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Aims:
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This PEN application aims to establish a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary Program of
Excellence in Nanotechnology by integrating the bioengineering expertise of Georgia Tech
(Atlanta, GA) and the cardiology strengths of Emory University School of Medicine (Atlanta,
GA). The broad and long-term goal of this PEN is to develop nanotechnology and biomolecular
engineering tools and methodologies for the detection and molecular analysis of atherosclerotic
plaque formation, which has a compelling medical need. Cardiovascular disease remains the
leading cause of death in the United States: One out of every four Americans has cardiovascular
disease, and every 30 seconds one person dies from this disease. Although significant advances
have been made in the management and treatment of this disease, there is still a lack of
understanding of the fundamental biology and pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, especially the
molecular mechanisms responsible for plaque formation. As a result, early detection of
atherosclerotic plaque is difficult, leading to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. We propose
to develop advanced nanotechnologies for molecular analysis of plaque formation and sensitive
detection of plaques. Specifically: (1) we will develop the molecule beacon based technology for
mRNA expression and localization in living cells in response to shear stress; (2) we will develop
quantum dot (Qd) based probes for studying protein interactions in cells; (3) the QD probes will
be further developed for in vivo detection and analysis of plaques; (4) we will develop magnetic
nanoparticle probes for in vivo plaque detection; (5) we will carry out a pilot project to develop
LDL and chymase based contrast agent for in vivo plaque detection; (6) as a second pilot project
we will develop activatable probes for detecting oxidative stress in living cells.
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