Gastrin Releasing Protein Receptor

Specific Gold Nanorods: Breast and

Prostate Tumor Avid Nanovectors for molecular imaging

 

ABSTRACT

Gastrin releasing protein receptor specific bombesin (BBN) peptide-gold nanoconjugates were successfully synthesized using gold nanorods

and dithiolated peptide. The gold nanorod-bombesin (GNR-BBN) conjugates showed extraordinary in vitro stabilities against various

biomolecules including NaCl, cysteine, histidine, bovine serum albumin, human serum albumin, and dithiothreitol. Quantitative measurements

on the binding affinity (IC50) of GNR-BBN conjugates toward prostate and breast tumor cells were evaluated. The IC50 values establish that

GNR-BBN conjugates have strong affinity toward the gastrin releasing peptide receptors on both the tumors. Detailed cellular interaction

studies of GNR-BBN conjugates revealed that nanorods internalize via a receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway. The receptor specific

interactions of GNR-BBN conjugates provide realistic opportunities in the design and development of in vivo molecular imaging and therapy

agents for cancer.