[(18)F](2S,4S)-4-(3-Fluoropropyl)glutamine as a tumor imaging agent

Design of Novel 18F-Labeled Amino Acid Tracers Using Sulfur 18F-Fluoride Exchange Click Chemistry

[18F]Gln-OSO2F, [18F]Arg-OSO2F, and [18F]FSY-OSO2F were designed by introducing sulfonyl 18F-fluoride onto glutamine, arginine, and tyrosine, respectively. [18F]FSY-OSO2F can be prepared directly by sulfur 18F-fluoride exchange, while [18F]Gln-OSO2F and [18F]Arg-OSO2F require a two-step labeling method. Those tracers retain their typical transport characteristics for unmodified amino acids. Both PET imaging and biodistribution confirmed that [18F]FSY-OSO2F visualized MCF-7 and 22Rv1 subcutaneous tumors with high contrast, and its tumor-to-muscle ratio was better than that of [18F]FET. However, [18F]Gln-OSO2F and [18F]Arg-OSO2F poorly image MCF-7 subcutaneous tumors, possibly due to differences in the types and amounts of transporters expressed in tumors. All three tracers can visualize the U87MG glioma. According to our biological evaluation, none of the tracers evaluated in this study exhibited obvious defluorination, and subtle structural changes led to different imaging characteristics, indicating that the application of sulfur 18F-fluoride exchange click chemistry in the design of radioactive sulfonyl fluoride amino acids is feasible and offers significant advantages.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Carbon-11-Labeled Amino Acids and Peptides

Radiolabeled amino acids (AAs), their derivatives, and peptides are essential radiotracers in nuclear imaging. Despite its potential, the preparation of enantiopure radiopharmaceuticals poses several challenges, demanding a great need for rapid and stereocontrolled reactions. This chapter describes a highly stereoselective carbon-11 alkylation of Schiff bases, to obtain radiolabeled AAs and small peptides. The method uses chiral quaternary ammonium salt phase-transfer catalyst with two alkylating agents, namely, [11C]methyl iodide and [11C]benzyl iodide. This methodology allows the radiolabeling of AAs and peptides with excellent regioselectivity and enantiomeric or diastereomeric excess.

Oncogenic KRAS triggers metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with an extremely high lethality rate. Oncogenic KRAS activation has been proven to be a key driver of PDAC initiation and progression. There is increasing evidence that PDAC cells undergo extensive metabolic reprogramming to adapt to their extreme energy and biomass demands. Cell-intrinsic factors, such as KRAS mutations, are able to trigger metabolic rewriting. Here, we update recent advances in KRAS-driven metabolic reprogramming and the associated metabolic therapeutic potential in PDAC.

Evaluation of (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln as a Positron Emission Tomography Tracer for Tumor Imaging

Glutamine metabolism-related tracers have the potential to visualize numerous tumors because glutamine is the second largest source of energy for tumors. (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln was designed by introducing [18F]fluoroethoxy benzyl on carbon-4 of glutamine. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties and tumor positron emission tomography (PET) imaging characteristics of (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln in detail. The biodistribution results of nude mice bearing MCF-7 tumor showed that (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln had high initial tumor uptake, and a fast clearance rate, resulting in a high tumor-to-muscle ratio at 30 min postinjection. There was no obvious defluorination in vivo. The micro-PET-CT imaging results of (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln orthotopic MCF-7 tumor-bearing nude mice were consistent with the biological distribution results. Compared with (2S,4R)-4-[18F]FGln, (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln showed poor tumor retention, but its clearance in normal tissues was also fast, so it had better PET image contrast than the former. Unlike poor retention in MCF-7-bearing nude mice, (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln has good retention in NCI-h1975 and 22Rv1 tumor models. Since (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln has low uptake in normal lungs and high uptake in the bladder, it is expected to be used in the accurate diagnosis of lung cancer but cannot accurately determine prostate cancer. Consistent with the advantages of radiolabeled amino acids in the application of brain tumors, (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln accurately diagnoses U87MG glioma with higher contrast than [18F]FET and [18F]FDG, and there is a correlation between (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln uptake and tumor growth cycle. Further kinetic model analysis showed that (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln was similar to (2S,4R)-4-[18F]FGln, conforming to the one-compartment model and the Logan graphical model, and was expected to assess the size of the glutamine pool of the tumor. Therefore, (2S,4S)-4-[18F]FEBGln is expected to provide a strong imaging basis for the diagnosis, formulation of personalized plans, and efficacy evaluation of glioma, lung cancer, and breast cancer.

Exploration of Imaging Biomarkers for Metabolically-Targeted Osteosarcoma Therapy in a Murine Xenograft Model

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive pediatric cancer with unmet therapeutic needs. Glutaminase 1 (GLS1) inhibition, alone and in combination with metformin, disrupts the bioenergetic demands of tumor progression and metastasis, showing promise for clinical translation. Materials and Methods: Three positron emission tomography (PET) clinical imaging agents, [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-2-D-glucose ([18F]FDG), 3'-[18F]fluoro-3'-deoxythymidine ([18F]FLT), and (2S, 4R)-4-[18F]fluoroglutamine ([18F]GLN), were evaluated in the MG63.3 human OS xenograft mouse model, as companion imaging biomarkers after treatment for 7 d with a selective GLS1 inhibitor (CB-839, telaglenastat) and metformin, alone and in combination. Imaging and biodistribution data were collected from tumors and reference tissues before and after treatment. Results: Drug treatment altered tumor uptake of all three PET agents. Relative [18F]FDG uptake decreased significantly after telaglenastat treatment, but not within control and metformin-only groups. [18F]FLT tumor uptake appears to be negatively affected by tumor size. Evidence of a flare effect was seen with [18F]FLT imaging after treatment. Telaglenastat had a broad influence on [18F]GLN uptake in tumor and normal tissues. Conclusions: Image-based tumor volume quantification is recommended for this paratibial tumor model. The performance of [18F]FLT and [18F]GLN was affected by tumor size. [18F]FDG may be useful in detecting telaglenastat's impact on glycolysis. Exploration of kinetic tracer uptake protocols is needed to define clinically relevant patterns of [18F]GLN uptake in patients receiving telaglenastat.

Radiosynthesis and Analysis of (S)-4-(3-[18F]Fluoropropyl)-L-Glutamic Acid

PURPOSE

(S)-4-(3-[18F]Fluoropropyl)-L-glutamic acid ([18F]FSPG) is an L-glutamate derivative used as a PET biomarker to assess intracellular redox status in vivo through targeting of the cystine/glutamate antiporter protein, xc- transporter. In this report, we describe a radiosynthesis of [18F]FSPG for use in PET studies that address specific challenges in relation to the radiotracer purity, molar activity, and quality control testing methods.

