Quantum Dot-Based Dual-Modality Imaging of Integrin α_vβ3 Expression on Tumor Vasculature

摘要

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessels, is a fundamental process during tumor progression [1]. Molecules regulating angiogenesis include, but are not limited to, growth factor receptors, tyrosine kinase receptors, G-protein-coupled receptors for angiogenesis-modulating proteins, integrins, and matrix metalloproteinases. The focus of this presentation is on one of the most intensively studied angiogenesis-related molecular targets: integrin α_vβ3. All the studies described here use the same tumor model: U87MG human glioblastoma xenograft in athymic nude mice. The tumor cells express high level of human integrin α_vβ3. Further, immunofluorescence staining of the tumor tissue revealed that CD31 and mouse β3 staining co-localizes very well, indicating that the tumor vasculature expresses high level of mouse integrin α_vβ3.