1. |
- Abouzayed, Ayman, et al.
(författare)
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Preclinical Evaluation of 99mTc-Labeled GRPR Antagonists maSSS/SES-PEG2-RM26 for Imaging of Prostate Cancer
- 2021
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Ingår i: Pharmaceutics. - : MDPI. - 1999-4923. ; 13:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is an important target for imaging of prostate cancer. The wide availability of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and the generator-produced 99mTc can be utilized to facilitate the use of GRPR-targeting radiotracers for diagnostics of prostate cancers.Methods: Synthetically produced mercaptoacetyl-Ser-Ser-Ser (maSSS)-PEG2-RM26 and mercaptoacetyl-Ser-Glu-Ser (maSES)-PEG2-RM26 (RM26 = d-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH2) were radiolabeled with 99mTc and characterized in vitro using PC-3 cells and in vivo, using NMRI or PC-3 tumor bearing mice. SPECT/CT imaging and dosimetry calculations were performed for [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26.Results: Peptides were radiolabeled with high yields (>98%), demonstrating GRPR specific binding and slow internalization in PC-3 cells. [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26 outperformed [99mTc]Tc-maSES-PEG2-RM26 in terms of GRPR affinity, with a lower dissociation constant (61 pM vs 849 pM) and demonstrating higher tumor uptake. [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26 had tumor-to-blood, tumor-to-muscle, and tumor-to-bone ratios of 97 ± 56, 188 ± 32, and 177 ± 79, respectively. SPECT/CT images of [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26 clearly visualized the GRPR-overexpressing tumors. The dosimetry estimated for [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26 showed the highest absorbed dose in the small intestine (1.65 × 10−3 mGy/MBq), and the effective dose is 3.49 × 10−3 mSv/MBq.Conclusion: The GRPR antagonist maSSS-PEG2-RM26 is a promising GRPR-targeting agent that can be radiolabeled through a single-step with the generator-produced 99mTc and used for imaging of GRPR-expressing prostate cancer.
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2. |
- Abouzayed, Ayman, et al.
(författare)
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Preclinical Evaluation of the GRPR-Targeting Antagonist RM26 Conjugated to the Albumin-Binding Domain for GRPR-Targeting Therapy of Cancer
- 2020
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Ingår i: Pharmaceutics. - : MDPI. - 1999-4923. ; 12:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The targeting of gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPR) was recently proposed for targeted therapy, e.g., radiotherapy. Multiple and frequent injections of peptide-based therapeutic agents would be required due to rapid blood clearance. By conjugation of the GRPR antagonist RM26 (D-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH2) to an ABD (albumin-binding domain), we aimed to extend the blood circulation of peptides. The synthesized conjugate DOTA-ABD-RM26 was labelled with indium-111 and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The labelled conjugate was stable in PBS and retained specificity and its antagonistic function against GRPR. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of In-nat-DOTA-ABD-RM26 in the presence of human serum albumin was 49 +/- 5 nM. [In-111]In-DOTA-ABD-RM26 had a significantly longer residence time in blood and in tumors (without a significant decrease of up to 144 h pi) than the parental RM26 peptide. We conclude that the ABD-RM26 conjugate can be used for GRPR-targeted therapy and delivery of cytotoxic drugs. However, the undesirable elevated activity uptake in kidneys abolishes its use for radionuclide therapy. This proof-of-principle study justified further optimization of the molecular design of the ABD-RM26 conjugate.
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3. |
- Abouzayed, Ayman, et al.
(författare)
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Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Radio-Iodinated GRPR/PSMA Bispecific Heterodimers for the Theranostics Application in Prostate Cancer
- 2019
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Ingår i: Pharmaceutics. - : MDPI AG. - 1999-4923. ; 11:7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) are overexpressed in most prostate cancers. GRPR expression is higher in early stages while PSMA expression increases with progression. The possibility of targeting both markers with a single theranostics radiotracer could improve patient management. Three GRPR/PSMA-targeting bispecific heterodimers (urea derivative PSMA-617 and bombesin-based antagonist RM26 linked via X-triazolyl-Tyr-PEG2, X = PEG2 (BO530), (CH2)(8) (BO535), none (BO536)) were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Peptides were radio-iodinated and evaluated in vitro for binding specificity, cellular retention, and affinity. In vivo specificity for all heterodimers was studied in PC-3 (GRPR-positive) and LNCaP (PSMA-positive) xenografts. [I-125]I-BO530 was evaluated in PC-3pip (GRPR/PSMA-positive) xenografts. Micro single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (microSPECT/CT) scans were acquired. The heterodimers were radiolabeled with high radiochemical yields, bound specifically to both targets, and demonstrated high degree of activity retention in PC-3pip cells. Only [I-125]I-BO530 demonstrated in vivo specificity to both targets. A biodistribution study of [I-125]I-BO530 in PC-3pip xenografted mice showed high tumor activity uptake (30%-35%ID/g at 3 h post injection (pi)). Activity uptake in tumors was stable and exceeded all other organs 24 h pi. Activity uptake decreased only two-fold 72 h pi. The GRPR/PSMA-targeting heterodimer [I-125]I-BO530 is a promising agent for theranostics application in prostate cancer.
