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Wang L, Zhang H, Huang W, Han Z, Xu H, Gu Y. Development of a novel EphA2-targeting radioligand for SPECT imaging in different tumor models. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116105. [PMID: 38154255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatoma A2 receptor (EphA2) is a tyrosine kinase, which is overexpressed in tumors while having lower expression in normal tissues, making it an excellent target for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Peptide radiotracers offer unique advantages in tumor diagnosis and therapy and have been approved for clinical use. In this study, a high-affinity EPHA2-targeted radiotracer, 99mTc-HYNIC-PEG4-EPH-3, was developed and designed based on linear peptides. 99mTc-HYNIC-PEG4-EPH-3 exhibited superior water solubility and stability. And 99mTc-HYNIC-PEG4-EPH-3 could specifically target EphA2-expressing tumors, particularly with a tumor-to-non-target (T/NT) ratio >4.7 excluding kidneys. As a result of excellent biodistribution and tumor targeting capability of 99mTc-HYNIC-PEG4-EPH-3, it might be a promising candidate drug for clinical diagnosis of EphA2-overexpressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Zhihao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Haoran Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Yueqing Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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2
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Gan Q, Cui K, Cao Q, Zhang N, Yang MF, Yang X. Development of a 18F-Labeled Bicyclic Peptide Targeting EphA2 for Molecular Imaging of PSMA-Negative Prostate Cancer. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14623-14632. [PMID: 37908059 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Although PSMA PET/CT imaging has great potential for noninvasively detecting prostate cancer (PCa), limitations exist for patients with low PSMA expression, caused by androgen deprivation treatment or neuroendocrine differentiation. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas Prostate Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PRAD) data found that erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2), a receptor overexpressed in most PCa could be a potential target for PSMA-negative PCa. A fluorescent ligand ETF and a radiolabeled ligand [18F]AlF-ETN derived from a EphA2-targeting bicyclic peptide were synthesized and investigated. ETF could selectively stain and visualize the EphA2-positive but PSMA-negative PC3 cells, in complementary to the PSMA-targeting probe. PET/CT imaging and biodistribution experiments demonstrated that [18F]AlF-ETN specifically accumulated in PC3 tumors with a high contrast (tumor-to-muscle ratio: 21.29 ± 6.55). In conclusion, we have demonstrated the potential for using EphA2 to detect PSMA-negative PCa and developed a radiolabeled ligand [18F]AlF-ETN to specifically image EphA2 expressing PCa with high contrast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Gan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Qi Cao
- Translational Cancer Research Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Translational Cancer Research Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- Yunnan Baiyao Group, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Min-Fu Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- Yunnan Baiyao Group, Kunming 650000, China
- Laboratorial Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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3
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Furukawa T, Kimura H, Sasaki M, Yamada T, Iwasawa T, Yagi Y, Kato K, Yasui H. Novel [ 111 In]In-BnDTPA-EphA2-230-1 Antibody for Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Imaging Tracer Targeting of EphA2. ACS Omega 2023; 8:7030-7035. [PMID: 36844571 PMCID: PMC9948553 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) is overexpressed in cancer cells and causes abnormal cell proliferation. Therefore, it has attracted attention as a target for diagnostic agents. In this study, the EphA2-230-1 monoclonal antibody (EphA2-230-1) was labeled with [111In]In and evaluated as an imaging tracer for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of EphA2. EphA2-230-1 was conjugated with 2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (p-SCN-BnDTPA) and then labeled with [111In]In. [111In]In-BnDTPA-EphA2-230-1 was evaluated in cell-binding, biodistribution, and SPECT/computed tomography (CT) studies. The cellular uptake ratio of [111In]In-BnDTPA-EphA2-230-1 was 14.0 ± 2.1%/mg protein at 4 h in the cell-binding study. In the biodistribution study, a high uptake of [111In]In-BnDTPA-EphA2-230-1 was observed in tumor tissue (14.6 ± 3.2% injected dose/g at 72 h). The superior accumulation of [111In]In-BnDTPA-EphA2-230-1 in tumors was also confirmed using SPECT/CT. Therefore, [111In]In-BnDTPA-EphA2-230-1 has potential as a SPECT imaging tracer for EphA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takenori Furukawa
- Department
of Analytical and Bioinorganic Chemistry, Division of Analytical and
Physical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kimura
- Department
of Analytical and Bioinorganic Chemistry, Division of Analytical and
Physical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
| | - Minon Sasaki
- Department
of Analytical and Bioinorganic Chemistry, Division of Analytical and
Physical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
| | - Takumu Yamada
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Toyo University, 2100 Nakanodai, Kujirai, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0815, Japan
| | - Takumi Iwasawa
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Toyo University, 2100 Nakanodai, Kujirai, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0815, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yagi
- Department
of Analytical and Bioinorganic Chemistry, Division of Analytical and
Physical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
- Department
of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medicinal Science, Kyoto College of Medical Science, 1-3 Imakita, Oyama-higashi, Sonobe,
Nantan, Kyoto 622-0022, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kato
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Toyo University, 2100 Nakanodai, Kujirai, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0815, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yasui
- Department
of Analytical and Bioinorganic Chemistry, Division of Analytical and
Physical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
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4
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Bolcaen J, Nair S, Driver CHS, Boshomane TMG, Ebenhan T, Vandevoorde C. Novel Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Pathway Inhibitors for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Glioblastoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:626. [PMID: 34209513 PMCID: PMC8308832 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) remains the most fatal brain tumor characterized by a high infiltration rate and treatment resistance. Overexpression and/or mutation of receptor tyrosine kinases is common in GB, which subsequently leads to the activation of many downstream pathways that have a critical impact on tumor progression and therapy resistance. Therefore, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs) have been investigated to improve the dismal prognosis of GB in an effort to evolve into a personalized targeted therapy strategy with a better treatment outcome. Numerous RTKIs have been approved in the clinic and several radiopharmaceuticals are part of (pre)clinical trials as a non-invasive method to identify patients who could benefit from RTKI. The latter opens up the scope for theranostic applications. In this review, the present status of RTKIs for the treatment, nuclear imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy of GB is presented. The focus will be on seven tyrosine kinase receptors, based on their central role in GB: EGFR, VEGFR, MET, PDGFR, FGFR, Eph receptor and IGF1R. Finally, by way of analyzing structural and physiological characteristics of the TKIs with promising clinical trial results, four small molecule RTKIs were selected based on their potential to become new therapeutic GB radiopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bolcaen
- Radiobiology, Radiation Biophysics Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, iThemba LABS, Cape Town 7131, South Africa;
| | - Shankari Nair
- Radiobiology, Radiation Biophysics Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, iThemba LABS, Cape Town 7131, South Africa;
| | - Cathryn H. S. Driver
- Radiochemistry, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, Pelindaba, Brits 0240, South Africa;
- Pre-Clinical Imaging Facility, Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure, Pelindaba, Brits 0242, South Africa;
| | - Tebatso M. G. Boshomane
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Thomas Ebenhan
- Pre-Clinical Imaging Facility, Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure, Pelindaba, Brits 0242, South Africa;
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
- Preclinical Drug Development Platform, Department of Science and Technology, North West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Charlot Vandevoorde
- Radiobiology, Radiation Biophysics Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, iThemba LABS, Cape Town 7131, South Africa;
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5
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Gajdzis M, Theocharis S, Gajdzis P, Cassoux N, Gardrat S, Donizy P, Klijanienko J, Kaczmarek R. Ephrin Receptors (Eph): EphA1, EphA5, and EphA7 Expression in Uveal Melanoma-Associations with Clinical Parameters and Patient Survival. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E225. [PMID: 33007931 DOI: 10.3390/life10100225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. The development of distant metastases is associated with a poor prognosis. Ephrine receptors (Eph) are the largest subpopulation of tyrosine kinase receptors. They play an important role in processes related to the formation and progression of cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of ephrin receptors EphA1, EphA5, and EphA7 in uveal melanoma and its associations with clinicopathological parameters, overall survival, and disease-free survival. The study included 94 previously untreated patients who underwent enucleation due to uveal melanoma. High expression of EphA1 was positively correlated with a smaller tumor size, less frequent extra-scleral extension, lower mitotic activity, and more frequent vitreous hemorrhage. High expression of EphA5 was associated with less frequent chromosome 3 loss, absence of distant metastases, and more frequent vitreous hemorrhage. High expression of EphA7 was associated with a more frequent primary tumor location in the posterior pole. High EphA5 expression was associated with longer overall survival time. The above findings indicate that high expression of EphA1 and EphA5 can be considered a beneficial prognostic factor in uveal melanoma.
