trans-IV restriction: a new configuration for metal bis-cyclam complexes as potent CXCR4 inhibitors.

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is implicated in multiple diseases including inflammatory disorders, cancer growth and metastasis, and HIV/AIDS. CXCR4 targeting has been evaluated in treating cancer metastasis and therapy resistance. Cyclam derivatives, most notably AMD3100 (Plerixafor™), are a common motif in small molecule CXCR4 antagonists. However, AMD3100 has not been shown to be effective in cancer treatment as an individual agent. Configurational restriction and transition metal complex formation increases receptor binding affinity and residence time. In the present study, we have synthesized novel trans-IV locked cyclam-based CXCR4 inhibitors, a previously unexploited configuration, and demonstrated their higher affinity for CXCR4 binding and CXCL12-mediated signaling inhibition compared to AMD3100. These results pave the way for even more potent CXCR4 inhibitors that may provide significant efficacy in cancer therapy.

In vivo validation of 68Ga-labeled AMD3100 conjugates for PET imaging of CXCR4.

INTRODUCTION: The chemokine receptor CXCR4 has been shown to be over-expressed in multiple types of cancer and is usually associated with aggressive phenotypes and poor prognosis. Successfully targeting and imaging the expression level of this receptor in tumours could inform treatment selection and facilitate patient stratification. METHODS: Known conjugates of AMD3100 that are specific to CXCR4 have been radiolabelled with gallium-68 and evaluated in naïve and tumour-bearing mice. Tumour uptake of the radiotracers was compared to the known CXCR4-specific PET imaging agent, [68Ga]Pentixafor. RESULTS: Ex vivo biodistribution in naïve animals showed CXCR4-mediated uptake in the liver with both radiotracers, confirmed by blocking experiments with the high affinity CXCR4 antagonist Cu2CB-Bicyclam (IC50 = 3 nM). PET/CT imaging studies revealed one tracer to have a higher accumulation in the tumour (SUVMean of 0.89 ± 0.14 vs 0.32 ± 0.11). CXCR4-specificity of the best performing tracer was confirmed by administration of a blocking dose of Cu2CB-Bicyclam, showing a 3- and 6-fold decrease in tumour and liver uptake, respectively. CONCLUSION AND ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This initial study offers some interesting insights on the impact of some structural features on the pharmacokinetics and metabolic stability of the radiotracer. Additionally, as Pentixafor only binds to human CXCR4, the development of CXCR4-targeted imaging agents that bind to the receptor across different species could significantly help with preclinical evaluation of new CXCR4-specific therapeutics.

Spore exines increase vitamin D clinical bioavailability by mucoadhesion and bile triggered release.

Sporopollenin exine capsules (SpECs) are microcapsules derived from the outer shells (exines) of plant spore and pollen grains. This work reports the first clinical study on healthy volunteers to show enhanced bioavailability of vitamin D encapsulated in SpECs from Lycopodium clavatum L. spore grains vs vitamin D alone, and the first evidence (in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo) of mechanisms to account for the enhancement and release of the active in the small intestine. Evidence for mucoadhesion of the SpECs contributing to the mechanism of the enhancement is based on: (i) release profile over time of vitamin D in a double blind cross-over human study showing significant release in the small intestine; (ii) in vivo particle counting data in rat showing preferred retention of SpECs vs synthetic beads; (iii) ex vivo99mTc labelling and counting data using rat small intestine sections showing preferred retention of SpECs vs synthetic beads; (iv) in vitro mucoadhesion data. Triggered release by bile in the small intestine was shown in vitro using solid state NMR and HPLC.

Multivalency in CXCR4 chemokine receptor targeted iron oxide nanoparticles.

The CXCR4 chemokine receptor is an important biomolecular target in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. In a new multivalent approach, iron oxide nanoparticles were conjugated with multiple binding units of a low affinity azamacrocylic CXCR4 antagonist. The silica coated nanostructure has good suspension stability, a mode size of 72 nm and high affinity for CXCR4, showing >98% inhibition of anti-CXCR4 mAb binding in a receptor binding competition assay on Jurkat cells.