PROCEDURES

The radiosynthesis of [18F]FSPG was performed using a customised RNPlus Research automated radiosynthesis system (Synthra GmbH, Hamburg, Germany). [18F]FSPG was labelled in the 3-fluoropropylmoiety at the 4-position of the glutamic acid backbone with fluorine-18 via substitution of nucleophilic [18F]fluoride with a protected naphthylsulfonyloxy-propyl-L-glutamate derivative. Radiochemical purity of the final product was determined by radio HPLC using a new method of direct analysis using a Hypercarb C18 column.

RESULTS

The average radioactivity yield of [18F]FSPG was 4.2 GBq (range, 3.4-4.8 GBq) at the end of synthesis, starting from 16 GBq of [18F]fluoride at the end of bombardment (n = 10) in a synthesis time of 50 min. The average molar activity and radioactivity volumetric concentration at the end of synthesis were 66 GBq µmol-1 (range, 48-73 GBq µmol-1) and 343-400 MBq mL-1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Stability tests using a 4.6 GBq dose with a radioactivity volumetric concentration of 369 MBq mL-1 at the end of synthesis showed no observable radiolysis 3 h after production. The formulated product is of high radiochemical purity (> 95%) and higher molar activity compared to previous methods and is safe to inject into mice up to 3 h after production.

Tumor glycolysis, an essential sweet tooth of tumor cells

Cancer cells undergo metabolic alterations to meet the immense demand for energy, building blocks, and redox potential. Tumors show glucose-avid and lactate-secreting behavior even in the presence of oxygen, a process known as aerobic glycolysis. Glycolysis is the backbone of cancer cell metabolism, and cancer cells have evolved various mechanisms to enhance it. Glucose metabolism is intertwined with other metabolic pathways, making cancer metabolism diverse and heterogeneous, where glycolysis plays a central role. Oncogenic signaling accelerates the metabolic activities of glycolytic enzymes, mainly by enhancing their expression or by post-translational modifications. Aerobic glycolysis ferments glucose into lactate which supports tumor growth and metastasis by various mechanisms. Herein, we focused on tumor glycolysis, especially its interactions with the pentose phosphate pathway, glutamine metabolism, one-carbon metabolism, and mitochondrial oxidation. Further, we describe the role and regulation of key glycolytic enzymes in cancer. We summarize the role of lactate, an end product of glycolysis, in tumor growth, and the metabolic adaptations during metastasis. Lastly, we briefly discuss limitations and future directions to improve our understanding of glucose metabolism in cancer.

Metabolic Phenotypes, Dependencies, and Adaptation in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a heterogeneous disease that is subdivided into histopathological subtypes with distinct behaviors. Each subtype is characterized by distinct features and molecular alterations that influence tumor metabolism. Alterations in tumor metabolism can be exploited by imaging modalities that use metabolite tracers for the detection and characterization of tumors. Microenvironmental factors, including nutrient and oxygen availability and the presence of stromal cells, are a critical influence on tumor metabolism. Recent technological advances facilitate the direct evaluation of metabolic alterations in patient tumors in this complex microenvironment. In addition, molecular alterations directly influence tumor cell metabolism and metabolic dependencies that influence response to therapy. Current therapeutic approaches to target tumor metabolism are currently being developed and translated into the clinic for patient therapy.

Metabolomics in cancer research and emerging applications in clinical oncology

Cancer has myriad effects on metabolism that include both rewiring of intracellular metabolism to enable cancer cells to proliferate inappropriately and adapt to the tumor microenvironment, and changes in normal tissue metabolism. With the recognition that fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography imaging is an important tool for the management of many cancers, other metabolites in biological samples have been in the spotlight for cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy. Metabolomics is the global analysis of small molecule metabolites that like other -omics technologies can provide critical information about the cancer state that are otherwise not apparent. Here, the authors review how cancer and cancer therapies interact with metabolism at the cellular and systemic levels. An overview of metabolomics is provided with a focus on currently available technologies and how they have been applied in the clinical and translational research setting. The authors also discuss how metabolomics could be further leveraged in the future to improve the management of patients with cancer.

First-in-Human PET Imaging and Estimated Radiation Dosimetry of l-[5-11C]-Glutamine in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Altered metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. In addition to glucose, glutamine is an important nutrient for cellular growth and proliferation. Noninvasive imaging via PET may help facilitate precision treatment of cancer through patient selection and monitoring of treatment response. l-[5-¹¹C]-glutamine (¹¹C-glutamine) is a PET tracer designed to study glutamine uptake and metabolism. The aim of this first-in-human study was to evaluate the radiologic safety and biodistribution of ¹¹C-glutamine for oncologic PET imaging. Methods: Nine patients with confirmed metastatic colorectal cancer underwent PET/CT imaging. Patients received 337.97 ± 44.08 MBq of ¹¹C-glutamine. Dynamic PET acquisitions that were centered over the abdomen or thorax were initiated simultaneously with intravenous tracer administration. After the dynamic acquisition, a whole-body PET/CT scan was acquired. Volume-of-interest analyses were performed to obtain estimates of organ-based absorbed doses of radiation. Results: ¹¹C-glutamine was well tolerated in all patients, with no observed safety concerns. The organs with the highest radiation exposure included the bladder, pancreas, and liver. The estimated effective dose was 4.46E-03 ± 7.67E-04 mSv/MBq. Accumulation of ¹¹C-glutamine was elevated and visualized in lung, brain, bone, and liver metastases, suggesting utility for cancer imaging. Conclusion: PET using ¹¹C-glutamine appears safe for human use and allows noninvasive visualization of metastatic colon cancer lesions in multiple organs. Further studies are needed to elucidate its potential for other cancers and for monitoring response to treatment.

Preclinical Applications of Multi-Platform Imaging in Animal Models of Cancer

In animal models of cancer, oncologic imaging has evolved from a simple assessment of tumor location and size to sophisticated multimodality exploration of molecular, physiologic, genetic, immunologic, and biochemical events at microscopic to macroscopic levels, performed noninvasively and sometimes in real time. Here, we briefly review animal imaging technology and molecular imaging probes together with selected applications from recent literature. Fast and sensitive optical imaging is primarily used to track luciferase-expressing tumor cells, image molecular targets with fluorescence probes, and to report on metabolic and physiologic phenotypes using smart switchable luminescent probes. MicroPET/single-photon emission CT have proven to be two of the most translational modalities for molecular and metabolic imaging of cancers: immuno-PET is a promising and rapidly evolving area of imaging research. Sophisticated MRI techniques provide high-resolution images of small metastases, tumor inflammation, perfusion, oxygenation, and acidity. Disseminated tumors to the bone and lung are easily detected by microCT, while ultrasound provides real-time visualization of tumor vasculature and perfusion. Recently available photoacoustic imaging provides real-time evaluation of vascular patency, oxygenation, and nanoparticle distributions. New hybrid instruments, such as PET-MRI, promise more convenient combination of the capabilities of each modality, enabling enhanced research efficacy and throughput.

