NEW RNA IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION WITH HIGH RESOLUTION

众所周知，某些基因（myc，ras）转录的某些改变，包括癌基因的激活，或某些病毒感染，可能导致癌症和其他疾病的发展。拟议研究的一个目标是完善一种新的，快速的，超灵敏的，安全的检测病毒或细菌感染的方法，或基因表达的改变，通过RNA或DNA原位杂交方法，特别强调在亚细胞水平上的定位。该方法是使用等离子体共振粒子的非凡能力，其可以提供无毒、非常明亮、稳健的彩色标记，其可以结合到任何修饰的感兴趣的核酸探针。与目前使用的商业上可获得的基于放射性或非放射性的检测系统相比，该报告系统应该具有显著的优点。一个新的目标是使用这些标签作为超灵敏的报告基因表达监测使用DNA微阵列技术。该计划的目的是进一步开发和商业化的特定试剂，协议和仪器，将是用户友好的，并负担得起的大规模研究和临床应用。拟定商业应用：生产、销售（和许可）专有仪器、试剂盒、试剂和相关耗材，以执行开发的RNA原位测试。 最终，一个完全自动化的系统，临床和微阵列研究应用的设想。

It is well known that some alterations in transcription of certain genes (myc, ras) including activation of oncogenes, or some viral infections, may lead to the development of cancer and other diseases. One goal of the proposed research is to perfect a new, rapid, ultra-sensitive, safe method of detecting viral or bacterial infections, or alterations of gene expressions, by RNA or DNA in situ hybridization methodology, with particular emphasis on localization at the sub-cellular level. The approach is to use the extraordinary capabilities of plasmon resonant particles which can provide non-toxic, very bright, robust, color labels that can be bound to any modified nucleic acid probe of interest. This reporter system should have significant advantages compared with the currently used radioactive or non-radioactive based detection systems that are commercially available. A new goal is to use these labels as ultrasensitive reporters for monitoring gene expression using DNA microarray technology. The aim of the program will be to further develop and commercialize the specific reagents, protocols, and instrumentation that will be user friendly, and affordable for wide scale research and clinical applications. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: The manufacture, sale (and licensing) of proprietary instruments, Kits, reagents and associated consumables needed to perform the RNA in situ tests developed. Eventually, a fully automated system for clinical and microarray research applications is envisioned.