The new approach could facilitate the diagnosis of certain diseases such as cancer by revealing specific biomarkers that cannot be identified with traditional methods.
- Researchers have developed an innovative method for early detection of diseases through in-depth analysis of plasma proteins.
- This technique reduces interference from abundant proteins in the blood, allowing the identification of rare but essential biomarkers. By adding small molecules to plasma, key proteins become detectable by mass spectrometry, increasing precision sevenfold.
- This advance could revolutionize precision medicine by improving early diagnosis and personalizing treatments.
What if a simple blood test could diagnose diseases even before symptoms appear? Researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) in the United States, in collaboration with international experts, have developed a revolutionary method to better analyze proteins in blood plasma, paving the way for diagnostics earlier and more precise. Their work was published in the journal Nature Communications.
Identify biomarkers even at low concentrations
Biomarkers, such as proteins and peptides, are biological indicators that can detect the presence or progression of a disease. Thanks to a simple blood test, it is now possible to identify diseases at an early stage, significantly improving outcomes for patients. In addition, knowing from the start whether a cancer is metastatic or benign, for example, allows clinicians to adopt a tailored and more effective therapeutic approach.
Traditionally, the most abundant proteins in the blood mask signals from proteins in low quantities, which are nevertheless crucial for identifying certain diseases. The team of researchers got around this obstacle by adding specific small molecules to the plasma. These molecules interact with proteins to expose those in low concentration, which are then detected using mass spectrometry.
“We can increase the visibility and identification of low-abundance proteins, making it easier to detect important biomarkers that would otherwise remain invisible”summarize the scientists in a press release. This technique has made it possible to increase the detection of rare proteins by a factor of seven, considerably expanding the possibilities for early diagnosis.
A major breakthrough for personalized medicine
This approach is part of so-called “precision” medicine, which adapts treatments according to the genetic, environmental and lifestyle characteristics of patients. Unlike conventional medicine, precision medicine aims for more effective care, with fewer side effects. “This revolutionary method could identify biomarkers for a wide variety of diseases, underline the researchers. The possibilities are endless and bring us closer to truly personalized medicine.”
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