Intraoperative visualization of nerves using a myelin protein-zero specific fluorescent tracer

Surgically induced nerve damage is a common but debilitating side effect in oncological surgery. With the aim to use fluorescence guidance to enable nerve-sparing interventions in future surgery, a fluorescent tracer was developed that specifically targets myelin protein zero (P0).

Truncated homotypic P0 protein-based peptide sequences were C-terminally functionalized with the far-red cyanine dye Cy5. The lead compound Cy5-P0_101-125 was selected after initial solubility, (photo)physical and in vitro evaluation (including P0-blocking experiments). Cy5-P0_101-125 (K_D = 105 ± 17 nM) allowed in vitro and ex vivo P0-related staining. Furthermore, Cy5-P0_101-125  enabled in vivo fluorescence imaging of the Sciatic nerve in mice after local intravenous (i.v.) administration and showed compatibility with a clinical fluorescence laparoscope during evaluation in a porcine model undergoing robot-assisted surgery. Biodistribution data revealed that i.v. administered [¹¹¹In]In-DTPA-P0_101-125 does not enter the central nervous system (CNS).

P0_101-125 has proven to be a potent nerve-specific agent that is able to target P0/myelin under in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo conditions without posing a threat for CNS-related toxicity.