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Protagen Supports Novel Route to Serum Based Prostate Cancer Diagnostics

Protagen AG

Protagen Supports Novel Route to Serum Based Prostate Cancer Diagnostics

11 Feb 2016
Alex Waite
Editorial Assistant

Product news

Protagen AG, technology leader in the development of novel molecular diagnostic and companion diagnostic tests for autoimmune diseases and oncological indications, has announced the identification of novel protein biomarkers in prostate cancer, which are potential drug targets supporting novel strategies in precision medicine.

Using the proprietary Protagen SeroTag® technology, the discovery was made in close collaboration with Professor Helmut Klocker, Medical University of Innsbruck and Oncotyrol Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, and Professor Mark Rubin, Cornell University and Targos Molecular Pathology GmbH, Kassel.

Measuring serum autoantibodies in a liquid biopsy of prostate cancer patients, the team was able to successfully confirm tissue specific biomarkers via immunohistochemistry. Professor Klocker stated, “This is a novel route to new and more specific biomarkers to allow for better detection of prostate cancer inflammation. In cooperation with Protagen, we were not only able to identify new relevant prostate specific autoantigens, e.g. SPOP, SPAST, STX 18, but also show the orthogonal validation of this serum marker on tissue microarrays with our partners at Targos”.

Professor Rubin added “We’ve been working on the role of SPOP and its mutations in prostate cancer for quite some time, it is really exciting to learn more about the links to the immune system and the appearance of SPOP specific autoantibodies in patient sera”.

“It is always a good cross validation, when two independent methods yield the same result. Validated biomarkers in immune oncology and other immune diseases are a valuable asset. We are very excited to work with Protagen together in this emerging field.”, commented Dr. Thomas Henkel, CEO of Targos. Stefan Müllner, CEO of Protagen added, “There’s an unmet diagnostic need in prostate cancer diagnostics, and the commercial value of novel, more reliable options that don’t involve biopsies and improve follow-up of patients are very attractive. I’m very pleased to state that the study published in PLOS ONE, “Serum autoantibodies in chronic prostate inflammation in prostate cancer patients”) in collaboration with our partners, underscores that SeroTag® technology can significantly speed up diagnostic developments. Furthermore, SPOP plays a key role in the function of E3 ubiquitin ligase, which is a novel and interesting pathway for therapeutic intervention in cancer. Thus, the data presented in this paper also introduce a novel concept for drug target identification for stratified therapy and personalized medicine.”

For more information, please visit www.protagen.com.

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AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.BiosensorsBiosensors are devices used to detect an analyte using biological molecules specific to the analyte coupled to a detector. Biosensor instruments may be photometric, typically using surface plasma resonance (SPR), electrochemical or QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) biosensors. Biosensors should be selective, portable, robust and sensitive and have a fast response time. Systems may be manual or automated and usually have associated software.Microarray AnalysisMicroarrays, also known as biochips, are used for the detection and analysis of multiple genes, proteins, antibodies, or biomarkers on a single microchip. This can reveal information on protein or gene expression, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), copy number variation (CNV), epigenetics and patient health in clinical diagnostic tests. Discover a range of microarray scanners and prefabricated antibody, protein, RNA and DNA microarrays for your analysis or consider creating your own custom microarrays with a microarray printer. Find the best microarray products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Cancer DiagnosticsThere are a wide variety of diagnostic tests for cancer available, and this range continues to expand as our knowledge of cancer improves. Current diagnostic methods include biopsy, imaging and blood tests for known biomarkers. New methods in research development include liquid biopsies and cancer breathalyzers.Molecular DiagnosticsMolecular diagnostics use an individual’s genetic code and gene expression to diagnose and monitor diseases. The technique is used increasingly in the field of infectious diseases and oncology, as well as areas such as coagulation, HLA typing and pharmacogenomics. Molecular diagnostics plays a pivotal role in personalized medicine.Prostate CancerHuman SerumHuman serum is found in blood plasma. The protein is used in a variety of applications including tissue engineering, transplantation and cell therapy.ImmunohistochemistryImmunohistochemistry (IHC) is a technique used to detect specific proteins in tissue samples by using antibodies that bind to target antigens. IHC is widely applied in pathology, immunology, hematology and cancer diagnostics. Explore IHC tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Biomarker DiscoveryClinical biomarkers refer to substances related to known medical conditions that can be accurately measured <i>in vitro</i>. Biomarkers can be used to diagnose presence of a disease and indicate disease severity. The discovery of new biomarkers is incredibly valuable in the field of diagnostics.

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Protagen Supports Novel Route to Serum Based Prostate Cancer Diagnostics