According to a new study, researchers from Japan have developed a new device to identify a key membrane protein in the urine that indicates if the patient has a brain tumor. Researchers from Nagoya University and the University of Tokyo have created a new analytic platform for brain tumor extracellular vesicles (EVs) using nanowires at the bottom of a well plate.

The research team found CD31 and CD63, two extracellular vesicle (EV) membrane protein types, in urine samples from patients with brain tumors using this technology. They suggested that if doctors looked for these identifying proteins, they might be able to identify cancer patients before they show symptoms.

They explained that the presence of tumor-related extracellular vesicles (EVs) in a person′s urine is one possible sign that they have a brain tumor. EVs are nanoparticles that perform a variety of functions, including cell-to-cell communication. As of now, more than two instruments and an assay are needed to isolate and detect the EVs.

The lead author of the study pointed out that blood tests are invasive. On the other hand, urine tests are an efficient, straightforward, and non-invasive procedure, as the urine includes several instructive biomolecules that may be tracked to diagnose the condition. 

(Source: https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1046544 )