Screening Telomerase Activity in cancer cells
Professor Itamar Willner, Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

The objectives for this study will continue the investigations previously funded by the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation, to the development of highly sensitive and specific detection of cancer cells in urine.

Professor Itamar Willner

Specifically, we will develop the assays for analysing telomerase activity (a versatile marker for cancer cells) and apply the methods to analyse and screen urine samples of clinical diagnostic importance. In these studies we will apply the bioelectronic and optobioelectronic methods that were developed in the first year of the program, that are based on nanotechnology concepts. Furthermore, an additional assay that involves gold nonoparticles will be developed with an effort to demonstrate the fabrication of "strips" for the rapid and sensitive detection of telomerase activity.

Project commenced
April 2003

Length of project
2 years

Amount Supported
£85,300