Jens Claus Hahne has received the PhD in biochemistry from the Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg. During his PhD work he was trained in virology, cell- and molecular-biology. During several postdoc positions [Department of Molecular Pathology at the University of Bonn (Germany), Charite Berlin (Germany), Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the University of Wuerzburg (Germany)] he received a broad training and knowledge in molecular pathology and cancer research. At the moment Jens is working in the Department of Molecular Pathology at the ICR (London, UK). He has published more than 60 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute.
Abstract
The use of molecular biological methods especially droplet-digital PCR and NanoString technology offer several possibilities for translational research and cancer patient stratification. In this workshop some examples (not only limited to gynecological tumours) based on RNA or microRNA expression in solid tumours will be discussed. MicroRNAs are pivotal regulators for RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression under physiological as well as pathological conditions. MicroRNAs can be detected in tissues and in most biologic fluids including serum, plasma and urines. Secreted microRNAs are either incorporated into micro-vesicles or circulate bound to proteins. In both cases microRNAs are protected from RNase degradation so that they may remain intact for long periods of time. Therefore they might represent potential new biomarkers. We analyzed expression of 800 miRNA’s using nCounter NanoString technology in cancer cell lines, formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues and plasma from cancer patients. Potential clinical applications of microRNA detection for cancer patients’ management will be discussed.