Measuring biomarkers using aptamers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Measuring biomarkers using aptamers
IRAS ID
290012
Contact name
Waljit S Dhillo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College Research Governance and Integrity Team
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 29 days
Research summary
Medical conditions are diagnosed, assessed and/or monitored by measuring biomarkers. Currently, most biomarkers are measured using methods that rely on the use of antibodies. However, these methods are expensive, their reliability is affected by differences between antibody batches and there is a delay between sample collection and analysis. Therefore, better methods of measuring biomarkers are required.
Aptamers are synthetic molecules that are selected to recognize specific biomarkers. They can measure biomarkers in very small fluid samples and unlike antibody-based methods, aptamers do not require expensive materials to measure biomarkers. Therefore, aptamers can be used to perform multiple measurements more cost-effectively than current methods.
The levels of some biomarkers rise and fall throughout the day, and these fluctuations (called pulses) are necessary for the function of the biomarkers. For example, altered patterns of pulses of luteinising hormone (a reproductive hormone) and cortisol (a stress hormone) are present in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (the most common reproductive disorder affecting pre-menopausal women) and Cushing’s Disease (a condition with high mortality) respectively. Detection of pulses requires multiple frequent sampling for an extended period of time (e.g. 6 blood samples/hour for 8 hours); however, this is not performed in clinical practice. Due to the limitations of current biomarker measurement methods, diseases are diagnosed and/or monitored using ≤5 timepoint blood tests, which are unable to assess biomarker pulses. This can result in delayed and/or suboptimal diagnosis and management of diseases.
Working with chemists and bioengineers, we are developing cost-effective minimally-invasive aptamer-based systems that can be used to measure biomarkers and are suitable for the frequent measurements required to assess biomarker pulses in real-time. In this study, we will test the ability of the aptamers and aptamer-based sensor devices to measure biomarkers in blood, urine, saliva and dermal interstitial fluid (i.e. the fluid in the skin) in healthy people and patients.REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0021
Date of REC Opinion
17 Mar 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion