LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Transforming Methylated Nucleic Acids into Prostate Tumor Biomarkers

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 06 Apr 2014
Print article
High quality oligonucleoside reagents and detection kits are facilitating research on methylated DNA and its relation to the molecular mechanisms that drive development of prostate cancer.

In the March 31, 2014, online edition of the Integrated DNA Technologies (Coralville, IA, USA) newsletter DECODED, Dr. Antoinette Perry, senior research fellow at the Institute of Molecular Medicine (Dublin, Ireland), described how use of materials supplied by Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) facilitated her research team's study of prostate cancer.

Research in Dr. Perry’s laboratory is directed at understanding how changes in DNA methylation of coding and non-coding RNA genes are involved in driving prostate carcinogenesis. The investigators exploit specific epigenetic changes for early, noninvasive detection of aggressive prostate cancer. In the process, they hope to develop predictive epigenetic biomarkers—focusing both on circulating free nucleic acids and exosomes—that can be quantified by simple, liquid biopsy. Ultimately, they hope to use these biomarkers to develop a noninvasive test that will distinguish high-risk from lower-risk prostate tumors.

Among the tools being used are IDT PrimeTime qPCR Assays and ZEN Double-Quenched Probes. These probes increase the accuracy and reliability of 5’ nuclease qPCR experiments. They contain an internal quencher only nine bases from the 5’ fluorescent label. This shortened distance, particularly when combined with the standard 3’ quencher, significantly decreases background fluorescence and increases sensitivity. Since, the initial background fluorescence signal is much lower than with traditional probes, it is much easier to detect subsequent changes and, therefore, functionally increases assay sensitivity.

Integrated DNA Technologies is one of the largest suppliers of custom nucleic acids in the United States, serving academic, government, and commercial researchers in biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development.

Related Links:
Integrated DNA Technologies
Institute of Molecular Medicine


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Magnetic Bead Separation Modules
MAG and HEATMAG
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
New
Gold Member
TORCH Panel Rapid Test
Rapid TORCH Panel Test

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The 3D printed miniature ionizer is a key component of a mass spectrometer (Photo courtesy of MIT)

3D Printed Point-Of-Care Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-Of-The-Art Models

Mass spectrometry is a precise technique for identifying the chemical components of a sample and has significant potential for monitoring chronic illness health states, such as measuring hormone levels... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The CAPILLARYS 3 DBS devices have received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance (Photo courtesy of Sebia)

Next Generation Instrument Screens for Hemoglobin Disorders in Newborns

Hemoglobinopathies, the most widespread inherited conditions globally, affect about 7% of the population as carriers, with 2.7% of newborns being born with these conditions. The spectrum of clinical manifestations... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The AI predictive model identifies the most potent cancer killing immune cells for use in immunotherapies (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

AI Predicts Tumor-Killing Cells with High Accuracy

Cellular immunotherapy involves extracting immune cells from a patient's tumor, potentially enhancing their cancer-fighting capabilities through engineering, and then expanding and reintroducing them into the body.... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The T-SPOT.TB test is now paired with the Auto-Pure 2400 liquid handling platform for accurate TB testing (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Integrated Solution Ushers New Era of Automated Tuberculosis Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for 1.3 million deaths every year, positioning it as one of the top killers globally due to a single infectious agent. In 2022, around 10.6 million people were diagnosed... Read more