Innovative DNA Origami Enhances Imaging Techniques for Pancreatic Cancer Detection

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have made significant strides in improving imaging techniques for pancreatic cancer, utilizing novel DNA origami structures to enhance the accuracy of tumor detection.

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose due to the dense tissue surrounding the pancreas, which complicates the process of distinguishing between malignant and healthy cells. The study introduces a method in which DNA origami is used to deliver fluorescent imaging agents specifically to pancreatic cancer cells, minimizing the impact on surrounding normal cells.

The research team, led by a mechanical science and engineering professor at the University of Illinois, alongside colleagues from Purdue University, focused on designing DNA origami structures that can carry imaging dyes to target human KRAS mutant cancer cells. These mutant cells are present in approximately 95% of pancreatic cancer cases, making them a crucial focus for enhanced imaging.

Current methods for surgically removing cancerous tissue often rely on imprecise imaging techniques, leading to difficulties in accurately defining tumor margins. The introduction of DNA origami in this context represents a potential breakthrough, as it not only enhances imaging precision but also opens avenues for targeted chemotherapy delivery, thereby improving treatment outcomes.

The findings from this study have been published in the journal Advanced Science. DNA, known for its long double-stranded structure, is particularly well-suited for folding into nanoscale frameworks that can securely hold imaging molecules. This innovative approach allows for the creation of new synthetic molecular structures designed to improve cancer detection.

To test the efficacy of these DNA origami structures, the researchers employed 3D printed tumor models and microfluidic systems that replicate the complex tumor microenvironment. This method reduces the dependency on animal models and facilitates a quicker transition to clinical applications in humans.

The research team observed the behavior of the dye-loaded DNA origami packets in both tumor models and human pancreatic tumor tissue in mice. They discovered that certain sizes and shapes of the origami structures, specifically tube-shaped molecules measuring around 70 nanometers in length and 30 nanometers in diameter, demonstrated optimal uptake by cancerous tissues. Conversely, larger structures and various tile-shaped molecules showed less effectiveness in targeting cancer cells, indicating that both size and shape play significant roles in the uptake process.

Moving forward, the research team plans to explore the possibility of using DNA origami structures to deliver chemotherapy drugs selectively to cancer cells, further minimizing harm to healthy cells. This promising direction aims to enhance drug discovery while reducing the reliance on animal testing.