A single diamagnetic catalyCEST MRI contrast agent that detects cathepsin B enzyme activity by using a ratio of two CEST signals

Dina V. Hingorani, Luis A. Montano, Edward A. Randtke, Yeon Sun Lee, Julio Cárdenas-Rodríguez, Mark "Marty" Pagel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

CatalyCEST MRI can detect enzyme activity by monitoring the change in chemical exchange with water after a contrast agent is cleaved by an enzyme. Often these molecules use paramagnetic metals and are delivered with an additional non-responsive reference molecule. To improve this approach for molecular imaging, a single diamagnetic agent with enzyme-responsive and enzyme-unresponsive CEST signals was synthesized and characterized. The CEST signal from the aryl amide disappeared after cleavage of a dipeptidyl ligand with cathepsin B, while a salicylic acid moiety was largely unresponsive to enzyme activity. The ratiometric comparison of the two CEST signals from the same agent allowed for concentration independent measurements of enzyme activity. The chemical exchange rate of the salicylic acid moiety was unchanged after enzyme catalysis, which further validated that this moiety was enzyme-unresponsive. The temperature dependence of the chemical exchange rate of the salicylic acid moiety was non-Arrhenius, suggesting a two-step chemical exchange mechanism for salicylic acid. The good detection sensitivity at low saturation power facilitates clinical translation, along with the potentially low toxicity of a non-metallic MRI contrast agent. The modular design of the agent constitutes a platform technology that expands the variety of agents that may be employed by cataly CEST MRI for molecular imaging.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)130-138
Number of pages9
JournalContrast Media and Molecular Imaging
Volume11
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2016

Keywords

  • CEST MRI
  • Cathepsin B
  • Enzyme activity
  • Ratiometric analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A single diamagnetic catalyCEST MRI contrast agent that detects cathepsin B enzyme activity by using a ratio of two CEST signals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this