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6
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Pyo A, You SH, Sik Kim H, Young Kim J, Min JJ, Kim DY, Hong Y. Production of 64Cu-labeled monobody for imaging of human EphA2-expressing tumors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127262. [PMID: 32527560 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported on the monobody E1, which specifically targets the tumor marker hEphA2. In this study, we labeled NOTA-conjugated E1 with 64Cu (64Cu-NOTA-E1) and evaluated biologic characteristics. The uptake of 64Cu-NOTA-E1 in PC3 cells (a human prostate cancer cell line) with high expression of hEphA2 increased in a time-dependent manner. In PC3 xenograft mice, 64Cu-NOTA-E1 injected via the tail vein allowed visualization of tumors on positron emission tomography after 1 h and the highest uptake measured at 24 h post-injection. By contrast, the radioactivity of other tissues either did not increase or decreased over 24 h. This indicates that 64Cu-NOTA-E1 has high tumor uptake and retention, with rapid clearance, and low background values in other tissues. Therefore, 64Cu-NOTA-E1 should be suitable as a novel PET imaging agent for hEphA2-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayoung Pyo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hwan You
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Sik Kim
- Medical Photonics Research Center, Korea Photonics Technology Institute, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Young Kim
- Division of RI-Convergence Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Min
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Yeon Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yeongjin Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Neuber C, Belter B, Mamat C, Pietzsch J. Radiopharmacologist's and Radiochemist's View on Targeting the Eph/Ephrin Receptor Tyrosine Kinase System. ACS Omega 2020; 5:16318-16331. [PMID: 32685795 PMCID: PMC7364440 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, there have been extensive efforts to open up the Eph/ephrin subfamily of the receptor tyrosine kinase family for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Besides classical pharmaceutical developments, which focus either on drugs targeting the extracellular ligand binding domains or on the intracellular tyrosine kinase domains of these receptors, there also have been first radiopharmaceutical approaches. Here the focus is on the development of specific and selective probes for molecular imaging, particularly by means of positron emission tomography, and the functional characterization of the Eph/ephrin subfamily in certain target tissues. The aim of this mini-review is to summarize the different approaches toward Eph-targeting radiotracers by using antibodies, peptides, and small molecules and to discuss their radiopharmacological characterization. With regard to the small molecules, further considerations will focus on the design and synthesis of nonradioactive reference compounds and precursors as well as on radiolabeling strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Neuber
- Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer
Research, Department of Radiopharmaceutical
and Chemical Biology, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Birgit Belter
- Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer
Research, Department of Radiopharmaceutical
and Chemical Biology, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Constantin Mamat
- Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer
Research, Department of Radionuclide Theragnostics, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Technische
Universität Dresden, School of Science,
Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer
Research, Department of Radiopharmaceutical
and Chemical Biology, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Technische
Universität Dresden, School of Science,
Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, 01062 Dresden, Germany
- E-mail:
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8
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Janes PW, Vail ME, Gan HK, Scott AM. Antibody Targeting of Eph Receptors in Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13050088. [PMID: 32397088 PMCID: PMC7281212 DOI: 10.3390/ph13050088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases mediate cell-cell communication controlling cell and tissue patterning during development. While generally less active in adult tissues, they often re-emerge in cancers, particularly on undifferentiated or progenitor cells in tumors and the tumor microenvironment, associated with tumor initiation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Eph receptors are thus attractive therapeutic targets, and monoclonal antibodies have been commonly developed and tested for anti-cancer activity in preclinical models, and in some cases in the clinic. This review summarizes 20 years of research on various antibody-based approaches to target Eph receptors in tumors and the tumor microenvironment, including their mode of action, tumor specificity, and efficacy in pre-clinical and clinical testing.
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Abstract
Immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) is a paradigm-shifting molecular imaging modality combining the superior targeting specificity of monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the inherent sensitivity of PET technique. A variety of radionuclides and mAbs have been exploited to develop immunoPET probes, which has been driven by the development and optimization of radiochemistry and conjugation strategies. In addition, tumor-targeting vectors with a short circulation time (e.g., Nanobody) or with an enhanced binding affinity (e.g., bispecific antibody) are being used to design novel immunoPET probes. Accordingly, several immunoPET probes, such as 89Zr-Df-pertuzumab and 89Zr-atezolizumab, have been successfully translated for clinical use. By noninvasively and dynamically revealing the expression of heterogeneous tumor antigens, immunoPET imaging is gradually changing the theranostic landscape of several types of malignancies. ImmunoPET is the method of choice for imaging specific tumor markers, immune cells, immune checkpoints, and inflammatory processes. Furthermore, the integration of immunoPET imaging in antibody drug development is of substantial significance because it provides pivotal information regarding antibody targeting abilities and distribution profiles. Herein, we present the latest immunoPET imaging strategies and their preclinical and clinical applications. We also emphasize current conjugation strategies that can be leveraged to develop next-generation immunoPET probes. Lastly, we discuss practical considerations to tune the development and translation of immunoPET imaging strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7137, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Zachary T Rosenkrans
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Quan-Yong Luo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7137, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States.,University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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10
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Kamoun WS, Kirpotin DB, Huang ZR, Tipparaju SK, Noble CO, Hayes ME, Luus L, Koshkaryev A, Kim J, Olivier K, Kornaga T, Oyama S, Askoxylakis V, Pien C, Kuesters G, Dumont N, Lugovskoy AA, Schihl SA, Wilton JH, Geddie ML, Suchy J, Grabow S, Kohli N, Reynolds CP, Blaydes R, Zhou Y, Sawyer AJ, Marks JD, Drummond DC. Antitumour activity and tolerability of an EphA2-targeted nanotherapeutic in multiple mouse models. Nat Biomed Eng 2019; 3:264-80. [DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0385-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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11
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Möser C, Lorenz JS, Sajfutdinow M, Smith DM. Pinpointed Stimulation of EphA2 Receptors via DNA-Templated Oligovalence. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113482. [PMID: 30404153 PMCID: PMC6274923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA nanostructures enable the attachment of functional molecules to nearly any unique location on their underlying structure. Due to their single-base-pair structural resolution, several ligands can be spatially arranged and closely controlled according to the geometry of their desired target, resulting in optimized binding and/or signaling interactions. Here, the efficacy of SWL, an ephrin-mimicking peptide that binds specifically to EphrinA2 (EphA2) receptors, increased by presenting up to three of these peptides on small DNA nanostructures in an oligovalent manner. Ephrin signaling pathways play crucial roles in tumor development and progression. Moreover, Eph receptors are potential targets in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Here, the quantitative impact of SWL valency on binding, phosphorylation (key player for activation) and phenotype regulation in EphA2-expressing prostate cancer cells was demonstrated. EphA2 phosphorylation was significantly increased by DNA trimers carrying three SWL peptides compared to monovalent SWL. In comparison to one of EphA2’s natural ligands ephrin-A1, which is known to bind promiscuously to multiple receptors, pinpointed targeting of EphA2 by oligovalent DNA-SWL constructs showed enhanced cell retraction. Overall, we show that DNA scaffolds can increase the potency of weak signaling peptides through oligovalent presentation and serve as potential tools for examination of complex signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Möser
- DNA Nanodevices Unit, Department Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Jessica S Lorenz
- DNA Nanodevices Unit, Department Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Martin Sajfutdinow
- DNA Nanodevices Unit, Department Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Project Center "Microelectronic and Optical Systems for Biomedicine" (MEOS), 99099 Erfurt, Germany.
| | - David M Smith
- DNA Nanodevices Unit, Department Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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12
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Gambini L, Salem AF, Udompholkul P, Tan XF, Baggio C, Shah N, Aronson A, Song J, Pellecchia M. Structure-Based Design of Novel EphA2 Agonistic Agents with Nanomolar Affinity in Vitro and in Cell. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:2633-2644. [PMID: 30110533 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
EphA2 overexpression is invariably associated with poor prognosis and development of aggressive metastatic cancers in pancreatic, prostate, lung, ovarian, and breast cancers and melanoma. Recent efforts from our laboratories identified a number of agonistic peptides targeting the ligand-binding domain of the EphA2 receptor. The individual agents, however, were still relatively weak in affinities (micromolar range) that precluded detailed structural studies on the mode of action. Using a systematic optimization of the 12-mer peptide mimetic 123B9, we were able to first derive an agent that displayed a submicromolar affinity for the receptor. This agent enabled cocrystallization with the EphA2 ligand-binding domain providing for the first time the structural basis for their agonistic mechanism of action. In addition, the atomic coordinates of the complex enabled rapid iterations of structure-based optimizations that resulted in a novel agonistic agent, named 135H11, with a nanomolar affinity for the receptor, as demonstrated by in vitro binding assays (isothermal titration calorimetry measurements), and a biochemical displacement assay. As we have recently demonstrated, the cellular activity of these agents is further increased by synthesizing dimeric versions of the compounds. Hence, we report that a dimeric version of 135H11 is extremely effective at low nanomolar concentrations to induce cellular receptor activation, internalization, and inhibition of cell migration in a pancreatic cancer cell line. Given the pivotal role of EphA2 in tumor growth, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and metastasis, these agents, and the associated structural studies, provide significant advancements in the field for the development of novel EphA2-targeting therapeutics or diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Gambini
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Ahmed F. Salem
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Parima Udompholkul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Xiao-Feng Tan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Neh Shah
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Alexander Aronson
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Jikui Song
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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13
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Salem AF, Wang S, Billet S, Chen JF, Udompholkul P, Gambini L, Baggio C, Tseng HR, Posadas EM, Bhowmick NA, Pellecchia M. Reduction of Circulating Cancer Cells and Metastases in Breast-Cancer Models by a Potent EphA2-Agonistic Peptide-Drug Conjugate. J Med Chem 2018; 61:2052-2061. [PMID: 29470068 PMCID: PMC5907794 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
![]()
EphA2
overexpression has been associated with metastasis in multiple
cancer types, including melanomas and ovarian, prostate, lung, and
breast cancers. We have recently proposed the development of peptide–drug
conjugates (PDCs) using agonistic EphA2-targeting agents, such as
the YSA peptide or its optimized version, 123B9. Although our studies
indicated that YSA– and 123B9–drug conjugates can selectively
deliver cytotoxic drugs to cancer cells in vivo, the relatively low
cellular agonistic activities (i.e., the high micromolar concentrations
required) of the agents toward the EphA2 receptor remained a limiting
factor to the further development of these PDCs in the clinic. Here,
we report that a dimeric version of 123B9 can induce receptor activation
