Early Detection Of Abnormal Cells

Early Detection

Micrograph of exosomes released from human primary cells. Exosomes are nano-vesicles of defined protein and RNA composition. They are released from most human cells in culture, and they can be found in our blood, saliva, urine, and milk. Micrograph by Steven Hearn (CSHL) and Dominik Duelli.

Cancer deaths, including mortality due to breast cancer can be prevented by early detection. We are developing a method that is non-invasive and sensitive for early diagnosis of abnormal mammary epithelia. We are developing this method to detect neoplasms by miRNA profiling of vesicles that are released from mammary epithelia into body fluids. This project is supported by the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP).