Multiplexed detection of cancer biomarkers using an optical biosensor

Early detection of cancer is important in administering timely treatment and increasing cancer survival rates. For early cancer detection one can use biomarkers, which are characteristics that can be objectively measured or evaluated as indicators of normal or pathogenic processes. In our study we study three protein biomarkers: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and extracellular protein kinase A (ECPKA), which have been implicated in various types of human cancer. The main objective of this project is to develop a biosensor for detection of multiple cancer biomarkers. To detect these protein biomarkers high affinity ssDNA aptamers are being selected. Aptamers are short single stranded DNAs with an ability to bind to various targets with high affinity and specificity which selected by SELEX (Systemic Evolution of Ligands through Exponential enrichment) [2]. Ultimately, aptamers against each of the biomarker will be conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles to capture biomarkers from biological fluids. Another aptamer is proposed to be conjugated to quantum dots for quantitation of biomarkers when analyzed on spectrometer

Multiplexed detection of cancer biomarkers using an optical biosensor

Early detection of cancer is important in administering timely treatment and increasing cancer survival rates. For early cancer detection one can use biomarkers, which are characteristics that can be objectively measured or evaluated as indicators of normal or pathogenic processes. In our study we study three protein biomarkers: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and extracellular protein kinase A (ECPKA), which have been implicated in various types of human cancer. The main objective of this project is to develop a biosensor for detection of multiple cancer biomarkers. To detect these protein biomarkers high affinity ssDNA aptamers are being selected. Aptamers are short single stranded DNAs with an ability to bind to various targets with high affinity and specificity which selected by SELEX (Systemic Evolution of Ligands through Exponential enrichment) [2]. Ultimately, aptamers against each of the biomarker will be conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles to capture biomarkers from biological fluids. Another aptamer is proposed to be conjugated to quantum dots for quantitation of biomarkers when analyzed on spectrometer

Design and development of multivalent peptide vaccine candidate against influenza a virus

Influenza virus is a major pathogen with global spread which infects birds and mammals, including humans. The virus is constantly changing, thus influenza stays in the centre of vaccine research. Effective vaccine should have a wide spectrum of protection from the most circulating and dangerous subtypes of the virus. Our goals are identifying the most immunogenic peptide epitopes among three subtypes of Influenza A virus (H1N1, H3N2 и H5N1) according to affinity to MHC class I & II molecules, and finding epitopes localized in conservative regions of the viral proteome. We propose to screen synthetic oligopeptides emulating conservative and immunogenic regions for the strongest humoral and cell mediated responses in mice to select several epitopes/peptides as multivalent peptide vaccine candidate

Design and development of multivalent peptide vaccine candidate against influenza a virus

Influenza virus is a major pathogen with global spread which infects birds and mammals, including humans. The virus is constantly changing, thus influenza stays in the centre of vaccine research. Effective vaccine should have a wide spectrum of protection from the most circulating and dangerous subtypes of the virus. Our goals are identifying the most immunogenic peptide epitopes among three subtypes of Influenza A virus (H1N1, H3N2 и H5N1) according to affinity to MHC class I & II molecules, and finding epitopes localized in conservative regions of the viral proteome. We propose to screen synthetic oligopeptides emulating conservative and immunogenic regions for the strongest humoral and cell mediated responses in mice to select several epitopes/peptides as multivalent peptide vaccine candidate