A Vector Nanoplatform for the Bioimaging of Deep-Seated Tumors

Today, in preclinical studies, optical bioimaging based on luminescence and fluorescence is indispensable in studying the development of neoplastic transformations, the proliferative activity of the tumor, its metastatic potential, as well as the therapeutic effect of antitumor agents. In order to expand the capabilities of optical imaging, sensors based on the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) mechanism and, therefore, independent of an external light source are being developed. A targeted nanoplatform based on HER2-specific liposomes whose internal environment contains a genetically encoded BRET sensor was developed in this study to visualize deep-seated tumors characterized by overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2). The BRET sensor is a hybrid protein consisting of the highly catalytic luciferase NanoLuc (an energy donor) and a LSSmKate1 red fluorescent protein with a large Stokes shift (an energy acceptor). During the bioimaging of disseminated intraperitoneal tumors formed by HER2-positive SKOV3.ip1cells of serous ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, it was shown that the developed system is applicable in detecting deep-seated tumors of a certain molecular profile. The developed system can become an efficient platform for optimizing preclinical studies of novel targeted drugs.