Synthesis of a porphyrin with histidine-like chelate: an efficient path towards molecular PDT/SPECT theranostics.

The goal of "personalised" medicine has seen a growing interest in the development of theranostic agents. Bifunctional, and targeted-trifunctional, theranostic water-soluble porphyrins with a histidine-like chelating group have been synthesised via copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) "click" chemistry in high yield and purity. They are capable of photodynamic treatment and [99mTc(CO)3]+ complexation for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, with a radiochemical yield of >95%. The toxicity and phototoxicity were evaluated on HT-29 cells, DU145, and DU145-PSMA cell lines, with the targeted theranostic showing more potent phototoxicity towards DU145-PSMA expressing cells.

An ethylene cross-bridged pentaazamacrocycle and its Cu2+ complex: constrained ligand topology and excellent kinetic stability.

Rigid and topologically constrained ethylene cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycles have been increasingly utilised for thirty years as they form remarkably stable transition metal complexes for catalysis, biomedical imaging, and inorganic drug molecule applications. Extending these benefits to pentaazamacrocycles has been achieved and a first transition metal complex prepared and structurally characterized.

Water-Soluble Rhenium Phosphine Complexes Incorporating the Ph2C(X) Motif (X = O-, NH-): Structural and Cytotoxicity Studies.

Reaction of [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] or [ReO2I(PPh3)2] with 2,2'-diphenylglycine (dpgH2) in refluxing ethanol afforded the air-stable complex [ReO(dpgH)(dpg)(PPh3)] (1). Treatment of [ReO(OEt)I2(PPh3)2] with 1,2,3-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) afforded the complex [ReO(OEt)I2(PTA)2] (2). Reaction of [ReOI2(PTA)3] with dpgH2 led to the isolation of the complex [Re(NCPh2)I2(PTA)3]·0.5EtOH (3·0.5EtOH). A similar reaction but using [ReOX2(PTA)3] (X = Cl, Br) resulted in the analogous halide complexes [Re(NCPh2)Cl2(PTA)3]·2EtOH (4·2EtOH) and [Re(NCPh2)(PTA)3Br2]·1.6EtOH (5·1.6EtOH). Using benzilic acid (2,2'-diphenylglycolic acid, benzH) with 2 afforded the complex [ReO(benz)2(PTA)][PTAH]·EtOH (6·EtOH). The potential for the formation of complexes using radioisotopes with relatively short half-lives suitable for nuclear medicine applications by developing conditions for [Re(NCPh2)(dpg)I(PTA)3] (7)[ReO4]- in a 4 h time scale was investigated. A procedure for the technetium analog of complex [Re(NCPh2)I2(PTA)3] (3) from 99mTc[TcO4]- was then investigated. The molecular structures of 1-7 are reported; complexes 3-7 have been studied using in vitro cell assays (HeLa, HCT116, HT-29, and HEK 293) and were found to have IC50 values in the range of 29-1858 µM.

64Cu PET Imaging of the CXCR4 Chemokine Receptor Using a Cross-Bridged Cyclam Bis-Tetraazamacrocyclic Antagonist.

