Electrical fingerprint on tiny cell particles could offer new way to spot pancreatic cancer signals
An electrical fingerprint found on tiny particles in the blood may help detect signs of pancreatic cancer that are often overlooked, according to new research from Rice University. The researchers developed a device that separates these particles based on their electrical charge, making cancer-associated signals more visible.
Tiny particles in the blood could provide a new way to detect pancreatic cancer, a disease often diagnosed after it has spread. Rice University researchers found that pancreatic cancer leaves an distinct electrical fingerprint on these particles, making them more visible. This discovery could offer a new diagnostic method for a cancer with a poor prognosis.
The bloodstream is a crowded environment, and identifying meaningful EVs is challenging. Researchers developed a device that separates EVs based on their electrical charge, improving the visibility of cancer-associated signals. Cells release EVs containing material from the cells that created them, including cancer cells. These particles can contain DNA and other materials that contribute to their electrical signature.
The researchers discovered that activating a mutated KRAS gene in pancreatic cancer cells caused them to release more EVs with a stronger negative electrical charge. A microfluidic electrophoresis device was used to separate EVs based on their charge, revealing differences between cancer-associated particles and those from healthy individuals.
This electrical fingerprint could provide a new way to identify pancreatic cancer, potentially aiding in early detection and improving patient outcomes.
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