Scientists at Nature Communications have developed a technique to detect disease biomarkers by examining the sugars that coat human cells. According to a report in Augusta University, the team used the Luminex Multiplex Glycan Array to analyse hundreds of glycans – forms of sugar – and which types the body creates antibodies to fight. Early results suggest some cancers were identifiable from the cells' different coatings. The team aims to develop reliable biomarkers to highlight patients with poorer survival chances, so treatment can begin more quickly, rather than waiting for a relapse.
Scientists at Augusta University have developed a technique to detect disease biomarkers by examining the sugars that coat human cells. According to a report in Nature Communications, the team used the Luminex Multiplex Glycan Array to analyse hundreds of glycans – forms of sugar – and which types the body creates antibodies to fight. Early results suggest some cancers were identifiable from the cells' different coatings. The team aims to develop reliable biomarkers to highlight patients with poorer survival chances, so treatment can begin more quickly, rather than waiting for a relapse.