Chung-Ang University team develops next-gen theranostics for cancer diagnosis and treatment

A research team led by Professor Lee Min-hee in the Department of Chemistry at Chung-Ang University has developed a novel theranostic platform. This single-molecule based technology can simultaneously evaluate the aggressiveness of cancer cells and perform targeted treatment.

Theranostics combine diagnosis and targeted therapy. Existing systems often face limitations due to the complex combination of multiple elements like targeting ligands or drugs. The Chung-Ang University team simplified this process by focusing on 'NAD(P)H,' a key metabolic cofactor involved in cancer cell proliferation and death. They observed that NAD(P)H levels are abnormally elevated in cancer cells and designed a new active fluorescent molecule, 'DE-CQ,' that reacts to it.

DE-CQ, a fusion of coumarin and quinolinium frameworks, emits strong fluorescence when reduced by NAD(P)H. The researchers applied DE-CQ to various cancer cell lines, including breast and pancreatic cancer. They confirmed a correlation where stronger fluorescence indicated higher cell aggressiveness, with the most pronounced reaction observed in highly metastatic breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231).

In addition to diagnostic capabilities, DE-CQ showed potential therapeutic effects. It was found to induce selective cancer cell death and inhibit invasion by triggering mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress. These tumor-suppressing effects were further validated in 3D tumor spheroids and in vivo mouse models. The research was a collaborative effort with teams from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kookmin University, and Sookmyung Women's University. The findings were published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition as a 'Very Important Paper' (VIP).

Professor Lee Min-hee stated, "We have confirmed that a single fluorescent molecule can quantitatively assess the metabolic aggressiveness of cancer cells and even induce cell death." He expressed hope that this technology will serve as a valuable foundation for developing precise cancer diagnosis and treatment technologies. The research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, and the National Science and Technology Research Council.

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We have confirmed that a single fluorescent molecule can quantitatively assess the metabolic aggressiveness of cancer cells and even induce cell death.