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Various [omega]-substituted 1,1-difluoroalkanes are prepared from alkyl aryl thioesters by a new oxidative desulfurization-difluorination protocol with the reagents combination of 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBH) as an oxidizer and pyridine.9HF (Py.9HF) as a fluoride source. The combination of DBH and carrier-added Py.9H[[super 18]F]F, an [super 18]F-labeled difluoride is prepared from the corresponding [alpha]-fluoro thioether with a radiochemical yield of 9%.

The Al 18 F-labeling approach offers a one-step access to radiofluorinated biomolecules by mimicking the labeling process for radiometals. Although these labeling conditions are considered to be mild compared to classic radiofluorinations, improvements of the chelating units have led to the discovery of (±)-H 3 RESCA , which allows Al 18 F-labeling already at ambient temperature. While the suitability of (±)-H 3 RESCA for functionalization and radiofluorination of proteins is well established, its use for small molecules or peptides is less explored. Herein, we advanced this acyclic pentadentate ligand by introducing an alkyne moiety for the late-stage functionalization of biomolecules via click chemistry. We show that in addition to Al 18 F-labeling, the cyclohexanediamine triazole (CHDT) moiety allows stable complexation of 68 Ga and 111 In. Three novel CHDT-functionalized PSMA inhibitors were synthesized and their Al 18 F-, 68 Ga-, and 111 In-labeled analogs were subjected to a detailed in vitro radiopharmacological characterization. Stability studies in vitro in human serum revealed among others a high kinetic inertness of all radiometal complexes. Furthermore, the Al 18 F-labeled PSMA ligands were characterized for their biodistribution in a LNCaP derived tumor xenograft mouse model by PET imaging. One radioligand, Al[ 18 F]F-CHDT-PSMA-1 , bearing a small azidoacetyl linker at the glutamate-urea-lysine motif, provided an in vivo performance comparable to that of [ 18 F]PSMA-1007 but with even higher tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratios at 120 min p.i. Overall, our results highlight the suitability of the novel CHDT moiety for functionalization and radiolabeling of small molecules or peptides with Al 18 F, 68 Ga, and 111 In and the triazole ring seems to entail favorable pharmacokinetic properties for molecular imaging purposes.

The development of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) PET radioligands has been intensively explored due to the pronounced CB2R upregulation under various pathological conditions. Herein, we report on the synthesis of a series of CB2R affine fluorinated indole-2-carboxamide ligands. Compound RM365 was selected for PET radiotracer development due to its high CB2R affinity ( K i = 2.1 nM) and selectivity over CB1R (factor > 300). Preliminary in vitro evaluation of [ 18 F]RM365 indicated species differences in the binding to CB2R ( K D of 2.32 nM for the hCB2R vs K D > 10,000 nM for the rCB2R). Metabolism studies in mice revealed a high in vivo stability of [ 18 F]RM365. PET imaging in a rat model of local hCB2R(D80N) overexpression in the brain demonstrates the ability of [ 18 F]RM365 to reach and selectively label the hCB2R(D80N) with a high signal-to-background ratio. Thus, [ 18 F]RM365 is a very promising PET radioligand for the imaging of upregulated hCB2R expression under pathological conditions.

The development of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB 2 R) radioligands for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was intensively explored. To overcome the low metabolic stability and simultaneously increase the binding affinity of known CB 2 R radioligands, a carborane moiety was used as a bioisostere. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of carborane-based 1,8-naphthyridinones and thiazoles as novel CB 2 R ligands. All tested compounds showed low nanomolar CB 2 R affinity, with ( Z )- N -[3-(4-fluorobutyl)-4,5-dimethylthiazole-2(3 H )-ylidene]-(1,7-dicarba- closo -dodecaboranyl)-carboxamide ( LUZ5 ) exhibiting the highest affinity (0.8 nM). Compound [ 18 F]LUZ5- d 8 was obtained with an automated radiosynthesizer in high radiochemical yield and purity. In vivo evaluation revealed the improved metabolic stability of [ 18 F]LUZ5- d 8 compared to that of [ 18 F]JHU94620 . PET experiments in rats revealed high uptake in spleen and low uptake in brain. Thus, the introduction of a carborane moiety is an appropriate tool for modifying literature-known CB 2 R ligands and gaining access to a new class of high-affinity CB 2 R ligands, while the in vivo pharmacology still needs to be addressed.

