Description:
Executive Summary
The invention is a multimodality imaging probe for detecting the oxidized LDL receptor, LOX-1. The researchers have successfully demonstrated LOX-1 staining using SPECT/CT, MRI and fluorescent imaging.
Background
LOX-1 is a type II membrane protein with a short N-terminal cytoplasmic domain and a long C-terminal extracellular domain that is the receptor for oxidized LDL. It is expressed in endothelial cells, proliferated smooth muscle cells and macrophages. It has been shown that LOX-1 plays a critical role in atherogenesis, the development of plaques within arteries. These plaques can rupture and lead to a host of problems and diseases, including ischemia and heart attack.
Invention Description
University of Virginia researchers have developed a novel imaging probe that is targeted to LOX-1. This imaging agent carried in a lipid vesicle and is composed of an antibody conjugated to both DiI fluorescence markers and either gadolinium (MRI) or indium-111 (SPECT). The probe has been shown to highly and specifically bind to the LOX-1 antigen in vivo.
For more information, see the inventor publication.
