Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Guided Therapy: Molecular Beacon-Based Photosensitizers Triggered by Breast Cancer-Specific mRNA

Abstract

We have developed breast cancer-targeted photodynamic molecular beacons (PMB) using two different activation mechanisms: mRNA-triggered (openable) PMB and protease-triggered (cleavable) PMB. We have validated the core principle of PMB concept: the ability of photosensitizer (PS) to produce singlet oxygen (1O2) can be precisely controlled in response to specific breast cancer-associated biomarkers. For the first time, using mouse models and on separate cells, we have shown that it is possible to limit the collateral damage to surrounding normal cells using this approach, thus achieved the unprecedented tumor selectivity for breast cancer PDT. In addition, we also demonstrated the versatility of the PMB design by developing PDT beacons with tailored functions such as the PDT agents with a built-in apoptosis sensor for in situ and real time monitoring of the therapeutic outcome.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA472022

Entities

People

  • Gang Zheng
  • Juan Chen
  • Klara Stefflova

Organizations

  • University of Pennsylvania

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Breast Cancer
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Confocal Microscopy
  • Health Services
  • Liquid Chromatography
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Organic Chemistry

Readers

  • Chemistry (specifically Chemical Fluorescence)
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Oncology