Targeted Nanoparticles for Fluorescence Imaging of Folate Receptor Positive Tumors.

This report presents the synthesis and folate receptor target-specificity of amino-functionalized polyacrylamide nanoparticles (AFPAA NPs) for near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging of cancer. For the synthesis of desired nano-constructs, the AFPAA NPs (hereafter referred to as NPs) were reacted with a NIR cyanine dye (CD) bearing carboxylic acid functionality by following our previously reported approach, and the resulting conjugate (NP-CD) on further reaction with folic acid (FA) resulted in a new nano-construct, FA-NP-CD, which demonstrated significantly higher uptake in folate receptor-positive breast cancer cells (KB+) and in folate receptor over-expressed tumors in vivo. The target-specificity of these nanoparticles was further confirmed by inhibition assay in folate receptor-positive (KB+) and -negative (HT-1080) cell lines.

Highlights on the imaging (nuclear/fluorescence) and phototherapeutic potential of a tri-functional chlorophyll-a analog with no significant toxicity in mice and rats.

Herein we report the positron emission tomography (PET) imaging potential of a I-labeled radiopharmaceutical (PET-ONCO). In tumored mice, it shows high uptake in a variety of tumors: brain (GL261, U87), Colon (Colon26), lung (Lewis lung), breast (4 T1), bladder (UMUC3), pancreas (PANC-1) implanted in mice. This agent also shows promise for imaging associated metastatic disease (breast to lung, to bone).

A Pyropheophorbide Analogue Containing a Fused Methoxy Cyclohexenone Ring System Shows Promising Cancer-Imaging Ability.

Herein we report the synthesis, photophysical properties, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy of methyl 3-(1'-m-iodobenzyloxy)ethyl-3-devinyl-verdin 4 (with or without the I isotope). The PET imaging ability and ex vivo biodistribution of [ I]4 were compared with the well-studied methyl [3-( 1'-m-iodobenzyloxy)ethyl]-3-devinyl-pyropheophorbide-a methyl ester (PET-ONCO or [ I]2) and [ F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([ F]FDG) in BALB/c mice bearing colon-26 tumors. Whole-body PET images of [ I]4 containing a fused methoxy cyclohexenone ring system showed excellent tumor contrast with time (72>48>24 h post-injection).

Design and biological activity of novel stealth polymeric lipid nanoparticles for enhanced delivery of hydrophobic photodynamic therapy drugs.

Advances in in vivo stability and preferential tumor uptake of cancer nanomedicine are warranted for effective chemotherapy. Here, we describe a novel nanoformulation using an unconventional polymeric tubule-forming phospholipid, DCPC. We report that DCPC transitions to stable vesicles (LNPs) in the presence of PEGylated lipid (DSPE-PEG2000); the resulting DCPC:DSPE-PEG2000 LNPs efficiently included a hydrophobic PDT drug, HPPH.

Induction of glucose metabolism in stimulated T lymphocytes is regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling.

T lymphocytes play a critical role in cell-mediated immune responses. During activation, extracellular and intracellular signals alter T cell metabolism in order to meet the energetic and biosynthetic needs of a proliferating, active cell, but control of these phenomena is not well defined. Previous studies have demonstrated that signaling from the costimulatory receptor CD28 enhances glucose utilization via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway.

BDNF variation and mood disorders: a novel functional promoter polymorphism and Val66Met are associated with anxiety but have opposing effects.

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is critical for neuronal function and survival, and is likely to be important in psychiatric disorders. In this study, we used single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery, functional analyses, and genetic association studies to better understand the potential role of BDNF sequence variation in behavior. Screening 480 unrelated individuals for SNPs and genotyping was performed in US Caucasian, American Indian, and African American populations.