Engineered Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1 as a Biosensor Probe for Lung Cancer

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Early lung cancer detection is challenging, leading to poor patient outcomes.
• Tumor-secreted biomarkers are often too diluted in bodily fluids for effective detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, minimally invasive method for early lung cancer detection using engineered bacteria as biosensors.
• To assess the feasibility of using engineered Lactiplantibacillus plantarum for in vivo lung disease detection.

Main Methods:

• Genetically engineered Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were delivered to the lungs of mice.
• Engineered bacteria were designed to detect lung cancer-specific peptides and proteases.
• Bacterial reporter gene (nanoluciferase) activity was measured in urine.

Main Results:

• Engineered bacteria remained active in the lungs for hours without colonization and were cleared safely.
• Bacterial nanoluciferase was successfully detected in mouse urine, indicating successful lung probing.
• The biosensor bacteria detected both a model lung cancer peptide and an adenocarcinoma-associated protease.

Conclusions:

• Genetically engineered commensal bacteria show significant promise as living biosensors for early lung cancer screening.
• This approach offers a novel, minimally invasive strategy for detecting lung malignancies.
• The engineered bacteria demonstrated specificity in detecting lung cancer biomarkers.