‘Nanolock’ could help diagnose and treat cancer with individualized therapies

In a study published in ACS Sensors, a team of researchers described how they develop a method to recognize a particular mutation in the genetic code of a cancerous cell.

If cancers are caught early enough in the cell mutation process, many of them can be stopped with chemotherapy and other forms of treatment. This new method could aid in early diagnosis and help researchers develop individualized treatments, according to the team.

Traditionally, cancer driver mutations are detected using real-time PCR, which selectively amplifies and copies mutant DNA sequences. But the technique is not accurate enough to reliably detect changes in the genetic code, the team reported. Researchers have also developed techniques to read a cell’s genetic sequence by passing it through a nanopore, but it is also not accurate enough by itself.

To remedy this problem, a team of researchers developed a “nanolock-nanopore” sensor. A nanolock stabilizes base pairs of DNA at a mutation site as it passes through a nanopore. Mutant DNA carrying a nanolock unzips in a unique way when it goes through the pore, according to team, leaving behind a highly accurate fingerprint.

The researchers were able to detect this marking for a mutation in the BRAF gene, which has been associated with a variety of cancers, including thyroid cancer.

The team reported that, combined with a miniature device, the detection method could allow for accurate, PCR-free detection of an array of disease-causing mutations.

Want to stay on top of DDBN content? Sign up for our e-mail newsletter for a weekly dose of drug-device news.

Theranos whistleblower Tyler Shultz to participate in keynote interview at DeviceTalks Boston At DeviceTalks Boston, Tyler Shultz will give attendees an inside look at Theranos and how he was able to sound the alarm after he realized the company was falling apart. Shultz will take attendees behind the story that everyone is talking about: the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her diagnostic company, Theranos. Join Shultz and 1,000+ medical device professionals at the 8th annual DeviceTalks Boston. REGISTER NOW