NEW RNA IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION WITH HIGH RESOLUTION

众所周知，某些基因(myc、ras)转录的某些变化，包括癌基因的激活，或某些病毒感染，可能会导致癌症和其他疾病的发生。这项研究的目标之一是完善一种新的、快速、超敏感、安全的方法，通过RNA或DNA原位杂交方法检测病毒或细菌感染或基因表达的变化，特别强调亚细胞水平的定位。该方法是利用等离子体共振粒子的非凡能力，可以提供无毒、非常明亮、坚固的颜色标记，这些标记可以结合到任何感兴趣的修饰核酸探针上。与目前使用的商业上可用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势。一个新的目标是使用这些标记作为超灵敏的报告，利用DNA微阵列技术监测基因表达。该计划的目标将是进一步开发特定的试剂、方案和仪器，并将其商业化，这些试剂、方案和仪器将是用户友好的，并且能够负担得起广泛的研究和临床应用。拟议的商业应用：制造、销售(和许可)执行所开发的RNA原位测试所需的专有仪器、试剂盒、试剂和相关消耗品。最终，临床和微阵列研究应用的全自动化系统被设想出来。

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.