We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




CRISPR-Powered Method for Non-Invasive Blood Tests to Help Diagnose Early Stage Cancer

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 02 Jun 2023

MicroRNAs, tiny RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, have been identified as potential cancer biomarkers in human fluids like blood. More...

Extracellular vesicles, tiny particles actively discharged by cells, transfer biomolecules between cells, influencing cell functions and diseases. Tumor cells tend to release these vesicles with disease-associated microRNAs more aggressively, making them a promising source for discovering new cancer markers. However, their clinical application has been constrained due to their complexity and the absence of a tool sensitive enough for their detection. Although CRISPR technology, a potent gene-editing tool, has been increasingly recognized as a potential platform for developing new disease diagnostics, earlier CRISPR tests were not as sensitive as the gold standard RT-qPCR and involved multistep reactions with manual handling. Now, a new approach, called “EXTRA-CRISPR,” could represent a game-changing method in the microRNA testing field.

A team of researchers from University of Florida (Gainesville, FL, USA) has developed an innovative CRISPR-based strategy for non-invasive blood tests that could assist clinicians in diagnosing cancer at earlier stages. The new method, which detects microRNAs in extracellular vesicles, is as effective as the widely used RT-qPCR assays for cancer diagnosis and can be combined with a simple portable device for point-of-care clinical testing. With the aim of streamlining the complete workflow into a 'one pot' setup, the researchers created a quick, sensitive method to detect microRNAs that is simpler and reduces the risk of cross-contamination. The term 'one pot' signifies that all necessary chemical agents, except for the sample, are housed in a single test tube, and only the microRNA sample needs to be added for a reaction to carry out the analysis.

The researchers decided to tailor this technology for pancreatic cancer due to the high mortality rate associated with the disease. They demonstrated that the novel one-pot assay could be adapted for two detection methods commonly used for point-of-care testing. Using readily available components, including a blue LED illuminator, a plastic filter, and a coffee mug warmer, they first prototyped a portable smartphone-based device. These components were assembled on a 3D-printed body part, and a smartphone was attached to capture fluorescence images of the test vials post-reaction to measure the target markers. Alongside the fluorescence detector, they paired the EXTRA-CRISPR assay with a commercially available lateral-flow test strip to create an instrument-free point-of-care device. Both point-of-care methods were tested for pancreatic cancer detection, and they delivered diagnostic results consistent with those obtained with a benchtop PCR machine. A patent application has been filed by the researchers based on this work to make the one-pot CRISPR assay and the point-of-care technology widely accessible for basic research and clinical application.

“Our method is very promising for diagnosis of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, when combined with robust microRNA biomarkers and for point-of-care testing,” said He Yan, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher who was part of the team. “In the future, this method can be coupled with a very simple, low-cost portable device to make pancreatic cancer detection simpler but still reliable.”

Related Links:
University of Florida 


New
Gold Member
Latex Test
SLE-Latex Test
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Chlamydia Trachomatis Test
Aptima Chlamydia Trachomatis Assay
New
Modular Hemostasis Automation Solution
CN Track
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.