CRISPR/Cas-based innovative electrochemical multiplexed immunosensor for specific detection of ovarian carcinoma biomarkers in urine

Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths in postmenopausal women worldwide.

Unfortunately, it is diagnosed in the advanced stages (III/IV) with five-year survival rate of 20% and poor prognosis due to lack of distinct early symptoms.

The current diagnostic tools (pelvic examination and imaging techniques) often fail to detect premalignant tumors and standard biomarker (cancer antigen 125) analysis show low sensitivity and specificity.

The goal of this proposal is to develop a radically innovative modality in the field of early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

I propose cutting-edge CRISPR/Cas (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein) technology-based molecular diagnosis as the next generation OC screening tool.The proposed CRINOVA project will apply the CRISPR-mediated biosensing approach for the first time combining with immunoassay to detect OC protein biomarkers (cancer antigen 125, human epididymis protein 4 and mesothelin) noninvasively in urine of early stage (I/II) OC patients through electrochemistry.

The nucleic acid programmed nuclease activity of Cas effector protein will be activated upon sequence-based recognition of guiding RNA of CRISPR by a single strand DNA in the presence of biomarkers resulting in their highly specific and sensitive detection.

The purpose of the project is linked to improving prognosis of OC patients, making a direct impact on enhancing their quality of life.

This major objective will be achieved through a cross-disciplinary approach involving my wide experience in electrochemical biosensor development and the expertise of my supervisor on DNA nanotechnology and CRISPR-based biomolecular sensors.

I have an excellent track record of scientific collaborations undertaking international mobility in different laboratories globally.

The outcome of the fellowship will be crucial to boost my career in academia and to achieve a permanent position (i.e. professorship) in Europe.