Labeling of anti-MUC-1 binding single chain Fv fragments to surface modified upconversion nanoparticles for an initial in vivo molecular imaging proof of principle approach

Int J Mol Sci. 2012;13(4):4153-4167. doi: 10.3390/ijms13044153. Epub 2012 Mar 29.

Abstract

In vivo optical Imaging is an inexpensive and highly sensitive modality to investigate and follow up diseases like breast cancer. However, fluorescence labels and specific tracers are still works in progress to bring this promising modality into the clinical day-to-day use. In this study an anti-MUC-1 binding single-chain antibody fragment was screened, produced and afterwards labeled with newly designed and surface modified NaYF(4):Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles as fluorescence reporter constructs. The MUC-1 binding of the conjugate was examined in vitro and in vivo using modified state-of-the-art small animal Imaging equipment. Binding of the newly generated upconversion nanoparticle based probe to MUC-1 positive cells was clearly shown via laser scanning microscopy and in an initial proof of principal small animal optical imaging approach.

Keywords: anti-MUC-1 single-chain antibody fragment; in vivo optical molecular imaging; labeling; upconversion nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / immunology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Mucin-1 / immunology*
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Optical Imaging / methods*
  • Single-Chain Antibodies* / immunology
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Transplantation, Heterologous

Substances

  • Mucin-1
  • Single-Chain Antibodies