EPR Assembly of Microgel for FRET Imaging of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Abstract : The purpose of this project is to develop a method to detect breast cancer with greatest possible accuracy at smallest possible size. The method should give least stress and inconvenience to the patient. We have proposed to combine different techniques into a three-step process to accomplish this goal. 1) The first goal is to place a marker on tumor. For this purpose, we will use the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect1-3, which might be universal for all tumors. The markers developed herein will be optimized for their ability to accumulate in tumor but not in normal tissues. We propose to use polymer-5 -PNA (peptide nucleic acid)(4-6) conjugates that will accumulates in tumors due to the EPR effect. 2) The second goal is target the signaling moiety selectively to the tumors. This is to be accomplished by using dye-labeled complementary PNA sequence. This complementary sequence will have minimal retention in the body or tumors on account of its smaller size. However, in this case, the dye-labeled PNA conjugates will be retained in tumors because of the Watson-Crick base pairing between the complementary PNA sequences. The specific base pairing between the complementary sequences will link the signaling (dye) moiety to polymer-PNA:complementary-PNA-dye complex. 3) The third goal is to detect the signal non-invasively.