title: In Vivo Targeting of Cutaneous Melanoma Using an Melanoma Stimulating Hormone-Engineered Human Protein Cage with Fluorophore and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tracers.
abstract: Nanoparticle (NP)-based materials are promising agents for enhancing cancer diagnosis and treatment. Once functionalized for selective targeting of tumor-expressed molecules, they can specifically deliver drugs and diagnostic molecules inside tumor cells. In the present work, we evaluated the in vivo melanoma-targeting ability of a nanovector (HFt-MSH-PEG) based on human protein ferritin (HFt), functionalized with both melanoma-targeting melanoma stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and stabilizing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecules. Independent and complementary techniques, such as whole-specimen confocal microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging, were used to detect in vivo localization of NP constructs with suitable tracers (i.e., fluorophores or magnetic metals). Targeted HFt-MSH-PEG NPs accumulated persistently at the level of primary melanoma and with high selectivity with respect to other organs. Melanoma localization of untargeted HFt-PEG NPs, which lack the α-MSH moiety, was less pronounced. Furthermore, HFt-MSH-PEG NPs accumulated to a significantly lower extent and with a different distribution in a diverse type of tumor (TS/A adenocarcinoma), which does not express α-MSH receptors. Finally, in a spontaneous lung metastasis model, HFt-MSH-PEG NPs localized at the metastasis level as well. These results suggest that HFt-MSH-PEG NPs are suitable carriers for selective in vivo delivery of diagnostic or therapeutic agents to cutaneous melanoma.
authors: Luca
authors: L
authors: Vannucci
authors: Elisabetta
authors: E
authors: Falvo
authors: Cristina Maria
authors: CM
authors: Failla
authors: Miriam
authors: M
authors: Carbo
authors: Manuela
authors: M
authors: Fornara
authors: Rossella
authors: R
authors: Canese
authors: Serena
authors: S
authors: Cecchetti
authors: Lenka
authors: L
authors: Rajsiglova
authors: Dmitry
authors: D
authors: Stakheev
authors: Jiri
authors: J
authors: Krizan
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Boffi
authors: Giulia
authors: G
authors: Carpinelli
authors: Veronica
authors: V
authors: Morea
authors: Pierpaolo
authors: P
authors: Ceci
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D053769:Nanocapsules / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010316:Particle Size; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D053769:Nanocapsules; D000521:alpha-MSH