MSU Team Uses Nanomedicine, AI to Identify Disease Biomarkers

Published Date : 24/06/2025 

Michigan State University researchers have developed a groundbreaking method using nanomedicine and artificial intelligence to identify rare biomarkers for diseases like prostate cancer and atherosclerosis. 

Imagine Spartan Stadium packed with 75,000 fans, all wearing green and white jerseys — except one person in a solid green shirt. Finding that person would be tough. That’s how hard it is for scientists to find disease markers, known as biomarkers, in the blood. And instead of one stadium, researchers must search through the equivalent of 100,000 stadiums worth of information.

To tackle this challenge, a research team from Michigan State University, in collaboration with scientists from Augusta University, Karolinska Institute, and Stanford University, employed nanomedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and a method for studying cause and effect.

Their goal was to find rare biomarkers for metastatic prostate cancer and atherosclerosis, a condition that causes clogged arteries. Their research findings were recently published in the Chemical Engineering Journal.

“Cells affected by disease secrete proteins and other biomolecules into the bloodstream,” said Morteza Mahmoudi, associate professor in the Department of Radiology and the Precision Health Program in the MSU College of Human Medicine. “These proteins provide valuable clues about a patient’s health status or disease, and they can be collected and studied. Once identified, they pave the way for a significant advancement in the development of personalized medical treatments, or precision medicine.”

To make this discovery, the researchers introduced small particles — nanoparticles that can’t be seen with the human eye — to plasma samples. Then, they harnessed AI and actual causality to analyze the results. This method allowed them to identify potential biomarkers for metastatic prostate cancer and atherosclerosis.

“It’s the first time that nanomedicine, protein corona, AI, and actual causality have been used together to identify a cause for disease,” Mahmoudi added. “We’re excited because this discovery has the potential to advance early detection and develop targeted therapies for prostate cancer and atherosclerosis.”

MSU researchers Mohammad Ghassemi, Borzoo Bonakdarpour, and Liangliang Sun made significant contributions to this research. Funding sources include the American Heart Association, the U.S. Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program’s Physician Research Award, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Science Foundation.

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for 170 years. One of the world’s leading public research universities, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better, safer, healthier world for all while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 400 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

For generations, Spartans have been changing the world through research. Federal funding helps power many of the discoveries that improve lives and keep America at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness. From lifesaving cancer treatments to solutions that advance technology, agriculture, energy, and more, MSU researchers work every day to shape a better future for the people of Michigan and beyond. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main challenge in finding disease biomarkers in the blood?

A: The main challenge is the vast amount of information in the blood, making it difficult to find rare biomarkers, similar to finding one person in a stadium of 75,000.

Q: How does the research team use nanomedicine and AI to find biomarkers?

A: They introduce nanoparticles to plasma samples and use AI and causality analysis to identify potential biomarkers for diseases like prostate cancer and atherosclerosis.

Q: What is the significance of identifying these rare biomarkers?

A: Identifying rare biomarkers can advance early detection and the development of targeted therapies for diseases like prostate cancer and atherosclerosis, leading to more effective personalized medical treatments.

Q: Who are the key researchers involved in this study?

A: Key researchers include Morteza Mahmoudi, Mohammad Ghassemi, Borzoo Bonakdarpour, and Liangliang Sun from Michigan State University, along with collaborators from Augusta University, Karolinska Institute, and Stanford University.

Q: What are the funding sources for this research?

A: The research is funded by the American Heart Association, the U.S. Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program’s Physician Research Award, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Science Foundation. 

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