Single-molecule tracker illuminates workings of cancer-related proteins
Researchers at the Broad Institute have developed a new imaging technique to track cancer-related proteins in real-time. This method utilizes stable nanoparticle probes to observe the dynamics of receptor interactions within living cells. The findings could enhance drug screening and provide insights into cancer mechanisms.
- ▪The research team created a powerful single-molecule imaging method to study protein interactions.
- ▪They used long-lasting nanoparticle probes to track EGFR and related receptors in living human cells.
- ▪The study revealed how mutations in EGFR can lead to more stable dimers, contributing to cancer growth.
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Researchers use custom-built microscopy and nanotechnology to tag and follow the activity of individual proteins in real-time. Leah Eisenstadt | Broad Institute Publication Date: May 19, 2026 Press Inquiries Press Contact: Danielle Randall Doughty Email: [email protected] Phone: (617) 258-7492 Department of Chemistry Close Caption: Peng lab member and study co-first-author João Shida prepares to image nanoparticles using the lab’s custom-built microscope. Credits: Photo: Allison Colorado/Broad Communications Previous image Next image Using a powerful single-molecule imaging method they developed, a research team from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has unveiled a dynamic view of how some cancer-related proteins interact in living cells.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at MIT News.