EC-17 disodium salt

EC-17 (disodium salt) is a folate receptor alpha (FRα) targeting contrast agent with fluorescent properties in the visible light spectrum. The peak excitation and emission wavelengths of EC-17 are 470/520 nm.

Signaling Pathways >> Others >> Others

Research Areas >> Cancer

Folate receptor alpha[1]

EC-17 contains the fluorescein fluorochrome and has a spectral wavelength of 490–530 nm. EC-17 is synthesized by a folate (vitamin B9) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated through an ethylenediamine spacer to produce folate-FITC, with a molecular weight of 917 kDa. FITC is a derivative of fluorescein functionalized with an isothiocyanate reactive group. The folate-FITC conjugate forms a negatively charged fluorescent molecule that specifically targets cell-surface FRα and is subsequently internalized into the cytoplasm. The signal-to-background ratio (SBR) of EC-17 for HeLa cells range from 0.97 to 7.32 depending on the molarity and concentration of cancer cells[1].

The mean fluorescence signal from the animals injected with EC-17 to be 42,234 ± 12,234 au[1]. Fluorescence microscopy for folate-FITC shows a strong signal in all malignant tumors with FR-α expression and no signal in FR-α–negative malignant or benign lesions[2].

KB, HeLa, and TC1 cells are plated on a cell culture treated 6-well plate and incubated for 16 hours. Once confluent, EC-17 is added cells. The cells are incubated and sealed in a light-protected environment for 45 minutes. Cells are then washed 3 times with PBS and plated and underwent fluorescence microscopy[1].

Mice[1] Mice are injected subcutaneously in the flank with 1.2×106 TC1 cells (C57BL/6 mice), 1.0×106 HeLa cells (NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid  Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ mice), or 1.0×106 KB cells (NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid, Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ mice). Once tumor volume reached approximately 300 mm3 half of the mice are injected with 0.1 mg/kg of EC-17 and the other half with 0.1 mg/kg of OTL38 via tail vein. Three hours later, the fluorescence of tumors is measured using Flocam[1].

[1]. Tummers QR, et al. Intraoperative imaging of folate receptor alpha positive ovarian and breast cancer using the tumor specific agent EC17. Oncotarget. 2016 May 31;7(22):32144-55.

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