Hallmarks of cancer-the new testament

Diagnosis and treatment of disease demand a sound understanding of the underlying mechanisms, determining any Achilles' heel that can be targeted in effective therapies. Throughout history, this endeavour to decipher the origin and mechanism of transformation of a normal cell into cancer has led to various theories-from cancer as a curse to an understanding at the level of single-cell heterogeneity, meaning even among a single sub-type of cancer there are myriad molecular challenges to overcome. With increasing insight into cancer genetics and biology, the disease has become ever more complex to understand. The complexity of cancer as a disease was distilled into key traits by Hanahan and Weinberg in their seminal 'Hallmarks of Cancer' reviews. This lucid conceptualization of complex cancer biology is widely accepted and has helped advance cancer therapeutics by targeting the various hallmarks but, with the advancement in technologies, there is greater granularity in how we view cancer as a disease, and the additional understanding over the past decade requires us to revisit the hallmarks of cancer. Based on extensive study of the cancer research literature, we propose four novel hallmarks of cancer, namely, the ability of cells to regress from a specific specialized functional state, epigenetic changes that can affect gene expression, the role of microorganisms and neuronal signalling, to be included in the hallmark conceptualization along with evidence of various means to exploit them therapeutically.

(2S, 4R)-4-[18F]Fluoroglutamine for In vivo PET Imaging of Glioma Xenografts in Mice: an Evaluation of Multiple Pharmacokinetic Models

PURPOSE

The glutamine analogue (2S, 4R)-4-[18F]fluoroglutamine ([18F]FGln) was investigated to further characterize its pharmacokinetics and acquire in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) images of separate orthotopic and subcutaneous glioma xenografts in mice.

PROCEDURES

[18F]FGln was synthesized at a high radiochemical purity as analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. An orthotopic model was created by injecting luciferase-expressing patient-derived BT3 glioma cells into the right hemisphere of BALB/cOlaHsd-Foxn1nu mouse brains (tumor growth monitored via in vivo bioluminescence), the subcutaneous model by injecting rat BT4C glioma cells into the flank and neck regions of Foxn1nu/nu mice. Dynamic PET images were acquired after injecting 10-12 MBq of the tracer into mouse tail veins. Animals were sacrificed 63 min after tracer injection, and ex vivo biodistributions were measured. Tumors and whole brains (with tumors) were cryosectioned, autoradiographed, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. All images were analyzed with CARIMAS software. Blood sampling of 6 Foxn1nu/nu and 6 C57BL/6J mice was performed after 9-14 MBq of tracer was injected at time points between 5 and 60 min then assayed for erythrocyte uptake, plasma protein binding, and plasma parent-fraction of radioactivity to correct PET image-derived whole-blood radioactivity and apply the data to multiple pharmacokinetic models.

RESULTS

Orthotopic human glioma xenografts displayed PET image tumor-to-healthy brain region ratio of 3.6 and 4.8 while subcutaneously xenografted BT4C gliomas displayed (n = 12) a tumor-to-muscle (flank) ratio of 1.9 ± 0.7 (range 1.3-3.4). Using PET image-derived blood radioactivity corrected by population-based stability analyses, tumor uptake pharmacokinetics fit Logan and Yokoi modeling for reversible uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

The results reinforce that [18F]FGln has preferential uptake in glioma tissue versus that of corresponding healthy tissue and fits well with reversible uptake models.

Synthesis of protected α-amino acids via decarboxylation amination from malonate derivatives

A general and efficient strategy for the synthesis of protected α-amino acids is reported. The method uses malonate derivatives as the starting materials and Cs2CO3 as a base at 60 degrees, giving α-amino acid derivatives in moderate yields by releasing CO2. This methodology shows broad substrate scope (primary and secondary acids), excellent functional group tolerance and high efficiency to give the desired products under mild reaction conditions. It also allows the construction of β and γ-amino acids and other unnatural products.

(2S,4R)-4-[18F]Fluoroglutamine as a PET Indicator for Bone Marrow Metabolism Dysfunctional: from Animal Experiments to Clinical Application

PURPOSE

Previous reports confirmed that (2S,4R)-4-[¹⁸F]Fluoroglutamine ([¹⁸F]GLN) accumulated in bone and bone marrow. This study investigates the potential of using [¹⁸F]GLN positron emission tomography (PET) to monitor changes of bone marrow activity after chemotherapy (myelosuppression).

PROCEDURES

Bone marrow inhibition model in mice was induced by an intravenous injection of chemotherapy drug (doxorubicin or rituximab) and the inhibition was confirmed by routine blood cell counts. Bone uptakes of these four radiotracers (2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-D-glucose, [¹⁸F]GLN, 3'-dexoy-3'-[¹⁸F]fluorothymidine ([¹⁸F]FLT), and sodium [¹⁸F]fluoride) in the mice were measured after i.v. injection and dissection of femur and tibia, and the uptakes in bone-only (BO) and bone marrow (BM) were obtained after separating bone from bone marrow. Additionally, six volunteers were recruited and evaluated with [¹⁸F]GLN. The PET-/CT-guided volumes of interests (VOI) in cervical, thoracic, lumbar vertebra, and skull cortical bone were defined as bone marrow or bone for evaluation, respectively.

RESULTS

[¹⁸F]GLN showed a relatively high bone marrow uptake in mice (up to 9.5 ± 1.3 % ID/g) at 1 h after injection, which was 2.1 times that of [¹⁸F]FLT. The [¹⁸F]GLN uptakes in the bone marrow were substantially inhibited by chemotherapy drug. The decrease of [¹⁸F]GLN's bone marrow uptake was consistent with the reduction of white blood cells (myelosuppression). For [¹⁸F]GLN/PET imaging in humans, the SUV_mean value of bone marrow (1 h after i.v. injection) was between 3.1 and 3.6 in the healthy volunteers (n = 3), and between 1.8 and 2.2 (n = 3) (P < 0.001) in myelosuppression patients, showing a clear reduction of bone marrow uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Dissection experiments in mice showed that [¹⁸F]GLN displayed relatively high bone marrow uptake, and the uptake was sensitive to bone marrow inhibition induced by doxorubicin/rituximab. The same conclusion was confirmed [¹⁸F]GLN/PET imaging in humans. Therefore, [¹⁸F]GLN/PET imaging may be a useful tool to assess reduction of bone marrow activity in cancer patients, who may be at risk of myelosuppression after chemotherapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Approved by Institutional Review Board of Peking University Cancer Hospital (No. 2017KT38). Registered 18 August 2017.

