Researchers from Delft University of Technology have recently uncovered groundbreaking technology capable of identifying individual full-length human proteins, paving the way for early-stage disease detection. This novel technique, named FRET X, offers unprecedented sensitivity, enabling the identification of minute quantities of proteins amidst a complex mixture of various biomolecules. By focusing on intact and individual proteins, FRET X provides a more precise understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving numerous diseases, including cancer and COVID-19 infection.
FRET X operates by attaching specific molecules to small DNA segments, which emit light under a microscope upon encountering particular amino acids. These luminescent markers allow researchers to pinpoint the exact position of targeted amino acids rapidly and accurately. Due to its heightened sensitivity, FRET X surpasses conventional methods like mass spectrometry, making it feasible to measure patient samples in the context of disease.