A Comprehensive Characterization of the Cell-Free Transcriptome Reveals Tissue- and Subtype-Specific Biomarkers for Cancer Detection
Posted on June 17, 2025 | By Double-Strand LLC Research Team
A pivotal 2021 study published in *Nature Communications* (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22444-1) by Cohen et al. offers a groundbreaking analysis of the cell-free transcriptome, the collection of RNA molecules circulating in blood plasma. This research, conducted by a team including Joshua D. Cohen, demonstrates how tissue- and subtype-specific biomarkers can be identified to detect various cancers non-invasively. By analyzing the RNA profiles in plasma, the study highlights the potential to distinguish cancer types and stages, paving the way for personalized diagnostic tools.
The study utilized advanced sequencing techniques to characterize the cell-free transcriptome across multiple cancer types, revealing unique RNA signatures that correlate with specific tissues and cancer subtypes. This approach builds on earlier discoveries, such as the detection of tumor mRNA in melanoma, and extends the application to a broader range of malignancies. At Double-Strand LLC, we are inspired by this work, integrating similar strategies into our pipeline to develop innovative biomarkers for prostate, lung, and colon cancer diagnostics.
Key Insights
- The cell-free transcriptome provides a rich source of biomarkers for cancer detection.
- Tissue- and subtype-specific RNA signatures enable precise, non-invasive diagnostics.
- Double-Strand LLC leverages these findings to advance our research programs.
To explore our ongoing projects or collaborate with us, visit our Pipeline page or Contact Us. For the full study, access it at Nature Communications.
Citation: Cohen, J. D., et al. (2021). A comprehensive characterization of the cell-free transcriptome reveals tissue- and subtype-specific biomarkers for cancer detection. *Nature Communications*, 12, 3456. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22444-1.