Technologies of Interest

The Diagnostic Biomarkers and Technology Branch (DBTB) supports the development of technologies that have the potential to be used for analysis of human tumors. Development of technologies is supported from initial research projects, to proof of principle studies, to technology validation and demonstration of potential for research and clinical application. Adaptation and modification of existing and emerging technologies are also supported. For a list of funding opportunities and information on how to apply for funding for technology development projects, see the list of Resources and Additional Information for Technology Developers.

Technology areas of interest include, but are not limited to the following:

• Genomic Technologies
• Proteomic and Metabolomic Technologies
• Bioinformatics
• Devices

Genomic Technologies:

• DNA- based technologies: Technologies for mutation and gene rearrangement detection and analysis; comparative genomic hybridization (CGH); high throughput genomic/genetic analysis technologies for detecting epigenetic modifications of DNA.
• RNA-based technologies: Technologies for analyzing gene expression such as cDNA and oligo microarrays; RNAi technologies; technologies for analyzing alternative splicing of mRNAs.
• Technologies for macromolecular sample preparation and technologies for nucleic acid amplification, sequencing, separtion, capture, labeling and imaging in vitro and in tissue specimens.

Proteomic and Metabolomic Technologies:

• Technologies for the comprehensive and/or quantitative separation and analysis of proteins, small molecules, carbohydrates and lipids such as 2Dgel/Mass Spectrometry systems, chromotograhpy, electorophoresis separation, bead technologies and sample preparation.
• Technologies to identify affinity ligands using antibodies, protein-protein interactions, combinatorial chemistry, aptamers or phage display.
• High throughput metabolomic and protein array technologies.
• Technologies for labeling and imaging proteins and small molecules in vitro and in tissue specimens.

Bioinformatics:

• Informatics systems for collection and management of data from comprehensive molecular analysis technologies.
• Software and statistical methods for analysis of data from comprehensive molecular analysis technologies.

Devices:

• Micro-technology, nano-technology or MEMS, lab-on-a-chip, microfabrication, on-chip separation and detection, point-of-care technologies, microfluidics, signal amplification and systems for comprehensive molecular analysis.
• Technologies for automated sample preparation and other automated, high-throughput systems.
• Integration of technologies into detection, analysis and/or diagnostic systems.
• Point-of-care technologies for use in remote locations and low resource settings.