Chemically Modified Bacteriophage as a Streamlined Approach to Noninvasive Breast Cancer Imaging
Abstract
While capable of visualizing tumors with high sensitivity, current diagnostic imaging methods yield little information with regard to the type of cancer present; biopsy follow-ups are required to determine prognosis and treatment. As a non-invasive alternative, we directly convert cell surface marker-specific phage isolated from library screens into imaging agents that can target and differentiate breast cancer tissues. By using efficient synthetic protocols, we are able to selectively conjugate small molecules to the phage coat proteins. The abilities of the modified phage to bind their targeted cell surface receptors following these manipulations are evaluated in vitro by using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy assays. We have confirmed that the synthetic modifications performed (installation of fluorophores and polyethylene glycol chains) do not significantly alter phage binding ability. Initial experiments in vivo with mouse xenograft models are used to determine biodistribution and tumor targeting abilities of the agents in a physiological setting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA556023
Entities
People
- Michelle E. Farkas
Organizations
- University of California, Berkeley