Cancer Cell Labeling Service

Illuminate the Path to Precision Oncology with Cancer Cell Labeling

Cancer cells are typically identified and studied using a combination of metabolic glycoengineering and click chemistry techniques. One commonly employed approach involves the use of analogs of N-azidoacetylmannosamine (Ac₄ManNAz), which enable specific labeling of cancer cells through alkyne reactions. This method allows researchers to selectively target and visualize cancer cells to better understand their behaviors. CD BioGlyco, a leading biotechnology company, has been at the forefront of research and development in GlycoCLICK™-based Labeling Service. With our cutting-edge technology and expertise in this field, we are proud to offer professional cancer cell labeling services to our esteemed clients.

Metabolic glycoengineering: Metabolic glycoengineering involves the provision of a specific metabolic substrate to cancer cells, which leads to the introduction of targeted functional groups (e.g. azide groups) on the cell surface. A common approach we employed in metabolic glycoengineering is the utilization of Ac₄ManNAz, a substrate that can effectively introduce azide groups both in vitro and in vivo without any apparent toxicity.
GlycoCLICK™ technology: We utilize our GlycoCLICK™-based technology to achieve cancer cell labeling by reacting specific markers specifically with functional groups on the cell surface. One commonly used method is the strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC), where azide groups are pharmacologically conjugated to dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) modified compounds. By introducing azide groups into tumor cells, targeting azide-expressing tumor tissues by DBCO-modified chemicals can be achieved.
Observation and analysis: We observe and analyze labeled cancer cells using assays such as fluorescence microscopy and radiometry to determine their presence and distribution.

Fig.1 Flowchart depicting the process of cancer cell labeling service. Fig.1 Flowchart of cancer cell labeling service. (CD BioGlyco)

Publication Data

Technology: Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) dye labeling

Journal: Angewandte Chemie

IF: 16.6

Published: 2016

Results: This article describes a new technique for tumor-specific fluorescence imaging that uses a specific metabolic precursor to achieve this. Taking advantage of the high expression levels of cathepsin B in tumor cells, the researchers designed a fluorescent precursor molecule, triacetylated N-azidoacetyl-d-mannosamine (RR-S-Ac₃ManNAz), that generates unnatural glycan chains containing an azo group on the surface of tumor cells. RR-S-Ac₃ManNAz is a substrate that specifically binds to cathepsin B on the surface of tumor cells. When RR-S-Ac₃ManNAz is provided to target tumor cells, it enables the tumor cells to generate unnatural sugar moieties containing azido groups. The generation of these azido groups is exogenously and specifically controlled by the amount of RR-S-Ac₃ManNAz on the surface of the tumor cells.RR-S-Ac₃ManNAz binds to near-infrared fluorescent dyes via a bioorthogonal click reaction. In cell culture and mice bearing tumors, unnatural sugar groups on the surface of tumor cells bind to molecules labeled with NIRF dyes via a bioorthogonal click reaction. This click reaction is a highly efficient chemical reaction that can chemically bind to unnatural glycosyl groups in living cells or organisms as well as under ex vivo conditions. Thus, RR-S-Ac₃ManNAz has potential in studies of tumor-specific imaging or drug delivery.

Fig.2 Schematic representation of the specific cleavage by cathepsin B and fluorescence labeling of metabolic precursor (RR-S-Ac3ManNAz) within the tumor cell. Fig.2 Principle of cathepsin B-specific cleavage and metabolic precursor fluorescence labeling in the tumor cell. (Shim, et al., 2016)

Applications

Cancer cell labeling can be used to label cancer cell-specific biomarkers such as antigens and receptors. By binding the marker to cancer cells, early detection and localization of cancer can be achieved.
It is used for the visualization of cancer cells by combining a labeling agent, such as a fluorescent dye or radioisotope, with a probe specific to cancer cells.
This technique can be used to label cancer cells and track their location and migration in the body. This helps in studies to understand the metastatic pathways of cancer cells, and pathological processes.

Advantages

This type of labeling is more sensitive than traditional staining techniques and can effectively detect low levels of tumor cells.
Our technology typically exhibits rapid reaction kinetics and a concise reaction duration, thereby enabling expedited completion of the labeling process and enhancing efficiency in clinical applications.
The technology is suitable for labeling different types of cancer cells and can be used in conjunction with other assays to improve multiple information acquisition and comprehensive analysis of the assay.

At CD BioGlyco, our dedicated team of accomplished scientists and researchers is committed to pushing the boundaries in cancer research through advancements in cell labeling techniques. By harnessing the GlycoCLICK™ technology, we have achieved remarkable precision and efficiency in providing cancer cell labeling service. If you would like more information about our services, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

Shim, M.K.; et al. Cathepsin B-specific metabolic precursor for in vivo tumor-specific fluorescence imaging. Angewandte Chemie. 2016, 128(47): 14918-14923.

For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.

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