Radiosynthesis, in vitro and preliminary in vivo evaluation of the novel glutamine derived PET tracers [18F]fluorophenylglutamine and [18F]fluorobiphenylglutamine

INTRODUCTION

Glucose has been deemed the driving force of tumor growth for decades. However, research has shown that several tumors metabolically shift towards glutaminolysis. The development of radiolabeled glutamine derivatives could be a useful molecular imaging tool for visualizing these tumors. We elaborated on the glutamine-derived PET tracers by developing two novel probes, namely [¹⁸F]fluorophenylglutamine and [¹⁸F]fluorobiphenylglutamine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Both tracers were labelled with fluorine-18 using our recently reported ruthenium-based direct aromatic fluorination method. Their affinity was evaluated with a [³H]glutamine inhibition experiment in a human PC-3 and a rat F98 cell line. The imaging potential of [¹⁸F]fluorophenylglutamine and [¹⁸F]fluorobiphenylglutamine was tested using a mouse PC-3 and a rat F98 tumor model.

RESULTS

The radiosynthesis of both tracers was successful with overall non-decay corrected yields of 18.46 ± 4.18% (n = 10) ([¹⁸F]fluorophenylglutamine) and 8.05 ± 3.25% (n = 5) ([¹⁸F]fluorobiphenylglutamine). In vitro inhibition experiments showed a moderate and low affinity of fluorophenylglutamine and fluorobiphenylglutamine, respectively, towards the human ASCT-2 transporter. Both compounds had a low affinity towards the rat ASCT-2 transporter. These results were endorsed by the in vivo experiments with low uptake of both tracers in the F98 rat xenograft, low uptake of [¹⁸F]FBPG in the mice PC-3 xenograft and a moderate uptake of [¹⁸F]FPG in the PC-3 tumors.

CONCLUSION

We investigated the imaging potential of two novel PET radiotracers [¹⁸F]FPG and [¹⁸F]FBPG. [¹⁸F]FPG is the first example of a glutamine radiotracer derivatized with a phenyl group which enables the exploration of further derivatization of the phenyl group to increase the affinity and imaging qualities. We hypothesize that increasing the affinity of [¹⁸F]FPG by optimizing the substituents of the arene ring can result in a high-quality glutamine-based PET radiotracer. Advances in Knowledge and Implications for patient care: We hereby report novel glutamine-based PET-tracers. These tracers are tagged on the arene group with fluorine-18, hereby preventing in vivo defluorination, which can occur with alkyl labelled tracers (e.g. (2S,4R)4-[¹⁸F]fluoroglutamine). [¹⁸F]FPG shows clear tumor uptake in vivo, has no in vivo defluorination and has a straightforward production. We believe this tracer is a good starting point for the development of a high-quality tracer which is useful for the clinical visualization of the glutamine transport.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of a novel glutamine derivative (2S,4R)-2-amino-4-cyano-4-[18F]fluorobutanoic acid

A new glutamine derivative (2S,4R)-2-amino-4-cyano-4-[¹⁸F]fluorobutanoic acid (2S,4R)-4-[¹⁸F]FCABA ([18F]1) and its labeled precursor can be converted into (2S,4R)-4-[¹⁸F]FGln and (2S,4R)4-[¹⁸F]FGlu by changing the labeling conditions.

Glutamine Metabolism in Brain Tumors

Altered metabolism is a hallmark of cancer cells. Tumor cells rewire their metabolism to support their uncontrolled proliferation by taking up nutrients from the microenvironment. The amino acid glutamine is a key nutrient that fuels biosynthetic processes including ATP generation, redox homeostasis, nucleotide, protein, and lipid synthesis. Glutamine as a precursor for the neurotransmitter glutamate, and plays a critical role in the normal functioning of the brain. Brain tumors that grow in this glutamine/glutamate rich microenvironment can make synaptic connections with glutamatergic neurons and reprogram glutamine metabolism to enable their growth. In this review, we examine the functions of glutamate/glutamine in the brain and how brain tumor cells reprogram glutamine metabolism. Altered glutamine metabolism can be leveraged to develop non-invasive imaging strategies and we review these imaging modalities. Finally, we examine if targeting glutamine metabolism could serve as a therapeutic strategy in brain tumors.

Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of a novel glutamine derivative: (2S,4S)4-[18F]FEBGln

We report the preparation of a novel glutamine derivative, (2S,4S)-2,5-diamino-4-(4-(2-fluoroethoxy)benzyl)-5-oxopentanoic acid, (2S, 4S)4-[¹⁸F]FEBGln ([¹⁸F]4), through efficient organic and radiosyntheses. In vitro assays of [¹⁸F]4 using MCF-7 cells showed that it entered cells via multiple amino acid transporter systems including system L and ASC2 transporters but not through the system A transporter. [¹⁸F]4 showed promising properties for tumor imaging and may serve as a lead compound for further optimizing and targeting the system L transporter associated with enhanced glutamine metabolism in cancer cells.

Synthesis of enantiopure 18F-trifluoromethyl cysteine as a structure-mimetic amino acid tracer for glioma imaging

Although 11C-labelled sulfur-containing amino acids (SAAs) including L-methyl-[11C]methionine and S-[11C]-methyl-L-cysteine, are attractive tracers for glioma positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, their applications are limited by the short half-life of the radionuclide 11C (t1/2 = 20.4 min). However, development of 18F-labelled SAAs (18F, t1/2 = 109.8 min) without significant structural changes or relying on prosthetic groups remains to be a great challenge due to the absence of adequate space for chemical modification. Methods: We herein present 18F-trifluoromethylated D- and L-cysteines which were designed by replacing the methyl group with 18F-trifluoromethyl group using a structure-based bioisosterism strategy. These two enantiomers were synthesized stereoselectively from serine-derived cyclic sulfamidates via a nucleophilic 18F-trifluoromethylthiolation reaction followed by a deprotection reaction. Furthermore, we conducted preliminary in vitro and in vivo studies to investigate the feasibility of using 18F-trifluoromethylated cysteines as PET tracers for glioma imaging. Results: The two-step radiosynthesis provided the desired products in excellent enantiopurity (ee > 99%) with 14% ± 3% of radiochemical yield. In vitro cell study demonstrated that both enantiomers were taken up efficiently by C6 tumor cells and were mainly transported by systems L and ASC. Among them, the D-enantiomer exhibited relatively good stability and high tumor-specific accumulation in the animal studies. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that 18F-trifluoromethylated D-cysteine, a new SAA tracer, may be a potential candidate for glioma imaging. Taken together, our study represents a first step toward developing 18F-trifluoromethylated cysteines as structure-mimetic tracers for PET tumor imaging.

