Project description
Using long non-coding RNAs as diagnostic biomarkers
Accumulating evidence underscores various important biological roles for non-coding RNAs (nc-RNAs). RNAs with a length of more than 200 nucleotides, the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), can potentially serve as diagnostic biomarkers as their aberrant expression has been linked to various neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, diabetes and cancer. However, current technologies for lncRNA isolation and detection are laborious and hence unsuitable for routine diagnosis. Employing computer modelling for molecular reactions and RNA structure, scientists of the EU-funded LONGSENSE project aim to develop a novel biosensor for lncRNA detection both for research and diagnostic purposes.
Objective
The function of ribonucleic acid (RNA) was long thought to be only an intermediate product in the protein synthesis machinery, but this view changed since the biological significance of the non-coding protein fraction of RNA was discovered. More recently a still evolving class of RNAs with a length above 200 nucleotides, the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) came into the spotlight. Up- or downregulation have been associated with human diseases, such as neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, cardiac diseases, diabetes as well as cancer, offering the possibility to use lncRNA as biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis. The currently used method for lncRNA detection is complicated and only a reliable method for an experienced researcher with the necessary lab facilities. Detection of lncRNA follows a time-consuming protocol, taking at least 1 day from sample preparation to analysed data. To exploit the full potential of lncRNA as new biomarker for several diseases, the detection method needs to be simplified. This would allow to use lncRNA as biomarker on-spot in private praxis and integrate lncRNA in the routine diagnostic of clinics. LONGSENSE will develop a fast, user-friendly and cost-effective biosensor for lncRNA detection. The use of computer modelling for molecular reactions and RNA structure, will enable us to work efficiently and remain flexible to the rapid development in the scientific field and adapt a product to meet the needs of the market. The aims of the project are to (1) create a multi-level biosensor for the detection of disease relevant lncRNA in well-plate format for high throughput screening to be used in clinical labs or research; (2) design a device to be used on the spot; (3) asses the commercial feasibility of the technology.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsbiosensors
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteins
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicineendocrinologydiabetes
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncology
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNA
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Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-POC-LS - ERC Proof of Concept Lump Sum PilotHost institution
64289 Darmstadt
Germany