Entries by admin

Novel Positron Emission Tomography Probes Specific for Deoxycytidine Kinase

22nd June 2011 in /by

Abstract: Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the deoxyribonucleoside salvage pathway and a critical determinant of therapeutic activity for several nucleoside analog pro-drugs. We have previously reported the development of 18F-FAC, (1-(2′-deoxy-2′-18F-fluoro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl) cytosine), a new probe for PET imaging of dCK activity in immune disorders and certain cancers. The objective of the current […]

Requirement for deoxycytidine kinase in T and B lymphocyte development

31st December 2009 in /by

Abstract: Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) is a rate-limiting enzyme in deoxyribonucleoside salvage, a metabolic pathway that recycles products of DNA degradation. dCK phosphorylates and therefore activates nucleoside analog prodrugs frequently used in cancer, autoimmunity, and viral infections. In contrast to its well established therapeutic relevance, the biological function of dCK remains enigmatic. Highest levels of dCK […]

Molecular imaging of lymphoid organs and immune activation using positron emission tomography with a new 18F-labeled 2′-deoxycytidine analog

3rd August 2009 in /by

Abstract: Monitoring immune function using molecular imaging could significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment evaluation of immunological disorders and therapeutic immune responses. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a molecular imaging modality with applications in cancer and other diseases. PET studies of immune function have been limited by a lack of specialized probes. We identified [18F]FAC […]

Noninvasive prediction of tumor responses to gemcitabine using positron emission tomography

5th February 2009 in /by

Abstract: Gemcitabine (2′,2′-difluorodeoxycytidine, dFdC) and cytosine arabinoside (cytarabine, ara-C) represent a class of nucleoside analogs used in cancer chemotherapy. Administered as prodrugs, dFdC and ara-C are transported across cell membranes and are converted to cytotoxic derivatives through consecutive phosphorylation steps catalyzed by endogenous nucleoside kinases. Deoxycytidine kinase (DCK) controls the rate-limiting step in the activation […]