New method for detecting very low levels of proteins in the body
Official title: Simplified Single Molecule Protein Assays with Unprecedented Sensitivity
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11132595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new testing method called MOSAIC that can find tiny amounts of protein in body fluids, which is really important for diagnosing and keeping track of different diseases, making it easier for patients to get quick and accurate results right where they are.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 5, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $402,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB032826-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who require monitoring or diagnosis of conditions that involve low-level protein biomarkers, such as certain cancers or chronic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve low-level protein biomarkers or those who are not undergoing diagnostic testing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a highly sensitive platform called MOSAIC that can detect extremely low concentrations of protein biomarkers in biofluids, which is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various diseases. The approach involves creating a unique assay format that allows for the measurement of protein levels at attomolar concentrations, significantly improving upon current diagnostic technologies. By utilizing on-bead signal amplification, this method aims to provide rapid and accurate results that could potentially be used in point-of-care settings, making it easier for patients to receive timely diagnoses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and earlier diagnoses of diseases by enabling the detection of biomarkers that are currently undetectable with existing methods.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing sensitive biomarker detection methods, but the MOSAIC approach represents a novel advancement in this field.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walt, David R. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Walt, David R.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.