RGD-based molecular probes for integrin αvβ3 imaging

Abstract

The cell adhesion molecule integrin αvβ3 is an important player in the process of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. It is expressed on activated endothelial cells as well as some tumor cells. Non-invasive imaging of integrin αvβ3 expression would provide a unique means of characterizing the biological aggressiveness of a malignant tumor in an individual patient. In this chapter, we will summarize the current development and applications of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)- based molecular probes for molecular imaging of integrin αvβ3 imaging using either a single molecular imaging modality (magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, optical, single photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography) or a combination of the different modalities. The strategies that are currently used to optimize the RGD probes will be briefly introduced.