Fourier Transform Infrared Polarization Contrast Imaging Recognizes Proteins Degradation in Lungs upon Metastasis from Breast Cancer
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High-definition Fourier Transform Infrared FT-IR Spectroscopic Imaging of Human Tissue Sections towards Improving Pathology
Published on: January 21, 2015
Karolina Chrabaszcz1, Katarzyna Kaminska1,2, Cai Li Song3
1Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2 St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
Abstract:
The current understanding of mechanisms underlying the formation of metastatic tumors has required multi-parametric methods. The tissue micro-environment in secondary organs is not easily evaluated due to complex interpretation with existing tools. Here, we demonstrate the detection of structural modifications in proteins using emerging Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) imaging combined with light polarization. We investigated lungs affected by breast cancer metastasis in the orthotopic murine model from the pre-metastatic phase, through early micro-metastasis, up to an advanced phase, in which solid tumors are developed in lung parenchyma. The two IR-light polarization techniques revealed, for the first time, the orientational ordering of proteins upon the progression of pulmonary metastasis of breast cancer. Their distribution was complemented by detailed histological examination. Polarized contrast imaging recognised tissue structures of lungs and showed deformations in protein scaffolds induced by inflammatory infiltration, fibrosis, and tumor growth. This effect was recognised by not only changes in absorbance of the spectral bands but also by the band shifts and the appearance of new signals. Therefore, we proposed this approach as a useful tool for evaluation of progressive and irreversible molecular changes that occur sequentially in the metastatic process.
Insights
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) imaging with light polarization reveals protein structural changes during breast cancer metastasis progression in lungs. This technique offers a novel way to evaluate molecular alterations in the metastatic process.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Evaluating the tumor micro-environment in secondary organs is challenging.
- Existing tools for analyzing metastatic tissue have complex interpretations.
- Understanding metastatic mechanisms requires multi-parametric methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) imaging combined with light polarization for detecting protein structural modifications.
- To investigate the progression of breast cancer metastasis in the lung using these novel techniques.
- To evaluate the potential of this approach for assessing molecular changes during metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) imaging with two IR-light polarization techniques.
- Investigated an orthotopic murine model of breast cancer lung metastasis across different disease phases.
- Complemented imaging data with detailed histological examination.
Main Results:
- Revealed the orientational ordering of proteins during breast cancer pulmonary metastasis progression.
- Polarized contrast imaging identified tissue structures and protein scaffold deformations caused by inflammation, fibrosis, and tumor growth.
- Observed changes in spectral band absorbance, band shifts, and new signal appearances.
Conclusions:
- Proposed FTIR imaging with light polarization as a valuable tool for evaluating metastatic processes.
- This approach can detect progressive and irreversible molecular changes during metastasis.
- The technique offers new insights into the structural modifications of proteins in the metastatic micro-environment.
