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International audience; Amyloid forms of many different proteins have been long identified as relevant biomarkers in important pathologies with high societal impact, including Aβ in Alzheimer's disease, amylin in type 2 diabetes, α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease, etc. With over eighty novel complexes reported in the last six years, metal-based agents designed for the detection of such amyloid fibrils represent a rapidly growing field in molecular imaging. While the majority of these examples are radiocomplexes for nuclear imaging and focus on the detection of Aβ in Alzheimer's disease, there is increasing interest in other peptides and pathologies, and few studies are also directed at magnetic resonance imaging probes. In this review, we survey the recent literature according to the chemical nature of the amyloid recognition moieties, most of which are derived from a few basic structures, including benzothiazole, benzofuran or stilbene. Relationships between chemical structure and amyloid binding properties and biodistribution, in particular brain delivery and brain clearance, are outlined in order to help further work in this emerging area of research.

International audience; Superparamagnetic maghemite core–porous silica shell nanoparticles, γ-Fe2O3@SiO2 (FS), with 50 nm diameter and a 10 nm core, impregnated with paramagnetic complexes b-Ln ([Ln(btfa)3(H2O)2]) (where btfa = 4,4,4-trifluoro-l-phenyl-1,3-butanedione and Ln = Gd, Eu, and Gd/Eu), performing as promising trimodal T1–T2 MRI and optical imaging contrast agents, are reported. These nanosystems exhibit a high dispersion stability in water and no observable cytotoxic effects, witnessed by intracellular ATP levels. The structure and superparamagnetic properties of the maghemite core nanocrystals are preserved upon imbedding the b-Ln complexes in the shell. Hela cells efficiently and swiftly internalize the NPs into the cytosol, with no observable cytotoxicity below a concentration of 62.5 μg mL–1. These nanosystems perform better than the free b-Gd complex as T1 (positive) contrast agents in cellular pellets, while their performance as T2 (negative) contrast agents is similar to the FS. Embedding of the b-Eu complex in the silica pores endows the nanoparticles with strong luminescence properties. The impregnation of gadolinium and europium complexes in a 1:1 ratio afforded a trimodal nanoplatform performing as a luminescent probe and a double T1 and T2 MRI contrast agent even more efficient than b-Gd used on its own, as observed in cell-labeled imaging experiments and MRI cell pellets.

International audience; PURPOSE:The aim of this work is to develop an efficient and fully automated radiosynthesis of three derivatives of the Pittsburgh compound B labeled with gallium-68 for the detection of amyloid plaques.PROCEDURES:The radiolabeling of the precursors and purification of the radiolabeled agents by high pressure liquid chromatography has been studied prior to their in vitro and in vivo evaluations.RESULTS:The complete process led, in 50 min, to pure Ga-68 products in a 12-38 % yield and with appreciable specific radioactivity (SRA, 85-168 GBq/μmol) which enabled us to demonstrate a considerable in vivo stability of the products. Unfortunately, this result was associated with a poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and a limited uptake of our compounds by amyloid deposits was observed by in vitro autoradiography.CONCLUSION:Although we have not yet identified a compound able to significantly mark cerebral amyloidosis, this present investigation will likely contribute to the development of more successful Ga-68 radiotracers.

International audience; We have conjugated the tetraazacyclododecane-tetraacetate (DOTA) chelator to Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) forming negatively charged lanthanide complexes, Ln(L4), with targeting capabilities towards aggregated amyloid peptides. The amphiphilic Gd(L4) chelate undergoes micellar aggregation in aqueous solution, with a critical micellar concentration of 0.68 mM, lower than those for the neutral complexes of similar structure. A variable temperature (17)O NMR and NMRD study allowed the assessment of the water exchange rate, k ex (298) = 9.7 × 10(6) s(-1), about the double of GdDOTA, and for the description of the rotational dynamics for both the monomeric and the micellar forms of Gd(L4). With respect to the analogous neutral complexes, the negative charge induces a significant rigidity of the micelles formed, which is reflected by slower and more restricted local motion of the Gd(3+) centers as evidenced by higher relaxivities at 20-60 MHz. Surface Plasmon Resonance results indicate that the charge does not affect significantly the binding strength to Aβ1-40 [K d = 194 ± 11 μM for La(L4)], but it does enhance the affinity constant to human serum albumin [K a = 6530 ± 68 M(-1) for Gd(L4)], as compared to neutral counterparts. Protein-based NMR points to interaction of Gd(L4) with Aβ1-40 in the monomer state as well, in contrast to neutral complexes interacting only with the aggregated form. Circular dichroism spectroscopy monitored time- and temperature-dependent changes of the Aβ1-40 secondary structure, indicating that Gd(L4) stabilizes the random coil relative to the α-helix and β-sheet. TEM images confirm that the Gd(L4) complex reduces the formation of aggregated fibrils.