Several radiolabeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted agents have been developed for detecting prostate cancer, using positron emission tomography imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy. Among them, [ 18 F]PSMA-1007 has several advantages, including a comparatively long half-life, delayed renal excretion, and compatible structure with α-/β-particle emitter-labeled therapeutics. This study aimed to characterize the preclinical pharmacokinetics and internal radiation dosimetry of [ 18 F]PSMA-1007, as well as its repeatability and specificity for target binding using prostate tumor-bearing mice. In PSMA-positive tumor-bearing mice, the kidney showed the greatest accumulation of [ 18 F]PSMA-1007. The distribution in the tumor attained its peak concentration of 2.8%ID/g at 112 min after intravenous injection. The absorbed doses in the tumor and salivary glands were 0.079 ± 0.010 Gy/MBq and 0.036 ± 0.006 Gy/MBq, respectively. The variance of the net influx ( K i ) of [ 18 F]PSMA-1007 to the tumor was minimal between scans performed in the same animals (within-subject coefficient of variation = 7.57%). [ 18 F]PSMA-1007 uptake in the tumor was specifically decreased by 32% in K i after treatment with a PSMA inhibitor 2-(phosphonomethyl)-pentanedioic acid (2-PMPA). In the present study, we investigated the in vivo preclinical characteristics of [ 18 F]PSMA-1007. Our data from [ 18 F]PSMA-1007 PET/computed tomography (CT) studies in a subcutaneous prostate cancer xenograft mouse model supports clinical therapeutic strategies that use paired therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals (such as [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617), especially strategies with a quantitative radiation dose estimate for target lesions while minimizing radiation-induced toxicity to off-target tissues.

The applicability of radioligands for targeted endoradionuclide therapy is limited due to radiation-induced toxicity to healthy tissues, in particular to the kidneys as primary organs of elimination. The targeting of enzymes of the renal brush border membrane by cleavable linkers that permit the formation of fast eliminating radionuclide-carrying cleavage fragments gains increasing interest. Herein, we synthesized a small library of 64 Cu-labeled cleavable linkers and quantified their substrate potentials toward neprilysin (NEP), a highly abundant peptidase at the renal brush border membrane. This allowed for the derivation of structure-activity relationships, and selected cleavable linkers were attached to the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 ligand [Tyr 3 ]octreotate. Radiopharmacological characterization revealed that a substrate-based targeting of NEP in the kidneys with small peptides entails their premature cleavage in the blood circulation by soluble and endothelium-derived NEP. However, for a kidney-specific targeting of NEP, the additional targeting of albumin in the blood is highlighted.

The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) is an attractive target for the diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In this study, we aimed at the development of a novel 18 F-labeled radioligand starting from the structure of the known naphthyrid-2-one CB2R ligands. Compound 28 ( LU13 ) was identified with the highest binding affinity and selectivity versus CB1R (CB2R K i = 0.6 nM; CB1R K i /CB2R K i > 1000) and was selected for radiolabeling with fluorine-18 and biological characterization. The new radioligand [ 18 F]LU13 showed high CB2R affinity in vitro as well as high metabolic stability in vivo. PET imaging with [ 18 F]LU13 in a rat model of vector-based/-related hCB2R overexpression in the striatum revealed a high signal-to-background ratio. Thus, [ 18 F]LU13 is a novel and highly promising PET radioligand for the imaging of upregulated CB2R expression under pathological conditions in the brain.

