Chemically programmable bacterial probes for the recognition of cell surface proteins

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Conventional methods for labeling cell surface proteins (CSPs) using antibodies or small molecules face optimization challenges.
• Developing efficient and adaptable labeling systems for cancer cell research is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, highly efficient fluorescent probe system for labeling cancer cell surface proteins (CSPs).
• To demonstrate the versatility and enhanced performance of these new probes in cancer cell imaging.

Main Methods:

• Chemically modified bacteria were engineered to create bacterial probes (B-probes).
• B-probes were constructed by linking bacterial membrane proteins to DNA duplexes functionalized with fluorophores and CSP binders.
• The B-probes were designed for structural programmability, allowing for modular attachment of dyes and binders.

Main Results:

• B-probes demonstrated effective labeling of CSPs overexpressed in cancer cells and tissues.
• The probes exhibited enhanced brightness due to spatial separation of multiple dyes, preventing self-quenching.
• Increased sensitivity in labeling cancer cells and tracking probe internalization was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Chemically modified bacteria provide a versatile and simple platform for creating advanced fluorescent probes.
• B-probes offer significant advantages in sensitivity and brightness for cancer cell surface protein labeling.
• This technology holds potential for applications in cancer therapy and inhibitor screening.