Automated radiosynthesis of 5-[11C]l-glutamine, an important tracer for glutamine utilization

INTRODUCTION

The natural amino acid l-Glutamine (Gln) is essential for both cell growth and proliferation. In addition to glucose, cancer cells utilize Gln as a carbon source for ATP production, biosynthesis, and as a defense against reactive oxygen species. The utilization of [¹¹C]Gln has been previously reported as a biomarker for tissues with an elevated demand for Gln, however, the previous reports for the preparation of [¹¹C]Gln were found to be lacking several crucial aspects necessary for transition to human production. Namely, the presence of unreacted precursor and the use of non-commercialized, custom built, reaction platforms. Herein, we report the development and utilization of methodology for the automated production of [¹¹C]Gln that meets institutional criteria for human use.

METHODS

The preparation of [¹¹C]Gln was carried out on the GE FX₂N platform. Briefly, after trapping of [¹¹C]HCN with a solution of CsHCO₃ in DMF, the [¹¹C]CsCN was reacted with a commercially available precursor. This intermediate was then purified by HPLC and deprotected/hydrolyzed under acidic conditions. Following pH adjustment, the product was filtered to give the desired [¹¹C]Gln as a sterile injectable. The resulting product was then analyzed for quality assurance.

RESULTS

Automated production by this method reliably provides over 3.7 GBq (100 mCi) of [¹¹C]Gln. The resulting final drug product was found to have a >99% radiochemical purity, <5% of D-Gln present, no detectable impurities, and the total preparation time was roughly 45 min from the end-of-bombardment.

CONCLUSIONS

A fast, reliable and efficient automated radiosynthesis was developed using a commercially available module. Purifications used throughout allow for both a radiochemically and chemically pure final product solution of [¹¹C]Gln.

A Glutamine-Rich Carrier Efficiently Delivers Anti-CD47 siRNA Driven by a "Glutamine Trap" To Inhibit Lung Cancer Cell Growth

It is not efficient enough using the current approaches for tumor-selective drug delivery based on the EPR effect and ligand-receptor interactions, and they have largely failed to translate into the clinic. Therefore, it is urgent to explore an enhanced strategy for effective delivery of anticancer agents. Clinically, many cancers require large amounts of glutamine for their continued growth and survival, resulting in circulating glutamine extraction by the tumor being much greater than that for any organs, behaving as a "glutamine trap". In the present study, we sought to elucidate whether the glutamine-trap effect could be exploited to deliver therapeutic agents to selectively kill cancer cells. Here, a macromolecular glutamine analogue, glutamine-functionalized branched polyethylenimine (GPI), was constructed as the carrier to deliver anti-CD47 siRNA for the blockage of CD47 "don't eat me" signals on cancer cells. The GPI/siRNA glutamine-rich polyplexes exhibited remarkably high levels of cellular uptake by glutamine-dependent lung cancer cells, wild-type A549 cells (A549^WT), and its cisplatin-resistant cells (A549^DDP), specifically under glutamine-depleted conditions. It was noted that the glutamine transporter ASCT2 was highly expressed both on A549^WT and A549^DDP but with almost no expression in normal human lung fibroblasts cells. Inhibition of ASCT2 significantly prevented the internalization of GPI polyplexes. These findings raised the intriguing possibility that the glutamine-rich GPI polyplexes utilize the ASCT2 pathway to selectively facilitate their cellular uptake by cancer cells. GPI further delivered anti-CD47 siRNA efficiently both in vitro and in vivo to downregulate the intratumoral mRNA and protein expression levels of CD47. CD47 functions as a "don't eat me" signal and binds to the immunoreceptor SIRPα inducing evasion of phagocytic clearance. GPI/anti-CD47 siRNA polyplexes achieved significant antitumor activities both on A549^WT and A549^DDP tumor-bearing nude mice. Notably, it had no adverse effect on CD47-expressing red blood cells and platelets, likely because of selective delivery. Therefore, the glutamine-rich carrier GPI driven by the glutamine-trap effect provides a promising new strategy for designing anticancer drug delivery systems.

Non-Invasive Glutamine PET Reflects Pharmacological Inhibition of BRAFV600E In Vivo

PURPOSE

This study aimed to study whether cancer cells possess distinguishing metabolic features compared with surrounding normal cells, such as increased glutamine uptake. Given this, quantitative measures of glutamine uptake may reflect critical processes in oncology. Approximately, 10 % of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) express BRAF ^V600E , which may be actionable with selective BRAF inhibitors or in combination with inhibitors of complementary signaling axes. Non-invasive and quantitative predictive measures of response to these targeted therapies remain poorly developed in this setting. The primary objective of this study was to explore 4-[¹⁸F]fluoroglutamine (4-[¹⁸F]F-GLN) positron emission tomography (PET) to predict response to BRAF^V600E-targeted therapy in preclinical models of colon cancer.

PROCEDURES

Tumor microarrays from patients with primary human colon cancers (n = 115) and CRC liver metastases (n = 111) were used to evaluate the prevalence of ASCT2, the primary glutamine transporter in oncology, by immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, 4-[¹⁸F]F-GLN PET was evaluated in mouse models of human BRAF ^V600E -expressing and BRAF wild-type CRC.

RESULTS

Approximately 70 % of primary colon cancers and 53 % of metastases exhibited positive ASCT2 immunoreactivity, suggesting that [¹⁸F]4-F-GLN PET could be applicable to a majority of patients with colon cancer. ASCT2 expression was not associated selectively with the expression of mutant BRAF. Decreased 4-[¹⁸F]F-GLN predicted pharmacological response to single-agent BRAF and combination BRAF and PI3K/mTOR inhibition in BRAF ^V600E -mutant Colo-205 tumors. In contrast, a similar decrease was not observed in BRAF wild-type HCT-116 tumors, a setting where BRAF^V600E-targeted therapies are ineffective.

