Circulating miRNA detection of prostate cancer using DNA conjugated upconversion nanoparticles

Abstract

By Kyle Norris, Biochemistry

Advisor: Peng Zhang

Presentation ID: AM_D19

Abstract: A novel upconversion based technique toward detecting the presence of circulating microRNA biomarkers in the body fluids of prostate cancer patients is developed. The altered expression patterns of circulating microRNAs in early diagnosis of cancer is utilized in developing this technique. The detection scheme is based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between upconversion nanoparticles and a dye. Upconversion nanoparticles are synthesized using hydrothermal method and is conjugated with DNA using carbodiimide chemistry. An enzyme is used to amplify the signal which can lower the detection limit. A fluorometer with a 980 nm laser as the excitation source is used in taking the luminescence measurements. This technique could be further developed for early diagnostic measure to detect prostate cancer in an asymptomatic stage.