Development of a highly sensitive immuno-PCR assay for the measurement of α-galactosidase A protein levels in serum and plasma.

Fabry disease is an X-linked genetic disorder caused by defects in the α-galactosidase A (GLA) gene, and heterogeneous mutations lead to quantitative and/or qualitative defects in GLA protein in male patients with Fabry disease. Random X-chromosomal inactivation modifies the clinical and biochemical features of female patients with Fabry disease. Functional polymorphisms have been frequently reported in recent times, and these increase the difficulty of understanding the pathogenetic basis of the disease.

[Protein biomarker measurement and simple/rapid diagnostics with supersensitive and multiplex assay, MUSTag technology].

Recently, we face the rapid progression of an aging population, and so the importance of preventive medicine is growing. We would all like to pursue a healthy life during old age through effective treatment on the basis of the early detection of diseases. In this situation, we have developed MUSTag (Multiple Simultaneous Tag) assay technology through an innovative modification of the immuno-PCR method for the super-sensitive and multiplex detection of target biomarkers.

[Clinical application of supersensitive and multiplex assay, MUSTag technology].

Recently, various sets of protein biomarkers have been discovered in important diseases such as cancers, brain stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and so on. Many of these biomarkers are expected to be extremely valuable as targets for clinical diagnosis and drug development; however, the clinical validation is difficult and time-consuming by individual assays or due to very low concentration in an early stage of disease. For the super-sensitive and multiplex detection of target biomarkers, we have developed MUSTag (Multiple Simultaneous Tag) assay technology with innovative modification of the immuno-PCR method.