Nano-Enabled Fluorescence Switching: A Novel Strategy for PDGFRβ Detection and TKI Therapy Monitoring

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Oncology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) is a key biomarker for cancer diagnosis, drug development, and treatment monitoring.
• Altered PDGFRβ expression post-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy can indicate treatment resistance mechanisms.
• Current real-time technologies for precise PDGFRβ monitoring are limited, hindering clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel nanoprobe for sensitive and real-time detection of PDGFRβ expression.
• To investigate the correlation between PDGFRβ expression dynamics and TKI resistance.
• To establish a tool for guiding individualized cancer therapy and monitoring treatment efficacy.

Main Methods:

• A fluorescence quenching-recovery nanoprobe (Cy3-Gint4.T@BPNSs) was designed using a cyanine 3 (Cy3)-labeled aptamer (Cy3-Gint4.T) and black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs).
• The nanoprobe utilizes the specific binding of the aptamer to PDGFRβ on cancer cells, leading to fluorescence restoration.
• Cellular PDGFRβ levels were quantified by measuring restored fluorescence intensity, and dynamic changes post-TKI treatment were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The nanoprobe demonstrated high specificity and affinity for PDGFRβ.
• Restored fluorescence intensity directly correlated with cellular PDGFRβ expression levels.
• Dynamic changes in PDGFRβ expression induced by TKI therapy showed a proportional relationship with fluorescence variations, indicating potential for resistance prediction.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanoprobe enables precise, real-time monitoring of PDGFRβ expression.
• PDGFRβ expression dynamics are associated with TKI resistance mechanisms.
• This technology holds significant potential for guiding tumor diagnosis, treatment selection, and therapeutic adjustments in precision oncology.