The INRS Chair in Nanobiophotonics aims to bridge the gap between physics and chemistry and study energy-matter interactions using unique optical sources and devices. Its work on aptamers (short segments of DNA) and their ability to attach to cancer markers will help improve cancer detection, develop new possibilities for immuno-oncology, and refine current ones.
Titulaires
Marc A. Gauthier and Jonathan Perreault
Mise en contexte
The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer care, but several challenges related to the efficacy and safety of such treatments persist. Furthermore, early detection remains elusive for many cancers.
These issues can potentially be resolved by leveraging a fundamental feature of nanobiotechnology: molecular recognition. Binding specificity is the cornerstone of most biodetection, imaging, and targeted therapeutic technologies. Of all nanomaterials, DNA is particularly amenable to building multi-modular nanostructures of incredible complexity that respond to external stimuli.
Objectifs
The Chair in Nanobiophotonics research team will harness the potential of DNA to:
- Develop DNA aptamers as responsive recognition elements for biodetection and imaging of cancer biomarkers
- Develop DNA-based multi-targeting aptamers as therapeutics for redirecting a patient’s own immune system to fight cancer, yielding safer and more potent immunotherapies
- Develop aptamers that are synergistic with emerging forms of radiotherapy, to push forward the frontiers of innovation
Cotitulaires
Renseignements
The Chair in Nanobiophotonics is fully funded by the INRS Foundation through an INRS endowment fund.
The Chair will be active from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2029, and will help develop the nanobiophotonics sector at the INRS campus in Laval.