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4. |
- Altai, Mohamed, et al.
(författare)
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Influence of Molecular Design on the Targeting Properties of ABD-Fused Mono- and Bi-Valent Anti-HER3 Affibody Therapeutic Constructs
- 2018
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Ingår i: Cells. - : MDPI AG. - 2073-4409. ; 7:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 3 (HER3) is associated with tumour cell resistance to HER-targeted therapies. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting HER3 are currently being investigated for treatment of various types of cancers. Cumulative evidence suggests that affibody molecules may be appropriate alternatives to mAbs. We previously reported a fusion construct (3A3) containing two HER3-targeting affibody molecules flanking an engineered albumin-binding domain (ABD 035) included for the extension of half-life in circulation. The 3A3 fusion protein (19.7 kDa) was shown to delay tumour growth in mice bearing HER3-expressing xenografts and was equipotent to the mAb seribantumab. Here, we have designed and explored a series of novel formats of anti-HER3 affibody molecules fused to the ABD in different orientations. All constructs inhibited heregulin-induced phosphorylation in HER3-expressing BxPC-3 and DU-145 cell lines. Biodistribution studies demonstrated extended the half-life of all ABD-fused constructs, although at different levels. The capacity of our ABD-fused proteins to accumulate in HER3-expressing tumours was demonstrated in nude mice bearing BxPC-3 xenografts. Formats where the ABD was located on the C-terminus of affibody binding domains (3A, 33A, and 3A3) provided the best tumour targeting properties in vivo. Further development of these promising candidates for treatment of HER3-overexpressing tumours is therefore justified.
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5. |
- Altai, Mohamed, et al.
(författare)
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On the prevention of kidney uptake of radiolabeled DARPins
- 2020
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Ingår i: EJNMMI Research. - : SPRINGEROPEN. - 2191-219X. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) are small engineered scaffold proteins (14-18 kDa) that demonstrated promising tumor-targeting properties in preclinical studies. However, high renal accumulation of activity for DARPins labeled with residualizing labels is a limitation for targeted radionuclide therapy. A better understanding of the mechanisms behind the kidney uptake of DARPins could aid the development of strategies to reduce it. In this study, we have investigated whether the renal uptake of [Tc-99m]Tc(CO)(3)-G3 DARPin could be reduced by administration of compounds that act on various parts of the reabsorption system in the kidney.Results: Co-injection of lysine or Gelofusine was not effective for the reduction of kidney uptake of [Tc-99m]Tc(CO)(3)-G3. Administration of sodium maleate before the injection of [Tc-99m]Tc(CO)(3)-G3 reduced the kidney-associated activity by 60.4 +/- 10.3%, while administration of fructose reduced it by 46.9 +/- 7.6% compared with the control. The decrease in the kidney uptake provided by sodium maleate was also observed for [Tc-99m]Tc(CO)(3)-9_29 DARPin. Preinjection of colchicine, probenecid, mannitol, or furosemide had no effect on the kidney uptake of [Tc-99m]Tc(CO)(3)-G3. Kidney autoradiography showed mainly cortical accumulation of activity for all studied groups.Conclusion: Common clinical strategies were not effective for the reduction of kidney uptake of [Tc-99m]Tc(CO)(3)-G3. Both fructose and maleate lower the cellular ATP level in the proximal tubule cells and their reduction of the kidney reuptake indicates the involvement of an ATP-driven uptake mechanism. The decrease provided by maleate for both G3 and 9_29 DARPins indicates that their uptake proceeds through a mechanism independent of DARPin structure and binding site composition.
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6. |
- Baun, Christina, et al.
(författare)
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Preclinical Evaluation of the Copper-64 Labeled GRPR-Antagonist RM26 in Comparison with the Cobalt-55 Labeled Counterpart for PET-Imaging of Prostate Cancer
- 2020
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Ingår i: Molecules. - : MDPI AG. - 1431-5157 .- 1420-3049. ; 25:24
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is overexpressed in the majority of prostate cancers. This study aimed to investigate the potential of 64Cu (radionuclide for late time-point PET-imaging) for imaging of GRPR expression using NOTA-PEG2-RM26 and NODAGA-PEG2-RM26. Methods: NOTA/NODAGA-PEG2-RM26 were labeled with 64Cu and evaluated in GRPR-expressing PC-3 cells. Biodistribution of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA/NODAGA-PEG2-RM26 was studied in PC-3 xenografted mice and compared to the biodistribution of [57Co]Co-NOTA/NODAGA-PEG2-RM26 at 3 and 24 h p.i. Preclinical PET/CT imaging was performed in tumor-bearing mice. NOTA/NODAGA-PEG2-RM26 were stably labeled with 64Cu with quantitative yields. In vitro, binding of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA/NODAGA-PEG2-RM26 was rapid and GRPR-specific with slow internalization. In vivo, [64Cu]Cu-NOTA/NODAGA-PEG2-RM26 bound specifically to GRPR-expressing tumors with fast clearance from blood and normal organs and displayed generally comparable biodistribution profiles to [57Co]Co-NOTA/NODAGA-PEG2-RM26; tumor uptake exceeded normal tissue uptake 3 h p.i.. Tumor-to-organ ratios did not increase significantly with time. [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-PEG2-RM26 had a significantly higher liver and pancreas uptake compared to other agents. 57Co-labeled radioconjugates showed overall higher tumor-to-non-tumor ratios, compared to the 64Cu-labeled counterparts. [64Cu]Cu-NOTA/NODAGA-PEG2-RM26 was able to visualize GRPR-expression in a murine PC model using PET. However, [55/57Co]Co-NOTA/NODAGA-PEG2-RM26 provided better in vivo stability and overall higher tumor-to-non-tumor ratios compared with the 64Cu-labeled conjugates.
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7. |
- Chang, Kuang Yu, et al.
(författare)
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Substantial hysteresis in emergent temperature sensitivity of global wetland CH4 emissions
- 2021
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Ingår i: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 12:1, s. 2266-2266
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Wetland methane (CH4) emissions ([Formula: see text]) are important in global carbon budgets and climate change assessments. Currently, [Formula: see text] projections rely on prescribed static temperature sensitivity that varies among biogeochemical models. Meta-analyses have proposed a consistent [Formula: see text] temperature dependence across spatial scales for use in models; however, site-level studies demonstrate that [Formula: see text] are often controlled by factors beyond temperature. Here, we evaluate the relationship between [Formula: see text] and temperature using observations from the FLUXNET-CH4 database. Measurements collected across the globe show substantial seasonal hysteresis between [Formula: see text] and temperature, suggesting larger [Formula: see text] sensitivity to temperature later in the frost-free season (about 77% of site-years). Results derived from a machine-learning model and several regression models highlight the importance of representing the large spatial and temporal variability within site-years and ecosystem types. Mechanistic advancements in biogeochemical model parameterization and detailed measurements in factors modulating CH4 production are thus needed to improve global CH4 budget assessments.
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8. |
- Chernov, Vladimir, et al.
(författare)
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Phase I Trial of [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26, a Bombesin Analogue Antagonistic to Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptors (GRPRs), for SPECT Imaging of GRPR Expression in Malignant Tumors
- 2023
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Ingår i: Cancers. - : MDPI. - 2072-6694. ; 15:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is overexpressed in prostate cancer (PCa) and in hormone-driven breast cancer (BCa). The aim of this phase I clinical trial was to evaluate safety, biodistribution, and dosimetry after the administration of the recently developed GRPR-targeting antagonistic bombesin analogue [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 in PCa and BCa patients. Planar and whole-body SPECT/CT imaging was performed in six PCa patients and seven BCa patients 2, 4, 6, and 24 h post the intravenous administration of 40 mu g of [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 (600-700 MBq). No adverse events or pathological changes were observed. The rapid blood clearance of [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 was observed with predominantly hepatobiliary excretion. The effective doses were 0.0053 +/- 0.0007 for male patients and 0.008 +/- 0.003 mSv/MBq for female patients. The accumulation of [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 in tumors was observed in four out of six PCa and in seven out of seven BCa patients. In four BCa patients, a high uptake of the agent into the axillary lymph nodes was detected. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive GRPR expression in 60% of primary PCa, 71.4% of BCa tumors, and 50% of examined BCa lymph nodes. In conclusion, a single administration of [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 was safe and well tolerated. [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 SPECT may be useful for tumor detection in PCa and BCa patients, pending further studies.