The transamidase activity of transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2) is considered to be important for several pathophysiological processes including fibrotic and neoplastic tissue growth, whereas in healthy cells this enzymatic function is predominantly latent. Methods that enable the highly sensitive detection of TGase 2, such as application of radiolabeled activity-based probes, will support the exploration of the enzyme's function in various diseases. In this context, the radiosynthesis and detailed in vitro radiopharmacological evaluation of an 18 F-labeled N ε -acryloyllysine piperazide are reported. Robust and facile detection of the radiotracer-TGase 2 complex by autoradiography of thin layer plates and polyacrylamide gels after chromatographic and electrophoretic separation owing to irreversible covalent bond formation was demonstrated for the isolated protein, cell lysates, and living cells. By use of this radiotracer, quantitative data on the expression profile of activatable TGase 2 in mouse organs and selected tumors were obtained for the first time by autoradiography of tissue sections.

In recent years, a number of drugs targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) have become important tools in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. In the present work, we report on the synthesis and preclinical evaluation of a series of 18 F-labeled PSMA ligands for diagnostic application based on the theragnostic ligand PSMA-617. By applying modifications to the linker structure, insight into the structure-activity relationship could be gained, highlighting the importance of hydrophilicity and stereoselectivity on interaction with PSMA and hence the biodistribution. Selected compounds were co-crystallized with the PSMA protein and analyzed by X-rays with mixed results. Among these, PSMA-1007 (compound 5) showed the best interaction with the PSMA protein. The respective radiotracer [ 18 F]PSMA-1007 was translated into the clinic and is, in the meantime, subject of advanced clinical trials.

The GRPr, highly expressed in prostate PCa and breast cancer BCa, is a promising target for the development of new PET radiotracers. The chelator HBED-CC ( N, N'-bis[2-hydroxy-5-(carboxyethyl)benzyl]ethylenediamine- N, N'-diacetic acid) was coupled to the bombesin peptides: HBED-C-BN(2-14) 1, HBED-CC-PEG 2 -[d-Tyr 6 ,β-Ala 11 ,Thi 13 ,Nle 14 ]-BN(6-14) 2, HBED-CC-Y-[d-Phe 6 ,Sta 13 ,Leu 14 ]-BN(6-14) (Y = 4-amino-1-carboxymethylpiperidine) 3, and HBED-CC-{PEG 2 -Y-[d-Phe 6 ,Sta 13 ,Leu 14 ]-BN(6-14)} 2 4 (homodimer). Compounds 1-4 presented high binding affinities for GRPr (T47D, 0.56-3.51 nM; PC-3, 2.12-4.68 nM). In PC-3 and T47D cells, agonists [ 68 Ga]1 and [ 68 Ga]2 were mainly internalized while antagonists [ 68 Ga]3 and [ 68 Ga]4 were surface bound. Cell-related radioactivity reached a maximum after 45 min, while tracer levels followed GRPr expression (PC-3 > T47D > LNCaP > MDA-MB-231). [ 68 Ga]4 showed the highest cell-bound radioactivity (PC-3 and T47D). In vivo, tumor (PC-3) targeting for [ 68 Ga]3 and [ 68 Ga]4 increased over time, with dynamic μPET showing clearer tumors images at later time points. [ 68 Ga]3 and [ 68 Ga]4 can be considered suitable PET tracers for imaging PCa and BCa expressing GRPr.