at nanomolar concentrations. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the
conjugation of dimeric 123B9 with paclitaxel is very effective at
targeting circulating tumor cells and inhibiting lung metastasis in
breast-cancer models. These studies represent an important step toward
the development of effective EphA2-targeting PDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed F Salem
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine , University of California, Riverside , 900 University Avenue , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Si Wang
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute , 10901 North Torrey Pines Road , La Jolla , California 92037 , United States
| | - Sandrine Billet
- Department of Medicine , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , 8700 Beverly Boulevard , Los Angeles , California 90048 , United States
| | - Jie-Fu Chen
- Department of Medicine , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , 8700 Beverly Boulevard , Los Angeles , California 90048 , United States
| | - Parima Udompholkul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine , University of California, Riverside , 900 University Avenue , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Luca Gambini
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine , University of California, Riverside , 900 University Avenue , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine , University of California, Riverside , 900 University Avenue , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Hsian-Rong Tseng
- Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology , University of California, Los Angeles , 570 Westwood Plaza , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
| | - Edwin M Posadas
- Department of Medicine , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , 8700 Beverly Boulevard , Los Angeles , California 90048 , United States
| | - Neil A Bhowmick
- Department of Medicine , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , 8700 Beverly Boulevard , Los Angeles , California 90048 , United States.,Department of Research , Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration , Los Angeles , California 90073 , United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine , University of California, Riverside , 900 University Avenue , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
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14
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Kim MA, Yoon HS, Park SH, Kim DY, Pyo A, Kim HS, Min JJ, Hong Y. Engineering of monobody conjugates for human EphA2-specific optical imaging. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180786. [PMID: 28686661 PMCID: PMC5501600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, we developed an E1 monobody specific for the tumor biomarker hEphA2 [PLoS ONE (2015) 10(7): e0132976]. E1 showed potential as a molecular probe for in vitro and in vivo targeting of cancers overexpressing hEphA2. In the present study, we constructed expression vectors for E1 conjugated to optical reporters such as Renilla luciferase variant 8 (Rluc8) or enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and purified such recombinant proteins by affinity chromatography in E. coli. E1-Rluc8 and E1-EGFP specifically bound to hEphA2 in human prostate cancer PC3 cells but not in human cervical cancer HeLa cells, which express hEphA2 at high and low levels, respectively. These recombinant proteins maintained >40% activity in mouse serum at 24 h. In vivo optical imaging for 24 h did not detect E1-EGFP signals, whereas E1-Rluc8 showed tumor-specific luminescence signals in PC3 but not in HeLa xenograft mice. E1-Rluc8 signals were detected at 4 h, peaked at 12 h, and were undetectable at 24 h. These results suggest the potential of E1-Rluc8 as an EphA2-specific optical imaging agent.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/chemistry
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Escherichia coli/genetics
- Escherichia coli/metabolism
- Female
- Genes, Reporter
- Genetic Vectors/chemistry
- Genetic Vectors/metabolism
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism
- HeLa Cells
- Heterografts
- Humans
- Immunoconjugates/chemistry
- Immunoconjugates/metabolism
- Luciferases/genetics
- Luciferases/metabolism
- Male
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Optical Imaging
- Organ Specificity
- Protein Engineering
- Receptor, EphA2/analysis
- Receptor, EphA2/genetics
- Receptor, EphA2/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-A Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine (BK21Plus), Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Seung Yoon
- Department of Molecular Medicine (BK21Plus), Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Park
- Biological Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Jeongeup, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Yeon Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ayoung Pyo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Sik Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Min
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeongjin Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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15
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Jacobson O, Li Q, Chen H, Niu G, Kiesewetter DO, Xu L, Cook K, Yang G, Dall'Acqua W, Tsui P, Peng L, Chen X. PET-Guided Evaluation and Optimization of Internalized Antibody-Drug Conjugates Targeting Erythropoietin-Producing Hepatoma A2 Receptor. J Nucl Med 2017; 58:1838-1844. [PMID: 28546337 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.117.192245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatoma A2 receptor (EphA2) is a tyrosine kinase overexpressed by tumor stroma and cancer cells. A high expression level of EphA2 predicts poor prognosis, correlating with disease progression and metastasis. Therefore, EphA2 is a relevant therapeutic target for human cancer. Antibodies, selectively bound to EphA2, can induce rapid receptor phosphorylation that results in antibody internalization and degradation. This internalization mechanism has been exploited with the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we used PET imaging to study the pharmacokinetics and tumor delivery of a panel of anti-EphA2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with and without drug conjugates. Methods: A library of human anti-EphA2 mAbs were screened and evaluated for EphA2 internalization rate, binding affinity, epitope binding, and hydrophobicity. We chose 3 of these antibodies, denoted as 1C1, 3B10, and 2H7, which recognize different epitopes, for further evaluation. ADCs were generated by S239C mutation to give a ratio of 2 drug molecules per antibody. Native mAbs and ADCs were characterized, after conjugation to a DFO chelator and 89Zr radiolabeling, in assays including cell uptake, internalization, hydrophobicity, and in vivo imaging using PET. Results: All 3 mAbs had high affinities for EphA2 but exhibited different internalization rates following the order of 1C1 > 3B10 > 2H7. Internalization rate is only 1 factor that affects in vitro cell uptake and in vivo tumor accumulation. Interestingly, the hydrophobicity of the mAbs, which followed the order of 2H7 > 1C1 > 3B10, had a strong correlation with in vivo tumor uptake measured by PET, with the least hydrophobic antibody, 3B10, showing the highest tumor uptake. ADC significantly reduced the in vivo uptake of all 3 mAbs. Conclusion: Tumor uptake of mAb is a complex process that is affected by multiple parameters, including internalization, hydrophobicity, and chemical modification. Our results suggest that the addition of drug molecules to mAb increases the clearance of the mAb presumably due to the increased hydrophobicity. Understanding the complexity of antibody-based tumor delivery may help improve ADC engineering for better tumor targeting and reduced side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Jacobson
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Haojun Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Gang Niu
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Dale O Kiesewetter
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Lan Xu
- Department of Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Kimberly Cook
- Department of Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Gengcheng Yang
- Department of Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - William Dall'Acqua
- Department of Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Ping Tsui
- Department of Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Li Peng
- Department of Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
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16
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Burvenich IJG, Parakh S, Gan HK, Lee FT, Guo N, Rigopoulos A, Lee ST, Gong S, O'Keefe GJ, Tochon-Danguy H, Kotsuma M, Hasegawa J, Senaldi G, Scott AM. Molecular Imaging and Quantitation of EphA2 Expression in Xenograft Models with 89Zr-DS-8895a. J Nucl Med 2016; 57:974-80. [PMID: 26940768 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.115.169839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Subtype A2 of the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular tyrosine kinase (EphA2) cell surface receptor is expressed in a range of epithelial cancers. This study evaluated the molecular imaging of EphA2 expression in vivo in mouse tumor models using SPECT/MR and PET/MR and a humanized anti-EphA2 antibody, DS-8895a. METHODS DS-8895a was labeled with (111)In, (125)I, and (89)Zr and assessed for radiochemical purity, immunoreactivity (Lindmo analysis), antigen-binding affinity (Scatchard analysis), and serum stability in vitro. In vivo biodistribution, imaging, and pharmacokinetic studies were performed with SPECT/MR and PET/MR. A dose-escalation study was also performed to determine EphA2 receptor saturability through tissue and imaging quantitative analysis. RESULTS All conjugates demonstrated good serum stability and specific binding to EphA2-expressing cells in vitro. In vivo biodistribution studies showed high uptake of (111)In-CHX-A″-DTPA-DS-8895a and (89)Zr-Df-Bz-NCS-DS-8895a in EphA2-expressing xenograft models, with no specific uptake in normal tissues. In comparison, retention of (125)I-DS-8895a in tumors was lower because of internalization of the radioconjugate and dehalogenation. These results were confirmed by SPECT/MR and PET/MR. EphA2 receptor saturation was observed at the 30 mg/kg dose. CONCLUSION Molecular imaging of tumor uptake of DS-8895a allows noninvasive measurement of EphA2 expression in tumors in vivo and determination of receptor saturation. (89)Zr-Df-Bz-NCS-DS-8895a is suited for human bioimaging trials on the basis of superior imaging characteristics and will inform DS-8895a dose assessment and patient response evaluation in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid J G Burvenich
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sagun Parakh
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia Department of Medical Oncology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hui K Gan
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia Department of Medical Oncology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fook-Thean Lee
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nancy Guo
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angela Rigopoulos
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sze-Ting Lee
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sylvia Gong
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Graeme J O'Keefe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Australia Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Henri Tochon-Danguy
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Masakatsu Kotsuma
- Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology Department, Daiichi-Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Hasegawa
- Biologics Pharmacology Research Laboratories, Daiichi-Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Giorgio Senaldi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Daiichi-Sankyo Pharma Development, Edison, New Jersey; and
| | - Andrew M Scott
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia Department of Medical Oncology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Australia Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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17
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Park SH, Park S, Kim DY, Pyo A, Kimura RH, Sathirachinda A, Choy HE, Min JJ, Gambhir SS, Hong Y. Isolation and Characterization of a Monobody with a Fibronectin Domain III Scaffold That Specifically Binds EphA2. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132976. [PMID: 26177208 PMCID: PMC4503726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Monobodies are binding scaffold proteins originating from a human fibronectin domain III (Fn3) scaffold that can be easily engineered with specificity and affinity. Human EphA2 (hEphA2) is an early detection marker protein for various tumors including lung, breast, and colon cancer. In this study, we isolated two hEphA2-specific monobodies (E1 and E10) by screening a yeast surface display library. They showed the same amino acid sequence except in the DE loop and had high affinity (~2 nM Kd) against hEphA2. E1 bound only hEphA2 and mEphA2, although it bound hEphA2 with an affinity 2-fold higher than that of mEphA2. However, E10 also bound the mEphA6 and mEphA8 homologs as well as hEphA2 and mEphA2. Thus, E1 but not E10 was highly specific for hEphA2. E1 specifically bound human cells and xenograft tumor tissues expressing hEphA on the cell surface. In vivo optical imaging showed strong targeting of Cy5.5-labeled E1 to mouse tumor tissue induced by PC3 cells, a human prostate cancer cell line that expresses a high level of hEphA2. In conclusion, the highly specific monobody E1 is useful as a hEphA2 probe candidate for in vivo diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hwan Park
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukho Park
