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

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.

► Rapid detection of AIMP2-DX2 mutation was achieved using molecular beacons.
► AIMP2-DX2 mutation in a single cell could be detected by fluorescence imaging.
► The AIMP2-DX2 mutation was found in 60 % of lung cancer patients tested.
► The AIMP2-DX2 mutation has a potential to be a lung cancer biomarker.