MICROGEM - Damin F. (DCM.AD007.260)

Thematic area

Chemical sciences and materials technology

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta" (SCITEC)

Project manager

FRANCESCO DAMIN
Phone number: 0228500042
Email: francesco.damin@scitec.cnr.it

Abstract

In the field of molecular diagnostics for cancer, analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is increasingly used for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. EVs are collected from circulating blood with a minimal invasive procedure and are able to provide a "snapshot" of the tumor.
However, analysis of EVs is complicated by the low abundance in the blood, making it difficult to evaluate their cargo, which represents the actual biomarker used in diagnostic.
MicroGEM has developed an innovative extraction approach for nucleic acid, based on the use of a thermophilic enzyme, allowing for a temperature driven extraction (TDE). This new single tube approach allows for a comprehensive extraction of genetic material as well as higher yield than traditional column-based methods. This is of key importance in the analysis of EVs, due to the fact that their cargo is composed by a mix of mRNA, miRNA, and DNA.

Goals

Combining the new technologies developed by the Institute for EV enrichment with the TDE from MicroGEM, we plan to develop a new protocol to improve the use of EV analysis for diagnostics.
MicroGEM will provide all the reagents needed in the downstream analyses, such as our proprietary enzymes for extraction, as well as kit for miRNA and mRNA identification.
The Institute will provide the lab spaces needed for these experiments, as well as the EVs for extraction and analysis.

Start date of activity

01/01/2022

Keywords

EVs, enrichment, DNA

Last update: 27/04/2025