New studies have revealed enhanced capabilities in identifying proteins, or biomarkers, within blood plasma, including those associated with particular illnesses such as cancer. By detecting these biomarkers earlier, researchers can develop improved diagnostic tests and medications that target diseases at an earlier stage, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Medical practitioners have long recognized that early detection of illnesses can significantly enhance patient prognosis. Recently, a team of researchers from Michigan State University, in collaboration with experts from the Karolinska Institute and the University of California, Berkeley, has developed a novel technique to achieve this goal. Their innovative method examines plasma proteins more thoroughly, uncovering biomarkers that enable both researchers and, ultimately, physicians, to identify diseases sooner.
“The capability to pinpoint biomarkers enhances medicine in two crucial ways,” explained Morteza Mahmoudi, an associate professor at the Department of Radiology and Precision Health Program at MSU’s College of Human Medicine. “Firstly, a straightforward blood test can facilitate earlier diagnosis of diseases, which paves the way for prompt treatment and improved patient outcomes. Secondly, it guides clinicians in selecting the most effective treatment strategies. For instance, if a clinician identifies that cancer is metastatic at its earliest stage, their treatment and management approach will differ greatly compared to if they know the cancer is benign.”
Recently, Mahmoudi and his collaborative team shared their findings in the journal Nature Communications; their paper, titled “Small Molecule Modulation of Protein Corona for Deep Plasma Proteome Profiling,” outlines their new methodology for comprehensive protein analysis in plasma.
“Our cutting-edge technique notably diminishes the masking effects of prevalent plasma proteins, which often obstruct the identification of vital biomarkers within human plasma,” Mahmoudi stated. “By reducing these interactions, we enhance the detection and visibility of low-abundance proteins, making it feasible to recognize essential biomarkers that may otherwise go unnoticed. This advancement leads to superior diagnostic capabilities, enabling more accurate and timely illness detection.”
How the new protein-detection method operates
The innovative method limits interference from the most common proteins found in blood, thereby allowing researchers to discover lesser-known, low-abundance proteins that are often critical for disease identification. By introducing small molecules to the blood sample, these significant proteins can be showcased on the surface of nanoparticles, making them easier to detect through mass spectrometry—a technique that separates and analyzes ionized particles using electric and magnetic fields.
“Our team began introducing a carefully curated range of small molecules to the plasma to reduce the interactions between highly abundant proteins and nanoparticles,” Mahmoudi explained. “By utilizing mass spectrometry, we were able to enhance the depth of proteome coverage by over seven-fold.”
Advancing precision medicine
This new testing approach plays a vital role in advancing precision medicine, a personalized patient care method tailored to each individual’s genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Unlike traditional healthcare models that take a generic approach, precision medicine aims to provide more effective health solutions. This model is particularly significant in cancer research, where tumor genetic profiling can result in better outcomes and fewer side effects.
In precision health initiatives, such as those at MSU, research teams investigate various health aspects.
“We are thrilled about the extraordinary potential of this new technique to identify biomarkers that may signify a wide range of health-related diseases, as the capabilities of this system are boundless,” Mahmoudi remarked. “It genuinely enhances our capacity to deliver precision medicine.”
