Mn loaded apoferritin as an MRI sensor of melanin formation in melanoma cells

Chem Commun (Camb). 2012 Feb 28;48(18):2436-8. doi: 10.1039/c2cc17801j. Epub 2012 Jan 25.

Abstract

Mn(III)-loaded apoferritin is promptly reduced to Mn(II)-apoferritin by the oxidation of L-DOPA to melanin. The process is nicely witnessed by a marked relaxation enhancement of water proton relaxation rate that has been detected both in cultured melanoma cells and in tumor animal models.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoferritins / chemistry*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Manganese / chemistry*
  • Melanins / biosynthesis*
  • Melanoma, Experimental / metabolism
  • Melanoma, Experimental / pathology*
  • Mice

Substances

  • Melanins
  • Manganese
  • Apoferritins