SBIR/STTR Phase I: Novel Method for In Situ PCR

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a sensitive and rapid method for detecting rare cells infected with viruses. Although PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) has revolutionized nucleic acid detection, leakage of amplicons from cells during thermocycling, an inherent problem in conventional procedures, limits its use for in situ PCR applications. Furthermore, microscopic visualization after in situ PCR is tedious and not amenable to rare cell detection. Development of a rapid method to identify and quantify activation of genes involved in viral infection and tumorigenesis in single rare cells would significantly benefit both research as well as clinical applications such as diagnosis and therapeutic staging. The Phase I research will develop the assay using model cell lines infected with the human T-cell leukemia virus type I. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of diagnostics linked to the managemement of genetically based diseases.