PROTEASE ASSAY

摘要

The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

主权项

1. A method for detecting the activity of a protease associated with a cancerous or precancerous cell in a mammal comprising:
(a) administering to the mammal a composition comprising a diagnostic assay including a nanoplatform assembly and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier, said nanoplatform assembly comprising:
a first particle;a second particle; anda linkage between said first and second particles, wherein said linkage comprises a protease consensus sequence; (b) activating the assay in said composition; (c) exposing a region of the mammal suspected of having a cancerous or precancerous cell to an energy source; and (d) detecting changes in an absorption or emission spectrum of the assay, wherein said changes correspond to protease activity.