Detection of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in vivo with a triple-helical peptide optical probe.

ABSTRACT: We report a novel activatable NIR fluorescent probe for in vivo detection of cancer-related matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. The probe is based on a triple-helical peptide substrate (THP) with high specificity for MMP-2 and MMP-9 relative to other members of the MMP family. MMP-2 and MMP-9 (also known as gelatinases) are specifically associated with cancer cell invasion and cancer-related angiogenesis. At the center of each 5 kDa peptide strand is a gelatinase sensitive sequence flanked by 2 Lys residues conjugated with NIR fluorescent dyes. Upon self-assembly of the triple-helical structure, the 3 peptide chains intertwine, bringing the fluorophores into close proximity and reducing fluorescence via quenching. Upon enzymatic cleavage of the triple-helical peptide, 6 labeled peptid

SUBMITTER: Akers WJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3310325 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature