Semiconductor Transistor-Based Detection of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via Weak Acid-Induced Proton...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is vital for tissue development, cancer invasion, and metastasis.
• Current in vitro EMT detection methods are often time-consuming, low-throughput, or lack specificity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive and real-time method for detecting EMT by monitoring tight junction (TJ) barrier disruption.
• To utilize a pH-responsive semiconductor and a pH perturbation assay for EMT detection.

Main Methods:

• Developed a pH perturbation method using a pH-responsive semiconductor integrated with an ion-sensitive field effect transistor.
• Induced EMT in Mardin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell sheets using transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β).
• Detected TJ barrier disruption by sensing proton leakage.

Main Results:

• The pH perturbation method detected TGF-β-induced EMT at significantly lower concentrations than conventional methods.
• The method demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity, correlating well with EMT-related gene and protein expression.
• The novel assay showed comparable trends to traditional methods in drug screening for EMT inhibitors.

Conclusions:

• The pH perturbation method provides a sensitive, real-time approach for EMT detection.
• This technique can advance the understanding of biological processes involving EMT and aid pharmaceutical development.