C11173: Tissue -derived Hypermethylated DNA Diagnostic Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer
Value Proposition:
DNA methylation is a mechanism where methyl groups are added to strands of DNA at CpG islands and is thought to modify gene expression. DNA hypermethylation is a common epigenetic abnormality found in cancers and is emerging as a promising class of biomarkers. JHU inventors used a genome-wide CpG island microarray platform for direct analysis of a CRC-specific DNA hypermethylation in colorectal tissue, as well as stool and serum-derived DNA samples. JHU inventors determined multiple novel CRC-associated aberrant hypermethylation biomarkers. JHU scientists then performed real-time quantitative methylation specific-PCR validation of candidate biomarkers. Inventors identified a panel of at least twelve novel DNA regions where abnormal methylation occurs uniquely and prevalently in CRC neoplasias. Initial studies on tissue-, stool-, and blood-derived DNA show that these biomarkers can distinguish neoplasia from neoplasia-free control samples with high accuracy.
ADVANTAGES - Biomarkers were identified from multiple colorectal patient samples types such as tissue, blood and stool to allow versatility development of a non-invasoveclinical diagnostic screening test. - Biomarkers have the potential to be used in clinical diagnostic tests to accurately distinguish colorectal neoplasias from normal colonic mucosa to improve early diagnosis and provide better patient outcome. - This technology potentially allows identification of characteristic DNA methylation patterns for stratification of patients between low-risk patients to high-risk patients that need more intensive monitoring in order to more efficiently treat those patients and reduce mortality.
Technical Details:
Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent and deadly cancer in the U.S. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly curable in its early stages. Unfortunately, the majority of new cases are in an advanced stage by the time they are diagnosed. Delayed diagnosis is often due to the asymptomatic nature of most early-stage CRCs. Current colorectal cancer screening methods such as colonoscopies and Fecal Immunological Tests (FIT) lack sensitivity and specificity, and are invasive which reduces patient compliance. There is a dire medical need for accurate genetic biomarkers to improve early diagnosis of CRC. Early intervention can drastically reduce death due to colorectal cancers. Publication: Mori et al. Endocr Relat Cancer. 2011 Jul 4;18(4):465-478.
Looking for Partners:
This technology could be developed and commercialized as a diagnostic/prognostic or risk stratification assay for colorectal cancers using detection of methylated genes as biomarkers.