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Yeon Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ayoung Pyo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Richard H. Kimura
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Ataya Sathirachinda
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Hyon E. Choy
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Min
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanjiv Sam Gambhir
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Yeongjin Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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18
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Puttick S, Stringer BW, Day BW, Bruce ZC, Ensbey KS, Mardon K, Cowin GJ, Thurecht KJ, Whittaker AK, Fay M, Boyd AW, Rose S. EphA2 as a Diagnostic Imaging Target in Glioblastoma: A Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Mol Imaging 2015. [DOI: 10.2310/7290.2015.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Puttick
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
| | - Brett W. Stringer
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
| | - Bryan W. Day
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
| | - Zara C. Bruce
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
| | - Kathleen S. Ensbey
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
| | - Karine Mardon
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
| | - Gary J. Cowin
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
| | - Kristofer J. Thurecht
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
| | - Andrew K. Whittaker
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
| | - Michael Fay
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
| | - Andrew W. Boyd
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
| | - Stephen Rose
- From the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, and Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston; Australian National Imaging Facility, Queensland Node, Brisbane; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Queensland Node, Brisbane; Queensland Health – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland,
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19
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Kikuchi S, Kaibe N, Morimoto K, Fukui H, Niwa H, Maeyama Y, Takemura M, Matsumoto M, Nakamori S, Miwa H, Hirota S, Sasako M. Overexpression of Ephrin A2 receptors in cancer stromal cells is a prognostic factor for the relapse of gastric cancer. Gastric Cancer 2015; 18:485-94. [PMID: 24908114 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-014-0390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microenvironments control cancer growth and progression. We explored the prognostic impact of stromal reaction and cancer stromal cells on relapse risk and survival after curative gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients. METHODS Tissue samples were obtained from 107 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent curative (R0) gastrectomy. Primary stromal cells isolated from gastric cancer tissue (GCSC) and normal gastric tissue (Gastric stromal cell: GSC) in each patient were cultured and subjected to comprehensive proteome (LC-MS/MS) and real-time RT-PCR analysis. Expression of Ephrin A2 receptors (EphA2) in cancers and GCSC was evaluated immunohistochemically. Intermingling of EphA2-positive cancer cells and GCSC (IC/A2+) and overexpression of EphA2 in cancer cells (Ca/A2+) in invasive parts of tumors were assessed, as were relationships of IC/A2+, Ca/A2+, and clinicopathological factors with relapse-free survival and overall survival. RESULTS Proteome analysis showed that EphA2 expression was significantly higher in GCSC than GSC. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that levels of EphA1/A2/A3/A5 and EphB2/B4 were ≥2.0-fold higher in GCSC than GSC. Ca/A2 and IC/A2 were positive in 65 (60.7 %) and 26 (24.3 %) patients, respectively. Relapse was significantly more frequent in IC/A2-positive than in IC/A2-negative (HR, 2.12; 95 % CI, 1.16-5.41; p = 0.0207) patients. Among the 54 patients who received S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy, relapse-free survival (RFS) was significantly shorter in those who were IC/A2-positive than in those who were IC/A2-negative and Ca/A2-negative (HR, 2.83; 95 % CI, 1.12-12.12; p = 0.0339). Multivariable analysis indicated that pathological stage (p = 0.010) and IC/A2+ (p = 0.008) were independent risk factors for recurrence. CONCLUSION IC/A2+ was predictive of relapse after curative (R0) gastrectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shojiro Kikuchi
- Department of Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan,
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20
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Abstract
The prognostic role of EphA2 in human carcinomas remains controversial. We systematically reviewed the evidence of assessment of EphA2 expression in cancers to help clarify this issue. PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched to identify eligible studies to evaluate the association of EphA2 expression and overall survival (OS) of cancers. Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled to estimate the effect. EphA2 overexpression was significantly correlated with poor OS of patients with cancer (HR: 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.65-2.28). Subgroup analysis also indicated a significant relation between EphA2 overexpression and OS in gastric cancer (HR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.48-2.59). However, there was no significant relation between EphA2 overexpression and OS in lung cancer (HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.93-1.83). Our analyses demonstrate that EphA2 overexpression was effectively predictive of worse prognosis in various human carcinomas. For certain cancers, EphA2 might be a marker of poor prognosis in patients with cancer, except for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisong Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital , Beijing , China
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21
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Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptor tyrosine kinase family plays important roles in developmental processes, adult tissue homeostasis, and various diseases. Interaction with Eph receptor-interacting protein (ephrin) ligands on the surface of neighboring cells triggers Eph receptor kinase-dependent signaling. The ephrins can also transmit signals, leading to bidirectional cell contact-dependent communication. Moreover, Eph receptors and ephrins can function independently of each other through interplay with other signaling systems. Given their involvement in many pathological conditions ranging from neurological disorders to cancer and viral infections, Eph receptors and ephrins are increasingly recognized as attractive therapeutic targets, and various strategies are being explored to modulate their expression and function. Eph receptor/ephrin upregulation in cancer cells, the angiogenic vasculature, and injured or diseased tissues also offer opportunities for Eph/ephrin-based targeted drug delivery and imaging. Thus, despite the challenges presented by the complex biology of the Eph receptor/ephrin system, exciting possibilities exist for therapies exploiting these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Barquilla
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037; ,
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Hong H, Chen F, Zhang Y, Cai W. New radiotracers for imaging of vascular targets in angiogenesis-related diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 76:2-20. [PMID: 25086372 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Tremendous advances over the last several decades in positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) allow for targeted imaging of molecular and cellular events in the living systems. Angiogenesis, a multistep process regulated by the network of different angiogenic factors, has attracted world-wide interests, due to its pivotal role in the formation and progression of different diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and inflammation. In this review article, we will summarize the recent progress in PET or SPECT imaging of a wide variety of vascular targets in three major angiogenesis-related diseases: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation. Faster drug development and patient stratification for a specific therapy will become possible with the facilitation of PET or SPECT imaging and it will be critical for the maximum benefit of patients.
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Day BW, Stringer BW, Boyd AW. Eph receptors as therapeutic targets in glioblastoma. Br J Cancer 2014; 111:1255-61. [PMID: 25144626 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The dismal outlook for patients with the most aggressive and common form of adult brain cancer, glioblastoma (GBM), motivates a search for new therapeutic strategies and targets for this aggressive disease. Here we review the findings to date on the role of Eph family receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands in brain cancer. Expression of the Eph family of cell surface proteins is generally downregulated to very low levels in normal adult tissues making them particularly attractive for directed therapeutic targeting. Recent Eph targeting studies in pre-clinical models of GBM have been very encouraging and may provide an avenue to treat these highly refractory aggressive tumours.
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Liu Y, Lan X, Wu T, Lang J, Jin X, Sun X, Wen Q, An R. 99mTc-labeled SWL specific peptide for targeting EphA2 receptor. Nucl Med Biol 2014; 41:450-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2014.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Patel AR, Chougule M, Singh M. EphA2 targeting pegylated nanocarrier drug delivery system for treatment of lung cancer. Pharm Res 2014; 31:2796-809. [PMID: 24867421 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-014-1377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evaluation of tumor targeting pegylated EphA2 peptide coated nanoparticles (ENDDs) of a novel anticancer agent DIM-C-pPhC6H5 (DIM-P) and Docetaxel (DOC) and investigate its antitumor activity and potential for treatment of lung cancer. METHODS Nanoparticles were prepared with DIM-P and DOC (NDDs) using Nano-DeBEE. ENDDs were prepared by conjugating NDDs with 6His-PEG2K-EphA2 peptide and characterized for physicochemical properties, binding assay, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake studies, drug release and pharmacokinetic parameters. Anti-tumor activity of ENDDs was evaluated using a metastatic H1650 and orthotopic A549 tumor models in nude mice and tumor tissue were analyzed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Particle size and entrapment efficiency of ENDDs were 197 ± 21 nm and 95 ± 2%. ENDDs showed 32.5 ± 3.5% more cellular uptake than NDDs in tumor cells. ENDDs showed 23 ± 3% and 26 ± 4% more tumor reduction compared to NDDs in metastatic and orthotopic tumor models, respectively. In-vivo imaging studies using the Care stream MX FX Pro system showed (p < 0.001) 40-60 fold higher flux for ENDDs compared to NDDs at tumor site. CONCLUSIONS The results emanating from these studies demonstrate anti-cancer potential of DIM-P and the role of ENDDs as effective tumor targeting drug delivery systems for lung cancer treatment.
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Abstract
Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands are involved in various signalling pathways and mediate critical steps of a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes. Increasing experimental evidence demonstrates that both Eph receptor and ephrin ligands are overexpressed in a number of human tumours, and are associated with tumour growth, invasiveness and metastasis. In this regard, the Eph/ephrin system provides the foundation for potentially exciting new targets for anticancer therapies for Eph-expressing tumours. The purpose of this review is to outline current advances in the role of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands in cancer, and to discuss novel therapeutic approaches of anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Qing Xi
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Patterson C, Frederick CB, Yuan H, Dyer LA, Lockyer P, Lalush DS, Veleva AN. Development of a new positron emission tomography tracer for targeting tumor angiogenesis: synthesis, small animal imaging, and radiation dosimetry. Molecules 2013; 18:5594-610. [PMID: 23676470 DOI: 10.3390/molecules18055594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a key role in cancer progression and correlates with disease aggressiveness and poor clinical outcomes. Affinity ligands discovered by screening phage display random peptide libraries can be engineered to molecularly target tumor blood vessels for noninvasive imaging and early detection of tumor aggressiveness. In this study, we tested the ability of a phage-display-selected peptide sequence recognizing specifically bone marrow- derived pro-angiogenic tumor-homing cells, the QFP-peptide, radiolabeled with 64Cu radioisotope to selectively image tumor vasculature in vivo by positron emission tomography (PET). To prepare the targeted PET tracer we modified QFP-phage with the DOTA chelator and radiolabeled the purified QFP-phage-DOTA intermediate with 64Cu to obtain QFP-targeted radioconjugate with high radiopharmaceutical yield and specific activity. We evaluated the new PET tracer in vivo in a subcutaneous (s.c.) Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) mouse model and conducted tissue distribution, small animal PET/CT imaging study, autoradiography, histology, fluorescence imaging, and dosimetry assessments. The results from this study show that, in the context of the s.c. LLC immunocompetent mouse model, the QFP-tracer can target tumor blood vessels selectively. However, further optimization of the biodistribution and dosimetry profile of the tracer is necessary to ensure efficient radiopharmaceutical applications enabled by the biological specificity of the QFP-peptide.
