Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Surface Selection Rules for the Proteomic Liquid Biopsy in Real Samples: Efficient Detection of the Oncoprotein c-MYC

Identifier:  PC:1978

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/PC1978

Authors:  Ramon A. Alvarez-Puebla; Elena Pazos; Manuel Garcia-Algar; Cristina Penas; Moritz Nazarenus; Arnau Torruella; Nicolas Pazos-Perez; Luca Guerrini; M. Eugenio Vazquez; Eduardo Garcia-Rico; Jose L. Mascareñas

Abstract:
Blood-based biomarkers (liquid biopsy) offer extremely valuable tools for the noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of tumors. The protein c-MYC, a transcription factor that has been shown to be deregulated in up to 70% of human cancers, can be used as a robust proteomic signature for cancer. Herein, we developed a rapid, highly specific, and sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) assay for the quantification of c-MYC in real blood samples. The sensing scheme relies on the use of specifically designed hybrid plasmonic materials and their bioderivatization with a selective peptidic receptor modified with a SERS transducer. Peptide/c-MYC recognition events translate into measurable alterations of the SERS spectra associated with a molecular reorientation of the transducer, in agreement with the surface selection rules. The efficiency of the sensor is demonstrated in cellular lines, healthy donors and a cancer patient.