ROStrace

ROStrace is a novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer designed for the in vivo imaging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), specifically superoxide (O2•−), in the central nervous system and other tissues. Developed as a blood-brain barrier (BBB)-permeant analog of the fluorescent probe dihydroethidium (DHE), ROStrace enters the brain in its neutral form. Upon encountering superoxide, it undergoes selective oxidation to form a positively charged species ([18F]ox-ROStrace) that is unable to cross the BBB or cell membranes, thereby becoming trapped inside cells (partially through binding to DNA). This trapping mechanism allows for the non-invasive, quantitative visualization of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. ROStrace is being investigated preclinically as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as myocardial infarction and other conditions associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Other names

[18F]ROStrace18F-ROStrace6-(4-(2-fluoroethoxy)phenyl)-5-methyl-5,6-dihydrophenanthridine-3,8-diamine6-[4-(2-fluoroethoxy)phenyl]-5-methyl-5,6-dihydrophenanthridine-3,8-diamine