Radiosynthesis of a novel antisense imaging probe targeting LncRNA HOTAIR in malignant glioma

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) HOTAIR was amplified and overexpressed in many human carcinomas, which could serve as a useful target for cancer early detection and treatment. The (99m)Tc radiolabeled antisense oligonucleotides (ASON) could visualize the expression of HOTAIR and provide a diagnostic value for malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether liposome-coated antisense oligonucleotide probe (99m)Tc-HYNIC-ASON targeting HOTAIR can be used in in vivo imaging of HOTAIR in malignant glioma xenografts. METHODS: The ASON targeting LncRNA HOTAIR as well as mismatched ASON (ASONM) were designed and modified. The radiolabeling of (99m)Tc with two probes were via the conjugation of bifunctional chelator HYNIC. Then probes were purified by Sephadex G25 and tested for their radiolabeling efficiency and purity, as well as stability by ITLC (Instant thin-layer chromatography) and gel electrophoresis. Then the radiolabeled probes were transfected with lipofectamine 2000 for cellular uptake test and the next experimental use. Furthermore, biodistribution study and SPECT imaging were performed at different times after liposome-coated (99m)Tc-HYNIC-ASON/ASONM were intravenously injected in glioma tumor-bearing mice models. All data were analyzed by statistical software. RESULTS: The labeling efficiencies of (99m)Tc-HYNIC-ASON and (99m)Tc-HYNIC-ASONM measured by ITLC were (91 ± 1.5) % and (90 ± 0.6) %, respectively, and both radiochemical purities were more than 89%. Two probes showed good stability within 12 h. Gel electrophoresis confirmed that the oligomers were successfully radiolabeled no significant degradation were found. Biodistribution study demonstrated that liposome-coated antisense probes were excreted mainly through the kidney and bladder and has higher uptake in the tumor. Meanwhile, the tumor was clearly shown after injection of liposome coated (99m)Tc-HYNIC-ASON, and its T/M ratio was higher than that in the non-transfection group and mismatched group. No tumor was seen in mismatched and blocking group. CONCLUSION: The liposome encapsulated (99m)Tc-HYNIC-ASON probe can be used in the in vivo, real-time imaging of LncRNA HOTAIR expression in malignant glioma. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09170-7.