Expression of the chemokine receptor chemokine C-X-C motif receptor 4 (CXCR4) plays an important role in cancer metastasis, in autoimmune diseases, and during stem cell-based repair processes after stroke and myocardial infarction. Previously reported PET imaging agents targeting CXCR4 suffer from either high nonspecific uptake or bind only to the human form of the receptor. The objective of this study was to develop a high-stability 64Cu-labeled small-molecule PET agent for imaging both human and murine CXCR4 chemokine receptors. Methods: Synthesis, radiochemistry, stability and radioligand binding assays were performed for the novel tracer 64Cu-CuCB-bicyclam. In vivo dynamic PET studies were performed on mice bearing U87 (CXCR4 low-expressing) and U87.CXCR4 (human-CXCR4 high-expressing) tumors. Biodistribution and receptor blocking studies were performed on CD1-IGS immunocompetent mice. CXCR4 expression on tumor and liver disaggregates was confirmed using a combination of immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot. Results:64Cu-CuCB-bicyclam has a high affinity for both the human and the murine variants of the CXCR4 receptor (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, 8 nM [human]/2 nM [murine]) and can be obtained from the parent chelator that has low affinity. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate specific uptake in CXCR4-expressing cells that can be blocked by more than 90% using a higher-affinity antagonist, with limited uptake in non-CXCR4-expressing organs and high in vivo stability. The tracer was also able to selectively displace the CXCR4 antagonists AMD3100 and AMD3465 from the liver. Conclusion: The tetraazamacrocyclic small molecule 64Cu-CuCB-bicyclam has been shown to be an imaging agent for the CXCR4 receptor that is likely to be applicable across a range of species. It has high affinity and stability and is suitable for preclinical research in immunocompetent murine models.

Towards dual SPECT/optical bioimaging with a mitochondrial targeting, 99mTc(i) radiolabelled 1,8-naphthalimide conjugate.

A series of six different 1,8-naphthalimide conjugated dipicolylamine ligands (L1-6) have been synthesised and characterised. The ligands possess a range of different linker units between the napthalimide fluorophore and dipcolylamine chelator which allow the overall lipophilicity to be tuned. A corresponding series of Re(i) complexes have been synthesised of the form fac-[Re(CO)3(L1-6)]BF4. The absorption and luminescence properties of the ligands and Re(i) complexes were dominated by the intramolecular charge transfer character of the substituted fluorophore (typically absorption ca. 425 nm and emission ca. 520 nm). Photophysical assessments show that some of the variants are moderately bright. Radiolabelling experiments using a water soluble ligand variant (L5) were successfully undertaken and optimised with fac-[99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+. Confocal fluorescence microscopy showed that fac-[Re(CO)3(L5)]+ localises in the mitochondria of MCF-7 cells. SPECT/CT imaging experiments on naïve mice showed that fac-[99mTc(CO)3(L5)]+ has a relatively high stability in vivo but did not show any cardiac uptake, demonstrating rapid clearance, predominantly via the biliary system along with a moderate amount cleared renally.

Acetate as a model for aspartate-based CXCR4 chemokine receptor binding of cobalt and nickel complexes of cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycles.

A number of disease states including WHIM syndrome, HIV infection and cancer have been linked to the chemokine receptor CXCR4. High-affinity CXCR4 antagonist transition metal complexes of configurationally restricted bis-tetraazamacrocyclic ligands have been identified in previous studies. Recently synthesised and structurally characterised Co2+/Co3+ and Ni2+ acetate complexes of mono-macrocycle cross-bridged ligands have been used to mimic their known coordination interaction with the aspartate side chains on binding to CXCR4. Here, X-ray crystal structures for three Co2+/Co3+ acetate complexes and five Ni2+ acetate complexes are presented and demonstrate flexibility in the mode of binding to the acetate ligand concomitantly with the requisite cis-V-configured cross-bridged tetraazamacrocyle. Complexes of the smaller Co3+ metal ion exclusively bind acetate by chelating both oxygens of acetate. Larger Co2+ and Ni2+ metal ions in cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycles show a clear tendency to coordinate acetate in a monodentate fashion with a coordinated water molecule completing the octahedral coordination sphere. However, in unbridged tetraazamacrocycle acetate structures reported in the literature, the coordination preference is to chelate both acetate oxygens. We conclude that the short ethylene cross-bridge restricts the equatorial bulk of the macrocycle, prompting the metal ion to fill the equator with the larger monodentate acetate plus water ligand set. In unbridged ligand examples, the flexible macrocycle expands equatorially and generally only allows chelation of the sterically smaller acetate alone. These results provide insight for generation of optimised bis-macrocyclic CXCR4 antagonists utilising cobalt and nickel ions.

