Development of novel methods and reagents for prion infection

ucleic acid tests are becoming the diagnostic tools of choice for many rapid screening assays. Circulating Nucleic Acids (CNAs) can be defined as RNA and DNA detected in biological fluids devoid of cellular material. Previous data have clearly showed the diagnostic relevance of the appearance of specific CNAs in a number of chronic diseases. Chronix Biomedical was founded with the objective of developing Circulating Nucleic Acid (CNA) tests for the detection of disease-specific genetic material in serum and plasma from individuals with chronic illnesses. We have found that detected sequences tend to be derived from "repetitive" genomic sequences, and work performed in cattle has clearly indicated the diagnostic potential of this assay for diagnosis of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in cattle (BSE). It is the purpose of this proposal to extend this technology to develop a rapid, CNA-based screening assay for Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease in human peripheral blood. To accomplish this task, we have partnered with the American Red Cross to obtain sufficient blood samples to appropriately define collection, storage, and analysis parameters necessary.