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Lisle JE, Mertens-Walker I, Rutkowski R, Herington AC, Stephenson SA. Eph receptors and their ligands: promising molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets in prostate cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2013; 1835:243-57. [PMID: 23396052 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Although at present, there is a high incidence of prostate cancer, particularly in the Western world, mortality from this disease is declining and occurs primarily only from clinically significant late stage tumors with a poor prognosis. A major current focus of this field is the identification of new biomarkers which can detect earlier, and more effectively, clinically significant tumors from those deemed "low risk", as well as predict the prognostic course of a particular cancer. This strategy can in turn offer novel avenues for targeted therapies. The large family of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases, the Ephs, and their binding partners, the ephrins, has been implicated in many cancers of epithelial origin through stimulation of oncogenic transformation, tumor angiogenesis, and promotion of increased cell survival, invasion and migration. They also show promise as both biomarkers of diagnostic and prognostic value and as targeted therapies in cancer. This review will briefly discuss the complex roles and biological mechanisms of action of these receptors and ligands and, with regard to prostate cancer, highlight their potential as biomarkers for both diagnosis and prognosis, their application as imaging agents, and current approaches to assessing them as therapeutic targets. This review demonstrates the need for future studies into those particular family members that will prove helpful in understanding the biology and potential as targets for treatment of prostate cancer.
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29
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Duggineni S, Mitra S, Lamberto I, Han X, Xu Y, An J, Pasquale EB, Huang Z. Design and Synthesis of Potent Bivalent Peptide Agonists Targeting the EphA2 Receptor. ACS Med Chem Lett 2013; 4. [PMID: 24167659 DOI: 10.1021/ml3004523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Designing potent and selective peptides and small molecules that target Eph receptor tyrosine kinases remains a challenge and new strategies are needed for developing novel and potent ligands for these receptors. In this study, we performed a structure-activity relationship study of a previously identified 12 amino acid-long peptide, SWL, by alanine scanning to identify residues important for receptor binding. To further enhance and optimize the receptor binding affinity of the SWL peptide, we applied the concept of bivalent ligand design to synthesize several SWL-derived dimeric peptides as novel ligands capable of binding simultaneously to two EphA2 receptor molecules. The dimeric peptides possess higher receptor binding affinity than the original monomeric SWL peptide, consistent with bivalent binding. The most potent dimeric peptide, a SWL dimer with a 6 carbon linker, has about 13 fold increased potency compared to SWL. Furthermore, similar to SWL, the dimeric peptide is an agonist and can promote EphA2 tyrosine phosphorylation (activation) in cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Duggineni
- SUNY Upstate Cancer Research Institute,
Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Syracuse,
New York 13210, United States
| | - Sayantan Mitra
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute,
La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Ilaria Lamberto
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute,
La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Xiaofeng Han
- SUNY Upstate Cancer Research Institute,
Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Syracuse,
New York 13210, United States
| | - Yan Xu
- SUNY Upstate Cancer Research Institute,
Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Syracuse,
New York 13210, United States
| | - Jing An
- SUNY Upstate Cancer Research Institute,
Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Syracuse,
New York 13210, United States
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute,
La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Department of Pathology, University
of California, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Ziwei Huang
- SUNY Upstate Cancer Research Institute,
Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Syracuse,
New York 13210, United States
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30
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Hong H, Zhang Y, Orbay H, Valdovinos HF, Nayak TR, Bean J, Theuer CP, Barnhart TE, Cai W. Positron emission tomography imaging of tumor angiogenesis with a (61/64)Cu-labeled F(ab')(2) antibody fragment. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:709-16. [PMID: 23316869 DOI: 10.1021/mp300507r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize the in vitro and in vivo properties of the F(ab')(2) fragment of TRC105, a human/murine chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds with high avidity to human and murine CD105 (i.e., endoglin), and investigate its potential for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of tumor angiogenesis after (61/64)Cu-labeling. TRC105-F(ab')(2) of high purity was produced by pepsin digestion of TRC105, which was confirmed by SDS-PAGE, HPLC analysis, and mass spectrometry. (61/64)Cu-labeling of NOTA-TRC105-F(ab')(2) (NOTA denotes 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid) was achieved with yields of >75% (specific activity: ∼115 GBq/μmol). PET imaging revealed rapid tumor uptake of (64)Cu-NOTA-TRC105-F(ab')(2) in the 4T1 murine breast cancer model (5.8 ± 0.8, 7.6 ± 0.6, 5.6 ± 0.4, 5.0 ± 0.6, and 3.8 ± 0.7% ID/g at 0.5, 3, 16, 24, and 48 h postinjection respectively; n = 4). Since tumor uptake peaked at 3 h postinjection, (61)Cu-NOTA-TRC105-F(ab')(2) also gave good tumor contrast at 3 and 8 h postinjection. CD105 specificity of the tracers was confirmed by blocking studies and histopathology. In conclusion, the use of a F(ab')(2) fragment led to more rapid tumor uptake (which peaked at 3 h postinjection) than radiolabeled intact antibody (which often peaked after 24 h postinjection), which may allow for same day immunoPET imaging in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Hong
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2275, United States
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31
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Abstract
The concept of treating cancer with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) has gained momentum with the favorable activity and safety of trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), SAR3419, and lorvotuzumab mertansine (IMGN901). All three ADCs utilize maytansinoid cell-killing agents which target tubulin and suppress microtubule dynamics. Each ADC utilizes a different optimized chemical linker to attach the maytansinoid to the antibody. Characterizing the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of these ADCs in preclinical animal models is important to understanding their efficacy and safety profiles. The ADME properties of these ADCs in rodents were inferred from studies with radio-labeled ADCs prepared with nonbinding antibodies since T-DM1, SAR3419, IMGN901 all lack cross-reactivity with rodent antigens. For studies exploring tumor localization and activation in tumor-bearing mice, tritium-labeled T-DM1, SAR3419, and IMGN901 were utilized. The chemical nature of the linker was found to have a significant impact on the ADME properties of these ADCs-particularly on the plasma pharmacokinetics and observed catabolites in tumor and liver tissues. Despite these differences, T-DM1, SAR3419, and IMGN901 were all found to facilitate efficient deliveries of active maytansinoid catabolites to the tumor tissue in mouse xenograft models. In addition, all three ADCs were effectively detoxified during hepatobiliary elimination in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans K Erickson
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, USA.
