RGD Peptide-Labeled Quantum Dots for Integrin alpha_v beta_3 Targeting

摘要

Quantum dots (QDs) with size- and composition-tunable fluorescence emission have high quantum yields and photostability suitable for optical imaging and multiplexing . Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane cell adhesion molecules involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Integrin alpha_v beta_3, which binds to Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic acid (RGD)-containing components of the interstitial matrix such as vitronectin, fibronectin and thrombospondin, plays a key role in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. It is significantly upregulated on invasive tumor cells and tumor vasculature but not in quiescent endothelium. The ability to non-invasively visualize and quantify integrin alpha_v beta_3 evel will provide new opportunities to document tumor (tumor cells and sprouting tumor vasculature) integrin expression, to more appropriately select patients for anti-integrin treatment and to monitor treatment efficacy in integrin-positive patients. Quantum dot-based probes, in particular, have great potential in imaging-guided surgery and therapy.