Early Detection of Breast Cancer Using Molecular Beacons
Abstract
The objectives of our research during that last funding year (2005-2006) are: 1) identification of new tumor markers for early stage breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ, DCIS); 2) optimization of methods and molecular beacon design for the detection of the levels of tumor marker gene expression, and 3) development of multiplex quantum dot (QD) technology for detection of the level of protein expression in single cell level. The ultimate goal is to develop a multiplex fluorescence cellular imaging approach for simultaneous examination of the levels of gene and protein expression in a single cell level. From our study, we found that in addition to Her-2/neu, survivin and cyclin D1, three more tumor markers are highly expressed in human DCIS tissues, including HIF-1alpha, epidermal growth factor receptor, and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). We have developed antibodies or targeting peptide-conjugated QDs to detect the expression of those tumor markers in human breast cancer cells. At present, we are in the process of starting the feasibility phase of the clinical trail to determine whether we are able to detect breast cancer cells in fine needle biopsy and ductal lavage samples from breast cancer patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA464003
Entities
People
- Lily Yang
Organizations
- Emory University