Open AccessAptamer-PEG-modified Fe3O4@Mn as a novel T1- and T2- dual-model MRI contrast agent targeting hypoxia-induced cancer stem cells
Author(s) -
Haitao Zhu,
Lirong Zhang,
Yanfang Liu,
Yuepeng Zhou,
Kang Wang,
Xiaodong Xie,
Song Liu,
Dongqing Wang,
Chong Han,
Qiuyun Chen
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
scientific reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.24
H-Index - 213
ISSN - 2045-2322
DOI - 10.1038/srep39245
Subject(s) - aptamer , magnetic resonance imaging , cancer research , in vivo , cancer cell , in vitro , hypoxia (environmental) , stem cell , dual mode , cancer stem cell , metastasis , tumor hypoxia , chemistry , cancer , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , biochemistry , radiation therapy , organic chemistry , aerospace engineering , oxygen , engineering , radiology
Hypoxia-induced cancer stem cells have been known to be involved in tumour metastasis, resistance to chemo/radio therapy and tumour recurrence. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a widely used imaging tool for cancers in clinics and research. To develop T1-positive and T2-negative dual mode MRI agents for more comprehensive and accurate diagnostic information under hypoxic conditions, a hypoxia-inducible factor-1α based aptamer and Mn(II)-modified nanoparticles D-Fe 3 O 4 @PMn were synthesized and characterized. In vitro and in vivo studies show that D-Fe 3 O 4 @PMn NPs are biocompatible and less cytotoxic and can produce significant contrast enhancement in T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging. Furthermore, the D-Fe 3 O 4 @PMn NPs enable targeted dual-contrast T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging of cancer cells expressing high levels of HIF-1α and cancer stem cell-related proteins under hypoxic condition. In conclusion, NPs with HIF-1α and Mn(II) are promising diagnostic agents for dual-mode T1 and T2 imaging by targeting cancer stem cells as they are non-toxic and biocompatible.