International audience; Water soluble phthalocyanines bearing either four PEG500 or four choline substituents in the macrocyclic structure, as well as their Zn(II) and Mn(III) complexes were synthesized. The metal-free and Zn(II) complexes present relatively high fluorescence quantum yields (up to 0.30), while the Mn(III) complexes show no fluorescence as a consequence of rapid non-radiative deactivation of the Mn(III) phthalocyanine excited states through low-lying metal based or charge-transfer states. The effect of DMSO on the aggregation of the phthalocyanines was studied. It was not possible to obtain the Mn(II) complexes by reduction of the corresponding Mn(III) complexes due to the presence of electron donating substituents at the periphery of the phthalocyanines. The (1)H NMRD plots of the PEG500 and choline substituted Mn(III)-phthalocyanine complexes are typical of self-aggregated Mn(III) systems with r1 relaxivities of 4.0 and 5.7mM(-1)s(-1) at 20MHz and 25 degrees C. The Mn(III)-phthalocyanine-PEG4 complex shows no significant cytotoxicity to HeLa cell cultures after 2h of incubation up to 2mM concentration. After 24h of cell exposure to the compound, significant toxicity was observed for all the concentrations tested with IC50 of 1.105mM.

© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. Metal complexes are increasingly explored as imaging probes in amyloid peptide related pathologies. We report the first detailed study on the mechanism of interaction between a metal complex and both the monomer and the aggregated form of Aß1-40 peptide. We have studied lanthanide(III) chelates of two PiB-derivative ligands (PiB=Pittsburgh compound B), L1 and L2, differing in the length of the spacer between the metal-complexing DO3A macrocycle (DO3A= 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid) and the peptide-recognition PiB moiety. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy revealed that they both bind to aggregated Aß1-40 (KD=67-160 ¿M), primarily through the benzothiazole unit. HSQC NMR spectroscopy on the 15N-labeled, monomer Aß1-40 peptide indicates nonsignificant interaction with monomeric Aß. Time-dependent circular dichroism (CD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and TEM investigations of the secondary structure and of the aggregation of Aß1-40 in the presence of increasing amounts of the metal complexes provide coherent data showing that, despite their structural similarity, the two complexes affect Aß fibril formation distinctly. Whereas GdL1, at higher concentrations, stabilizes ß-sheets, GdL2 prevents aggregation by promoting ¿-helical structures. These results give insight into the behavior of amyloid-targeted metal complexes in general and contribute to a more rational design of metal-based diagnostic and therapeutic agents for amyloid- associated pathologies.

International audience; There is a growing interest in the development of new medical diagnostic tools with higher sensibility and less damage for the patient body, namely on imaging reporters for the management of diseases and optimization of treatment strategies. This article examines the properties of a new class of lanthanide complexes with a tripodal tris-3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone (tris-3,4-HOPO) ligand - NTP(PrHP)3. Among the studies herein performed, major relevance is given to the thermodynamic stability of the complexes with a series of Ln(3+) ions (Ln = La, Pr, Gd, Er, Lu) and to the magnetic relaxation properties of the Gd(3+) complex. This hexadentate ligand enables the formation of (1 : 1) Ln(3+) complexes with high thermodynamic stability following the usual trend, while the Gd-chelates show improved relaxivity (higher hydration number), as compared with the commercially available Gd-based contrast agents (CAs); transmetallation of the Gd(3+)-L complex with Zn(2+) proved to be thermodynamically and kinetically disfavored. Therefore, NTP(PrHP)3 emerges as part of a recently proposed new generation of CAs with prospective imaging sensibility gains.