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32
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Hong H, Zhang Y, Severin GW, Yang Y, Engle JW, Niu G, Nickles RJ, Chen X, Leigh BR, Barnhart TE, Cai W. Multimodality imaging of breast cancer experimental lung metastasis with bioluminescence and a monoclonal antibody dual-labeled with 89Zr and IRDye 800CW. Mol Pharm 2012; 9:2339-49. [PMID: 22784250 DOI: 10.1021/mp300277f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer is incurable. The goal of this study was to develop a positron emission tomography (PET)/near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) probe for imaging CD105 expression in breast cancer experimental lung metastasis. TRC105, a chimeric anti-CD105 antibody, was dual-labeled with a NIRF dye (IRDye 800CW) and (89)Zr to yield (89)Zr-Df-TRC105-800CW. Luciferase-transfected 4T1 murine breast cancer cells were injected intravenously into female mice to establish the tumor model. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was carried out to noninvasively monitor the lung tumor burden. PET imaging revealed that 4T1 lung tumor uptake of (89)Zr-Df-TRC105-800CW was 8.7 ± 1.4, 10.9 ± 0.5, and 9.7 ± 1.1% ID/g at 4, 24, and 48 h postinjection (n = 4), with excellent tumor contrast. Biodistribution studies, blocking, control studies with (89)Zr-Df-cetuximab-800CW, ex vivo BLI/PET/NIRF imaging, and histology all confirmed CD105 specificity of the tracer. Broad clinical potential of TRC105-based agents was shown in many tumor types, which also enabled early detection of small metastasis and intraoperative guidance for tumor removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Hong
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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Engle JW, Hong H, Zhang Y, Valdovinos HF, Myklejord DV, Barnhart TE, Theuer CP, Nickles RJ, Cai W. Positron emission tomography imaging of tumor angiogenesis with a 66Ga-labeled monoclonal antibody. Mol Pharm 2012; 9:1441-8. [PMID: 22519890 DOI: 10.1021/mp300019c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to develop a (66)Ga-based positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for noninvasive imaging of CD105 expression during tumor angiogenesis, a hallmark of cancer. (66)Ga was produced using a cyclotron with (nat)Zn or isotopically enriched (66)Zn targets. TRC105, a chimeric anti-CD105 monoclonal antibody, was conjugated to 2-S-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (p-SCN-Bn-NOTA) and labeled with (66)Ga. No difference in CD105 binding affinity or specificity was observed between TRC105 and NOTA-TRC105 based on flow cytometry analysis. Reactivity of (66)Ga for NOTA, corrected to the end of bombardment, was between 74 and 222 GBq/μmol for both target enrichments with <2 ppb of cold gallium. (66)Ga-labeling was achieved with >80% radiochemical yield. Serial PET imaging revealed that the murine breast cancer 4T1 tumor uptake of (66)Ga-NOTA-TRC105 was 5.9 ± 1.6, 8.5 ± 0.6, and 9.0 ± 0.6% ID/g at 4, 20, and 36 h postinjection, respectively (n = 4). At the last time point, tumor uptake was higher than that of all organs, which gave excellent tumor contrast with a tumor/muscle ratio of 10.1 ± 1.1. Biodistribution data as measured by gamma counting were consistent with the PET findings. Blocking experiment, control studies with (66)Ga-NOTA-cetuximab, as well as ex vivo histology all confirmed the in vivo target specificity of (66)Ga-NOTA-TRC105. Successful PET imaging with high specific activity (66)Ga (>700 GBq/μmol has been achieved) as the radiolabel opens many new possibilities for future PET research with antibodies or other targeting ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Engle
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, United States
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Annunziata CM, Kohn EC, LoRusso P, Houston ND, Coleman RL, Buzoianu M, Robbie G, Lechleider R. Phase 1, open-label study of MEDI-547 in patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors. Invest New Drugs 2012; 31:77-84. [PMID: 22370972 PMCID: PMC3553417 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-012-9801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Targeting the cell-surface receptor EphA2, which is highly expressed in some solid tumors, is a novel approach for cancer therapy. We aimed to evaluate the safety profile, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of MEDI-547, an antibody drug conjugate composed of the cytotoxic drug auristatin (toxin) linked to a human anti-EphA2 monoclonal antibody (1C1), in patients with solid tumors relapsed/refractory to standard therapy. Methods In this phase 1, open-label study with planned dose-escalation and dose-expansion cohorts, patients received a 1-h intravenous infusion of MEDI-547 (0.08 mg/kg) every 3 weeks. Results Six patients received 0.08 mg/kg; all discontinued treatment. Dose escalation was not pursued. The study was stopped before cohort 2 enrollment due to treatment-related bleeding and coagulation events (hemorrhage-related, n = 3; epistaxis, n = 2). Therefore, lower doses were not explored and an MTD could not be selected. The most frequently reported treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were increased liver enzymes, decreased hemoglobin, decreased appetite, and epistaxis. Three patients (50%) experienced treatment-related serious AEs, including conjunctival hemorrhage, pain (led to study drug discontinuation), liver disorder, and hemorrhage. Best response included progressive disease (n = 5; 83.3%) and stable disease (n = 1; 16.7%). Minimal or no dissociation of toxin from 1C1 conjugate occurred in the blood. Serum MEDI-547 concentrations decreased rapidly, ~70% by 3 days post-dose. No accumulation of MEDI-547 was observed at 0.08 mg/kg upon administration of a second dose 3 weeks following dose 1. Conclusions The safety profile of MEDI-547 does not support further clinical investigation in patients with advanced solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Annunziata
- Medical Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 12 N226, Bethesda, MD 20892-1906, USA.
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Wang S, Placzek WJ, Stebbins JL, Mitra S, Noberini R, Koolpe M, Zhang Z, Dahl R, Pasquale EB, Pellecchia M. Novel targeted system to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to EphA2-expressing cancer cells. J Med Chem 2012; 55:2427-36. [PMID: 22329578 DOI: 10.1021/jm201743s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of anticancer drugs is often limited by their systemic toxicities and adverse side effects. We report that the EphA2 receptor is overexpressed preferentially in several human cancer cell lines compared to normal tissues and that an EphA2 targeting peptide (YSAYPDSVPMMS) can be effective in delivering anticancer agents to such tumors. Hence, we report on the synthesis and characterizations of a novel EphA2-targeting agent conjugated with the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel. We found that the peptide-drug conjugate is dramatically more effective than paclitaxel alone at inhibiting tumor growth in a prostate cancer xenograft model, delivering significantly higher levels of drug to the tumor site. We believe these studies open the way to the development of a new class of therapeutic compounds that exploit the EphA2 receptor for drug delivery to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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Zhang Y, Hong H, Engle JW, Yang Y, Theuer CP, Barnhart TE, Cai W. Positron emission tomography and optical imaging of tumor CD105 expression with a dual-labeled monoclonal antibody. Mol Pharm 2012; 9:645-53. [PMID: 22292418 DOI: 10.1021/mp200592m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
CD105 (endoglin) is an independent prognostic marker for poor prognosis in >10 solid tumor types, including breast cancer. The goal of this study was to develop a CD105-specific agent for both positron emission tomography (PET) and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, which can have potential clinical applications in diagnosis and imaged-guided surgery of breast cancer. TRC105, a chimeric anti-CD105 monoclonal antibody, was labeled with both a NIRF dye (i.e., 800CW) and (64)Cu to yield (64)Cu-NOTA-TRC105-800CW. Flow cytometry analysis revealed no difference in CD105 binding affinity/specificity between TRC105 and NOTA-TRC105-800CW. Serial PET imaging revealed that the 4T1 murine breast tumor uptake of (64)Cu-NOTA-TRC105-800CW was 5.2 ± 2.7, 11.0 ± 1.4, and 13.0 ± 0.4% ID/g at 4, 24, and 48 h postinjection respectively. Tumor uptake as measured by ex vivo NIRF imaging exhibited a good linear correlation with the % ID/g values obtained from PET (R = 0.74). Biodistribution data were consistent with the PET/NIRF findings. Blocking experiments, control studies with dual-labeled cetuximab (an isotype-matched control antibody), and histology confirmed the CD105 specificity of (64)Cu-NOTA-TRC105-800CW. Successful PET/NIRF imaging of CD105 expression warrants further investigation and clinical translation of dual-labeled TRC105-based imaging agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhang
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
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Zhang Y, Hong H, Engle JW, Bean J, Yang Y, Leigh BR, Barnhart TE, Cai W. Positron emission tomography imaging of CD105 expression with a 64Cu-labeled monoclonal antibody: NOTA is superior to DOTA. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28005. [PMID: 22174762 PMCID: PMC3235104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimizing the in vivo stability of positron emission tomography (PET) tracers is of critical importance to cancer diagnosis. In the case of 64Cu-labeled monoclonal antibodies (mAb), in vivo behavior and biodistribution is critically dependent on the performance of the bifunctional chelator used to conjugate the mAb to the radiolabel. This study compared the in vivo characteristics of 64Cu-labeled TRC105 (a chimeric mAb that binds to both human and murine CD105), through two commonly used chelators: 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA) and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA). Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that chelator conjugation of TRC105 did not affect its CD105 binding affinity or specificity. PET imaging and biodistribution studies in 4T1 murine breast tumor-bearing mice revealed that 64Cu-NOTA-TRC105 exhibited better stability than 64Cu-DOTA-TRC105 in vivo, which resulted in significantly lower liver uptake without compromising the tumor targeting efficiency. In conclusion, this study confirmed that NOTA is a superior chelator to DOTA for PET imaging with 64Cu-labeled TRC105.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhang
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Hao Hong
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jonathan W. Engle
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jero Bean
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Yunan Yang
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Bryan R. Leigh
- TRACON Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Todd E. Barnhart
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Weibo Cai
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Hong H, Severin GW, Yang Y, Engle JW, Zhang Y, Barnhart TE, Liu G, Leigh BR, Nickles RJ, Cai W. Positron emission tomography imaging of CD105 expression with 89Zr-Df-TRC105. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2011; 39:138-48. [PMID: 21909753 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-011-1930-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE High tumor microvessel density correlates with a poor prognosis in multiple solid tumor types. The clinical gold standard for assessing microvessel density is CD105 immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tumor specimens. The goal of this study was to develop an (89)Zr-based PET tracer for noninvasive imaging of CD105 expression. METHODS TRC105, a chimeric anti-CD105 monoclonal antibody, was conjugated to p-isothiocyanatobenzyl-desferrioxamine (Df-Bz-NCS) and labeled with (89)Zr. FACS analysis and microscopy studies were performed to compare the CD105 binding affinity of TRC105 and Df-TRC105. PET imaging, biodistribution, blocking, and ex-vivo histology studies were performed on 4T1 murine breast tumor-bearing mice to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and tumor-targeting of (89)Zr-Df-TRC105. Another chimeric antibody, cetuximab, was used as an isotype-matched control. RESULTS FACS analysis of HUVECs revealed no difference in CD105 binding affinity between TRC105 and Df-TRC105, which was further validated by fluorescence microscopy. (89)Zr labeling was achieved with high yield and specific activity. Serial PET imaging revealed that the 4T1 tumor uptake of (89)Zr-Df-TRC105 was 6.1 ± 1.2, 14.3 ± 1.2, 12.4 ± 1.5, 7.1 ± 0.9, and 5.2 ± 0.3 %ID/g at 5, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after injection, respectively (n = 4), higher than all organs starting from 24 h after injection, which provided excellent tumor contrast. Biodistribution data as measured by gamma counting were consistent with the PET findings. Blocking experiments, control studies with (89)Zr-Df-cetuximab, and ex-vivo histology all confirmed the in vivo target specificity of (89)Zr-Df-TRC105. CONCLUSION We report here the first successful PET imaging of CD105 expression with (89)Zr as the radiolabel. Rapid, persistent, CD105-specific uptake of (89)Zr-Df-TRC105 in the 4T1 tumor was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Hong
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD High mortality rates with cancers warrant further development of earlier diagnostics and better treatment strategies. Membrane-bound erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor tyrosine kinase class A2 (EphA2) is overexpressed in breast, prostate, urinary bladder, skin, lung, ovary and brain cancers. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW EphA2 overexpression in cancers, its signaling mechanisms and strategies to target its deregulation. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN High EphA2 expression in cancer cells is correlated with a poor prognosis associated with recurrence due to enhanced metastasis. Interaction of the EphA2 receptor with its ligand (e.g., ephrinA1) triggers events that are deregulated and implicated in carcinogenesis. EphrinA1-independent oncogenic activity and ephrinA1-dependent tumor suppressor roles for EphA2 are described. Molecular interactions of EphA2 with signaling proteins are associated with the modulation of cytoskeleton dynamics, cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and metastasis. The deregulated signaling by EphA2 and its involvement in oncogenesis provide multiple avenues for the rational design of intervention approaches. TAKE HOME MESSAGE EphA2 has been tested as a drug target using multiple approaches such as agonist antibodies, RNA interference, immunotherapy, virus vector-mediated gene transfer, small-molecule inhibitors and nanoparticles. With over a decade of research, encouraging results with targeting of EphA2 expression in various pre-clinical cancer models necessitate further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Tandon
- Purdue University, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Bindley Bioscience Center, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Hong H, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Engle JW, Barnhart TE, Nickles RJ, Leigh BR, Cai W. Positron emission tomography imaging of CD105 expression during tumor angiogenesis. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2011; 38:1335-43. [PMID: 21373764 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-011-1765-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Overexpression of CD105 (endoglin) correlates with poor prognosis in many solid tumor types. Tumor microvessel density (MVD) assessed by CD105 staining is the current gold standard for evaluating tumor angiogenesis in the clinic. The goal of this study was to develop a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for imaging CD105 expression. METHODS TRC105, a chimeric anti-CD105 monoclonal antibody, was conjugated to 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and labeled with (64)Cu. FACS analysis and microscopy studies were performed to compare the CD105 binding affinity of TRC105 and DOTA-TRC105. PET imaging, biodistribution, blocking, and ex vivo histology studies were performed on 4T1 murine breast tumor-bearing mice to evaluate the ability of (64)Cu-DOTA-TRC105 to target tumor angiogenesis. Another chimeric antibody, cetuximab, was used as an isotype-matched control. RESULTS FACS analysis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) revealed no difference in CD105 binding affinity between TRC105 and DOTA-TRC105, which was further validated by fluorescence microscopy. (64)Cu labeling was achieved with high yield and specific activity. Serial PET imaging revealed that the 4T1 tumor uptake of the tracer was 8.0 ± 0.5, 10.4 ± 2.8, and 9.7 ± 1.8%ID/g at 4, 24, and 48 h post-injection, respectively (n = 3), higher than most organs at late time points which provided excellent tumor contrast. Biodistribution data as measured by gamma counting were consistent with the PET findings. Blocking experiments, control studies with (64)Cu-DOTA-cetuximab, as well as ex vivo histology all confirmed the in vivo target specificity of (64)Cu-DOTA-TRC105. CONCLUSION This is the first successful PET imaging study of CD105 expression. Fast, prominent, persistent, and CD105-specific uptake of the tracer in the 4T1 tumor was observed. Further studies are warranted and currently underway.
