Posted on 08/29/2010 11:07:25 PM PDT by neverdem
Scientists in China have developed a probe that could be used to test how well a patient will respond to certain drug treatments.
The new probe measures the activity of N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), an enzyme that metabolises drugs and other toxins containing aryl amines and hydrazines. The activity of NAT2 differs between individuals, which affects how well a drug will work, and dysfunction of the enzyme has been linked to breast cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases. A simple measure of NAT2 activity could help ensure patients are given drugs that they can metabolise effectively with minimal side effects.
Xuhong Qian and colleagues at the East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai found that the fluorescent molecule amonafide is metabolised specifically by NAT2. The enzyme acetylates the probe molecule, shifting its flourescence wavelength. Hence, this fluorescence change correlates to NAT2 activity. Current methods for predicting patient response to certain drugs require complex genetic analysis, but this probe could provide a simple and sensitive test.
|
Acetylation by NAT2 changes the fluorescence wavelength of amonafide
|
AP de Silva, an expert in fluorescent sensors at Queen's University Belfast, UK, admires the team's use of fluorescence in two colours to monitor an intracellular enzyme. He adds 'this work is likely to attract favourable attention.'
'The probe has significant potential applications in personal medicine,' Qian says. 'We also hope that it can be used to study the mechanism of different kinds of diseases related to NAT2.' The team now intends to design probes for other important enzymes.
Selective and sensitive detection and quantification of arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 by a ratiometric fluorescence probe
Lei Cui, Ye Zhong, Weiping Zhu, Yufang Xu and Xuhong Qian, Chem. Commun., 2010
DOI: 10.1039/c0cc01000f
Healthcare tailored to suit the genetic makeup of the patient is finally coming to fruition, as Anna Lewcock reports
Smart drug delivery via thermo-triggered squirting
Chinese researchers have developed a method for delivering nanoparticles to a specific site of action using temperature-triggered squirting
Your namrsake is mentioned. The method sounds neat.
namrsake = namesake
Ugh, time for new specs!
A similiar tracking system using blood samples is the subject of 2 patents and is in Phase II FDA approval. The company is Power 3 Medical (PWRM) and is domestic. To my knowledge PWRM is furthest along in this arena and has tests for breast cancer and ALS. Other notable research has been successful but all involve CTskans or spinal fluid taps (Yuk)
I’m toxic you know!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.