68 Ga-Glu-urea-Lys-(Ahx)-HBED-CC ( 68 Ga-PSMA-11) represents a successful radiopharmaceutical for PET/CT imaging of prostate cancer. Further optimization of the tumor-to-background contrast might significantly enhance the sensitivity of PET/CT imaging and the probability of detecting recurrent prostate cancer at low PSA values. This study describes the advantage of histidine (H)/glutamic acid (E) and tryptophan (W)/glutamic acid (E) containing linkers on the pharmacokinetic properties of 68 Ga-PSMA-11. The tracers were obtained by a combination of standard Fmoc-based solid-phase synthesis and copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. Their 68 Ga complexes were compared to the clinical reference 68 Ga-PSMA-11 with respect to cell binding, effective internalization, and tumor targeting properties in LNCaP-bearing balb/c nu/nu mice. The introduction of (HE) i (i = 1-3) or (WE) i (i = 1-3) into PSMA-11 resulted in a significantly changed biodistribution profile. The uptake values in kidneys, spleen, liver, and other background organs were reduced for (HE) 3 while the tumor uptake was not affected. For (HE) 1 the tumor uptake was significantly increased. The introduction of tryptophan-containing linkers also modulated the organ distribution profile. The results clearly indicate that histidine is of essential impact in order to improve the tumor-to-organ contrast. Hence, the histidine/glutamic acid linker modifications considerably improved the pharmacokinetic properties of 68 Ga-PSMA-11 leading to a reduced uptake in dose limiting organs and a significantly enhanced tumor-to-background contrast. Glu-urea-Lys-(HE) 3 -HBED-CC represents a promising 68 Ga complex ligand for PET/CT-imaging of prostate cancer.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a human carcinogen that covalently binds to DNA after activation by cytochrome P450 (P450). Here, we investigated whether NADH:cytochrome b5 reductase (CBR) in the presence of cytochrome b5 can act as sole electron donor to human P450 1A1 during BaP oxidation and replace the canonical NADPH:cytochrome P450 reductase (POR) system. We also studied the efficiencies of the coenzymes of these reductases, NADPH as a coenzyme of POR, and NADH as a coenzyme of CBR, to mediate BaP oxidation. Two systems containing human P450 1A1 were utilized: human recombinant P450 1A1 expressed with POR, CBR, epoxide hydrolase, and cytochrome b5 in Supersomes and human recombinant P450 1A1 reconstituted with POR and/or with CBR and cytochrome b5 in liposomes. BaP-9,10-dihydrodiol, BaP-7,8-dihydrodiol, BaP-1,6-dione, BaP-3,6-dione, BaP-9-ol, BaP-3-ol, a metabolite of unknown structure, and two BaP-DNA adducts were generated by the P450 1A1-Supersomes system, both in the presence of NADPH and in the presence of NADH. The major BaP-DNA adduct detected by (32)P-postlabeling was characterized as 10-(deoxyguanosin-N(2)-yl)-7,8,9-trihydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-BaP (assigned adduct 1), while the minor adduct is probably a guanine adduct derived from 9-hydroxy-BaP-4,5-epoxide (assigned adduct 2). BaP-3-ol as the major metabolite, BaP-9-ol, BaP-1,6-dione, BaP-3,6-dione, an unknown metabolite, and adduct 2 were observed in the system using P450 1A1 reconstituted with POR plus NADPH. When P450 1A1 was reconstituted with CBR and cytochrome b5 plus NADH, BaP-3-ol was the predominant metabolite too, and an adduct 2 was also generated. Our results demonstrate that the NADH/cytochrome b5/CBR system can act as the sole electron donor both for the first and second reduction of P450 1A1 during the oxidation of BaP in vitro. They suggest that NADH-dependent CBR can replace NADPH-dependent POR in the P450 1A1-catalyzed metabolism of BaP.

N-Alkylated (S)-7-halogen-5-[1-(2-methoxymethylpyrrolidinyl)sulfonyl]isatins were developed as a new group of nonradioactive reference compounds for future radiotracers. Inhibitor potency studies of these compounds suggest that the binding pockets readily accommodate both the 7-halogen substituents and aliphatic side chains (methyl to n-butyl) as well as some ω-fluorinated analogues (3-fluoropropyl and 4-fluorobutyl) at the isatin nitrogen. Indeed, compared to the halogen free parent compounds, some 7-halogenated derivatives exhibited slightly improved inhibitory potencies with IC50 values up to 2.6 nM (caspase-3) and 3.3 nM (caspase-7), respectively. Moreover, the 7-position of isatin, a potential cytochrome P450 hydroxylation site, was substituted by I, Br, Cl, and F to potentially enhance the metabolic stability of isatin sulfonamides. As an example, the radiotracer [(18)F]39 that was produced by (19)F/(18)F isotope exchange was shown to be stable in human blood serum after incubation at 37 °C for at least 90 min.

Noninvasive imaging and quantification of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in vivo are of great (pre)clinical interest. This can potentially be realized by using radiolabeled MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) as positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents. Triazole-substituted MMPIs, discovered by our group, are highly potent inhibitors of MMP-2, -8, -9, and -13. The triazole ring and its position contribute significantly to the potency of the MMP inhibitor. To evaluate structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the initially discovered triazole-substituted MMPIs, an additional CH2-group between the backbone of the molecule and the triazole core was inserted, and the triazole ring was "inversed" by switching the alkyne and azide groups. Similar to the original triazole-substituted hydroxamates, the inverse triazole MMPIs are excellent inhibitors with promising in vivo properties. Pharmacokinetic properties and metabolic stability of an (18)F-labeled candidate in mice were investigated.

The effector caspases-3 and -7 play a central role in programmed type I cell death (apoptosis). Molecular imaging using positron emission tomography (PET) by tracking the activity of executing caspases might allow the detection of the early onset as well as therapy monitoring of various diseases induced by dysregulated apoptosis. Herein, four new fluorinated diastereo- and enantiopure isatin sulfonamide-based potent and selective caspase-3 and -7 inhibitors were prepared by cyclic sulfate ring-opening with fluoride. All fluorohydrins exhibited excellent in vitro affinities (up to IC50 = 11.8 and 0.951 nM for caspase-3 and -7, respectively), which makes them appropriate PET radiotracer candidates. Therefore, N-(4-[(18)F]fluoro-3(R)-hydroxybutyl)- and N-(3(S)-[(18)F]fluoro-4-hydroxybutyl)-5-[1-(2(S)-(methoxymethyl)pyrrolidinyl)sulfonyl]isatin were synthesized in 140 min with 24% and 10% overall radiochemical yields and specific activities of 10-127 GBq/μmol using [(18)F]fluoride in the presence of Kryptofix and subsequent acidic hydrolysis. In vivo biodistribution studies in wild-type mice using PET/computed tomography imaging proved fast clearance of the tracer after tail vein injection.

In vivo imaging of MMPs is of great (pre)clinical interest and can potentially be realized with modern three-dimensional and noninvasive in vivo molecular imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET). Consequently, MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) radiolabeled with positron emitting nuclides (e.g., (18)F) represent a suitable tool for the visualization of activated MMPs with PET. On the basis of our previous work and results regarding radiolabeled and unlabeled derivatives of the nonselective MMPIs, we discovered a new class of fluorinated MMPIs with a triazole-substituted hydroxamate substructure. These novel MMPIs are characterized by an increased hydrophilicity compared with the lead structures and excellent MMP inhibition potencies for MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-13 (IC(50) = 0.006-107 nM). Therefore, one promising fluorinated triazole-substituted hydroxamate (30b) was selected and resynthesised as its (18)F-labeled version to yield the potential PET radioligand [(18)F]30b. The biodistribution behavior of this novel compound was investigated with small animal PET.

Radiolabeled C-5-disubstituted pyrimidine-2,4,6-triones have recently been suggested by our group as a class of potent matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) targeted radiotracers that can noninvasively visualize activated MMPs by means of positron emission tomography (PET). MMPs belong to the zinc- and calcium-dependent endopeptidases which are involved in the proteolytic degradation of components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) but also are capable of processing and releasing bioactive molecules such as growth factors, proteinase inhibitors, and cytokines. Locally increased levels of activated MMPs modulate and contribute to the progression of various diseases, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, stroke, arthritis, and others. Therefore, activated MMPs are suitable biological targets for the specific and noninvasive visualization of aforementioned pathologies in vivo. On the basis of our recent results, we here describe a series of new fluorinated pyrimidine-2,4,6-triones of the second generation with maintained MMP inhibition potencies (IC(50) = 4-605 nM), which are fine-tuned toward more hydrophilic versions, and show the improved biodistribution behavior of one selected radiofluorinated pyrimidine-2,4,6-trione by means of small-animal PET.

