Structural Biomarkers in Mice Model
Non-invasive structural tissue analysis for low-cost, highly accurate, non-invasive and rapid cancer diagnosis
Dates
July 2023 - July 2024
Description:
PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
Key project objectives include:
Optimization of EosDx X-ray diffraction diagnosis device and tissue handling protocol Identification/optimization of parameters for XRD analysis, reducing image-analysis time. Establishing first-of-its-kind trajectories of cancer development in keratin/collagen samples, enabling identification of the development stage of cancer through XRD imaging.
Progress Towards Key Objectives:
Following preparation by Ulster, tissue from over 200 individual mice were received at Keele, equating to over 400 prostate tissue samples and over 200 skin samples. Established data analysis parameters for the characterization of the XRD patterns including SOPs and automation through the Matador platform.
Outstanding Discovery of Skin Structural Biomarkers
• It was discovered that the trajectory of prostate tumor growth is visible in the diffraction image of skin: the skin image changes as the tumor grows, i.e. prostate cancer can be detected by Skin Structural Biomarker.
• Prostate tumor growth becomes visible in X-ray diffraction images by Day 2 post inoculation. Trajectory of the prostate tumor growth is visible on the diffraction images and can be tracked on graphs.
• Prostate tumor growth visibly changes other organs (e.g. pancreas); the pancreatic changes are aligned with the prostate tumor growth