Identifier: KD01BBX
Diagnostic assays are based on biomarkers, which are molecular markers that can be used to see how a body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. A biomarker can also identify a biological molecule found in blood, fluids or tissues that shows signs of an abnormal, or normal process. For a molecule to be considered a reliable biomarker it must be sensitive and specific. Most diagnostic assays used for cancer diagnosis rely on DNA mutation analysis in order to determine the specific sub-type and therapeutic strategy. However, making use of DNA mutation analysis does not provide the ideal level of accuracy for certain diseases. In fact, in a number of cases the changes brought about by disease can only be detected and accurately quantified at protein level, rather than through DNA mutation analysis. Advances in protein technologies and a better understanding of protein biochemistry and cell biology has added post-translational modifications (PTMs) to the repertoire of biomarkers. One such PTM is methylation, which is added to proteins in order to modify a number of their properties, affecting function. We have developed an innovative methylation assay that can provide a more accurate cancer screening, which would allow diagnosis to be done more confidently.
Our assay makes used of methylation data, collected from mass spectrometric analyses of healthy and diseased biological samples, and such changes can be used to identify the alteration with disease progression. This innovative set-up is thus capable of detecting and semi-quantitatively assess a panel of methylations found on proteins, which helps us to determine changes in cellular processes related to disease. This information can then be used to address a disease with therapeutics targeting specific biochemical pathways.
The application for our technology is mainly for cancer detection, and our researchers are continuously developing this KIT to be used for a number of different diseases. The technology would fit in companies that provide diagnostic device both for the research market and the clinical market. A potential licensee can gain an edge over competing products by providing an accurate assay kits to laboratories, clinics and research intuitions.
The technology is continuously being validated in vitro at the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Bio banking at the University of Malta.
An initial patent, titled "Protein Methylation Assay" has been in filed in 2020 in the UK.