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Updated: May 6, 2026
Colorectal Cancer Cell Surface Protein Profiling Using an Antibody Microarray and Fluorescence Multiplexing
Published on: September 25, 2011
EphA2-targeted NIR-I/II fluorescent probe for specific imaging of colorectal cancer
Li Wang1, Hao Zhang2, Hui Wang3
1Cancer Research Center, Jiangxi Engineering Research Center for Translational Cancer Technology, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China.
Abstract:
Complete surgical resection is the cornerstone of therapy for early-stage colorectal cancer. However, accurate intraoperative tumor localization remains a clinical challenge. Targeted fluorescent probes have emerged as effective tools to assist real-time tumor visualization during surgery. EPH-3-DBS is an EphA2-targeted NIR-I/NIR-II fluorescent molecular probe, composed of the novel cyanine-based dye DBS and the high-affinity EphA2-targeting peptide EPH-3. EPH-3-DBS exhibits excellent optical properties and high binding specificity for EphA2-expressing tumors. In vivo imaging demonstrated that EPH-3-DBS selectively accumulates in tumor tissues, whereas the non-targeted DBS shows no significant tumor affinity. Superior imaging performance was observed in both orthotopic colorectal cancer and liver metastasis models. Owing to its high tumor-to-background ratio (TBR>2.0) and prolonged imaging window, EPH-3-DBS holds significant potential for application in fluorescence-guided surgery.
Insights
A novel fluorescent probe, EPH-3-DBS, accurately visualizes colorectal tumors during surgery. This molecular probe targets EphA2, improving tumor detection and guiding surgeons for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Imaging
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Complete surgical resection is crucial for early-stage colorectal cancer.
- Accurate intraoperative tumor localization presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Fluorescent probes offer real-time tumor visualization to aid surgical procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate EPH-3-DBS, an EphA2-targeted near-infrared (NIR-I/NIR-II) fluorescent molecular probe.
- To assess the probe's efficacy in tumor visualization and localization during surgery.
- To determine the potential of EPH-3-DBS for fluorescence-guided surgery.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of the novel cyanine-based dye DBS and its conjugation with the EphA2-targeting peptide EPH-3 to create EPH-3-DBS.
- Evaluation of optical properties and binding specificity of EPH-3-DBS for EphA2-expressing tumors.
- In vivo imaging studies using orthotopic colorectal cancer and liver metastasis models to assess tumor accumulation and imaging performance.
Main Results:
- EPH-3-DBS demonstrated excellent optical properties and high binding specificity for EphA2-expressing tumors.
- In vivo imaging confirmed selective accumulation of EPH-3-DBS in tumor tissues.
- The non-targeted DBS showed no significant tumor affinity, highlighting the specificity of EPH-3-DBS.
- Superior imaging performance with a high tumor-to-background ratio (TBR>2.0) and a prolonged imaging window was observed.
Conclusions:
- EPH-3-DBS is a highly effective EphA2-targeted fluorescent probe for colorectal cancer.
- The probe facilitates accurate intraoperative tumor localization and visualization.
- EPH-3-DBS shows significant potential for enhancing fluorescence-guided surgery.
