Mariano Molina is a postdoctoral researcher at Amsterdam UMC - Cancer Center Amsterdam. He is working on a pioneering project to make early detection of cervical cancer easier and more pleasant and accessible for women. Thanks to new developments, the project is investigating whether certain RNA molecules are altered when someone has cervical cancer. The ultimate goal is to use these molecules to detect cervical cancer in urine, enabling a non-invasive and cost-effective approach.

Cervical cancer is often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Although early detection is crucial, there are significant barriers worldwide: 'In countries like Panama, where I come from, screening programs are not as well organized as in the Netherlands,' Molina says. 'There they usually start with a PAP test and only then an HPV test. This is less effective because they first look for cell abnormalities and only with the HPV test do they see if the HPV virus is present. The disease cervical cancer is also sensitive there because HPV is a sexually transmitted infection.'

Moreover, invasive tests such as smears are not always practical or accessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Molina's project offers a solution: 'With a new test on urine, women can easily send their urine from home without having to visit a clinic. This significantly lowers the barrier to participation.'

The research focuses on so-called transfer RNAs (tRNAs) as a biomarker for cervical cancer. 'Our first step is to find molecules that change appearance during cancer development,' Molina explains. 'Then we'll see if we can find those molecules in urine as well. If successful, we can develop a noninvasive diagnostic test.'

How do molecules behave at different stages of the disease?

Molina's methodology is innovative and multidisciplinary. 'We combine techniques such as sequencing (a laboratory technique used to determine the order of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA or RNA, in genetic material) with cell lines and clinical samples from women with and without HPV or cervical cancer. This examines how these molecules behave at different stages of the disease. We know they can change, but we don't yet know what they do in cancer,” he says.

With a urine test, we can make screening accessible to women worldwide, especially in countries where traditional testing fails to reach many women or is too stigmatizing"
Mariano Molina
Postdoctoral Researcher

The project is a collaboration between several research groups within the Department of Pathology and the Cancer Center Amsterdam at Amsterdam UMC. 'We are collaborating with experts in sequencing, experts in biomarker research and clinicians, using new techniques developed specifically to accurately detect tRNAs. These molecules are very small and have unique modifications, so we need to be very precise.'

'We want to understand which tRNAs change during disease. This can not only improve early detection of cervical cancer, but also provide insight into the biological mechanisms behind cancer.'

Simple and affordable PCR tests

Molina hopes to achieve significant results within two years. 'If we can prove that these molecules can be detected in urine as a biomarker for cervical cancer, we can work on a PCR test that is simple and affordable,' he said. PCR machines are available worldwide, so such a test can be used in many countries.'

The impact of the study could be significant:

  • Early detection of cervical cancer in urine: This will make participation easier for women and could therefore save lives.
  • Affordable screening: Especially important for low- and middle-income countries.
  • Wider use of non-invasive diagnostics: A model for other diseases.

The AUF Start-up Scholarship plays a crucial role in implementing the project. 'The stipend makes it possible to cover laboratory materials and sequencing costs,' Molina explains. 'It feels like a recognition of the importance of my research.'

For Molina personally, the fellowship is a stepping stone. 'It gives me a chance to develop a risky but promising idea. This kind of funding helps young researchers start innovative projects and make their way in science.'

Stepping stone to broader applications in cancer diagnostics

The potential impact of Molina's work extends beyond the Netherlands. 'With a urine test, we can make screening accessible to women worldwide, especially in countries where traditional tests do not reach many women or are too stigmatizing,' he stresses.

Molina sees his research as a stepping stone to broader applications in cancer detection. 'My dream is to develop a test that combines different signals - tRNAs, the microbiome, and other biomarkers - to get a more complete picture of the disease,' he says. 'With this research, I hope to make a difference, not only for women in the Netherlands, but worldwide.'

Translated from AUF Startstipendium

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