An Epidermal Biosensor for Carcinoembryonic Antigen
Abstract
The goal of this grant is to develop a prototype epidermal biosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as an early, sensitive detector of the onset of breast cancer. An epidermal biosensor represents a new method of disease detection in which a small area of skin containing modified keratinocytes recognizes and responds to molecules secreted into the circulation by a tumor. In the first year of the grant, epidermal keratinocytes were genetically modified with a retroviral vector to express a chimeric cell surface receptor that recognizes CEA. The transduced cells were shown to bind CEA, unlike untransduced, normal keratinocytes. Using this information, chimeric receptors with an intracellular domain from tumor necrosis factor a receptor I are being designed so that CEA binding will bring about a cellular response in vifro and initiate a local inflammatory reaction in vivo. The long-term objective is to explore the use of epidermal biosensors as a continuous, in vivo monitors for the presence of tumor antigens such as CEA. The expectation is that epidermal biosensors will provide early detection of the onset of disease in high-risk patients so that appropriate medical management could & initiated when it is most likely to result in a positive outcome.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA383011
Entities
People
- Pauline Schwartz