CONCLUSIONS

4-[¹⁸F]F-GLN PET selectively reflected pharmacodynamic response to BRAF inhibition when compared with 2-deoxy-2[¹⁸F]fluoro-D-glucose PET, which was decreased non-specifically for all treated cohorts, regardless of downstream pathway inhibition. These findings illustrate the utility of non-invasive PET imaging measures of glutamine uptake to selectively predict response to BRAF-targeted therapy in colon cancer and may suggest further opportunities to inform colon cancer clinical trials using targeted therapies against MAPK activation.

Alanine and glycine conjugates of (2S,4R)-4-[18F]fluoroglutamine for tumor imaging

INTRODUCTION

Glutamine is an essential source of energy, metabolic substrates, and building block for supporting tumor proliferation. Previously, (2S,4R)-4-[¹⁸F]fluoroglutamine (4F-Gln) was reported as a glutamine-related metabolic imaging agent. To improve the in vivo kinetics of this radiotracer, two new dipeptides, [¹⁸F]Gly-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine (Gly-4F-Gln) and [¹⁸F]Ala-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine (Ala-4F-Gln) were investigated.

METHODS

Radiolabeling was performed via 2-steps ¹⁸F-fluorination. Cell uptake studies of Gly-4F-Gln and Ala-4F-Gln were investigated in 9 L cell lines. In vitro and in vivo metabolism studies were carried out in Fisher 344 rats. Biodistribution and microPET imaging studies were performed in 9 L tumor-bearing rats.

RESULTS

In vitro incubation of these [¹⁸F]dipeptides in rat and human blood showed a rapid conversion to (2S,4R)-4-[¹⁸F]fluoroglutamine (t_1/2 = 2.3 and 0.2 min for [¹⁸F]Gly-4F-Gln and [¹⁸F]Ala-4F-Gln, respectively for human blood). Biodistribution and PET imaging in Fisher 344 rats bearing 9 L tumor xenografts showed that these dipeptides rapidly localized in the tumors, comparable to that of (2S,4R)-4-[¹⁸F]fluoroglutamine (4F-Gln).

CONCLUSIONS

The results support that these dipeptides, [¹⁸F]Gly-4F-Gln and [¹⁸F]Ala-4F-Gln, are prodrugs, which hydrolyze in the blood after an iv injection. They appear to be selectively taken up and trapped by tumor tissue in vivo. The dipeptide, [¹⁸F]Ala-4F-Gln, may be suitable as a PET tracer for imaging glutaminolysis in tumors.

Imaging Cancer Metabolism

It is widely accepted that altered metabolism contributes to cancer growth and has been described as a hallmark of cancer. Our view and understanding of cancer metabolism has expanded at a rapid pace, however, there remains a need to study metabolic dependencies of human cancer in vivo. Recent studies have sought to utilize multi-modality imaging (MMI) techniques in order to build a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of cancer metabolism. MMI combines several in vivo techniques that can provide complementary information related to cancer metabolism. We describe several non-invasive imaging techniques that provide both anatomical and functional information related to tumor metabolism. These imaging modalities include: positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) that uses hyperpolarized probes and optical imaging utilizing bioluminescence and quantification of light emitted. We describe how these imaging modalities can be combined with mass spectrometry and quantitative immunochemistry to obtain more complete picture of cancer metabolism. In vivo studies of tumor metabolism are emerging in the field and represent an important component to our understanding of how metabolism shapes and defines cancer initiation, progression and response to treatment. In this review we describe in vivo based studies of cancer metabolism that have taken advantage of MMI in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. MMI promises to advance our understanding of cancer metabolism in both basic research and clinical settings with the ultimate goal of improving detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.

Engineering Tumour Cell-Binding Synthetic Polymers with Sensing Dense Transporters Associated with Aberrant Glutamine Metabolism

Increased glutamine uptake toward the elevated glutaminolysis is one of the hallmarks of tumour cells. This aberrant glutamine metabolism has recently attracted considerable attention as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. Herein, we developed glutamine-functionalized polymer to achieve a selective high affinity to tumour cells overexpressing glutaminolysis-related transporter ASCT2. In in vitro study, our developed polymer exhibited faster and higher cellular uptake in tumour cells than that in normal cells. Uptake inhibition study revealed the dominant contribution of ASCT2 to the polymer-cell interaction. Furthermore, the binding affinity of the polymer to tumour cells was estimated to be comparable to that of the potent ligand molecules reported in the literature. In in vivo study, the polymer showed prolonged retention at tumour site after intratumoral injection. This study offers a novel approach for designing tumour cell-binding synthetic polymers through the recognition of dense transporters related to tumour-associated metabolism.

Fluorination at the 4 position alters the substrate behavior of L-glutamine and L-glutamate: Implications for positron emission tomography of neoplasias

Two 4-fluoro-L-glutamine diastereoisomers [(2S,4R)-4-FGln, (2S,4S)-4-FGln] were previously developed for positron emission tomography. Label uptake into two tumor cell types was greater with [¹⁸F](2S,4R)-4-FGln than with [¹⁸F](2S,4S)-4-FGln. In the present work we investigated the enzymology of two diastereoisomers of 4-FGln, two diastereoisomers of 4-fluoroglutamate (4-FGlu) (potential metabolites of the 4-FGln diastereoisomers) and another fluoro-derivative of L-glutamine [(2S,4S)-4-(3-fluoropropyl)glutamine (FP-Gln)]. The two 4-FGlu diastereoisomers were found to be moderate-to-good substrates relative to L-glutamate of glutamate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Additionally, alanine aminotransferase was shown to catalyze an unusual γ-elimination reaction with both 4-FGlu diastereoisomers. Both 4-FGlu diastereoisomers were shown to be poor substrates, but strong inhibitors of glutamine synthetase. Both 4-FGln diastereoisomers were shown to be poor substrates compared to L-glutamine of glutamine transaminase L and α-aminoadipate aminotransferase. However, (2S,4R)-4-FGln was found to be a poor substrate of glutamine transaminase K, whereas (2S,4S)-4-FGln was shown to be an excellent substrate. By contrast, FP-Gln was found to be a poor substrate of all enzymes examined. Evidently, substitution of H in position 4 by F in L-glutamine/L-glutamate has moderate-to-profound effects on enzyme-catalyzed reactions. The present results: 1) show that 4-FGln and 4-FGlu diastereoisomers may be useful for studying active site topology of glutamate- and glutamine-utilizing enzymes; 2) provide a framework for understanding possible metabolic transformations in tumors of ¹⁸F-labeled (2S,4R)-4-FGln, (2S,4S)-4-FGln, (2S,4R)-4-FGlu or (2S,4S)-4-FGlu; and 3) show that [¹⁸F]FP-Gln is likely to be much less metabolically active in vivo than are the [¹⁸F]4-FGln diastereoisomers.

