Targeting and imaging signature caveolar molecules in lungs.

A major goal of molecular medicine is to target imaging agents or therapeutic compounds to a single organ. Targeting imaging agents to a single organ could facilitate the high-resolution, in vivo imaging of molecular events. In addition, genetic and acquired diseases primary to a single organ, such as cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, could be specifically targeted in the lung. By targeting and concentrating imaging agents or therapeutics to the lungs, deleterious side effects can be avoided with greater efficacy at much lower dosages. Pathologic changes can be identified earlier and followed over time. In addition, therapeutics that have been abandoned due to toxicities may find renewed utility when coupled with specific targeting agents such as antibodies. To achieve these goals, distinct molecular signatures must be found for each organ or disease-state.