Suman Bose, a postdoctoral researcher working as a JDRF Fellow in the lab of Drs. Robert Langer and Daniel Anderson, was one of the initial members of the team. Bose’s interest in microfluidics and diagnostics began in while he was studying for his PhD in mechanical engineering at MIT, where he developed two novel microfluidic platforms for isolating and analyzing diseased cells from blood.
The idea for IllumiRNA originated when teammate Vikash Chauhan, a postdoc in the laboratories of Professor Philip Sharp and Robert Langer introduced Bose to Salil Garg of the Sharp Lab. The three students began brainstorming ideas. “Salil was already interested in studying single cells,” says Bose. “We quickly came up with a microfluidic platform that could isolate, process and interrogate single cells.”
The three were joined by Anthony Chiu and Courtney JnBaptiste of the laboratory of Professor Philip Sharp, and Andrew Bader of the laboratories of Drs. Langer and Anderson.
The IllumiRNA team has developed a way to measure subtle changes in microRNA profile within a single cell, which they can use to distinguish a cancer cell from normal cells. Following their recent win at the Koch Institute, the IllumiRNA team hopes to prototype their platform and generate proof-of-principle data. “There is a lot of interest around commercialization of the technology and our team is definitely going to pursue that in the near future,” says Bose. “If we do start a company, rest assured, we won’t name it IllumiRNA!”
Abigail Ballou, Alexandra David, Shreya Iyer and Casey Nugent contributed to this story.
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Congratulations to Call9! I admire the motivation and purpose behind your work. May it enhance the Gift of Life for many people. And it all started with Al and Estelle! My best wishes and prayers!
Alice Reichmeider, O.P.
Nina
Way to go
We are all so proud of you
Hi Nina my name is KusumaRao classmate of your parents at MMC.i want you to know how proud i am of you not just the intelligence but the compassion for others at such an young age.To tell our own self for nthe good of others in not known in indian community. you made all of us feel good keepup the goodwork and God bless you love Kusuma aunty
Hi Anshuman,
I am very proud of you and lucky to have you as my student. It was known during your M.tech project that you will shine. Many best wishes and congratulations. I wish you grand success in all your endevours.