Multiplexed microRNA detection platform for early diagnosis and patient management

Introduction

Early detection of disease on a population scale (screening) relies on highly sensitive testing, able to detect early molecular changes, coupled with cost-effectiveness that enables economic access to such testing at scale.

Project Overview

The MiRACLE project addresses these challenges by combining a breakthrough optical sensing approach for single-molecule detection with creative biochemistry and computation. The ground-breaking goal of this research proposal is to develop a robust diagnostic platform capable of detecting disease-induced changes in micro-RNA expression by counting individual RNA molecules directly in bodily fluids without the need for amplification.

Innovation and Technology

This innovation will be realized by a novel, computationally assisted single-molecule detection scheme that, unlike common single-molecule detection methods, enables detecting a full panel of biomarkers simultaneously in a single snapshot, offering ultimate sensitivity at exceptionally low-cost. These attributes make this technology suitable for large-scale population screening and health management.

Preliminary Results

Promising preliminary results show that MiRACLE can detect and count individual RNA targets in mixtures of synthetic miRs in physiological sub-femtomolar concentrations. These preliminary results highlight the potential of this approach for ultra-sensitive early detection of disease, and a provisional patent has been submitted.

Proof of Principle

Within the proposed project, a proof of principle will be performed on a cohort of lymphoma patients and healthy controls that will be classified by the MiRACLE approach. The technology will be benchmarked against existing state-of-the-art methods such as RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR.