Epcam Specific Aptamer As Probe To Image Colon Cancer On Frozen Sections

Objective:In this study, we collected44cases of colon cancer series specimens, by applying Epcam specific aptamer probe on frozen sections of colon tissue for fluorescence imaging; provide a new and effective molecular tool for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.Methods:①we collected44cases of colon cancer series specimens, each specimen from the same patient, including colon cancer tissues and normal colon. Production of each specimen into two frozen sections, used for Epcam aptamer to fluorescence imaging and HE staining; Production of each specimen into four paraffin sections, used for Epcam aptamer,Epcam antibody(anti-EpEX and anti-EpICD) to fluorescence imaging and HE staining.②Observed the image and fluorescence signal intensity of Epcam aptamer and Epcam antibody on the paraffin and frozen sections of normal colon and colorectal cancer.Results:①The fluorescence signal of aptamer SYL3C on frozen sections and paraffin sections of colon cancer is strongly positive, while normal colon is weak.②The fluorescence signal of Epcam antibody on paraffin sections of colon cancer is strongly positive, while normal colon is weak. ③The fluorescence images of Epcam aptamer on the frozen sections of44colon cancer series specimens show that, the fluorescence signal of41colon cancer specimens are strength, which are overexpressed group, three colon cancer specimens are weak, which are non-overexpressing group. While, the fluorescence signal of44normal colon specimens are weak, which are non-overexpressing group. The differential expression of Epcam in colon cancer and normal colon is statistically significant.Conclusions:①Aptamer SYL3C specifically recognizes Epcam, the image clarity in the frozen section is superior to in paraffin sections, the method is simple and efficient, and one-time imaging of intracellular and extracellular.②Epcam specific aptamer SYL3C probes can be used to identify normal colon and colon cancer, and provides a new molecular tool for the diagnosis of colon cancerr③The study has some significance to discriminate the epithelial and non-epithelial malignancies.