Project goal: Developing a method for non-invasive imaging of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity in tissue.
These enzymes normally involved in remodeling of extracellular matrix have been linked to disease development, notably to cancer metastasis, chronic inflammation and neurological disorders. MMPs are the topic of extensive studies in basic biology research, however, clinical tools are not available for monitoring and imaging of MMPs' activity.
In this project we develop an activatable molecular probe for sensing MMPs' activity in vivo. The probe is based on a coupled pair of dye molecules. The coupling is designed to break by interaction with a specific MMP enzyme (probe activation). Photoacoustic lifetime imaging will be used to image the activated probes in tissue.
Ultimately, we expect that the combination of high specificity molecular probe and deep penetrating, high resolution photoacoustic imaging will facilitate the translation of the technique to clinical applications. This would significantly improve cancer diagnosis and would result in a better and personalized cancer treatment planning and therapy monitoring.
