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Synthesis of an In vivo MRI-detectable Apoptosis Probe
Published on: July 31, 2012
Cardiovascular molecular imaging of apoptosis
S L Wolters1, M F Corsten, C P M Reutelingsperger
1Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Introduction:
Molecular imaging strives to visualise processes at the molecular and cellular level in vivo. Understanding these processes supports diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy on an individual basis and thereby makes personalised medicine possible.
Apoptosis And Molecular Imaging:
Apoptosis is a well-organised mode of cell suicide that plays a role in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Apoptosis is associated with loss of cardiomyocytes following myocardial infarction, atherosclerotic plaque instability, congestive heart failure and allograft rejection of the transplanted heart. Thus, apoptosis constitutes an attractive target for molecular imaging of CVD. Our current knowledge about the molecular players and mechanisms underlying apoptosis offers a rich palette of potential molecular targets for molecular imaging. However, only a few have been successfully developed so far.
Aims:
This review highlights aspects of the molecular machinery and biochemistry of apoptosis relevant to the development of molecular imaging probes. It surveys the role of apoptosis in four major areas of CVD and portrays the importance and future perspectives of apoptosis imaging. The annexin A5 imaging protocol is emphasised since it is the most advanced protocol to measure apoptosis in both preclinical and clinical studies.
Insights
Molecular imaging targets apoptosis, a key cell death process in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Annexin A5 imaging is a promising advanced method for visualizing apoptosis in CVD for personalized medicine.
Area of Science:
- Molecular imaging
- Cardiovascular disease research
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Molecular imaging enables in vivo visualization of molecular and cellular processes, crucial for personalized medicine.
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is implicated in various cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including myocardial infarction and heart failure.
- Despite numerous molecular targets for apoptosis, few have been successfully translated into molecular imaging probes for CVD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular and biochemical aspects of apoptosis relevant for developing molecular imaging probes.
- To survey the role of apoptosis in four major areas of cardiovascular disease.
- To highlight the importance and future perspectives of apoptosis imaging, particularly the annexin A5 protocol.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on molecular machinery and biochemistry of apoptosis.
- Survey of apoptosis's role in cardiovascular diseases.
- Emphasis on the annexin A5 imaging protocol's advancement.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis is a significant target for molecular imaging in cardiovascular diseases.
- Annexin A5 imaging represents the most advanced protocol for apoptosis measurement in preclinical and clinical studies.
- Understanding apoptosis mechanisms provides a rich source of potential molecular targets for imaging.
Conclusions:
- Molecular imaging of apoptosis holds significant potential for diagnosing and evaluating cardiovascular diseases.
- The annexin A5 imaging protocol is a key development for advancing apoptosis imaging in CVD.
- Further development of molecular imaging probes targeting apoptosis is essential for personalized cardiovascular medicine.
