Aptamer-PEG-modified Fe3O4@Mn as a novel T1-and T2-dual-model MRI contrast agent targeting hypoxia-induced cancer stem cells

: Haitao Zhu, Lirong Zhang, Yanfang Liu, Yuepeng Zhou, Kang Wang, Xiaodong Xie, Lian Song, Dongqing Wang, Chunlei Han, Qiuyun Chen

Publisher: NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP

: 2016

: Scientific Reports

: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS

: SCI REP-UK

: 39245

: 6

: 12

: 2045-2322

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/srep39245

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-1 alpha based aptamer and Mn(II)-modified nanoparticles D-Fe3O4@ PMn were synthesized and characterized. In vitro and in vivo studies show that D-Fe3O4@PMn NPs are biocompatible and less cytotoxic and can produce significant contrast enhancement in T1-and T2-weighted MR imaging. Furthermore, the D-Fe3O4@PMn NPs enable targeted dual-contrast T1-and T2-weighted MR imaging of cancer cells expressing high levels of HIF-1 alpha and cancer stem cell-related proteins under hypoxic condition. In conclusion, NPs with HIF-1 alpha 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.