Metabolic Imaging of Glutamine in Cancer

Glucose and glutamine are the most abundant nutrients for producing energy and building blocks in normal and tumor cells. Increased glycolysis in tumors, the Warburg Effect, is the basis for ¹⁸F-FDG PET imaging. Cancer cells can also be genetically reprogrammed to use glutamine. 5-¹¹C-(2S)-glutamine and ¹⁸F-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine may be useful complementary tools to measure changes in tumor metabolism. In glioma patients, the tracer ¹⁸F-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine showed tumor-to-background contrast different from that of ¹⁸F-FDG and differences in uptake in glioma patients with clinical progression of disease versus stable disease (tumor-to-brain ratio > 3.7 in clinically active glioma tumors, minimal or no specific uptake in clinically stable tumors). These preliminary results suggest that ¹⁸F-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine PET may be a new tool for probing in vivo metabolism of glutamine in cancer patients and for guiding glutamine-targeted therapeutics. Further studies of uptake mechanism, and comparison of kinetics for ¹⁸F-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine versus the ¹¹C-labeled native glutamine, will be important and enlightening.

Employing Metabolism to Improve the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is on pace to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death. The high mortality rate results from a lack of methods for early detection and the inability to successfully treat patients once diagnosed. Pancreatic cancer cells have extensively reprogrammed metabolism, which is driven by oncogene-mediated cell-autonomous pathways, the unique physiology of the tumor microenvironment, and interactions with non-cancer cells. In this review, we discuss how recent efforts delineating rewired metabolic networks in pancreatic cancer have revealed new in-roads to develop detection and treatment strategies for this dreadful disease.

Preclinical Evaluation of 4-[18F]Fluoroglutamine PET to Assess ASCT2 Expression in Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

Alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) expression has been demonstrated as a promising lung cancer biomarker. (2S,4R)-4-[(18)F]Fluoroglutamine (4-[(18)F]fluoro-Gln) positron emission tomography (PET) was evaluated in preclinical models of non-small cell lung cancer as a quantitative, non-invasive measure of ASCT2 expression.

PROCEDURES

In vivo microPET studies of 4-[(18)F]fluoro-Gln uptake were undertaken in human cell line xenograft tumor-bearing mice of varying ASCT2 levels, followed by a genetically engineered mouse model of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant lung cancer. The relationship between a tracer accumulation and ASCT2 levels in tumors was evaluated by IHC and immunoblotting.

RESULT

4-[(18)F]Fluoro-Gln uptake, but not 2-deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose, correlated with relative ASCT2 levels in xenograft tumors. In genetically engineered mice, 4-[(18)F]fluoro-Gln accumulation was significantly elevated in lung tumors, relative to normal lung and cardiac tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

4-[(18)F]Fluoro-Gln PET appears to provide a non-invasive measure of ASCT2 expression. Given the potential of ASCT2 as a lung cancer biomarker, this and other tracers reflecting ASCT2 levels could emerge as precision imaging diagnostics in this setting.

PET Metabolic Biomarkers for Cancer

The body's main fuel sources are fats, carbohydrates (glucose), proteins, and ketone bodies. It is well known that an important hallmark of cancer cells is the overconsumption of glucose. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using the glucose analog (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) has been a powerful cancer diagnostic tool for many decades. Apart from surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy represent the two main domains for cancer therapy, targeting tumor proliferation, cell division, and DNA replication-all processes that require a large amount of energy. Currently, in vivo clinical imaging of metabolism is performed almost exclusively using PET radiotracers that assess oxygen consumption and mechanisms of energy substrate consumption. This paper reviews the utility of PET imaging biomarkers for the detection of cancer proliferation, vascularization, metabolism, treatment response, and follow-up after radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and chemotherapy-related side effects.

The Potential of Metabolic Imaging

Metabolic imaging is a field of molecular imaging that focuses and targets changes in metabolic pathways for the evaluation of different clinical conditions. Targeting and quantifying metabolic changes noninvasively is a powerful approach to facilitate diagnosis and evaluate therapeutic response. This review addresses only techniques targeting metabolic pathways. Other molecular imaging strategies, such as affinity or receptor imaging or microenvironment-dependent methods are beyond the scope of this review. Here we describe the current state of the art in clinically translatable metabolic imaging modalities. Specifically, we focus on PET and MR spectroscopy, including conventional (1)H- and (13)C-MR spectroscopy at thermal equilibrium and hyperpolarized MRI. In this article, we first provide an overview of metabolic pathways that are altered in many pathologic conditions and the corresponding probes and techniques used to study those alterations. We then describe the application of metabolic imaging to several common diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiac ischemia, and infection or inflammation.

(11)C[double bond, length as m-dash]O bonds made easily for positron emission tomography radiopharmaceuticals

The positron-emitting radionuclide carbon-11 ((11)C, t1/2 = 20.3 min) possesses the unique potential for radiolabeling of any biological, naturally occurring, or synthetic organic molecule for in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Carbon-11 is most often incorporated into small molecules by methylation of alcohol, thiol, amine or carboxylic acid precursors using [(11)C]methyl iodide or [(11)C]methyl triflate (generated from [(11)C]carbon dioxide or [(11)C]methane). Consequently, small molecules that lack an easily substituted (11)C-methyl group are often considered to have non-obvious strategies for radiolabeling and require a more customized approach. [(11)C]Carbon dioxide itself, [(11)C]carbon monoxide, [(11)C]cyanide, and [(11)C]phosgene represent alternative reactants to enable (11)C-carbonylation. Methodologies developed for preparation of (11)C-carbonyl groups have had a tremendous impact on the development of novel PET tracers and provided key tools for clinical research. (11)C-Carbonyl radiopharmaceuticals based on labeled carboxylic acids, amides, carbamates and ureas now account for a substantial number of important imaging agents that have seen translation to higher species and clinical research of previously inaccessible targets, which is a testament to the creativity, utility and practicality of the underlying radiochemistry.

