Metastatic and non-metastatic melanoma imaging using Sgc8-c aptamer PTK7-recognizer

Area of Science:

• Molecular Imaging
• Oncology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer, requires advanced diagnostic tools beyond histopathology.
• Molecular imaging offers in vivo cancer diagnosis by targeting tumor-specific biomarkers.
• Aptamers, as oligonucleotide probes, provide high affinity and specificity for molecular imaging applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the DNA aptamer Sgc8-c as a molecular imaging probe for in vivo diagnosis of melanoma.
• To assess Sgc8-c's efficacy in both metastatic and non-metastatic melanoma models.
• To investigate the diagnostic potential of Sgc8-c for early melanoma detection.

Main Methods:

• Development and in vitro evaluation of radio- and fluorescent-labeled Sgc8-c probes.
• Assessment of PTK7 receptor recognition and cellular internalization pathways.
• In vivo proof-of-concept studies in animal melanoma models.

Main Results:

• Sgc8-c probes demonstrated high specificity for PTK7 and internalization via endosomal route.
• In vivo studies showed rapid blood clearance and excellent tumor-to-non-target organ ratios.
• Optimal biodistribution was observed 24 hours post-injection, with exclusive tumor accumulation.

Conclusions:

• Sgc8-c aptamer probes are effective for in vivo molecular imaging of melanoma.
• The probes exhibit favorable pharmacokinetic properties and tumor-specific accumulation.
• Sgc8-c represents a promising tool for the early detection of melanoma.