uCendR peptide was designed by positioning the cryptic CendR motif  in the context of recognition and cleavage site of a tumor-associated protease, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA).  FAM-labeled uCendR peptide containing additional RGD vascular recruitment module was  injected into  4T1breast tumor mice, after 3hr circulation the mice were perfused with PBS and tumors sectioned for microscopy. Confocal microscopy confirmed the accumulation of synthetic uCendR-RGD peptide (green) in tumor tissue, and revealed extravasation and spreading within the tumor. CD31- positive tumor blood vessels (bv) – red.
Author: Tambet Teesalu, PhD