Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2025
Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: July 25, 2011
Nd-Mn Molecular Cluster with Searched Targets for Oral Cancer Imaging
Xin Hui1, Yanxing Wang1, Wenjing Li1
1Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, Shanxi, China.
Abstract:
In this research, we designed a novel NIR II luminescence imaging probe with targeting effect to accurately track oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Massive gene expression data were processed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis to establish a network of relationships between genes. After clustering, correlation of clinical information, and gene functional enrichment analysis, MMP1 was predicted to be a biomarker/therapeutic target for OSCC cells. To obtain rare-earth probes with better luminescence in the NIR II region, we adjusted the doping ratio of the rare-earth element (Nd, Gd, Er, and Yb) fraction of the Nd-Mn molecular cluster to optimize its luminescence properties. The results of in vitro targeting experiments showed that Nd-Mn-MMP1Ab can target Cal-27 cells, demonstrating at the cellular level that the MMP1 gene is a biomarker for oral cancer, which also proves that the cancer targets predicted by the bioinformatics approach are correct.
Insights
Researchers developed a new imaging probe to track oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. This probe targets the MMP1 gene, a newly identified biomarker for oral cancer, enabling precise cell detection.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) poses a significant health challenge.
- Accurate early detection and targeted therapies are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers is essential for advancing OSCC diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a novel near-infrared II (NIR II) luminescence imaging probe for precise tracking of OSCC cells.
- To validate MMP1 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for OSCC.
- To optimize rare-earth probes for enhanced luminescence in the NIR II region.
Main Methods:
- Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of gene expression data to identify OSCC-related genes.
- Bioinformatic analysis including clustering, clinical correlation, and functional enrichment to predict biomarkers.
- Synthesis and optimization of rare-earth molecular clusters (Nd, Gd, Er, Yb doped Nd-Mn) for NIR II luminescence.
- In vitro experiments using the Nd-Mn-MMP1Ab probe to assess targeting of OSCC cells (Cal-27).
Main Results:
- MMP1 was identified as a significant biomarker and potential therapeutic target for OSCC through WGCNA and bioinformatics.
- Optimized rare-earth doping ratios resulted in improved luminescence properties in the NIR II spectrum.
- The developed Nd-Mn-MMP1Ab probe demonstrated specific targeting of Cal-27 OSCC cells in vitro.
- Experimental validation confirmed MMP1 as a cellular biomarker for oral cancer.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully designed and validated a novel NIR II luminescence imaging probe for OSCC.
- MMP1 is confirmed as a reliable biomarker for oral cancer, validated through both bioinformatics and in vitro experiments.
- The developed probe and identified biomarker hold promise for improved OSCC diagnosis and targeted therapy.
