Innovative DNA Barcode Technology Revolutionizes Cancer Diagnosis with Detailed Protein Interaction Mapping

Researchers at the National University of Singapore NUS have developed an innovative technology that has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnostics by unraveling complex protein interactions within cells. This novel system, named TETRIS, enables a comprehensive and precise map of diverse protein interactions on-site, which provides critical insights for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.

TETRIS employs DNA barcodes to explicitly identify and quantify multiple interacting partners in large protein assemblies within tumor cells. By capturing the complex hierarchy of protein interactions that occur during cancer development, this technology illuminates previously unseen molecular pathways driving disease progression. This not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also allows for rapid identification of aggressive forms of cancer compared to previous methods.

This breakthrough offers doctors invaluable information they can use to tlor therapeutic approaches for individual patients. For example, by pinpointing the specific proteins and their interactions that contribute to cancer growth, TETRIS facilitates more targeted therapies with improved patient outcomes.

The study detling this technology was published in Nature Biomedical Engineering on June 19th, 2024. The lead authors of the paper are Dr. Liu Yu and Dr. Noah Sundah, researchers from NUS Institute for Health Innovation Technology iHealthtech.

A significant advancement over existing methodologies for studying protein interactions, TETRIS captures both prwise as well as higher-order interactions. This comprehensive analysis is crucial because changes in higher-order interactions have been linked to more aggressive types of cancer.

The researchers took advantage of DNA nanotechnology's capabilities and its ability to encode vast information with predictable interactions at the nanometer scale. By using DNA-based hybrid molecular structures as smart encoders, TETRIS maps protein interactions directly from patient samples. Each encoder carries an antibody specific for recognizing interacting proteins and is tagged with a templated DNA barcode.

In action, these DNA barcode-enabled encoders bind to proteins that are in close proximity, fusing their barcodes together when they interact. This process generates detled information about both the molecular identity of each protein as well as its spatial relationships within the cell. Once collected, this data is processed using sophisticated algorithms developed by Dr. Lim's team to decipher and interpret the intricate patterns of protein interactions.

TETRIS has been tested on biopsies from breast cancer patients, successfully diagnosing various subtypes with high accuracy while also revealing higher-order protein interactions associated with aggressive forms of the disease. A standout feature of TETRIS is its scalability and adaptability. The technology can be easily integrated into existing laboratory processes and clinical workflows without causing disruptions.

The researchers envision broadening the application of TETRIS to different cancer types and neurological diseases, potentially leading to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions for a wide range of illnesses. The team has filed patents on this technology with plans for commercialization in the near future.

In summary, TETRIS represents a significant leap forward in personalized medicine, offering a detled molecular understanding that can drive more accurate cancer diagnosis and tlored treatments. As its potential impact expands, it may transform the way we approach disease management across various medical fields.

For further information or collaboration opportunities, please contact NUS's research administration team at [email protected].
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