The expression and function of endothelin (ET) receptors are abnormal in cardiovascular diseases, tumor progression, and tumor metastasis. A previously reported promising radioligand for positron emission tomography (PET) based on the non-peptide ET(A) receptor antagonist PD 156707 showed specific binding to target receptors in the myocardium but high accumulation in bile and intestine, probably because of its high lipophilicity. In this study we describe the synthesis of a series of fluorinated derivatives with hydrophilic building blocks. All compounds were evaluated as high affinity ET(A) receptor ligands (16, 17, 23-26, K(i) = 1.4-7.9 nM) with high subtype selectivity over the ET(B) receptor. [(18)F]3-Benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-4-{3-[1-(2-{2-[2-(2-fluoroethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}ethyl)-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-ylmethoxy]-4,5-dimethoxybenzyl}-5-hydroxy-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5H-furan-2-one ([(18)F]17) was synthesized as one of the radioligands of this series that possesses a higher hydrophilicity and an excellent stability in human serum. Improved clearance properties and specific uptake in target organs have been confirmed by biodistribution studies and small animal PET imaging.

Various ω-substituted 1,1-difluoroalkanes are synthesized in good yields from alkyl aryl thioethers by a new oxidative desulfurization-difluorination protocol with the reagents combination of 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBH) as an oxidizer and pyridine·9HF (Py·9HF) as a fluoride source. The reaction proceeds via a fluoro-Pummerer-type rearrangement followed by an oxidative desulfurization-fluorination step. Starting from α-fluorinated thioethers, this reaction is promising for (18)F-labeling (τ(1/2) = 110 min) of ligands applicable for positron emission tomography (PET). Using the combination of DBH and carrier-added Py·9H[(18)F]F, an (18)F-labeled difluoride was synthesized from the corresponding α-fluoro thioether with a radiochemical yield of 9%.

A new strategy for the radiolabeling of porous nanocontainers has been developed, and the first experiments in vivo are reported. Our approach consists of the use of nanometer-sized zeolites whose channels have been filled with the positively charged gamma-emitter (111)In(3+) via simple ion exchange. To avoid leaching of the isotope under physiological conditions, the entrances of the channels have been closed using a specifically designed molecular stopcock. This stopcock has a positively charged group that enters the channels and entraps the loaded radionuclides via electrostatic and steric repulsion. The other side of the stopcock is a bulky triethoxysilane group that can covalently bind to the walls of the zeolite entrances, thereby irreversibly closing the channels. The surface of the zeolites has been functionalized with different chemical groups in order to investigate the different biodistributions depending of the nature of the functionalizations. Preliminary in vivo experiments with Wistar rats have been performed and showed the potential of the approach. This strategy leads to a nanoimaging probe with a very high density of radioisotopes in a confined space, which is highly stable in physiological solution and could allow a large variety of functionalities on its external surface.

Caspases are responsible for the execution of the cell death program and are potentially suitable targets for the specific imaging of apoptosis in vivo. A series of N-1-substituted analogues of the small molecule nonpeptide caspase inhibitor (S)-5-[1-(2-methoxymethylpyrrolidinyl)sulfonyl]isatin (1), which may be useful for the development of caspase-targeted radioligands, were synthesized and their inhibition potencies were evaluated in vitro. Two of the most powerful techniques to introduce fluorine into organic compounds, viz, bromofluorination of olefins and fluorohydrin synthesis by ring-opening of epoxides, were used. Most of the target compounds are potent inhibitors of the two effector caspases-3 and -7. Furthermore, the (18)F-radiolabeled model compound (S)-1-[4-(1-[(18)F]fluoro-2-hydroxyethyl)benzyl]-5-[1-(2-methoxymethyl-pyrrolidinyl)sulfonyl]isatin ([(18)F]37), a putative tracer for the noninvasive imaging of apoptosis by positron emission tomography (PET) was synthesized by nucleophilic epoxide ring-opening of its precursor 36. The radiochemistry utilized in the (18)F-fluorination reverted to carrier-added [(18)F]Et(3)N.3HF, a new fluorine-18 source for radiolabeling.