Due to its favorable relaxometric properties, Mn2+ is an appealing metal ion for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of three new triazadicarboxylate-type ligands and their Mn2+ chelates (NODAHep, 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4-diacetate-7-heptanil; NODABA, 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4-diacetate-7-benzoic acid; and NODAHA (1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4-diacetate-7-hexanoic acid). The protonation constants of the ligands and the stability constants of the chelates formed with Mn2+ and the endogenous Zn2+ ion have been determined by potentiometry. In overall, the thermodynamic stability of the chelates is lower than that of the corresponding NOTA analogues (NOTA = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetate), consistent with the decreased number of coordinating carboxylate groups. Variable temperature 1H NMRD and 17O NMR measurements have been performed on the paramagnetic chelates to provide information on the water exchange rates and the rotational dynamics. The values of the 17O chemical shifts are consistent with the presence of one water molecule in the first coordination sphere of Mn2+. The three complexes are in the slow to intermediate regime for the water exchange rate, and they all display relatively high rotational correlation times, which explain the relaxivity values between 4.7 and 5.8 mM-1.s-1 (20 MHz and 298 K). These relaxivities are higher than expected for Mn2+ chelates of such size and comparable to those of small monohydrated Gd3+ complexes. The amphiphilic [Mn(NODAHep)] forms micelles above 22 mM (its critical micellar concentration was determined by relaxometry and fluorescence), and interacts with HSA via its alkylic carbon chain providing a 60% relaxivity increase at 20 MHz due to a longer tumbling time., We thank the financial support from Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (F.C.T.), Portugal and Fundo Social Europeu (FSE) (PhD grant SFRH/BD/63639/2009 and Rede Nacional de RMN (REDE/1517/RMN/2005) for the acquisition of the Bruker Avance III 400 NMR spectrometer at the University of Minho), as well as financial support from La Ligue Contre le Cancer, France (E. T.). This work was carried out in the frame of the COST Actions D38 "Metal Based Systems for Molecular Imaging" and TD1004 "Theragnostics Imaging and Therapy".

International audience; We report the fine-tuning of the relaxometry of gamma-Fe2O3@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles by adjusting the thickness of the coated silica layer. It is clear that the coating thickness of Fe2O3@SiO2 nanoparticles has a significant impact on the r(1) (at low B0 fields), r(2), and r(2)* relaxivities of their aqueous suspensions. These studies clearly indicate that the silica layer is heterogeneous and has regions that are porous to water and others-that are not. It is also shown, that the viability and the mitochondrial dehydrogenase expression of the microglial cells do not appear to be sensitive to the vesicular load with these core-shell nanoparticles. The adequate silica-shell thickness can therefore be tuned to allow for both a sufficiently high response as contrast agent, and-adequate grafting of targeted biomolecules.

1 - Article; Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most commonly form of dementia in the elderly. The development of molecules able to detect biomarkers characteristic of AD is critical to its understanding and treatment. However, such molecules must be able to pass blood-brain barrier (BBB) which is a major impediment to the entry of many therapeutic drugs into the brain. Such a limitation applies to the development of magnetic resonance imaging molecular neuroimaging agents using biomarkers of AD-like P-amyloid deposits, as the common extracellular contrast agents (CAs) are not able to cross an intact BBB. In this work, we have studied the ability of a series of simple Eu3+ Complexes to enter cells overexpressing or not the ABCB1 (P-gp or P-glycoprotein) protein, which is expressed at the BBB and in human embryonic astrocytes. The intracellular uptake of the Eu3+ complexes of linear and macrocyclic polyaminocarboxylate ligands with different charges and lipophilicities was followed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Based on biochemical argument, we propose that lipophilic contrast agents can be efficiently taken up by cells and accumulate inside mitochondria when they are positively charged. The important point is that they are not P-gp substrates. which is one of the major obstacles for them to cross the BBB.

