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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
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Automated Preparation of [68Ga]Ga-3BP-3940 on a Synthesis Module for PET Imaging of the Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: April 25, 2025
A synergistic multiparametric MRI strategy for FAPα-targeted tumor fibrosis based on NaGdF4@PEG-FAPI nanoprobes
Yuqiang Ma1, Ni Zhang2, Shuai Wu1
1College of Life Science and technology, Beijing University of chemical technology, Beijing 100029, China. houyi@iccas.ac.cn.
Abstract:
Tumor-associated fibrosis, a key pathological feature of the tumor microenvironment (TME), is driven by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), promoting tumor progression and immune evasion, while fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) overexpressed in over 90% of solid tumor stroma but absent in normal fibroblasts serves as an ideal target for early tumor diagnosis via fibrotic lesion detection. Herein, we developed a FAPα-targeted nanoprobe NaGdF4@PEG-FAPI for multiparametric MRI diagnosis of tumor fibrosis. This nanoprobe was engineered for dual-mode T1/T2 MRI, enabling comprehensive tumor characterization. Extensive biosafety evaluations confirmed its excellent biocompatibility. In A549 subcutaneous tumor models, NaGdF4@PEG-FAPI demonstrated superior performance. In Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced (DCE) sequence, it provided high-resolution visualization of the tumor vasculature, significantly outperforming both Gd-DTPA and the non-targeted control (NaGdF4@PEG-mal). Furthermore, the synergistic contrast bright enhancement in T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and pronounced darkening in -weighted imaging () convergently and reliably confirmed tumor localization. The FAPI-mediated active targeting endowed the nanoprobe with prolonged tumor retention and enhanced signal intensity. NaGdF4@PEG-FAPI is highlighted as a robust and versatile platform in this study for multi-parameter, high-sensitivity tumor diagnosis.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel nanoprobe targeting fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) for advanced MRI detection of tumor fibrosis. This FAPα-targeted probe enables precise, multiparametric imaging for early cancer diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Tumor-associated fibrosis, driven by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), is crucial in tumor progression and immune evasion.
- Fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) is highly expressed in solid tumors but not normal tissues, making it an ideal diagnostic target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a FAPα-targeted nanoprobe for multiparametric MRI diagnosis of tumor fibrosis.
- To evaluate the nanoprobe's performance in characterizing tumors and detecting fibrotic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Engineered a dual-mode T1/T2 MRI nanoprobe, NaGdF4@PEG-FAPI, targeting FAPα.
- Conducted extensive biosafety evaluations to confirm biocompatibility.
- Assessed nanoprobe performance in A549 subcutaneous tumor models using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced (DCE) MRI, T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI).
Main Results:
- The NaGdF4@PEG-FAPI nanoprobe demonstrated excellent biocompatibility.
- It provided high-resolution visualization of tumor vasculature in DCE-MRI, outperforming Gd-DTPA and a non-targeted control.
- Synergistic T1-weighted enhancement and T2-weighted darkening confirmed tumor localization, with FAPI-mediated targeting ensuring prolonged retention and enhanced signal.
Conclusions:
- The developed FAPα-targeted nanoprobe offers a robust platform for multiparametric, high-sensitivity tumor diagnosis.
- This approach shows significant potential for early detection of tumor fibrosis via MRI.
- The nanoprobe facilitates comprehensive tumor characterization through dual-mode T1/T2 MRI.
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