Applications of a Novel Nucleic Acid Detection Method in Breast Cancer Analysis of Overexpression of HER-2/neu and FAK
Abstract
The proposal is aimed at utilizing new biosensors based on guanine electron transfer to quantitate messenger RNA for breast cancer genes. The biosensors are based on a scheme involving abstraction of electrons from the guanines of immobilized RNA to generate a signature current for a specific gene. The purpose of the proposed research is to demonstrate that the guanine electron transfer technology can be used to detect overexpressed RNAs in real biological samples. The scope involves detection of the mRNAs for HER-2/neu and FAK, which are both known markers of breast cancer, in samples generated by PCR amplification, reverse transcription, or direct RNA extraction. This report describes experiments that led to detection of the HER-2/neu gene from BT-474 cells using PCR amplification. The research has resulted in a new, more easily automated procedure involving direct adsorption of DNA from a novel combination of solvents. These electrodes allow for the detection of as little as 0.5 fmol of adsorbed DNA per square centimeter of electrode area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA387803
Entities
People
- Herbert H. Thorp
Organizations
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill