SPECT and PET imaging of EGF receptors with site-specifically labeled EGF and dimeric EGF.

We describe a new generation of tracers for molecular imaging of the cell surface receptors for epidermal growth factor (EGF). These receptors play a key role in the progression of many tumors and are major drug development targets. Our tracers are based on a recombinant human EGF expressed with a cysteine-containing tag that enables facile site-specific radiolabeling with (99m)Tc for single photon emission computed tomography or site-specific conjugation of (64)Cu PEGylated chelators for positron emission tomography.

Molecular imaging of VEGF receptors in angiogenic vasculature with single-chain VEGF-based probes.

We describe a new generation of protein-targeted contrast agents for multimodal imaging of the cell-surface receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These receptors have a key role in angiogenesis and are important targets for drug development. Our probes are based on a single-chain recombinant VEGF expressed with a cysteine-containing tag that allows site-specific labeling with contrast agents for near-infrared fluorescence imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography or positron emission tomography.