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Yoshida C, Tsuji AB, Sudo H, Sugyo A, Sogawa C, Inubushi M, Uehara T, Fukumura T, Koizumi M, Arano Y, Saga T. Development of positron emission tomography probe of 64Cu-labeled anti-C-kit 12A8 Fab to measure protooncogene C-kit expression. Nucl Med Biol 2010; 38:331-7. [PMID: 21492781 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 09/02/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION C-kit is an important diagnostic and therapeutic target molecule for several malignancies, and c-kit-targeted drugs have been used clinically. Because abundant c-kit expression in tumors is a prerequisite for successful c-kit-targeted therapy, imaging of c-kit expression is expected to play a pivotal role in the therapeutic decision for each patient. We evaluated (64)Cu-labeled Fab of anti-c-kit antibody 12A8 as a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging probe. METHODS (111)In- or (125)I-Labeled 12A8 Fab was evaluated in vitro by cell binding, competitive inhibition and cellular internalization assays, and in vivo by biodistribution in mice bearing c-kit-expressing and -non-expressing tumors. Next, Fab fragment was labeled with the positron emitter (64)Cu and evaluated by PET. RESULTS Radiolabeled 12A8 Fab showed specific binding to c-kit-expressing cells with high affinity and internalized into cells after binding to c-kit on cell surface. Although tumor accumulation of [(111)In]Fab was lower than that of [(111)In]IgG, the faster blood clearance of [(111)In]Fab provided higher tumor-to-blood ratio at 6 h postinjection onwards. Blood clearance of (64)Cu-labeled 12A8 Fab was slower than that of [(111)In]Fab, but PET using [(64)Cu]Fab clearly visualized the tumor at 6 h postinjection onwards. CONCLUSION The (64)Cu-labeled 12A8 Fab could be used for c-kit-specific PET imaging and might help in selecting appropriate patients for c-kit-targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Yoshida
- Diagnostic Imaging Group, Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
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Mitra S, Duggineni S, Koolpe M, Zhu X, Huang Z, Pasquale EB. Structure-activity relationship analysis of peptides targeting the EphA2 receptor. Biochemistry 2010; 49:6687-95. [PMID: 20677833 DOI: 10.1021/bi1006223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase has emerged as a promising new therapeutic target in cancer because of its high level of expression in tumors. EphA2-specific antibodies have been used to deliver drugs and toxins to tumor cells, leading to inhibition of tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. We previously identified two related peptides, YSA and SWL, that selectively bind to the ligand-binding domain of EphA2 but not other Eph receptors and could therefore be useful as selective targeting agents. Here we characterize the two peptides and a series of derivatives. On the basis of systematic amino acid replacements, only five YSA residues appear to be critical for high-affinity receptor binding. Furthermore, a peptide comprising only the first five residues of YSA retains selectivity for EphA2. Similar to ephrin-A1, the physiological ligand for EphA2, both YSA and SWL activate EphA2 and inhibit downstream oncogenic signaling pathways in PC3 cancer cells. The two peptides and derivatives are quite stable in conditioned cell culture medium and show promise for delivering drugs and imaging agents to EphA2-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Mitra
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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Bohonowych JE, Gopal U, Isaacs JS. Hsp90 as a gatekeeper of tumor angiogenesis: clinical promise and potential pitfalls. J Oncol 2010; 2010:412985. [PMID: 20628489 DOI: 10.1155/2010/412985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2009] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor vascularization is an essential modulator of early tumor growth, progression, and therapeutic outcome. Although antiangiogenic treatments appear promising, intrinsic and acquired tumor resistance contributes to treatment failure. Clinical inhibition of the molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) provides an opportunity to target multiple aspects of this signaling resiliency, which may elicit more robust and enduring tumor repression relative to effects elicited by specifically targeted agents. This review highlights several primary effectors of angiogenesis modulated by Hsp90 and describes the clinical challenges posed by the redundant circuitry of these pathways. The four main topics addressed include (1) Hsp90-mediated regulation of HIF/VEGF signaling, (2) chaperone-dependent regulation of HIF-independent VEGF-mediated angiogenesis, (3) Hsp90-dependent targeting of key proangiogenic receptor tyrosine kinases and modulation of drug resistance, and (4) consideration of factors such as tumor microenvironment that pose several challenges for the clinical efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy and Hsp90-targeted strategies.
