Imaging the Tumor Extracellular Matrix with sdAbs

The presence or absence of particular biomarkers in the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) may inform the choice of optimal treatment options. For scientists engaged in visualizing biological processes in a living animal, imaging the tumor ECM components by single domain antibody (sdAb) has always attracted wide attention. Creative Biolabs has been at the forefront of sdAb antibody research for many years. With the development of non-invasive imaging techniques, we provide sdAb-based tracer (Nanotracer) development services targeting various ECM components for imaging use. Besides customized development services, a series of ready-to-use catalogue is also available for you.

Why Targeting ECM?

ECM biomarkers selectively expressed at disease sites are attractive targets for imaging approaches. ECM deposition and modification are hallmarks of cancer and cancer cells make close contact with the ECM. The tumor ECM plays a role in the survival and progression of cancer cells, provides structural support and may affect the tumor response to treatment. Scientists need to better understand how the ECM responds to various treatments, and how it affects the dynamics and the interplay between cancer cells and the immune infiltrating cells. Non-invasive imaging of the ECM components and how they change in response to treatment may help researchers to better understand the effect of the ECM on treatment outcome. SdAbs against ECM biomarkers would be pertinent vehicles for the accumulation of imaging cargo at disease sites, potentially increasing specificity and reducing background.

Fig.1 Influences of ECM on the hallmarks of cancer. (Pickup, 2014)

Imaging the ECM of Tumors

The ECM could be exploited to image cancer. For instance, a sdAb was developed that recognizes an alternatively spliced domain of fibronectin (fibronectin EIIIB) which is expressed in the ECM of a wide range of cancers, including pancreatic, melanoma, and breast cancer. The EIIIB-specific sdAb, VHH-NJB2, was radiolabeled and used to image different syngeneic and xenogeneic cancer models with primary tumors and metastatic lesions. The tumor ECM presents an interesting target for further exploration in the diagnosis of metastatic lesions.

Fig.2 ⁶⁴Cu-NJB2 detects tumors and metastases in syngeneic models of melanoma and TNBC. (Jailkhani, 2019)

Customized Services

• Generation and in vitro characterization of sdAbs
• Nanotracers construction services
• In vitro assessment services
• In vivo imaging services
• Statistical analysis

Creative Biolabs provides novel strategies for delivering imaging probes specifically to the ECM in disease sites. If you are interested in our Nanotracer tool development and imaging services, please directly contact us and consult our technical supports online.

References

1. Pickup, M. W.; et al. The extracellular matrix modulates the hallmarks of cancer. EMBO reports. 2014, 15(12): 1243-1253.
2. Jailkhani, N.; et al. Noninvasive imaging of tumor progression, metastasis, and fibrosis using a sdAb targeting the extracellular matrix. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2019, 116(28): 14181-14190.

For Research Use Only.