RGD-Peptide Functionalization Affects the Diffusion of a Responsive Trimeric MRI Contrast Agent through Interactions with Integrins.

The relevance of MRI as a diagnostic methodology has been expanding significantly with the development of molecular imaging. Partially, the credit for this advancement is due to the increasing potential and performance of targeted MRI contrast agents, which are able to specifically bind distinct receptors or biomarkers. Consequently, these allow for the identification of tissues undergoing a disease, resulting in the over- or underexpression of the particular molecular targets.

Lanthanide(III) Complexes Based on an 18-Membered Macrocycle Containing Acetamide Pendants. Structural Characterization and paraCEST Properties.

We report a detailed investigation of the coordination properties of macrocyclic lanthanide complexes containing a 3,6,10,13-tetraaza-1,8(2,6)-dipyridinacyclotetradecaphane scaffold functionalized with four acetamide pendant arms. The X-ray structures of the complexes with the large Ln ions (La and Sm) display 12- and 10-coordinated metal ions, where the coordination sphere is fulfilled by the six N atoms of the macrocycle, the four O atoms of the acetamide pendants, and a bidentate nitrate anion in the La complex. The analogous Yb complex presents, however, a 9-coordinated metal ion because one of the acetamide pendant arms remains uncoordinated.

Combination of bioresponsive chelates and perfluorinated lipid nanoparticles enables in vivo MRI probe quantification.

We developed a nanosized perfluorocarbon-based system with incorporated paramagnetic Gd(iii) chelates, able to generate a quantitative 19F MRI signal, while in parallel capable of modulating the 1H MRI signal in response to the coordination of Ca2+ ions. Subsequently, we performed experiments in vivo and estimated the concentration of the applied probe in the tissue by means of 19F MRI.

A ratiometric F MR-based method for the quantification of Ca using responsive paramagnetic probes.

We present a method for assessing the extracellular calcium concentration using F chemical shift imaging. Specifically, a custom made calcium-responsive and lanthanide-based F MRI probe that undergoes a strong and highly specific modulation of its signal upon coordination with calcium ions was developed and its performance is presented.

A Three-Dimensional Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Tube Formation Assay to Identify Novel Kinases Involved in Lymphatic Vessel Remodeling.

The lymphatic system is a series of vessels that transport cells and excess fluid from tissues to the blood vascular system. Normally quiescent, the lymphatics can grow or remodel in response to developmental, immunological, or cells pathological stimuli. Lymphatic vessels comprise lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) that can respond to external growth factors by undergoing proliferation, migration, adhesion, and tube and lumen formation into new vessel structures, a process known as lymphangiogenesis.