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Published on: September 27, 2019
Spatial-Temporal Multiomics Profiling of Living Single Cells on Chip for Cancer Therapy
Kunru Yu1, Shengjie Chen1, Rong Zhu1
1State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
This study introduces a microchip for real-time, in situ molecular monitoring of single cancer cells. This technology reveals how Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) affect cancer cell pathways, aiding precision therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cancer Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Single-cell molecular profiling is crucial for understanding cellular heterogeneity and biological processes.
- Existing methods for cell monitoring are often endpoint measurements, limiting long-term studies of living cells, especially in cancer therapy.
- The precise molecular mechanisms of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) in cancer remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional microchip for continuous, in situ monitoring of molecular signatures in living single cells.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of TTFields in cancer therapy using spatial-temporal multiomics profiling.
- To enable real-time tracking of molecular events in cancer cells under TTFields treatment.
Main Methods:
- Integration of spatial cell positioning, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for multimolecule tracking, and TTFields treatment on a single microchip.
- Multiplexed analysis of liver cancer cells treated with TTFields and chemotherapy drugs.
- Spatial-temporal multiomics profiling including tracking of glycolysis, genetic stability, and membrane integrity.
Main Results:
- The microchip platform successfully enabled continuous in situ monitoring of molecular dynamics in living single cells.
- Significant differences in molecular events (glycolysis, genetic stability, membrane integrity) were observed between TTFields-treated and untreated cancer cells.
- Causal network analysis identified specific oncogenic pathways modulated by TTFields.
Conclusions:
- The developed microchip is effective for real-time monitoring of molecular changes in living cells during cancer therapy.
- This platform provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of TTFields, supporting the development of precision cancer treatments.
- The study highlights the potential of integrated microfluidic devices for advancing cancer research and therapeutic strategies.
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