Protein-based MRI contrast agents for molecular imaging of prostate cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a novel protein-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent that has the capability of targeting prostate cancer and which provides high-sensitivity MR imaging in tumor cells and mouse models.

Procedure

A fragment of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) was fused into a protein-based MRI contrast agent (ProCA1) at different regions. MR imaging was obtained in both tumor cells (PC3 and H441) and a tumor mouse model administrated with ProCA1.GRP.

Results

PC3 and DU145 cells treated with ProCA1.GRPs exhibited enhanced signal in MRI. Intratumoral injection of ProCA1.GRP in a PC3 tumor model displayed enhanced MRI signal. The contrast agent was retained in the PC3 tumor up to 48 h post-injection.

Conclusions

SUBMITTER: Wei L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3463956 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature