Novel Matrix Metalloproteinase 12 Selective Radiotracers for Vascular Molecular Imaging

Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) is highly upregulated in several inflammatory diseases, including abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Here we report four novel 99mTc-labeled radiotracers derived from a highly selective competitive MMP-12 inhibitor. These tracers in their 99gTc version were assessed in vitro on a set of human metalloproteases and displayed high affinity and selectivity toward MMP-12. Their radiolabeling with 99mTc was shown to be efficient and stable in both buffer and mouse blood. The tracers showed major differences in their biodistribution and blood clearance. On the basis of its in vivo performance, [99mTc]-1 was selected for evaluation in murine AAA, where MMP-12 gene expression is upregulated. Autoradiography of aortae at 2 h postinjection revealed high uptake of [99mTc]-1 in AAA relative to adjacent aorta. Tracer uptake specificity was demonstrated through in vivo competition. This study paves the way for further evaluation of [99mTc]-1 for imaging AAA and other MMP-12-associated diseases. Copyright © 2019 American Chemical Society

Optical imaging of MMP-12 active form in inflammation and aneurysm

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 plays a key role in the development of aneurysm. Like other members of MMP family, MMP-12 is produced as a proenzyme, mainly by macrophages, and undergoes proteolytic activation to generate an active form. Accordingly, molecular imaging of the MMP-12 active form can inform of the pathogenic process in aneurysm. Here, we developed a novel family of fluorescent probes based on a selective MMP-12 inhibitor, RXP470.1 to target the active form of MMP-12. These probes were stable in complex media and retained the high affinity and selectivity of RXP470.1 for MMP-12. Amongst these, probe 3 containing a zwitterionic fluorophore, ZW800-1, combined a favorable affinity profile toward MMP-12 and faster blood clearance. In vivo binding of probe 3 was observed in murine models of sterile inflammation and carotid aneurysm. Binding specificity was demonstrated using a non-binding homolog. Co-immunostaining localized MMP-12 probe binding to MMP-12 positive areas and F4/80 positive macrophages in aneurysm. In conclusion, the active form of MMP-12 can be detected by optical imaging using RXP470.1-based probes. This is a valuable adjunct for pathophysiology research, drug development, and potentially clinical applications

Synthesis and in Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of MMP-12 Selective Optical Probes

In designing new tracers consisting of a small peptide conjugated to a reporter of comparable size, particular attention needs to be paid to the selection of the reporter group, which can dictate both the in vitro and the in vivo performances of the whole conjugate. In the case of fluorescent tracers, this is particularly true given the large numbers of available dye moieties differing in their structures and properties. Here, we have investigated the in vitro and in vivo properties of a novel series of MMP-12 selective probes composed of cyanine dyes varying in their structure, net charge, and hydrophilic character, tethered through a linker to a potent and specific MMP-12 phosphinic pseudopeptide inhibitor. The impact of linker length has been also explored. The crystallographic structure of one tracer in complex with MMP-12 has been obtained, providing the first crystal structure of a Cy5.5-derived probe and confirming that the binding of the targeting moiety is unaffected. MMP-12 remains the tracers' privileged target, as attested by their affinity selectivity profile evaluated in solution toward a panel of 12 metalloproteases. In vivo assessment of four selected probes has highlighted not only the impact of the dye structure but also that of the linker length on the probes' blood clearance rates and their biodistributions. These experiments have also provided valuable data on the stability of the dye moieties in vivo. This has permitted the identification of one probe, which combines favorable binding to MMP-12 in solution and on cells with optimized in vivo performance including blood clearance rate suitable for short-time imaging. Through this series of tracers, we have identified various critical factors modulating the tracers' in vivo behavior, which is both useful for the development and optimization of MMP-12 selective radiolabeled tracers and informative for the design of fluorescent probes in general. © 2016 American Chemical Society