Method For Detection Of Cancer Based On Spatial Genome Organization In The Cell Nucleus
Background:
The National Cancer Institute's 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.
Technology:
Early detection of cancerous cells is critical to the successful
treatment of the disease. 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 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. Also described is a kit for detecting
abnormal cells using these methods. The technology provides
sensitive and versatile methods for detecting the disease that are
applicable to both solid tumors and blood cancers. Because
only small samples (100-200 cells) are required, the need for
invasive procedures is reduced. 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.
Further R&D Needed: The inventors
have identified several promising markers based on a relative small
set of cancer samples. Validation and characterization of
these markers on a larger set of tumor samples is now required
R&D Status: Pre-clinical in vitro
IP Status:
- U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/094,318 filed 04 Sept.
2008
Value Proposition:
- Sensitive and versatile method for the detection of cancer
based on spatial genome organization
- Ability to diagnose cancer from tumor biopsies after
non-invasive techniques such as a mammogram or PSA assay have
suggested cancer
- The method uses extremely small sample size, has potential to
detect early tumors and to distinguish tumor types.
- The method can be allied to archived tissue samples and can be
combined with existing cytogenetic methods.
Contact Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D.
NCI Technology Transfer Center
Tel: 301-435-3121
Email: hewesj@mail.nih.gov
Please reference advertisement #786
Revised 12/10/2008