154 / 2024-05-15 17:29:58

In vivo monitoring of tumor lipid droplets using Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy

Lipid droplet,tumor,CARS microscopy,in vivo monitoring

Understanding the intricate mechanisms governing tumor metabolism and metastasis necessitates dynamic monitoring of intratumoral lipid droplets (LDs) in vivo. Conventional LD analysis predominantly relies on in vitro cell or tissue slice observations, limiting real-time insights into LD dynamics during in vivo tumor progression. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy achieves high-resolution images by extracting molecular vibration signals from samples, thereby allowing label-free and noninvasive imaging in biological research. However, the application of CARS microscopy in vivo monitoring faces challenges due to the restricted penetration depth. In this study, we introduce a novel approach for monitoring tumor LDs in vivo, assisted by a murine breast cancer 4T1 cell-based dorsal skinfold window. Real-time observations and quantitative analyses of LD size and density within living tumors have been achieved. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of adipose activators on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and tumor suppression by tracking changes in LD size and density in vivo. These findings underscore the potential of in vivo CARS imaging of LDs as a sensitive and adaptive tool for unveiling innovative antitumor therapeutic strategies.