Association between [68Ga]NODAGA-RGDyK uptake and dynamics of angiogenesis in a human cell-based 3D model

Maria Grönman, Olli Moisio, Xiang Guo Li, Tarja Toimela, Outi Huttala, Tuula Heinonen, Juhani Knuuti, Anne Roivainen, Antti Saraste

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Abstract

Radiolabeled RGD peptides targeting expression of αvβ3 integrin have been applied to in vivo imaging of angiogenesis. However, there is a need for more information on the quantitative relationships between RGD peptide uptake and the dynamics of angiogenesis. In this study, we sought to measure the binding of [68Ga]NODAGA-RGDyK to αvβ3 integrin in a human cell-based three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model of angiogenesis, and to compare the level of binding with the amount of angiogenesis. Experiments were conducted using a human cell-based 3D model of angiogenesis consisting of co-culture of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) and of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Angiogenesis was induced with four concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of growth factor cocktail resulting in a gradual increase in the density of the tubule network. Cultures were incubated with [68Ga]NODAGA-RGDyK for 90 min at 37 °C, and binding of radioactivity was measured by gamma counting and digital autoradiography. The results revealed that tracer binding increased gradually with neovasculature density. In comparison with vessels induced with a growth factor concentration of 25%, the uptake of [68Ga]NODAGA-RGDyK was higher at concentrations of 75% and 100%, and correlated with the amount of neovasculature, as determined by visual evaluation of histological staining. Uptake of [68Ga]NODAGA-RGDyK closely reflected the amount of angiogenesis in an in vitro 3D model of angiogenesis. These results support further evaluation of RGD-based approaches for targeted imaging of angiogenesis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5347-5353
JournalMOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
Volume48
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2021
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Angiogenesis
  • Positron emission tomography

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

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