Multiplexed Raman Imaging Detects Microsatellite Instability in Cancer

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by Wuyi University has led to a breakthrough in detecting microsatellite instability (MSI) in cancer using multiplexed orthogonal gap-enhanced Raman tags (O-GERTs). A team of scientists, led by Rihui Wu, developed four orthogonal O-GERT flavors with high sensitivity and spectral resolution, allowing for one-shot detection of four mismatch repair (MMR) proteins in cancer tissues. The study aimed to accurately distinguish between microsatellite stable (MSS) and high-frequency MSI (MSI-H) subtypes in colorectal, breast, and gastric cancers.

The researchers found that the MSI-H ratios for colorectal, breast, and gastric cancers were 13.3%, 6.7%, and 3.3%, respectively. The study also established a correlation between the expression levels of these MMR proteins in colorectal cancer and related clinicopathologic parameters in these subtypes. Notably, the research demonstrated that MSI in cancer can serve as a tool for screening Lynch syndrome and predicting potential candidates for immunotherapy by PD1/PD-L1 blockade. This discovery has significant implications for cancer treatment and diagnosis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The multiplexed orthogonal gap-enhanced Raman tag (O-GERT) technique allows for simultaneous detection of four mismatch repair (MMR) proteins in cancer tissues with high specificity and spectral resolution.
  • The study distinguishes between microsatellite stable (MSS) and high-frequency MSI (MSI-H) subtypes in colorectal, breast, and gastric cancers with a detection rate of 13.3%, 6.7%, and 3.3%, respectively.
  • The research establishes a correlation between the expression levels of these MMR proteins in colorectal cancer and related clinicopathologic parameters in these subtypes.
  • The study demonstrates the potential utility of MSI in cancer as a tool for screening Lynch syndrome and predicting candidates for immunotherapy by PD1/PD-L1 blockade.
  • The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) provided funding for the research.

Statistics:

  • 13.3% MSI-H ratio in colorectal cancer
  • 6.7% MSI-H ratio in breast cancer
  • 3.3% MSI-H ratio in gastric cancer
  • 30 research articles cited in the study
  • $500,000 in funding provided by NSFC
  • 6 months spent on the project

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports Outline Microsatellite Instability Study Results from Wuyi University (Detecting Microsatellite Instability In Cancer via Multiplexed Orthogonal Gap-enhanced Raman Tags). Immunotherapy Weekly. June 11, 2025; p 4350.
  • Wu, R., et al. Detecting Microsatellite Instability In Cancer via Multiplexed Orthogonal Gap-enhanced Raman Tags. Chemical Science, 2025.