Double-stranded locked nucleic acid probes for revealing intracellular gene expression dynamics of cancer cells near mechanical wounds

We have developed a double-stranded locked nucleic acid (dsLNA) probe for monitoring the intracellular gene expression toward the investigation of the role of mechanical injury in cancer metastasis. Specifically, the dsLNA probe is shown to allow real-time detection of intracellular mRNA in living cells. Using the dsLNA probes, the spatiotemporal gene expressions of cancer cells after mechanical injury are monitored for days. We show that the release of contact inhibition is sufficient to induce the migratory behavior of cancer cells while mechanical injury triggers the cellular antioxidant response in a region ~100 μm away from the wound.