Telomerase are specific repeat units of nucleotides that exist at the end of chromosomes that degraded as the chromosomes and cells age. Telomerase is an enzyme that extends these telomeric repeats at the ends of the chromosomes and is predominantly found in immortal cells such as cancer cells.  Detection and inhibition of telomerase activity are of extreme interest for cancer treatment. Current standard methods for the measurement of telomerase activity are based on PCR amplification.  For the quantitative detection of proteins in biological media (ex. Cell lysate), we are using gold nanoparticles with molecular beacons to examine the environmental effects of the cell lysate components on telomerase detection and quantification of activity.

Single-molecule detection assay of telomerase activity

245th National Meeting (2013)

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