Magnetic resonance imaging of tumor cells by targeting the amino acid transport system.
An early diagnosis of cancer is crucial in the battle against this disease and the in vivo visualization of tumors at cellular level is still the most challenging goal. In order to target tumor cells, we took into account their increased metabolism and amino acid nutrients or pseudo-nutrients, which are actively transported through the cell membrane, have been chosen as vectors for new MRI contrast agents. For this reason new gadolinium complexes conjugated to agmatine, arginine, and glutamine have been synthesized and studied.
Lattuada
Luciano
L
CRM Chemistry, Bracco Imaging SpA, via E. Folli 50, 20134 Milano, Italy. luciano.lattuada@bracco.com
Demattio
Silvia
S
Vincenzi
Veronica
V
Cabella
Claudia
C
Visigalli
Massimo
M
Aime
Silvio
S
Crich
Simonetta Geninatti
SG
Gianolio
Eliana
E
D026905:Amino Acid Transport Systems / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D005682:Gadolinium; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats
D026905:Amino Acid Transport Systems; D005682:Gadolinium