Work

Quantitative oncogene-mapping within malignant tumors through Multi-parameter MRI based on RNA-triggered nanoprobes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Genomic instability is the important foundation and feature of cancer; hence, the precise oncogene detection is crucial for early diagnosis and pathological analysis of tumors. However, the in vivo oncogene-imaging is confronted with great challenge, due to the extremely low copies of oncogene in cancer cells. Herein, we proposed a strategy of T1/T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on magnetic resonance tuning (MRET) to analyze tumor-associated miRNA quantitatively. The superparamagnetic quencher Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the paramagnetic enhancer Gd-DTPA were integrated by the DNA linker. The AS1411 aptamer was embedded at the end of the DNA linker to effectively target nucleolins that are overexpressed in tumor cells. As hybridization with targeted miRNA, the Gd3+ labeled tumor-associated nucleotide sequence is released, activating T1 signals and enabling specific localization and quantification of the targeted miRNA. The MRET effect was verified in vitro through mixing with varying concentrations of miR-21. Enhanced T2 signals and activated T1 signals were visualized in 4T1 subcutaneous tumor models in vivo. Ultimately, the quantitative relation between MRI signals and local miR-21 concentration was established in vivo. These results indicated the potential of nanoprobes for tumor-related genes diagnosis and quantification, further affirming the possibility of prompt and precise tumor diagnosis.

Source: Materials Today Bio

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102936