An Epidermal Biosensor for Carcinoembryonic Antigen
Abstract
The goal of this grant is to develop a prototype epidermal biosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). An epidermal biosensor is a new approach for the early continuous, in vivo detection of the onset of disease by the using genetically modified skin cells to respond to molecules secreted by tumor cells. The research we have conducted during the first and second year of the grant has allowed us to conclude that human keratinocytes in vitro can be engineered to express a chimeric cell surface receptor and that these modified cells can recognize and bind CEA. We have resolved technical problems arising in the 2nd year. We have proposed a new plan to generate our primary construct and have proposed an alternate chimeric receptor based on the EGF receptor. We remain confident that we can generate chimeric receptors that can be expressed in keratinocytes that will permit human keratinocytes to recognize and bind CEA. If CEA binding can be made to trigger signal transduction through a chimeric receptor then it should be possible to develop effective epidermal biosensors for early, continuous in vivo detection of breast cancer. Such an early detection system is likely to play an important role in the management of breast cancer especially in women who have known risk factors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA396395
Entities
People
- Pauline M. Schwartz