MRI Contrast Agents in Glycobiology

Abstract

Molecular recognition involving glycoprotein-mediated interactions is ubiquitous in both normal and pathological natural processes. Therefore, visualization of these interactions and the extent of expression of the sugars is a challenge in medical diagnosis, monitoring of therapy, and drug design. Here, we review the literature on the development and validation of probes for magnetic resonance imaging using carbohydrates either as targeting vectors or as a target. Lectins are important targeting vectors for carbohydrate end groups, whereas selectins, the asialoglycoprotein receptor, sialic acid end groups, hyaluronic acid, and glycated serum and hemoglobin are interesting carbohydrate targets.

Fluorinated Human Serum Albumin as Potential 19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging Probe

“…MRI has unlimited diagnostic depth, high resolution, and excellent contrast abilities. However, in many cases, MRI requires a specific contrast agent (CA) to enhance the difference between the target tissue and the background [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The CA for 1 H MRI is detected indirectly by their effect on the spin relaxation of water protons.…”

“…The CA for 1 H MRI is detected indirectly by their effect on the spin relaxation of water protons. Paramagnetic metal complexes of Gd and Mn, and iron oxide nanoparticles are among the primary-used CA [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. However, recent concerns regarding low stability and potential toxicity of Gd-based and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles CAs make their clinical use challenging [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Lanthanide‐Based Probes for Imaging Detection of Enzyme Activities by NIR Luminescence, T1‐ and ParaCEST MRI

“…[32][33] This biological interest has led to the development of responsive probes for in cellulo and in vivo detection. [5,[34][35][36][37][38][39] We demonstrate here that LnL 5 Gal allows successful imaging of β-galactosidase activity by NIR luminescence (YbL 5…”

Lanthanide‐Based Probes for Imaging Detection of Enzyme Activities by NIR Luminescence, T1‐ and ParaCEST MRI

“…Upregulation of β‐galactosidase is often correlated with the occurrence of cancers and cell senescence; thus, in vivo detection and localization of β‐galactosidase activities can become an essential tool for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring [32–33] . This biological interest has led to the development of responsive probes for in cellulo and in vivo detection [5,34–39] . We demonstrate here that $${{{\bf L n L}}_{{\bf G a l}}^{5}}$$ allows successful imaging of β‐galactosidase activity by NIR luminescence ($${{{\bf Y b L}}_{{\bf G a l}}^{5}}$$ ), T1‐weighted ($${{{\bf G d L}}_{{\bf G a l}}^{5}}$$ ) and CEST MRI ($${{{\bf Y b L}}_{{\bf G a l}}^{5}}$$ ).…”