Visualizing Kinetically Robust CoIII4L6 Assemblies in Vivo: SPECT Imaging of the Encapsulated [99mTc]TcO4- Anion.

Noncovalent encapsulation is an attractive approach for modifying the efficacy and physiochemical properties of both therapeutic and diagnostic species. Abiotic self-assembled constructs have shown promise, yet many hurdles between in vitro and (pre)clinical studies remain, not least the challenges associated with maintaining the macromolecular, hollow structure under nonequilibrium conditions. Using a kinetically robust CoIII4L6 tetrahedron we now show the feasibility of encapsulating the most widely used precursor in clinical nuclear diagnostic imaging, the γ-emitting [99mTc]TcO4- anion, under conditions compatible with in vivo administration. Subsequent single-photon emission computed tomography imaging of the caged-anion reveals a marked change in the biodistribution compared to the thyroid-accumulating free oxo-anion, thus moving clinical applications of (metallo)supramolecular species a step closer.

Bisphosphonate Functionalized Gadolinium Oxide Nanoparticles Allow Long-Term MRI/CT Multimodal Imaging of Calcium Phosphate Bone Cement.

Direct in vivo monitoring of bioconstructs using noninvasive imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) is not possible for many materials. Calcium phosphate-based composites (CPCs) that are applicable to bone regeneration are an example where the materials have poor MRI and CT contrast; hence, they are challenging to detect in vivo. In this study, a CPC construct is designed with gadolinium-oxide nanoparticles incorporated to act as an MRI/CT multimodal contrast agent. The gadolinium(III) oxide nanoparticles are synthesized via the polyol method and surface functionalized with a bisphosphonate (BP) derivative to give a construct (gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs)-BP) with strong affinity toward calcium phosphate. The CPC-GBCAs-BP functional material is longitudinally monitored after in vivo implantation in a condyle defect rat model. The synthetic method developed produces nanoparticles that are stable in aqueous solution (hydrodynamic diameter 70 nm) with significant T1 and T2 relaxivity demonstrated in both clinical 3 T and preclinical 11.7 T MRI systems. The combination of GBCAs-BP nanoparticles with CPC gives an injectable material with handling properties that are suitable for clinical applications. The BP functionalization prolongs the residence of the contrast agent within the CPC to allow long-term follow-up imaging studies. The useful contrast agent properties combined with biological compatibility indicate further investigation of the novel bone substitute hybrid material toward clinical application.

Multimodal nanoparticle imaging agents: design and applications.

Molecular imaging, where the location of molecules or nanoscale constructs can be tracked in the body to report on disease or biochemical processes, is rapidly expanding to include combined modality or multimodal imaging. No single imaging technique can offer the optimum combination of properties (e.g. resolution, sensitivity, cost, availability). The rapid technological advances in hardware to scan patients, and software to process and fuse images, are pushing the boundaries of novel medical imaging approaches, and hand-in-hand with this is the requirement for advanced and specific multimodal imaging agents. These agents can be detected using a selection from radioisotope, magnetic resonance and optical imaging, among others. Nanoparticles offer great scope in this area as they lend themselves, via facile modification procedures, to act as multifunctional constructs. They have relevance as therapeutics and drug delivery agents that can be tracked by molecular imaging techniques with the particular development of applications in optically guided surgery and as radiosensitizers. There has been a huge amount of research work to produce nanoconstructs for imaging, and the parameters for successful clinical translation and validation of therapeutic applications are now becoming much better understood. It is an exciting time of progress for these agents as their potential is closer to being realized with translation into the clinic. The coming 5-10 years will be critical, as we will see if the predicted improvement in clinical outcomes becomes a reality. Some of the latest advances in combination modality agents are selected and the progression pathway to clinical trials analysed.This article is part of the themed issue 'Challenges for chemistry in molecular imaging'.