The recently reported amphiphilic chelate, [Gd(EPTPAC16)(H2O)]2-, forms supramolecular aggregates in aqueous solution by self-assembly of the monomers with a relaxometrically determined critical micellar concentration (CMC) of 0.34 mM. The effect of sonication on the aggregate size was characterized by dynamic light scattering and relaxometry, indicating the presence of premicellar aggregates and an overall decrease in aggregate size and polydispersity upon sonication, slightly below the CMC. {[153Sm](EPTPAC16)(H2O)}2- radiotracer was evaluated in vivo from γ scintigraphy and biodistribution in Wistar rats. It was found to depend strongly on the sample concentration, below or above the CMC, and its sonication, in a way that correlates with the effect of the same factors on the size of the aggregates formed in solution. Below CMC, the very large aggregates of the [153Sm]3+-labeled chelate were persistently and mainly taken up by the lungs, and also by the macrophage-rich liver and spleen. Sonication of this solution led to loss of the lung uptake. Above CMC, the metal chelate was mainly taken up by the liver, with very little uptake by the spleen and lungs. In vivo, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI evaluation of the micellar [Gd(EPTPAC16)(H2O)]2- compound in Wistar rats showed a persistent hepatic positive-contrast effect in T1-weighted images, qualitatively similar to the clinically established GdIII-based hepatobiliary-selective agents. No enhancement effect was observed in the lungs because of the scarcity of mobile protons in this organ, despite the scintigraphic evidence of significant lung retention of the [153Sm]3+-labeled chelate at concentrations below the CMC. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Funded by: Foundation of Science and Technology, Portugal. Grant Numbers: POCTI/QUI/47005/2002, SFRH/BD/5407/2001; FEDER; III Instituto de Investigação Interdisciplinar University of Coimbra, Portugal. Grant Number: III/BIO/45/2005; Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain. Grant Number: PIO051845; Ministry of Education and Science, Spain. Grant Numbers: SAF 2004-0391, NAN2004-09125-C07-03 and European Union. Grant Number: LSCH-2004-503569.

The hydration state of a series of [Ln(DO2A)(H2O)n]+ complexes in aqueous solution at pH = 6.4-7.0 was studied by measuring the lanthanide-induced 17O shifts (LIS) of water [Ln includes elements from Ce to Yb; DO2A = 1,7-bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane]. Their contact contribution, obtained from Reilley plots, indicated a decrease in the inner-sphere water coordination number of the [Ln(DO2A)(H2O)n]+ complexes from n = 3 (Ce-Eu), to n = 2 (Tb-Yb). A temperature-dependent UV/Vis absorption study of the 578-582 nm 7F0 rarr 5D0 transition band of [Eu(DO2A)(H2O)n]+ in aqueous solution showed that this complex is present in an equilibrium between eight- and nine-coordinate species with n = 2 and n = 3, respectively. The hydration equilibrium parameters (2 harr 3), K2-3298 = 4.0 ± 0.2, ΔH2-30 = -12.1 ± 1 kJ mol-1 and ΔS2-30 = -28.9 ± 3 J mol-1 K-1,correspond to an average hydration number of 2.65-2.85 in the temperature range 273-363 K. A variable temperature, multiple field 17O NMR study combined with direct EPR measurements of the transverse electronic relaxation rates has been used to obtain the parameters characterizing water exchange, rotation and electronic relaxation, all influencing the proton relaxivity of [Gd(DO2A)(H2O)2-3]+. The small increase in the water exchange rate of [Gd(DO2A)(H2O)2-3]+ (kex298 = (10 ± 5) × 106s-1) relative to that of[Gd(DOTA)(H2O)]- (4.8 × 106 s-1) is a consequence of an unfavorable interplay of charge and hydration equilibria. The value of τR298 = 40 ± 1 ps is short, and the electronic relaxation rate (1/T2e asymp 1.2 × 1010 s-1) is fast relative to [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)]- (1.3-2.4 × 109 s-1 for B = 0.34 T). These parameters negate to some extent the expected increase in proton relaxivity of the [Gd(DO2A)(H2O)2-3]+ complex.