JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Indocyanine Green-Labeled Antibody-NOTCH2 as a New Fluorescent Molecular Imaging Probe for Gastric Cancer

  • 0The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhou, Gansu Province 730030, China.
Bioconjugate Chemistry +

|

October 8, 2025

|

October 8, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A novel near-infrared fluorescence imaging probe targeting NOTCH2 shows promise for early gastric cancer detection. This targeted probe selectively accumulates in tumors, enabling clearer visualization and potentially improving patient outcomes.

Area Of Science

  • Biomedical Imaging
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background

  • Gastric cancer poses a significant health threat with high mortality often linked to delayed diagnosis.
  • Early detection is crucial for improving patient prognosis in gastric cancer.
  • Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging offers high sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio for biomedical applications.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop and evaluate a NOTCH2-targeted single-chain variable fragment (scFv) conjugated with indocyanine green (ICG) for gastric cancer imaging.
  • To assess the probe's specificity and efficacy in vitro and in vivo.
  • To explore the potential of this targeted probe for early diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.

Main Methods

  • Construction of a NOTCH2-targeted scFv conjugated with indocyanine green (ICG).
  • Evaluation of the probe's photophysical properties and cellular uptake in MKN45 gastric cancer cells.
  • In vitro and in vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging to assess tumor targeting and signal retention.

Main Results

  • The ICG-scFv probe exhibited photophysical properties comparable to free ICG.
  • The probe was specifically internalized by MKN45 gastric cancer cells.
  • ICG-scFv selectively accumulated in tumor tissues in vivo, achieving tumor-specific imaging with prolonged fluorescence signals.
  • Colocalization analysis confirmed the probe's tumor-specific accumulation.

Conclusions

  • The developed NOTCH2-targeted fluorescent probe (ICG-scFv) demonstrates high specificity for gastric cancer cells and tumor tissues.
  • This targeted probe shows potential for enhancing early diagnosis of gastric cancer through NIR fluorescence imaging.
  • The findings suggest ICG-scFv may be valuable for both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in gastric cancer management.