1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) (DOTA)

1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) is a macrocyclic chelating agent widely used in medicine for the formation of stable complexes with metal ions (PubChem CID 65036). The 'DOTA chelator cavity' refers to the central space formed by the four nitrogen atoms of the cyclen ring and the four carboxylate groups, which together provide an octadentate coordination environment for metal ions such as Gadolinium (Gd3+), Lutetium (Lu177), and Gallium (Ga68) (DrugBank DB09141; Stasiuk & Long, 2013). While not a biological target itself, DOTA is a critical component of radiopharmaceuticals and contrast agents, serving as the link between a targeting vector and a diagnostic or therapeutic radionuclide (Stasiuk & Long, 2013). Its high thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness are essential for preventing the release of toxic free metal ions into the bloodstream (PubChem CID 65036). DOTA-based drugs, such as Lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide, are primarily employed in the management of neuroendocrine tumors and in magnetic resonance imaging (DrugBank DB09141).

Other names

TetraxetanDOTA1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid

DOTA acts as a polydentate ligand that forms highly stable complexes with trivalent metal ions by wrapping around the metal ion in its central cavity, preventing its release in vivo (PubChem CID 65036; Stasiuk & Long, 2013).