Innovative Imaging Technique Tracks Protein Alterations in Cancer Cells Without Dyes

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich have introduced a groundbreaking method to monitor how cancer cells respond to treatments at the individual cell level, all without the use of dyes or labels. This novel approach, known as mid-infrared optoacoustic microscopy (MiROM), employs mid-infrared light to detect molecular vibrations within proteins, effectively capturing the natural movements and structures of these biomolecules. Unlike traditional optical spectroscopy that measures light absorption, MiROM detects ultrasound waves generated when proteins absorb infrared light, causing localized heating and expansion, which then emit detectable ultrasound signals.

This real-time analysis allows scientists to observe dynamic changes in protein structure—such as misfolding or aggregation—that are often linked to disease progression and treatment responses. Published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, this technology offers new insights into how cancer cells adapt or resist therapies by tracking molecular alterations.

A significant application of MiROM has been in evaluating multiple myeloma, a blood cancer characterized by abnormal plasma cell activity in the bone marrow. Conventional assessment methods require large cell samples and complex processing, but MiROM can analyze individual cells swiftly, needing only minimal samples. This enables rapid, near-instantaneous evaluation of whether treatments are effective by detecting key protein changes associated with cell death (apoptosis) or misfolding linked to drug resistance.

According to study lead Francesca Gasparin, MiROM provides a fast, label-free way to assess cellular responses at a molecular level, paving the path for personalized medicine. It can identify alterations like intermolecular beta-sheets that indicate protein misfolding—a hallmark of many diseases—and monitor cell death processes in real time. Additionally, beyond multiple myeloma, MiROM holds promise for diagnosing and monitoring other conditions tied to protein misfolding, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Ongoing advancements aim to improve MiROM’s sensitivity and expand its clinical capabilities, including drug testing, diagnostic assessments, and potentially home-based patient monitoring. The next steps involve validating its effectiveness in larger patient groups and integrating it into routine clinical workflows.

Overall, this innovative imaging technology marks a significant step forward in non-invasive, rapid, and precise cellular analysis, delivering crucial insights into disease mechanisms and treatment responses, and opening new avenues for personalized healthcare.