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Lee JW, Stone RL, Lee SJ, Nam EJ, Roh JW, Nick AM, Han HD, Shahzad MM, Kim HS, Mangala LS, Jennings NB, Mao S, Gooya J, Jackson D, Coleman RL, Sood AK. EphA2 targeted chemotherapy using an antibody drug conjugate in endometrial carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:2562-70. [PMID: 20388851 PMCID: PMC3955167 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE EphA2 overexpression is frequently observed in endometrial cancers and is predictive of poor clinical outcome. Here, we use an antibody drug conjugate (MEDI-547) composed of a fully human monoclonal antibody against both human and murine EphA2 (1C1) and the tubulin polymerization inhibitor monomethylauristatin F. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN EphA2 expression was examined in endometrial cancer cell lines by Western blot. Specificity of MEDI-547 was examined by antibody degradation and internalization assays. Viability and apoptosis were investigated in endometrial cancer cell lines and orthotopic tumor models. RESULTS EphA2 was expressed in the Hec-1A and Ishikawa cells but was absent in the SPEC-2 cells. Antibody degradation and internalization assays showed that the antibody drug conjugate decreased EphA2 protein levels and was internalized in EphA2-positive cells (Hec-1A and Ishikawa). Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis assays showed that the antibody drug conjugate decreased viability and increased apoptosis of Hec-1A and Ishikawa cells. In vivo therapy experiments in mouse orthotopic models with this antibody drug conjugate resulted in 86% to 88% growth inhibition (P < 0.001) in the orthotopic Hec-1A and Ishikawa models compared with controls. Moreover, the mice treated with this antibody drug conjugate had a lower incidence of distant metastasis compared with controls. The antitumor effects of the therapy were related to decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of tumor and associated endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS The preclinical data for endometrial cancer treatment using MEDI-547 show substantial antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Won Lee
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea 135-710
| | - Rebecca L. Stone
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Sun Joo Lee
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University Hospital, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 143-729, South Korea
| | - Eun Ji Nam
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea 120-752
| | - Ju-Won Roh
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea 410-050
| | - Alpa M. Nick
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Hee-Dong Han
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Mian M.K. Shahzad
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77054
| | - Hye-Sun Kim
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030,Department of Pathology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea 100-380
| | - Lingegowda S. Mangala
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Nicholas B. Jennings
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Shenlan Mao
- Medimmune, LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
| | - John Gooya
- Medimmune, LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
| | | | - Robert L. Coleman
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Anil K. Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030,Department of Cancer Biology, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
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Abstract
Molecular imaging is an emerging discipline which plays critical roles in diagnosis and therapeutics. It visualizes and quantifies markers that are aberrantly expressed during the disease origin and development. Protein molecules remain to be one major class of imaging probes, and the option has been widely diversified due to the recent advances in protein engineering techniques. Antibodies are part of the immunosystem which interact with target antigens with high specificity and affinity. They have long been investigated as imaging probes and were coupled with imaging motifs such as radioisotopes for that purpose. However, the relatively large size of antibodies leads to a half-life that is too long for common imaging purposes. Besides, it may also cause a poor tissue penetration rate and thus compromise some medical applications. It is under this context that various engineered protein probes, essentially antibody fragments, protein scaffolds, and natural ligands have been developed. Compared to intact antibodies, they possess more compact size, shorter clearance time, and better tumor penetration. One major challenge of using protein probes in molecular imaging is the affected biological activity resulted from random labeling. Site-specific modification, however, allows conjugation happening in a stoichiometric fashion with little perturbation of protein activity. The present review will discuss protein-based probes with focus on their application and related site-specific conjugation strategies in tumor imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands have intriguing expression patterns in cancer cells and tumour blood vessels, which suggest important roles for their bidirectional signals in many aspects of cancer development and progression. Eph gene mutations probably also contribute to cancer pathogenesis. Eph receptors and ephrins have been shown to affect the growth, migration and invasion of cancer cells in culture as well as tumour growth, invasiveness, angiogenesis and metastasis in vivo. However, Eph signalling activities in cancer seem to be complex, and are characterized by puzzling dichotomies. Nevertheless, the Eph receptors are promising new therapeutic targets in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena B Pasquale
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Hong H, Zhang Y, Sun J, Cai W. Positron emission tomography imaging of prostate cancer. Amino Acids. 2010;39:11-27. [PMID: 19946787 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-009-0394-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 11/11/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Positron emission tomography (PET), a non-invasive, sensitive, and quantitative imaging technique, can facilitate personalized management of PCa patients. There are two critical needs for PET imaging of PCa, early detection of primary lesions and accurate imaging of PCa bone metastasis, the predominant cause of death in PCa. Because the most widely used PET tracer in the clinic, (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-2-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG), does not meet these needs, a wide variety of PET tracers have been developed for PCa imaging that span an enormous size range from small molecules to intact antibodies. In this review, we will first summarize small-molecule-based PET tracers for PCa imaging, which measure certain biological events, such as cell membrane metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and receptor expression. Next, we will discuss radiolabeled amino acid derivatives (e.g. methionine, leucine, tryptophan, and cysteine analogs), which are primarily based on the increased amino acid transport of PCa cells. Peptide-based tracers for PET imaging of PCa, mostly based on the bombesin peptide and its derivatives which bind to the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor, will then be presented in detail. We will also cover radiolabeled antibodies and antibody fragments (e.g. diabodies and minibodies) for PET imaging of PCa, targeting integrin alpha(v)beta(3), EphA2, the epidermal growth factor receptor, or the prostate stem cell antigen. Lastly, we will identify future directions for the development of novel PET tracers for PCa imaging, which may eventually lead to personalized management of PCa patients.
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Temma T, Sano K, Kuge Y, Kamihashi J, Takai N, Ogawa Y, Saji H. Development of a radiolabeled probe for detecting membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase on malignant tumors. Biol Pharm Bull 2009; 32:1272-7. [PMID: 19571397 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.32.1272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) expressed on the tumor cell surface activates pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-13 to exacerbate the malignancy, suggesting its suitability as a target molecule for diagnosis by in vivo molecular imaging. Thus, we prepared radiolabeled anti-MT1-MMP monoclonal antibody (mAb) as a novel radiolabeled probe for detecting MT1-MMP in vivo and evaluated its usefulness in breast tumor-bearing rodents. (99m)Tc-anti-MT1-MMP mAb was prepared using HYNIC as a bifunctional chelating agent and immunoreactivity was evaluated by flow cytometry. MT1-MMP expression in breast carcinoma cells (rat: Walker-256 and MRMT-1, mouse: FM3A) was measured by Western blotting. In vivo biodistribution was examined for 48 h using tumor-implanted rodents followed by estimation of radiation absorbed by a standard quantitation platform Organ Level Internal Dose Assessment (OLINDA). (99m)Tc-anti-MT1-MMP mAb was obtained with 84% immunoreactivity to MT1-MMP and more than 92% radiochemical purity. MT1-MMP was highly expressed in all malignant cells. Tumor radioactivity increased with time after administration and reached 3 to 5 times higher values at 24 h post-injection than those at 1 h. Other organs, including the stomach, showed decreasing values over time. Tumor to blood ratios increased with time and reached more than 1.3 at 48 h. The effective dose was <5.0 muSv/MBq. The results suggest that (99m)Tc-anti-MT1-MMP mAb is a promising probe for future diagnosis of breast tumors by in vivo nuclear medical imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Temma
- Department of Patho-Functional Bioanalysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
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Lee JW, Han HD, Shahzad MMK, Kim SW, Mangala LS, Nick AM, Lu C, Langley RR, Schmandt R, Kim HS, Mao S, Gooya J, Fazenbaker C, Jackson D, Tice DA, Landen CN, Coleman RL, Sood AK. EphA2 immunoconjugate as molecularly targeted chemotherapy for ovarian carcinoma. J Natl Cancer Inst 2009; 101:1193-205. [PMID: 19641174 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djp231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND EphA2 is overexpressed in many types of human cancer but is absent or expressed at low levels in normal epithelial tissues. We investigated whether a novel immunoconjugate containing an anti-EphA2 monoclonal antibody (1C1) linked to a chemotherapeutic agent (monomethyl auristatin phenylalanine [MMAF]) through a noncleavable linker maleimidocaproyl (mc) had antitumor activity against ovarian cancer cell lines and tumor models. METHODS Specificity of 1C1-mcMMAF was examined in EphA2-positive HeyA8 and EphA2-negative SKMel28 ovarian cancer cells by antibody binding and internalization assays. Controls were phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 1C1, or control IgG-mcMMAF. Viability and apoptosis were investigated in ovarian cancer cell lines and tumor models (10 mice per group). Antitumor activities were tested in the HeyA8-luc and SKOV3ip1 orthotopic mouse models of ovarian cancer. Endothelial cells were identified by use of immunohistochemistry and anti-CD31 antibodies. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS The 1C1-mcMMAF immunoconjugate specifically bound to EphA2-positive HeyA8 cells but not to EphA2-negative cells and was internalized by HeyA8 cells. Treatment with 1C1-mcMMAF decreased the viability of HeyA8-luc cells in an EphA2-specific manner. In orthotopic mouse models, treatment with 1C1-mcMMAF inhibited tumor growth by 85%-98% compared with that in control mice (eg, for weight of HeyA8 tumors, 1C1-mcMMAF = 0.05 g and control = 1.03 g; difference = 0.98 g, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.40 to 1.58 g; P = .001). Even in bulkier disease models with HeyA8-luc cells, 1C1-mcMMAF treatment, compared with control treatment, caused regression of established tumors and increased survival of the mice (eg, 1C1-mcMMAF vs control, mean = 60.6 days vs 29.4 days; difference = 31.2 days, 95% CI = 27.6 to 31.2 days; P = .001). The antitumor effects of 1C1-mcMMAF therapy, in SKOV3ip1 tumors, for example, were statistically significantly related to decreased proliferation (eg, 1C1-mcMMAF vs control, mean = 44.1% vs 55.8% proliferating cells; difference = 11.7%, 95% CI = 2.45% to 20.9%; P = .01) and increased apoptosis of tumor cells (eg, 1C1-mcMMAF vs control, mean = 8.6% vs 0.9% apoptotic cells; difference = 7.7%, 95% CI = 3.8% to 11.7%; P < .001) and of mouse endothelial cells (eg, 1C1-mcMMAF vs control, mean 2.8% vs 0.4% apoptotic endothelial cells; difference = 2.4%, 95% CI = 1.4% to 4.6%; P = .034). CONCLUSION The 1C1-mcMMAF immunoconjugate had antitumor activity in preclinical models of ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Won Lee
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Alley SC, Zhang X, Okeley NM, Anderson M, Law CL, Senter PD, Benjamin DR. The pharmacologic basis for antibody-auristatin conjugate activity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 330:932-8. [PMID: 19498104 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.155549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) made with auristatin antimitotic agents have shown significant preclinical and clinical oncology activity. SGN-75 is composed of the anti-CD70 antibody h1F6 conjugated to monomethylauristatin F through a noncleavable maleimidocaproyl linkage. To understand the pharmacologic basis of the activity of this ADC, its pharmacokinetics and biodistribution were evaluated in a mouse xenograft model with use of a dual-radiolabeled ADC. The concentrations of antibody, total auristatin (conjugated plus unconjugated), and unconjugated auristatin were measured simultaneously in serum, tumor, and 16 normal tissues. Serum pharmacokinetic parameters for antibody and total auristatin were similar with very little unconjugated auristatin observed, demonstrating a high degree of stability. The kinetic values in normal tissues generally tracked with serum: the first time point (1 h) had the highest antibody and total auristatin concentrations with low unconjugated auristatin concentrations, with the exception of organs expected to be involved in hepatobiliary clearance of the ADC, where total and unconjugated auristatin concentrations peaked at 4 h and then rapidly decreased. In tumors, antibody concentrations were maximal at 1 day, with total auristatin increasing until 2 days. Intratumoral unconjugated auristatin was a substantial fraction of the total auristatin and reached concentrations much higher than in normal tissues. The exposure of the tumor to total and unconjugated auristatin was tens to hundreds times higher than normal tissue exposure. The data establish the pharmacologic basis of activity of the ADC through specific tumor targeting, intratumoral auristatin retention, and ADC stability in the systemic circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Alley
- Seattle Genetics, Inc., 21823 30th Drive SE, Bothell, WA 98021, USA.
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