Noninvasive Detection of Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity In Vivo using a Novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent with a Solubility Switch

We have developed novel proteinase-modulated contrast agents (PCAs) to detect the activity of proteinases in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging. The PCAs are based on the concept of a solubility switch, from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, that significantly modifies the pharmacokinetic properties of...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Martin Lepage, William C. Dow, Marco Melchior, Ying You, Barbara Fingleton, C. Chad Quarles, Claude Pépin, John C. Gore, Lynn M. Matrisian, J. Oliver McIntyre
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2007-11-01
Series:Molecular Imaging
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.2310/7290.2007.00035
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Summary:We have developed novel proteinase-modulated contrast agents (PCAs) to detect the activity of proteinases in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging. The PCAs are based on the concept of a solubility switch, from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, that significantly modifies the pharmacokinetic properties of the agent as revealed by the slow efflux kinetics from the activity site. Our compound PCA7-switch detects the activity of the secreted matrix-degrading proteinase matrix-metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7) in living, tumor-bearing mice. Control experiments were performed using an agent that was not cleaved by MMP-7 (PCA7-scrambled), an agent that could be cleaved by MMP-7 but lacked the solubility switch (PCA7-B), and a standard contrast agent (gadolinium–diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid). PCA7-switch detected a reduction in MMP-7 activity in tumor-bearing mice treated with a synthetic MMP inhibitor, demonstrating its effectiveness in noninvasive functional imaging of proteolytic activity in vivo.
ISSN:1536-0121