DNA barcoding allows nanopore sequencing to identify dozens of biomarkers in one test

“Researchers at Imperial College London (ICL) working with commercial partner Oxford Nanopore Technologies have developed a method for DNA barcoding that allow nanopore sequencing to identify dozens of biomarkers in one test. The new method . . . shows promise to identify specific biomarkers of diseases such as heart disease and cancer more accurately allowing for more precise treatment of each patient.  To highlight the power of the new method, the investigators noted that current methods of testing for heart failure typically focus detecting a couple of common proteins to diagnose the condition. In their testing, however, the team demonstrated that combining DNA barcoding and nanopore sequencing detected an additional 40 different types of miRNA molecules which could be potentially used as biomarkers of the condition. The method can also detects proteins, small molecules and miRNA from one sample, and allow for a more complete picture of any one individual’s disease.”    MORE

Image Credit:  Inside Precision Medicine