Multiplexed and Quantitative Study of Biomarker Expression in Tumor Specimens Using Quantum Dots

摘要

When conjugated with targeting molecules, quantum dots (QD) can be used as powerful cancer diagnostic tools providing the molecular profiles of cancer cases based on common clinical biopsies. Such personalized analyses will enable doctors to treat and manage the patients' diseases more effectively. The unique optical properties (e.g., size-tunable emission, simultaneous excitation, high brightness and photostability) of these nanoparticles make them superior to conventionally popular organic fluorophores. Polymer-encapsulated, antibody-tagged QDs were prepared and used to successfully stain both fixed and live cells as well as clinical formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections. In the tissue staining study, QD bioconjugates targeting mutated p53 and early growth response protein (egr-1) were used to examine prostate cancer tissues. The tissue slides were then analyzed with a wavelength-resolved spectrometer to accurately quantify the protein expression levels. In comparison to traditional qualitatively based diagnostic procedures, quantum dot nanotechnology allows for a more quantitative, rigorous and objective analysis of tissue specimens in question. In addition, new developments in imaging instrumentation could automate spectroscopy measurements and data analysis.