A Novel Peptide Probe for Identification of PLS3-Expressed Cancer Cells

The T-plastin (PLS3) has a significant implication in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and breast cancer prognosis. Using one-bead-one-compound library strategy, a novel peptide TP1 (KVKSDRVC) toward PLS3 was screened and exhibited the specificity for identifying PLS3-expressed cancer cells. Moreover, we found Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled TP1 (FITC-TP1) could act as a novel probe for EMT-induced cancer cells, preferentially in the leading edge. It also has satisfactory specificity for PLS3-expressed cancer cells spiked in the blood. FITC-TP1 was expected to become a diagnostic tool to identify PLS3-expressed circulating tumor cells and predict prognosis for patients with breast cancer in the future.