Novel GAL7-targeted fluorescent molecular imaging probe for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and cervical cancer screening.

IF 3.1 3区医学 Q1 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

EJNMMI Research Pub Date : 2025-03-13 DOI:10.1186/s13550-025-01218-6

Xiaohui Teng, Chu Tang, Kunshan He, Chunlin Chen, Jie Tian, Yang Du

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Early detection and treatment are critical for improving the survival and prognosis of patients with cervical cancer. However, there is a notable scarcity of targeted imaging probes specifically designed to detect high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and cervical cancer. Our study aimed to address this gap by identifying and validating a targeted imaging probe for these conditions.

Results: Using bioinformatics data, we identified galectin-7 (GAL7) as highly expressed in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC). Immunohistochemical staining of biopsy samples from 30 HSIL and cervical cancer patients verified the high and specific expression of GAL7. Further validation was performed using mouse and human CESC cell lines and tumor xenografts, confirming the consistent expression of GAL7. Based on this finding, we synthesized a GAL7-specific antibody conjugated with FITC, creating the GAL7-FITC fluorescence imaging probe. Fluorescence molecular imaging revealed that GAL7-FITC exhibited specific binding to various CESC cell lines and xenograft mouse models. Additionally, the diagnostic capability of GAL7-FITC was demonstrated in fresh HSIL specimens from cervical cone excisions, validated through histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis.

Conclusions: Our study identified GAL7 as a specific target for CESC and successfully developed the GAL7-FITC fluorescence imaging probe. GAL7-FITC has shown promising potential for clinical application in the early detection of HSIL and CESC, providing rapid fluorescence imaging diagnosis without observable toxicity. This advancement may significantly enhance the accuracy and speed of cervical cancer diagnostics, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

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来源期刊

EJNMMI Research RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING&nb-

CiteScore

5.90

自引率

3.10%

发文量

审稿时长

13 weeks

期刊介绍： EJNMMI Research publishes new basic, translational and clinical research in the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. Regular features include original research articles, rapid communication of preliminary data on innovative research, interesting case reports, editorials, and letters to the editor. Educational articles on basic sciences, fundamental aspects and controversy related to pre-clinical and clinical research or ethical aspects of research are also welcome. Timely reviews provide updates on current applications, issues in imaging research and translational aspects of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging technologies. The main emphasis is placed on the development of targeted imaging with radiopharmaceuticals within the broader context of molecular probes to enhance understanding and characterisation of the complex biological processes underlying disease and to develop, test and guide new treatment modalities, including radionuclide therapy.