Scientists Develop Innovative Nanopores for Cancer Detection

Researchers at the Biosciences Research Institute of Kerala-Regional Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) have successfully engineered “mirror-image” nanopores that mimic natural protein structures. These synthetic pores, known as DpPorA, have the potential to revolutionize early disease detection, particularly for conditions like cancer, and offer advancements in personalized diagnostics. The findings were published in the latest edition of Nature Communications.

Revolutionizing Disease Detection

Led by Dr. Mahendran K R, the team designed these nanopores to act similarly to natural protein tunnels, but with a critical distinction: they are constructed from flipped synthetic peptides. This unique mirror-image structure not only enhances stability but also improves selectivity compared to their natural counterparts. Computer simulations confirmed that these synthetic pores are exact opposites of the proteins found in nature.

Dr. Mahendran commented on the implications of this research, stating, “Using these advanced nanopores, we could detect a wide variety of biomolecules—from small sugar rings to full-length proteins. It opens the door for early detection of diseases like cancer and personalized diagnostics.”

In their experiments, the researchers evaluated the interaction of these peptides with living cells. They discovered that the mirror molecules selectively targeted and damaged cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, suggesting a promising avenue for developing new cancer therapies.

Significance of the Breakthrough

Prof Chandrabhas Narayana, Director of RGCB, hailed the research as a significant advancement in the fields of wound healing, muscle repair, and immune function. He emphasized the potential of these synthetic pores to facilitate early disease detection and customized diagnostics. “It has huge potential to develop into new cancer treatments without harming healthy cells, as well as for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease,” he noted.

The collaborative effort involved notable contributions from other institutions, including Dr. Harsha Bajaj’s group at CSIR-NIIST in Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Ulrich Kleinekathofer’s group at Constructor University in Germany, and Dr. Radhika Nair’s group at the Centre for Human Genetics in Bengaluru. This research received funding from multiple sources, including the Department of Biotechnology, the Department of Science and Technology, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), all under the Government of India.

The innovative work conducted by the BRIC-RGCB team not only advances scientific understanding but also paves the way for future applications in diagnostics and nanobiotechnology. As research continues, the potential for these mirror-image nanopores to impact cancer therapy and other medical fields remains significant.