J C Hahne
The Institute of Cancer Research, UK
Title: Translational research and cancer patient stratification based on modern molecular biological methods
Biography
Biography: J C Hahne
Abstract
The use of molecular biological methods especially droplet-digital PCR and NanoString technology offer several possibilities for translational research and cancer patient stratification. In this workshop some examples based on RNA or microRNA expression in solid tumors will be discussed. MicroRNAs are pivotal regulators for RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression under physiological as well as pathological conditions. MicroRNAs can be detected in tissues and in most biologic fluids including serum, plasma and urines. Secreted microRNAs are either incorporated into micro-vesicles or circulate bound to proteins. In both cases microRNAs are protected from RNase degradation so that they may remain intact for long periods of time. Therefore they might represent potential new biomarkers. We analyzed expression of 800 miRNA’s using nCounter NanoString technology in cancer cell lines, formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues and plasma from cancer patients. Potential clinical applications of microRNA detection for cancer patients’ management will be discussed.