Capitol News

Michigan State University researchers, in collaboration with the Karolinska Institute and the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a new method for detecting diseases earlier through blood tests. This advancement focuses on identifying biomarkers by analyzing proteins in plasma, which can lead to faster diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.

Morteza Mahmoudi, an associate professor at MSU's Department of Radiology and Precision Health Program, explained the significance of this development: “The ability to identify biomarkers advances medicine in two key ways. First, using a simple blood test, diseases can be identified and diagnosed earlier. That means faster treatment and better patient outcomes. Second, it helps clinicians choose the most effective treatment plan.”

The research findings were published in Nature Communications under the title "Small Molecule Modulation of Protein Corona for Deep Plasma Proteome Profiling." The study outlines a methodology that reduces interference from abundant plasma proteins, allowing for the detection of low-abundance proteins critical for diagnosing diseases.

Mahmoudi elaborated on their approach: “Our innovative approach significantly reduces the masking effects of highly abundant plasma proteins... By minimizing these interactions, we can increase the visibility and identification of low-abundance proteins.” This enhancement is achieved by adding small molecules to blood samples to expose important proteins on nanoparticles' surfaces. Mass spectrometry is then used to analyze these particles.

This method marks a significant contribution to precision medicine, which tailors treatments based on individual genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Mahmoudi emphasized its potential: “We’re excited about the unique capability of this new approach to identify biomarkers that may represent various health spectrum diseases because the power of this system is limitless.”