Title: Technical and Methodological Aspects of circulating cell-free nucleic acid applied as tumor diagnostic biomarkers
Funder: The Academy of Medical Sciences

Abstract: The vast majority of cancers are treatable when diagnosed early. However, due to the limitation of traditional biopsies, most cancers have already spread widely when they are first diagnosed. Circulating cell-free nucleic acid (cfNAs), including extracellular vesicles (EVs), are known to play significant roles in the intercellular communication functioning as vectors to transfer genetic information between cells; therefore have been identified as one of the key factors in the next-generation technique for cancer diagnosis. Although cfNAs represent promising material, their analyzes are not so easy with many different approaches existing. The workflows of their analyzes comprise many essential steps that have the potential to affect the outcome and informational value of the performed analyzes. With my deep interest in improving my technical skills and getting the required experience on the individual steps of the whole workflow, I have contacted Prof. Jacqui Shaw to discuss a potential collaboration. Prof. Shaw is one of the pioneers in this field. Her research is focused on circulating nucleic acids for early detection and monitoring of breast cancer; her group was the first to describe molecular portraits of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in breast cancer patients. Following our discussion, we decided that my research visit will focus on the following; 1-I will get involved in the steps of the workflows of circulating nucleic acid analysis, from sample collection, storage, transportation, through extraction and laboratory analysis, up to bioinformatic analyzes, statistical evaluations, and the interpretation of the results. 2-With the comprehensive training that I will get during this research visit, we will move forward to apply for a joint research grant offered by "Newton-Mosharafa Fund'. This type of Fund is designed to bring together British and Egyptian scientific research to find collaborative solutions to Egypt's healthcare challenges. Our project will aim to delineate the potential employment of circulating EVs-derived miRNAs as tumour diagnostic biomarkers in the metastatic cascade. The experience on the various technical procedures that I will receive from my research visit will be the cornerstone of the project and will enable me to go forward to conduct the planned workflow analysis. 3-During my research visit, our collaboration will also involve writing a review article that will be present a comprehensive overview on current and perspective applications of cell-free nucleic acids with a focus on diagnostic and prognostic applications of miRNA-abundant circulating Exosomes as an effective liquid biopsy tool. We will further elaborate the potential hurdles facing their clinical applications and the suggested "out-of-the-box" strategies that can transform these challenges. Such publication could foster our chance to receive the research grant.


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES;2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS