Versatile Amplification Method for Single-Molecule Detection in Liquid Biopsy

The Vision of VerSiLiB is to enable robust usage of proteogenomics readout in in-vitro diagnostics to address unmet medical needs. The multiplexed detection with a single-molecule sensitivity will offer the benefits of DNA and protein biomarker analysis combined into one easy-to-use test. This universal analysis can be applied in the diagnosis of several significant diseases including viral pandemics, cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, immune diseases, and cardiovascular alterations.

Core idea is a novel enzyme-free Affinity Mediated Transport (AMT) amplification method (Patent No. FI20186055) that unifies the analysis of trace amounts of protein and DNA/RNA analytes. AMT is multipurpose being applicable for various analytes. The key features of AMT include robustness, specificity, speed and accuracy, with respect to currently available enzyme-based detection technologies.

The project aim is to build a proof-of-concept prototype with a novel read-out unit and opto-fluidic biosensor chip with nanophotonic signal enhancement. The benefits of the technology will be validated in the clinical melanoma management using liquid biopsy samples. In oncology, liquid biopsy holds a promise to become a predictive tool that will personalize follow-up and clinical decisions. We will demonstrate the relevance of the technology by detecting an actionable DNA mutation (BRAF p.V600E) and a highly melanoma-restricted protein (ChondroitinSulphate Proteoglycan 4; CSPG4). BRAF mutation is a predictive biomarker related to the therapy response and CSPG4 blood levels progressively increase with advancing disease stages.

VerSiLiB (grant agreement No 101046217) is a 4-year EIC Pathfinder Open project that has received EUR 3 million funding from the European Union’s European Innovation Council (EIC) under Horizon Europe program.

Further information: https://versilib.eu/

VerSiLiB project aims to develop a proof-of-concept of a novel in-vitro diagnostic system that combines the analysis of DNA and protein biomarkers into one proteogenomic test. Project is the first step in our journey to enable fast and easy-to-use proteogenomic tests that will be widely applicable in the diagnosis of several significant diseases including viral pandemics, cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, immune diseases, and cardiovascular alterations. In the end of the project, the developed technology will be validated for real-life cancer management in a clinical setting.

VerSiLiB (grant agreement No 101046217) is a 4-year EIC Pathfinder Open project that has received EUR 3 million funding from the European Union’s European Innovation Council (EIC) under Horizon Europe program.

Further information: https://versilib.eu/