Funded Research 2003

Screening of prostate cancer by the ultra sensitive bioelectronic detection of telomerase activity
Prof. Itamar Willner, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

The laboratory of Prof. Itamar Willner has pioneered research in the areas of bioelectronics and nanobio-technology. Bioelectronics aims to integrate biomaterials such as enzymes, antigens-antibodies, DNA receptors or cells with electronic elements such as electrodes, so that biological processes occurring on the electronic element are read-out in the form of an electrical signal. The rapid advances in nanotechnology, and the discovery of unique electronic, optical and catalytic properties of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles led to scientific efforts to integrate the nanoparticles and biomaterials into functional hybrid systems that provide the basis for nanobiotechnology and nanobioelectronics.

Over the years, Itamar Willner's laboratory has developed a broad series of bioelectronic systems specifically directed to the development of biosensors. These efforts led to the development of a variety of enzyme-electrodes, particularly glucose sensing electrodes for invasive continuous monitoring of glucose levels in diabetes. A second class of bioelectronic systems developed in Willner's laboratory involves immunosensor devices, leading to the development of highly-sensitive detection schemes for the analysis of any antigen such as infectious pathogens or antibodies such as the anti-HIV antibody.

More recently, Prof. Willner's laboratories have been concentrating on the development of ultra-sensitive detection schemes for nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). The challenges in the development of nucleic acid bioelectronic detection paths include the rapid, highly-sensitive, and specific detection of nucleic acids and their mutants. Prof. Willner's laboratory has developed a series of generic methods for the ultrasensitive detection of DNA. The methods include chemical or biochemical amplification processes that accompany the DNA recognition events. The amplification processes lead to the formation of insulating films, absorption of functional particles, or the formation of light emitting chemical entities as a result of the DNA recognition events. These secondary products then enable the electronic or optical read-out of the DNA analysis. The methods are applicable for the detection of any DNA mutant related, for example, to genetic disorders or cancer cells.

An important accomplishment of Prof. Willner's laboratory relates to the development of ultrasensitive electronic arrays for the detection of telomerase activity in cancer cells. The chromosomes are protected by telomer ends and their gradual erosion signals the cell to terminate its life-cycle. In certain cells the telomer ends are constantly elongated by the enzyme telomerase, a process that yields immortal cells, or cancer cells. In fact, telomerase was detected in 95% of different cancers, and it is considered to be a versatile marker for cancer cells. The laboratory of Prof. Willner has developed ultrasensitive detection methods (the electrical and optical detection of telomerase) to identify cancer cells.

A major breakthrough involved the development of functional magnetic particles that react with the telomerase of cancer cells extracts to form magnetic particles that generate light after, and only after, reaction with the cancer cells. This method enabled the detection of telomerase originating from samples of 20 cancer cells.

 

Project commenced
April 2003

Length of project
2 years

Amount Supported
£42,650

 

< BACK | NEXT >

< BACK to Research Projects