The possibility of cure of diseases like cancer depends on the extent of the development of the malignant tumors in the body. The earlier the diagnosis of the disease, the brighter is the possibility of cure. Traditional identification of the malignant tumor based on radiological exams diagnoses the disease only after the tumor has appeared. A new discovery by researchers at the University of Florida has found biomarkers to be effective to identify the disease at the molecular stage. Identification of cancer cells at the earliest stage of development could make treatment of the disease easier and cost effective.
The researchers have successfully used aptamers or single-strand chains of DNA or RNA to detect leukemia cells. Suspected cancerous cells are immersed in a solution containing trillions of aptamers. After an incubation period, the cells are rinsed. The majority of aptamers are washed away but the ones that have a stronger molecular affinity for the diseased cells remain. This process is repeated several times reducing the number of aptamers to only the ones with strong affinity to the diseased cells. Analysis of the molecular structure of these aptamers helps in identification of the diseased cells.
Molecular biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen are already in use for detecting prostate cancer. Enzyme assays are used in liver function tests.
Source:Biology News Net
Image:Nature