Scientists from AltSU are developing an import substituting test system for oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV)
The team of the Russian-American Anti-Cancer Center of Altai State University (RAAC) is implementing the project "Method of species-specific identification of oncogenic HPV types based on multiplex real-time PCR" within the framework of the Priority 2030 Program.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viruses that infects the epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes. More than 190 types of HPV have been identified and described, but oncogenic types are the most dangerous ones. They can cause cancer of the genital organs and oral cavity. According to WHO, from 50 to 80% of the world's population is infected with HPV, but only 5-10% of them have clinical manifestations of the disease. Therefore, it is possible to diagnose a latent (hidden) infection only with the help of molecular biological research methods.
Today, clinics use special tests for HPV antibody assays in a smear. These are typically systems of foreign production.
“We were approached by representatives of the Imbian Lab company, which develops and manufactures medical test systems for diagnosing various diseases. They proposed to develop an import substituting test system for oncogenic types of HPV. Our task is to develop positive control molecules (primers) for the test system using multiplex RT-PCR (real time). In the near future, we will have to determine the regions of HPV genomic DNA of different types for video-specific diagnostics, select a set of nucleotide sequences, and synthesize them (outsourced),” said the project manager, acting director of the RAAC Petr Kolosov.
Both clinic specialists and patients themselves will be able to use such test systems. Project participants are considering creating a home test kit. It will be supplied with detailed instructions and all the necessary materials, so a person can easily do a test at home.
The project will contribute to the introduction of science-based technology in the medical and recreational institutions of Altai Krai, which helps to reduce occurrences of cancer.
Two undergraduates of the Institute of Biology and Biotechnology of Altai State University, Roman Maslov and Vitaly Kulikov, are participating in the project. For them, this is a great opportunity to try their hands at project activities.