Synthesis, characterization and in vivo evaluation of a magnetic cisplatin delivery nanosystem based on PMAA-graft-PEG copolymers.

The development of anticancer drug delivery systems which retain or enhance the cytotoxic properties of the drug to tumorous tissues, while reducing toxicity to other organs is of key importance. We investigated different poly(methacrylic acid)-g-poly(ethyleneglycol methacrylate) polymers as in situ coating agents for magnetite nanocrystallites. The obtained magnetic nano-assemblies were in turn thoroughly characterized for their structural, colloidal and physicochemical properties (drug loading capacity/release, magnetic field triggered drug release, cell uptake and localization) in order to select the best performing system. With the focus on in vivo validation of such magnetic drug delivery systems for first time, we selected cisplatin as the drug, since it is a potent anticancer agent which exhibits serious side effects due to lack of selectivity. In addition, cisplatin would offer facile determination of the metal content in the animal tissues for biodistribution studies. Alongside post-mortem Pt determination in the tissues, the biodistribution of the drug nanocarriers was also monitored in real time with PET-CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography) with and without the presence of magnetic field gradients; using a novel chelator-free method, the nanoparticles were radiolabeled with 68Ga without having to alter their structure with chemical modifications for conjugation of radiochelators. The ability to be radiolabeled in such a straightforward but very robust way, along with their measured high MRI response, renders them attractive for dual imaging, which is an important functionality for translational investigations. Their anticancer properties were evaluated in vitro and in vivo, in a cisplatin resistant HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma model, with and without the presence of magnetic field gradients. Enhanced anticancer efficacy and reduced toxicity was recorded for the cisplatin-loaded nanocarriers in comparison to the free cisplatin, particularly when a magnetic field gradient was applied at the tumor site. Post mortem and real-time tissue distribution studies did not reveal increased cisplatin concentration in the tumor site, suggesting that the enhanced anticancer efficacy of the cisplatin-loaded nanocarriers is driven by mechanisms other than increased cisplatin accumulation in the tumors.

Aspartate-Based CXCR4 Chemokine Receptor Binding of Cross-Bridged Tetraazamacrocyclic Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes.

The CXCR4 chemokine receptor is implicated in a number of diseases including HIV infection and cancer development and metastasis. Previous studies have demonstrated that configurationally restricted bis-tetraazamacrocyclic metal complexes are high-affinity CXCR4 antagonists. Here, we present the synthesis of Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) acetate complexes of six cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycles to mimic their coordination interaction with the aspartate side chains known to bind them to CXCR4. X-ray crystal structures for three new Cu(2+) acetate complexes and two new Zn(2+) acetate complexes demonstrate metal-ion-dependent differences in the mode of binding the acetate ligand concomitantly with the requisite cis-V-configured cross-bridged tetraazamacrocyle. Concurrent density functional theory molecular modelling studies produced an energetic rationale for the unexpected [Zn(OAc)(H2 O)](+) coordination motif present in all of the Zn(2+) cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycle crystal structures, which differs from the chelating acetate [Zn(OAc)](+) structures of known unbridged and side-bridged tetraazamacrocyclic Zn(2+) -containing CXCR4 antagonists.

Synthesis and structural studies of two pyridine-armed reinforced cyclen chelators and their transition metal complexes.

Two novel pyridine pendant-armed macrocycles structurally reinforced by an ethyl bridge, either between adjacent nitrogens (for side-bridged) or non-adjacent nitrogens (for cross-bridged), have been synthesized and complexed with a range of transition metal ions (Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+). X-ray crystal structures of selected cross-bridged complexes were obtained which showed the characteristic cis-V configuration with potential labile cis binding sites. The complexes have been characterized by their electronic spectra and magnetic moments, which show the expected high spin divalent metal complex in most cases. Exceptions are the nickel side-bridged complex, which shows a mixture of high-spin and low spin, and the cobalt cross-bridged complex which has oxidized to cobalt(III). Cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile was carried out to assess the potential future use of these complexes in oxidation catalysis. Selected complexes offer significant catalytic potential enhanced by the addition of the pyridyl arm to a reinforced cyclen backbone.

