Rapid detection of exon 2-deleted AIMP2 mutation as a potential biomarker for lung cancer by molecular beacons

Abstract

Exon 2 deletion in aminoacyl tRNA synthetase complex-interacting multifunctional protein 2 (AIMP2) has been suggested to be associated with the progression of various cancers such as lung and ovarian cancers. However, few studies have been conducted regarding detection and relevance of exon 2-deleted AIMP2 (AIMP2-DX2) mutation to a specific cancer. Here, we demonstrate the rapid and simple detection of the AIMP2-DX2 mutation by molecular beacons and its relation to lung cancer. Real-time PCR with molecular beacons allowed a sensitive detection of the AIMP2-DX2 mutation as low as 0.3 pg initial template. Dual-conjugated liposomes with folate and molecular beacon enabled fluorescence imaging of cancer cells harboring the AIMP2-DX2 mutation with high resolution. Association of the AIMP2-DX2 mutation with lung cancer was shown by analyzing tissue samples from lung cancer patients using real-time PCR. Approximately, 60% of lung cancer patients harbored the AIMP2-DX2 mutation, which implies a potential of the AIMP2-DX2 mutation as a prognostic biomarker for lung cancer. Molecular beacon-based approaches will find applications in the simple and rapid detection of mutations on nucleotides for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of relevant cancer. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.