Astra Members attend 2024 Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair

On March 15, 2024, Astra members Joy Wang, Michelle Lee, and Brian Lin attended the 2024 Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair with the project entitled Developing multiplex quantitative PCR assays for DNA methylation biomarker detection. Our engineering project was a result of months of painstaking work in developing a multiplex biomarker that could more easily detect cancers such as colorectal cancer (which is what we modeled the design after) through DNA methylation sequencing more accurately and sensitively. The biomarker’s qPCR design is not only cost-effective, but also faster and more efficient than typical multiplex biomarkers currently in the market that use NGS (next-generation sequencing). The project was inspired by a pre-college course about biomarkers taken by one of the project members that snowballed into an idea of making cancer detection faster and more efficient so that treatment can begin before the cancer proceeds into more serious stages. By detecting the genetic biomarkers of cancer, such as hypermethylated regions of DNA fragments that are found in the blood, we can catch cancer earlier and without more invasive procedures like tissue biopsy. The use of qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) instead of NGS (next-generation sequencing) allows for detection to be more cost-effective, faster, and more efficient than biomarkers currently in the market. Our analysis showed that the assay we developed had a 95.8% sensitivity while SEPT9, the current CRC biomarker currently on the market only had a 47.9% sensitivity in solutions with one copy of cancerous (methylated) DNA. 

Throughout the entire experience, we were not only able to strengthen our foundations in biology, but we developed analysis skills as well as valuable knowledge regarding biomarkers and epigenetics through our extensive research. Additionally, the fair taught us how to organize and present data efficiently for the public, teaching us valuable lessons for aspiring scientists and researchers. We were extremely nervous during the fair and the days leading up to it but seeing our project being presented on a big trifold– we couldn’t help but well up with pride. Through Astra, we hope to allow other high school students to feel the same pride and fulfillment upon seeing their ideas and dreams come to life no matter how “far-fetched” they may seem.