Immunoassay for LMP1 in nasopharyngeal tissue based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Previous studies have shown that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is closely associated with the occurrence and development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and can be used as a tumor marker in screening for the disease. Here we report a new methodology based on highly specific and sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology to detect LMP1 in nasopharyngeal tissue sections directly with no need of tedious procedures as with conventional immunohistochemistry methods.

METHODS:

LMP1-functionalized 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA)-labeled Au/Ag core-shell bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared first and then applied for analyzing LMP1 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded nasopharyngeal tissue sections obtained from 34 cancer patients and 20 healthy controls. SERS spectra were acquired from a 25 × 25 spot square area on each tissue section and used to generate SERS images.

RESULTS:

Data from SERS spectra and images show that this new SERS-based immunoassay detected LMP1 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded nasopharyngeal tissue sections with high sensitivity and specificity. The results from the new LMP1-SERS probe method are superior to those of conventional immunohistochemistry staining for LMP1, and in excellent agreement with those of in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER).

CONCLUSION:

This new SERS technique has the potential to be developed into a new clinical tool for detection and differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma as well as for predicting metastasis and immune-targeted treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

• Authors: Yanping Chen, Xiongwei Zheng, Gang Chen, Chen He, Weifeng Zhu, Shangyuan Feng, Gangqin Xi, Rong Chen, Fenghua Lan, Haishan Zeng
• Journal: International journal of nanomedicine (Int J Nanomedicine) Vol. 7 Pg. 73-82 ( 2012) ISSN: 1178-2013 [Electronic] New Zealand
• PMID: 22275824 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus
• Viral Matrix Proteins

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Case-Control Studies
• Epstein-Barr Virus Infections (virology)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunoassay (methods)
• Immunohistochemistry
• In Situ Hybridization
• Least-Squares Analysis
• Male
• Metal Nanoparticles (chemistry)
• Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
• Middle Aged
• Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms (chemistry, virology)
• Nasopharynx (chemistry, virology)
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Spectrum Analysis, Raman (instrumentation, methods)
• Viral Matrix Proteins (analysis, chemistry)