Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
07:34
Probing the Limits of Egg Recognition Using Egg Rejection Experiments Along Phenotypic Gradients
Published on: August 22, 2018
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Microenvironment-Guided Evolution of ssDNA-SWCNT Probes for Selective Recognition of Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Dakyeon Lee1,2, Seok-Hyeon Lee1, Yunseo Jung1
1School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|January 22, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed new DNA-based nanoprobes to detect aggressive prostate cancer phenotypes. These probes target specific cancer cell features in the tumor microenvironment, enabling precise diagnosis and targeted therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Distinguishing indolent from aggressive prostate cancer is difficult despite diagnostic advances.
- Cancer cell phenotypes within the tumor microenvironment influence treatment resistance and disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop phenotype-specific molecular probes for aggressive prostate cancer detection.
- To utilize a microenvironment-guided strategy for probe evolution.
- To enable precision diagnostics and targeted theranostics in prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Employing 3D tumor models to mimic cancer microenvironments for probe development.
- Functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to create molecular probes.
- Utilizing second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging for non-invasive detection.
Main Results:
- Developed two probes (PC3D2 and PC2D2) with differential binding to aggressive prostate cancer cell phenotypes.
- Demonstrated non-invasive detection of aggressive phenotypes in heterogeneous tumors using NIR-II optical imaging.
- Showcased selective drug delivery to prostate cancer spheroids, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The microenvironment-guided strategy enables the creation of phenotype-specific nanoprobes.
- This approach advances precision diagnostics and theranostics for prostate cancer management.
- The methodology is generalizable for developing nanoprobes targeting diverse cancer phenotypes based on microenvironmental signatures.
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