Structurally optimised BODIPY derivatives for imaging of mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer and heart cells.

The structural features required for mitochondrial uptake of BODIPY-based optical imaging agents have been explored. The first derivatives of this class of dyes shown to have mitochondrial membrane potential-dependent uptake in both cancer and heart cells have been developed.

Mono- and Bis-Alkylation of Glyoxal-Bridged Tetraazamacrocycles Using Mechanochemistry.

Glyoxal-bridged bisaminal tetraazamacrocyclic derivatives of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) and 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) can be N-functionalized to incorporate coordinating groups or for conjugation to biomolecules. Herein, we present an improved N-functionalization methodology using mechanochemistry which reduces reaction times in comparison with conventional synthetic routes. A range of six alkyl halides were reacted with cyclen and cyclam bisaminal derivatives in various ratios to form mono- and bis-functionalized quaternary ammonium salts. Cross-bridged cyclam, a key intermediate for CB-TE2A, a commonly used chelator in positron emission tomography medical imaging with (64)Cu, has been synthesized using nonconventional synthetic methodologies (grinding and microwave heating) with intermediates characterized by 2D NMR and single crystal XRD. The overall synthesis time of CB-TE2A from cyclam could be shortened to 5 days from the 35 days required for the conventional synthesis.

Chelator free gallium-68 radiolabelling of silica coated iron oxide nanorods via surface interactions.

The commercial availability of combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/positron emission tomography (PET) scanners for clinical use has increased demand for easily prepared agents which offer signal or contrast in both modalities. Herein we describe a new class of silica coated iron-oxide nanorods (NRs) coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and/or a tetraazamacrocyclic chelator (DO3A). Studies of the coated NRs validate their composition and confirm their properties as in vivo T2 MRI contrast agents. Radiolabelling studies with the positron emitting radioisotope gallium-68 (t1/2 = 68 min) demonstrate that, in the presence of the silica coating, the macrocyclic chelator was not required for preparation of highly stable radiometal-NR constructs. In vivo PET-CT and MR imaging studies show the expected high liver uptake of gallium-68 radiolabelled nanorods with no significant release of gallium-68 metal ions, validating our innovation to provide a novel simple method for labelling of iron oxide NRs with a radiometal in the absence of a chelating unit that can be used for high sensitivity liver imaging.

o-Boronato- and o-Trifluoroborato-Phosphonium Salts Supported by L-α-Amino Acid Side Chain.

The synthesis of o-boronato- and o-trifluoroborato-phosphonium salts supported by the L-amino acid side chain is described. The synthesis of these new class of amino acid derivatives was achieved by stereoselective quaternization of o-(pinacolato)boronatophenylphosphine with ß- or γ-iodo amino acid derivatives which are prepared from L-serine or L-aspartic acid, respectively. The quaternization of the phosphine was performed using either iodo amino ester or carboxylic acid derivatives. In addition, free carboxylic acid and amine derivatives were obtained by saponification or HCl acidolysis of o-boronato-phosphonium amino esters, respectively. The usefulness of these compounds in peptide coupling was demonstrated by coupling an o-boronato-phosphonium amino ester with an aspartic acid moiety. When the o-boronato-phosphonium amino acid or dipeptide derivatives were mixed with fluoride, the corresponding o-trifluoroborated products were cleanly and rapidly obtained in high isolated yields. The hydrolysis of these compounds at room temperature using a phosphate buffer pH 7/CD3CN mixture has shown only traces of free fluoride F(-) after several days. Finally, a preliminary radiolabeling essay has proven the facile [(18)F]-fluoride incorporation and high stability of the radiolabeled product in aqueous conditions. Indeed, this new class of boron-phosphonium amino acid derivatives shows promising properties for their applications in synthesis and labeling of peptides.