Cancer diagnostics and treatment options
could be drastically improved with the creation of a ‘designer’ nanodevice
currently being developed by an international team of researchers. The
diagnostic 'nanodecoder', which will consist of self-assembled DNA and protein
nanostructures, will greatly advance biomarker detection and provide accurate
molecular characterization enabling more detailed evaluation of how diseased
tissues respond to therapies.
The diagnostic
'nanodecoder', which will consist of self-assembled DNA and protein
nanostructures, will greatly advance biomarker detection and provide accurate
molecular characterisation enabling more detailed evaluation of how diseased
tissues respond to therapies. A biomarker, or biological marker, refers to a
measurable indicator of some biological state or condition. One example of a
commonly used biomarker in medicine is prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This
marker can be measured as a proxy of prostate size with rapid changes
potentially indicating cancer. The four-year 'Immuno-NanoDecoder' project
involves lead partner University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy; together with
University of Lincoln, UK; Hospital of Udine, Italy; Temple University,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The project's long-term
goal is to develop a molecular nanodevice for imaging of biomarkers in tissue
samples and cells. It will initially help to accurately characterize skin
cancers and glycogenosis type II (where the body cannot get rid of glycogen
from the muscles), being especially useful to assess in vitro the effectiveness
of experimental therapies. It is funded with a 441,000 Euro grant from the
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) programme.
The University of Lincoln team will be responsible for engineering and
synthesising a key component of the nanodevice: a two way molecular connector
to bind the protein part to the DNA scaffold.
"Once a cancer has
been diagnosed the next stage is to try various treatment methods, but it is
often difficult to understand the specific effect of treatment. This
nanodecoder is the perfect tool to be able to both diagnose cancer accurately
and record therapeutic effects. Hybrid nanodevice is an artificial device made
out of DNA and protein. Molecules arranged in a very specific way can perform a
function -- this is what we are trying to achieve, in an artificial way. It's
like DNA origami; it's possible to engineer different shaped molecules but we
want to engineer molecules that also have a function. After this project, we
will be in a position to claim we have a very well defined expertise to make
hybrid molecular devices. Using a high-resolution method called Atomic Force
Microscopy the team will be able to look closely at the assembled nanodevice.
"Each nanodevice will
be coupled to a specific molecular probe, such as an antibody, peptide, or
protein that uniquely recognise disease biomarkers. The coupling will allow the
nanodecoder to detect biomarker presence and distribution in cells and tissues
using optical fluorescence microscopy -- in other words making them shine.
Different biomarkers can indicate whether the disease is in remission or where
it may have spread. From this set of markers doctors can understand what the
next step in the treatment process should be. The number of biomarkers that can
be detected will be essentially unlimited and therefore the nanodecoder could
serve as a platform to diagnose other cancers and diseases. This project is an
excellent vehicle to test our molecular tools and understand the potential of
our first hybrid device."
The nanodecoder, once
created, will be trialled at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina and at
the Hospital of Udine, Italy. Complementary research programs, ranging from
nanotechnology to molecular medicine and pathology, will support the project.
Posted By:-
Biotechnology Department
BII Noida
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