The assessment of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in vivo is highly desirable in various human diseases such as cancers. Hydroxamic acids based on CGS27023A or CGS25966 are nonpeptidyl lead structures that specifically target activated MMPs in vivo. The aim of this study was the modification and fluorescent labeling of these lead structures to develop a highly affine, nonpeptide MMP inhibitor (MMPI)-ligand for molecular optical imaging of activated MMPs. An 11 step synthesis was developed involving a PEGylated benzyl derivative as a spacer to minimize the interactions between the activated MMP and the dye of conjugate 11 with an azide as a protected amino function. After reducing the azide (Staudinger reaction) and labeling with Cy5.5, we obtained a CGS-based MMP inhibitor 11 with a fluorescent signaling flag. To evaluate the biological properties of this photoprobe, three human cancer cell lines (A-673, HT-1080 and BT-20) were characterized with respect to their MMP-2 and -9 (gelatinases) expression levels (real-time PCR) and protein levels (Western blotting). Initially, fluorogenic inhibition assays were used to assess the MMP inhibition potential. The PEGylated CGS 10 showed complete inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in vitro both for purified MMP-2/-9 (active and pro-forms) and MMP-2/-9 containing cell culture supernatants. To test the imaging potential in biological tissues, gelatinase activity was measured on tumor cryostat sections of the above-mentioned tumor cells using FITC-labeled dye-quenched gelatin. Gelatinase positive tumors revealed strong binding of CGS-Cy5.5 11, while gelatinase negative tumors were not targeted. In conclusion, this new CGS-based MMP photoprobe has a high affinity for MMP-2 and -9 and is thus a promising candidate for sensitive imaging of MMP activity in various diseases in patients.

The measurement of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in diseases like inflammation, oncogenesis, or atherosclerosis in vivo is highly desirable. Fine-tuned pyrimidine-2,4,6-triones (barbiturates) offer nonpeptidyl lead structures for developing imaging agents for specifically visualization of activated MMPs in vivo. The aim of this study was to modify a C-5-disubstituted barbiturate and thus design a highly affine, nonpeptidic, optical MMP inhibitor (MMPI)-ligand for imaging of activated MMPs in vivo. A convergent 10 step synthesis was developed, starting with a malonic ester and (4-bromophenoxy)benzene to generate 5-bromo-pyrimidine-2,4,6-trione as the key intermediate. To minimize the interactions between activated MMPs and the dye of the conjugate 6, a PEGylated piperazine derivative was used as a spacer and an azide as a protected amino function. After linking both building blocks, reducing the azide ( Staudinger reaction) and labeling with Cy 5.5, we obtained the nonhydroxamate MMP inhibitor 6 with high affinity (IC 50-value: 48 nM for MMP-2) measured in a fluorogenic assay using commercially available MMP-substrates and the purified enzyme. Zymography revealed an efficient blocking of enzyme activity of purified MMP-2 and MMP-9 and of MMP-containing cell supernatants (HT-1080), (A-673) using the PEGylated barbiturate 5. Fluorescence microscopy studies using a highly (A-673) and a moderate (HT-1080) MMP-2 secreting cell line showed efficient binding of the Cy 5.5 labeled tracer 6 to the MMP-2 positive cells while MMP-2 negative cells (MCF-7) did not bind. Therefore, this new barbiturate-based MMP-probe has a high affinity and specificity toward MMP-2 and -9 and is thus a promising candidate for sensitive MMP detection in vivo.