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Published on: December 15, 2017
In Vivo Imaging of the Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Liver Cancer with an Activity-Based Probe
Chenwen Shao1,2, Christian Hedberg3, Yong Qian1
1School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Wenyuan Road 1, Nanjing 210046, China.
Abstract:
The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a vital cytokine and biomarker, has been suggested to closely associate with the pathogenesis of liver cancer. However, a simple and effective approach for monitoring the change and distribution of cellular MIF is currently lacking and urgently needed, which could be helpful for a better understanding of its role in the progression of cancer. Herein, we report a novel activity-based probe, TPP2, which allows for direct labeling and imaging of endogenous MIF activity within live cells, clinical tissues, and in vivo in a mouse model of liver cancer. With this probe, we have intuitively observed the dynamic change of intracellular MIF activity by both flow cytometry and confocal imaging. We further found that TPP2 permits the identification and distinguishing of liver cancer in vitro and in vivo with high sensitivity and selectivity toward MIF. Our observations indicate that TPP2 could provide a promising new imaging approach for elucidating the MIF-related biological functions in liver cancer.
Insights
Researchers developed TPP2, a novel probe for imaging macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) activity. This tool aids in understanding liver cancer progression by visualizing MIF in cells, tissues, and live animals.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a key cytokine implicated in liver cancer pathogenesis.
- Current methods for monitoring cellular MIF activity and distribution are insufficient for understanding its role in cancer progression.
- A need exists for effective tools to visualize endogenous MIF activity in complex biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel activity-based probe for direct labeling and imaging of endogenous macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF).
- To investigate the dynamic changes and distribution of MIF activity in live cells, clinical tissues, and a mouse model of liver cancer.
- To assess the potential of the probe for sensitive and selective identification of liver cancer.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel activity-based probe, designated TPP2, for targeting MIF.
- Utilized flow cytometry and confocal imaging to observe intracellular MIF activity dynamics in live cells.
- Evaluated TPP2's performance in clinical tissue samples and an in vivo mouse model of liver cancer.
Main Results:
- TPP2 successfully enabled direct labeling and imaging of endogenous MIF activity in live cells, tissues, and in vivo.
- Dynamic changes in intracellular MIF activity were intuitively observed using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.
- TPP2 demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for MIF, enabling the identification and distinguishing of liver cancer in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions:
- The novel activity-based probe TPP2 provides an effective method for visualizing endogenous MIF activity.
- TPP2 facilitates the study of MIF's dynamic changes and distribution in the context of liver cancer.
- This probe represents a promising new imaging approach for elucidating MIF-related biological functions and aiding liver cancer diagnosis.