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9. |
- Dahlsson Leitao, Charles, et al.
(författare)
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Molecular Design of HER3-Targeting Affibody Molecules : Influence of Chelator and Presence of HEHEHE-Tag on Biodistribution of 68Ga-Labeled Tracers
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-6596 .- 1422-0067. ; 20:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Affibody-based imaging of HER3 is a promising approach for patient stratification. We investigated the influence of a hydrophilic HEHEHE-tag ((HE)3-tag) and two different gallium-68/chelator-complexes on the biodistribution of Z08698 with the aim to improve the tracer for PET imaging. Affibody molecules (HE)3-Z08698-X and Z08698-X (X = NOTA, NODAGA) were produced and labeled with gallium-68. Binding specificity and cellular processing were studied in HER3-expressing human cancer cell lines BxPC-3 and DU145. Biodistribution was studied 3 h p.i. in Balb/c nu/nu mice bearing BxPC-3 xenografts. Mice were imaged 3 h p.i. using microPET/CT. Conjugates were stably labeled with gallium-68 and bound specifically to HER3 in vitro and in vivo. Association to cells was rapid but internalization was slow. Uptake in tissues, including tumors, was lower for (HE)3-Z08698-X than for non-tagged variants. The neutral [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA complex reduced the hepatic uptake of Z08698 compared to positively charged [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-conjugated variants. The influence of the chelator was more pronounced in variants without (HE)3-tag. In conclusion, hydrophilic (HE)3-tag and neutral charge of the [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA complex promoted blood clearance and lowered hepatic uptake of Z08698. [68Ga]Ga-(HE)3-Z08698-NODAGA was considered most promising, providing the lowest blood and hepatic uptake and the best imaging contrast among the tested variants.
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10. |
- Deyev, Sergey M., et al.
(författare)
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Influence of the Position and Composition of Radiometals and Radioiodine Labels on Imaging of Epcam Expression in Prostate Cancer Model Using the DARPin Ec1
- 2021
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Ingår i: Cancers. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-6694. ; 13:14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Simple Summary Metastasis-targeting therapy might improve outcomes in oligometastatic prostate cancer. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is overexpressed in 40-60% of prostate cancer cases and might be used as a target for specific delivery of toxins and drugs. Radionuclide molecular imaging could enable non-invasive detection of EpCAM and stratification of patients for targeted therapy. Designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) are scaffold proteins, which can be selected for specific binding to different targets. The DARPin Ec1 binds strongly to EpCAM. To determine an optimal design of Ec1-based probes, we labeled Ec1 at two different positions with four different nuclides (Ga-68, In-111, Co-57 and I-125) and investigated the impact on Ec1 biodistribution. We found that the C-terminus is the best position for labeling and that In-111 and I-125 provide the best imaging contrast. This study might be helpful for scientists developing imaging probes based on scaffold proteins. The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is intensively overexpressed in 40-60% of prostate cancer (PCa) cases and can be used as a target for the delivery of drugs and toxins. The designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) Ec1 has a high affinity to EpCAM (68 pM) and a small size (18 kDa). Radiolabeled Ec1 might be used as a companion diagnostic for the selection of PCa patients for therapy. The study aimed to investigate the influence of radiolabel position (N- or C-terminal) and composition on the targeting and imaging properties of Ec1. Two variants, having an N- or C-terminal cysteine, were produced, site-specifically conjugated to a DOTA chelator and labeled with cobalt-57, gallium-68 or indium-111. Site-specific radioiodination was performed using ((4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl)maleimide (HPEM). Biodistribution of eight radiolabeled Ec1-probes was measured in nude mice bearing PCa DU145 xenografts. In all cases, positioning of a label at the C-terminus provided the best tumor-to-organ ratios. The non-residualizing [I-125]I-HPEM label provided the highest tumor-to-muscle and tumor-to-bone ratios and is more suitable for EpCAM imaging in early-stage PCa. Among the radiometals, indium-111 provided the highest tumor-to-blood, tumor-to-lung and tumor-to-liver ratios and could be used at late-stage PCa. In conclusion, label position and composition are important for the DARPin Ec1.
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