A Protein Corona-Based Diagnostic Tool for Eroded Atherosclerotic Plaques

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Superficial plaque erosion contributes significantly to acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
• Current diagnostic methods for plaque erosion are limited, impacting clinical management.
• Nanoparticle-protein corona (PC) formation is influenced by disease-specific proteomic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nanoparticle-based diagnostic approach for detecting superficial plaque erosion.
• To investigate proteomic changes at the nano-bio interface for disease discrimination.
• To identify potential plasma protein biomarkers for superficial plaque erosion.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an in vivo murine model of superficial plaque erosion.
• Employed zirconium and iron (III) metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles (NPs) for PC generation.
• Analyzed protein corona composition using proteomic techniques.

Main Results:

• Zr-MOF NPs enhanced plasma protein identification compared to unfractionated plasma.
• Identified thirteen plasma proteins exclusively present in the superficial erosion group.
• These proteins show potential as signature biomarkers for superficial plaque erosion.

Conclusions:

• Nanoparticle-protein corona analysis offers a promising avenue for diagnosing superficial plaque erosion.
• The identified protein signature could lead to targeted therapies and improved clinical management of atherosclerosis.
• This approach may help differentiate erosion from rupture, potentially avoiding invasive interventions.