblasts/enzymology , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Gelatinases/metabolism , Gene Expression , Heterografts , Humans , Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/enzymology , Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/genetics , Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/pathology , Limit of Detection , Luminescent Measurements , Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Nude , Mice, Transgenic , Molecular Probes/chemical synthesis , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism
20.
ACS Nano ; 13(11): 12357-12371, 2019 11 26.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31545587

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in men, and inhibiting metastasis is a key event but still a major challenge in prostate cancer treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in prostate tumor metastasis by shaping the malignant tumor microenvironment. Herein, we constructed a CAF-targeting siRNA delivery system by loading the fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α) antibody onto the cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-based nanoparticles, which specifically downregulated C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) expression in CAFs. This regulation generated a series of changes through inactivating CAFs so that the malignant prostate tumor microenvironment was reshaped. The tumor cell invasion, migration, and tumor angiogenesis were significantly inhibited, which all contributed to the suppression of the metastasis of an orthotopic prostate tumor. This tumor microenvironment reshaping strategy via CAF targeting and inactivation provides an alternative approach for malignant prostate tumor metastasis inhibition.


Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts , Nanomedicine/methods , Prostatic Neoplasms , Tumor Microenvironment , Animals , Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/drug effects , Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/metabolism , Cell-Penetrating Peptides/chemistry , Cell-Penetrating Peptides/pharmacology , Chemokine CXCL12/genetics , Chemokine CXCL12/metabolism , Endopeptidases , Gelatinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Gelatinases/metabolism , Gene Silencing , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells , Humans , Male , Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Nude , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Neoplasm Metastasis/prevention & control , PC-3 Cells , Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , RNA, Small Interfering , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Tumor Microenvironment/physiology
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