Metabolic Imaging to Assess Treatment Response to Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Agents

For several decades, cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents were considered the basis of anticancer treatment for patients with metastatic tumors. A decrease in tumor burden, assessed by volumetric computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST), was considered as a radiological response to cytotoxic chemotherapies. In addition to RECIST-based dimensional measurements, a metabolic response to cytotoxic drugs can be assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) using ¹⁸F-fluoro-thymidine (FLT) as a radioactive tracer for drug-disrupted DNA synthesis. The decreased ¹⁸FLT-PET uptake is often seen concurrently with increased apparent diffusion coefficients by diffusion-weighted imaging due to chemotherapy-induced changes in tumor cellularity. Recently, the discovery of molecular origins of tumorogenesis led to the introduction of novel signal transduction inhibitors (STIs). STIs are targeted cytostatic agents; their effect is based on a specific biological inhibition with no immediate cell death. As such, tumor size is not anymore a sensitive end point for a treatment response to STIs; novel physiological imaging end points are desirable. For receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors as well as modulators of the downstream signaling pathways, an almost immediate inhibition in glycolytic activity (the Warburg effect) and phospholipid turnover (the Kennedy pathway) has been seen by metabolic imaging in the first 24 h of treatment. The quantitative imaging end points by magnetic resonance spectroscopy and metabolic PET (including 18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose, FDG, and total choline) provide an early treatment response to targeted STIs, before a reduction in tumor burden can be seen.

Molecular imaging to guide systemic cancer therapy: Illustrative examples of PET imaging cancer biomarkers

Molecular imaging agents have the ability to non-invasively visualize, characterize, and quantify the molecular biology of disease. Recent advances in nuclear probe development, particularly in PET radiotracers, have generated many new imaging agents with precise molecular targets. With such specificity, PET probes may be utilized as biomarkers to objectively interrogate and evaluate pathology. Whereas the current indications for PET imaging are predominately confined to staging and restaging of malignancy, the utility of PET greatly expands when utilized as a biomarker, the topic of this review. As an imaging biomarker, PET may be used to (1) measure target expression to select subsets of patients who would most benefit from targeted therapy; (2) measure early treatment response to predict therapeutic efficacy; and (3) relate tumor response to survival. This review will discuss the application of radiotracers to targeted cancer therapy. Particular attention is given to new radiotracers evaluated in recently completed clinical trials and those with current or potential clinical utility. The diverse roles of PET in clinical trails for drug development are also examined.

De Novo Glutamine Synthesis: Importance for the Proliferation of Glioma Cells and Potentials for Its Detection With 13N-Ammonia

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of de novo glutamine (Gln) synthesis in the proliferation of C6 glioma cells and its detection with ¹³N-ammonia.

Methods:

Chronic Gln-deprived C6 glioma (0.06C6) cells were established. The proliferation rates of C6 and 0.06C6 cells were measured under the conditions of Gln deprivation along with or without the addition of ammonia or glutamine synthetase (GS) inhibitor. ¹³N-ammonia uptake was assessed in C6 cells by gamma counting and in rats with C6 and 0.06C6 xenografts by micro–positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. The expression of GS in C6 cells and xenografts was assessed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Results:

The Gln-deprived C6 cells showed decreased proliferation ability but had a significant increase in GS expression. Furthermore, we found that low concentration of ammonia was sufficient to maintain the proliferation of Gln-deprived C6 cells, and ¹³N-ammonia uptake in C6 cells showed Gln-dependent decrease, whereas inhibition of GS markedly reduced the proliferation of C6 cells as well as the uptake of ¹³N-ammoina. Additionally, microPET/computed tomography exhibited that subcutaneous 0.06C6 xenografts had higher ¹³N-ammonia uptake and GS expression in contrast to C6 xenografts.

Conclusion:

De novo Gln synthesis through ammonia–glutamate reaction plays an important role in the proliferation of C6 cells. ¹³N-ammonia can be a potential metabolic PET tracer for Gln-dependent tumors.

Automated synthesis of [(18)F](2S,4R)-4-fluoroglutamine on a GE TRACERlab™ FX-N Pro module

Glutamine (Gln) and its analogues may serve as imaging agents for tumor diagnosis using positron emission tomography (PET), especially for tumors with negative [(18)F]FDG scan. We report the first automated synthesis of [(18)F](2S,4R)-4-fluoroglutamine ([(18)F]FGln) on a GE TRACERlab™ FX-N Pro module. [(18)F]FGln was obtained in 80±3min with a radiochemical yield of 21±3% (n=5, uncorrected). The radiochemical purity was >98%, and optical purity 90±5%. The synthesis is highly reproducible with good chemical purity, radiochemical yield, and is suitable for translation to cGMP production.

Metabolic pathways promoting cancer cell survival and growth

Activation of oncogenes and loss of tumour suppressors promote metabolic reprogramming in cancer, resulting in enhanced nutrient uptake to supply energetic and biosynthetic pathways. However, nutrient limitations within solid tumours may require that malignant cells exhibit metabolic flexibility to sustain growth and survival. Here, we highlight these adaptive mechanisms and also discuss emerging approaches to probe tumour metabolism in vivo and their potential to expand the metabolic repertoire of malignant cells even further.

Imaging tumor metabolism using positron emission tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an extraordinarily sensitive clinical imaging modality for interrogating tumor metabolism. Radiolabeled PET substrates can be traced at subphysiological concentrations, allowing noninvasive imaging of metabolism and intratumoral heterogeneity in systems ranging from advanced cancer models to patients in the clinic. There are a wide range of novel and more established PET radiotracers, which can be used to investigate various aspects of the tumor, including carbohydrate, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism. In this review, we briefly discuss the more established metabolic tracers and describe recent work on the development of new tracers. Some of the unanswered questions in tumor metabolism are considered alongside new technical developments, such as combined PET/magnetic resonance imaging scanners, which could provide new imaging solutions to some of the outstanding diagnostic challenges facing modern cancer medicine.

Regulation of rDNA transcription in response to growth factors, nutrients and energy

Exquisite control of ribosome biogenesis is fundamental for the maintenance of cellular growth and proliferation. Importantly, synthesis of ribosomal RNA by RNA polymerase I is a key regulatory step in ribosome biogenesis and a major biosynthetic and energy consuming process. Consequently, ribosomal RNA gene transcription is tightly coupled to the availability of growth factors, nutrients and energy. Thus cells have developed an intricate sensing network to monitor the cellular environment and modulate ribosomal DNA transcription accordingly. Critical controllers in these sensing networks, which mediate growth factor activation of ribosomal DNA transcription, include the PI3K/AKT/mTORC1, RAS/RAF/ERK pathways and MYC transcription factor. mTORC1 also responds to amino acids and energy status, making it a key hub linking all three stimuli to the regulation of ribosomal DNA transcription, although this is achieved via overlapping and distinct mechanisms. This review outlines the current knowledge of how cells respond to environmental cues to control ribosomal RNA synthesis. We also highlight the critical points within this network that are providing new therapeutic opportunities for treating cancers through modulation of RNA polymerase I activity and potential novel imaging strategies.