Imaging Biotin Trafficking In Vivo with Positron Emission Tomography

J Med Chem. 2020 Aug 13;63(15):8265-8275. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00494. Epub 2020 Jul 24.

Abstract

The water-soluble vitamin biotin is essential for cellular growth, development, and well-being, but its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion are poorly understood. This paper describes the radiolabeling of biotin with the positron emission tomography (PET) radionuclide carbon-11 ([11C]biotin) to enable the quantitative study of biotin trafficking in vivo. We show that intravenously administered [11C]biotin is quickly distributed to the liver, kidneys, retina, heart, and brain in rodents-consistent with the known expression of the biotin transporter-and there is a surprising accumulation in the brown adipose tissue (BAT). Orally administered [11C]biotin was rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and swiftly distributed to the same organs. Preadministration of nonradioactive biotin inhibited organ uptake and increased excretion. [11C]Biotin PET imaging therefore provides a dynamic in vivo map of transporter-mediated biotin trafficking in healthy rodents. This technique will enable the exploration of biotin trafficking in humans and its use as a research tool for diagnostic imaging of obesity/diabetes, bacterial infection, and cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biotin / administration & dosage
  • Biotin / pharmacokinetics*
  • Carbon Radioisotopes / administration & dosage
  • Carbon Radioisotopes / pharmacokinetics
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Vitamin B Complex / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B Complex / pharmacokinetics*

Substances

  • Carbon Radioisotopes
  • Carbon-11
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Biotin