Fluorescent 6-O-glucosamine compounds to label lysosomes in tumors in vivo and in cell culture systems for detection with optical imaging or fluorescence microscopy

Lysosomes contain numerous proteases, the release of which may play a vital role in breast cancer invasion and metastasis. Lysosomal trafficking may be an important factor affecting lysosomal enzyme release and effective techniques are needed to fluorescently label lysosomes and study the role of lysosomal trafficking in human breast cancers. JHU researchers have developed the novel 6?-O-fluorophore-bound glucosamine compounds 6?-O-dansyl-glucosamine and 6?-O-lissamine rhodamine B-glucosamine to label lysosomes for biosynthetic fluorescence imaging in cell culture and in vivo tumors. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) Cancer cells invade by secreting degradative enzymes, which, under normal conditions, are sequestered within lysosomal vesicles. The ability to label and track lysosomal trafficking in a non-invasive manner would be useful in detecting malignant lesions in their early stages or monitoring the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. The fluorophore-bound glucosamine compounds may also prove useful as laboratory research tools.

Inventor(s): Glunde, Kristine

Type of Offer: Licensing



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