Noninvasive optical imaging of apoptosis by caspase-targeted activity-based probes

Laura E Edgington ¹, Alicia B Berger , Galia Blum

⁰Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.

Nature Medicine +

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July 15, 2009

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

New fluorescent probes can noninvasively image apoptosis in vivo. These caspase activity-based probes (ABPs) allow direct monitoring of cell death kinetics in live animals, aiding cancer treatment assessment and diagnosis.

Area Of Science

Biomedical Imaging
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

Background

Direct visualization of apoptosis in vivo is crucial for monitoring treatment response and disease progression.
Current methods for apoptosis detection have limitations in real-time, noninvasive monitoring.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop and validate fluorescently labeled activity-based probes (ABPs) for in vivo imaging of active caspases.
To assess the utility of these probes for monitoring apoptosis in preclinical models.

Main Methods

Development of fluorescently labeled activity-based probes (ABPs) targeting active caspases.
In vivo application of ABPs in mice models, including dexamethasone-treated and tumor-bearing mice treated with Apomab.
Noninvasive monitoring of fluorescent signals and correlation with caspase activity via gel analysis.

Main Results

Caspase ABPs successfully labeled active caspases in vivo, enabling direct visualization of apoptosis.
Probes provided kinetic readouts of apoptosis in live mice, organs, and tissue extracts.
Maximum fluorescent signals, indicative of peak caspase activity, were monitored noninvasively.

Conclusions

Caspase-specific ABPs are effective tools for noninvasive imaging of apoptosis in vivo.
These probes demonstrate significant potential for applications in both preclinical research and clinical settings for disease monitoring and treatment evaluation.

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