Early Detection of Breast Cancer Using Molecular Beacons
Abstract
Our research efforts during the last funding year have been focused on optimization of designs and experimental conditions for molecular beacons. Specificity of molecular beacons (MBs) is affected by length and characteristics of the loop and stem sequences and efficiency of the quencher molecules. Although we have shown specificity of MBs for surviving and cyclin Dl mRNA, recent advances allow us to make MBs with even higher signal to noise ratio. We have selected new targeting sequences in surviving and Her-2/neu mRNA for MB sequences and used a new Black Hole Quencher molecule. In order to increase specificity and sensitivity of detection of breast cancer cells, we developed nanoparticle fluorescence imaging probes, called quantum dots (QDs), to detect the expression of EGFR proteins, which are highly expressed in many breast cancer cells. QDs targeting to surviving, Cyclin D1 and Her-2/neu are under developing in our laboratory. A major progress is to obtain an approval of our human protocol (Phase I) from the Human Investigation Committee of the DOD. We are ready to start the human trial in breast cancer patients. Additionally, our manuscript was published in March 2005 issue of Cancer Research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA446738
Entities
People
- Lily Yang
Organizations
- Emory University