Method for Detection of Cancer Based on Spatial Genome Organization in the Cell Nucleus
Description of Invention:
The successful treatment of cancer is correlated with the early detection of the cancerous cells. Conventional cancer diagnosis is largely based on qualitative morphological criteria, but more accurate quantitative tests could greatly increase early detection of malignant cells. It has been observed that the spatial arrangement of DNA in the nucleus is altered in cancer cells in comparison to normal cells. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish malignant cells by mapping the position of labeled marker genes in the nucleus.
This NIH invention provides methods of detecting abnormal cells in a sample using the spatial position of one or more genes within the nucleus of a cell, as well as a kit for detecting abnormal cells using such methods. The invention also provides methods of identifying gene markers for abnormal cells using the spatial position of one or more genes within the nucleus of a cell.
Applications:
Diagnostic for cancer from tumor biopsies after non-invasive techniques such as a mammogram or PSA assay have suggested cancer.
Advantages:
Sensitive detection of cancer
Very small sample (100-200 cells) reduces the need for invasive procedures
Does not require mitotic chromosomes
Applicable to solid tumors and blood cancers
Single cell assay allows analysis of subpopulations from biopsy
Probes to all genomic regions are available
Alternative or complementary to conventional diagnostics
Measures metastatic potential of cancer cells
Determination of tumor type
Market:
This novel in vitro diagnostic test for cancer has use in oncology laboratories of hospitals and commercial clinical laboratories.
In the United States, almost 1.5 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2008.
Development Status:
Presently in the process of validating the assay using a larger set of tumor samples.
Relevant Publication: KJ Meaburn and T Misteli. Locus-specific and activity-independent gene repositioning during early tumorigenesis. J Cell Biol. 2008 Jan 14;180(1):39-50. [PubMed abs]
Licensing Status: Available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The National Cancer Institute, Cell Biology of Genomes Group, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize diagnostic methods for detection of cancer using spatial genome organization. Please contact John D. Hewes, Ph.D. at 301-435-3121 or hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more information.
Portfolios: Cancer
Cancer -Diagnostics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Whitney Hastings
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: 301/451-7337
Email: hastingw@mail.nih.gov
Fax: 301/402-0220
