Radioactive Polypeptide Probe for Pancreatic Islet Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for noninvasive imaging of pancreatic islets are inadequate for early detection and quantification of type-II diabetes, as they fail to provide clear three-dimensional imaging and specific contrast with surrounding organs, limiting their effectiveness in preventing and diagnosing the disease.
Innovation Solution
A molecular probe consisting of specific polypeptides, such as those represented by formulas (1), (2), and (3), which bind to pancreatic islets and are labeled with radioactive nuclides, enabling noninvasive three-dimensional imaging of pancreatic islets through PET or SPECT, allowing for accurate quantification and early diagnosis of type-II diabetes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing molecular probes for imaging pancreatic islets are used, then imaging can be performed, but three-dimensional imaging capability and contrast with surrounding organs are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular probe by changing chemical parameters - specifically incorporating a radioactive nuclide (such as 18F, 11C, 13N, or 64Cu) into the peptide structure at specific positions (N-terminus, C-terminus, or side chains of lysine residues). This parameter change enables PET or SPECT imaging capabilities, providing three-dimensional imaging and improved contrast with surrounding organs while maintaining the probe's ability to bind to pancreatic islets.
2Reliability
If noninvasive imaging methods are used, then patient safety is improved, but detection accuracy and quantification capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a radioactive nuclide as an intermediary that emits detectable radiation (positrons for PET or gamma rays for SPECT). This intermediary allows noninvasive detection of pancreatic islets through the patient's body without requiring direct tissue biopsy, while providing sufficient detection accuracy and quantification capability through the radioactive signal's measurable properties.
3Measurement precision
If existing imaging probes are used, then pancreatic islet imaging is possible, but specific contrast with surrounding organs is inadequate for early diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances local quality by ensuring the molecular probe binds specifically to pancreatic islets (particularly beta cells) through its peptide structure, while the radioactive nuclide provides localized signal emission. This creates high specific contrast in the pancreatic islet region compared to surrounding organs, preserving diagnostic information about islet mass and distribution that is crucial for early diabetes detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The molecular probe achieves improved uptake in the pancreas, providing a high specificity and contrast with surrounding organs, enabling effective noninvasive three-dimensional imaging and quantification of pancreatic islets, thereby facilitating early diagnosis and prevention of type-II diabetes.
Implementation Method 1
labeled with a radioactive nuclide, enabling noninvasive three-dimensional imaging of pancreatic islets through PET or SPECT
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A molecular probe for use in imaging of pancreatic islets is provided. The molecular probe comprises a polypeptide represented by the following formula (1), (2), or (3), or a polypeptide having homology with the foregoing polypeptide, Z-HGEGTFTSDLSXQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2 (1) (SEQ ID NO. 1) Z-HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLXNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2 (2) (SEQ ID NO. 2) B-HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2 (3) (SEQ ID NO. 3) where, in formulae (1) and (2), "X" represents a lysine residue, the amino group of the side chain of the lysine residue being labeled with a radioactive nuclide, and "Z-" indicates that the α-amino group at the N-terminus is not modified, or is modified with a modifying group having no electric charge; in formula (3), "B-" indicates that the α-amino group at the N-terminus is labeled with a radioactive nuclide; and in formulae (1), (2), and (3), "-NH2" indicates that the carboxyl group at the C-terminus is amidated.