World-first LAF assay accelerates cancer research
A groundbreaking technique developed at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is redefining how scientists study the bloodstream’s tiniest particles. Lipoprotein Association Fluorometry (LAF) is a world-first assay that can rapidly measure interactions between extracellular vesicles (EVs) and lipoproteins—crucial steps in understanding how cancers develop, spread, and respond to treatment. What used to take days of work with expensive equipment now takes about an hour, dramatically accelerating the pace of discovery.
Designed by AIBN PhD student Raluca Ghebosu under the supervision of Associate Professor Joy Wolfram, LAF works by using a fluorescent dye that stops glowing when two particles interact. In effect, the dye reports a molecular handshake in real time, allowing researchers to quantify whether particles bind and, if so, how strongly. It’s a simple concept with the potential to open doors to biological questions that were previously too slow, costly, or technically demanding to tackle.
What is LAF and why it matters?
EVs are nanoscale vesicles released by cells, carrying proteins, fats, and other cargo between cells. They help the body communicate, coordinate responses to damage, and maintain homeostasis. In cancer and other diseases, the behavior of EVs and their interactions with other particles, including lipoproteins, can change dramatically, influencing disease progression and response to therapy. LAF provides researchers with a versatile, rapid tool to probe these interactions across a wide range of particle types.
How LAF works in practice
Using a standardized dye-based readout, LAF detects whether EVs bind to lipoproteins such as LDL and VLDL by watching the fluorescence signal modulate as interactions occur. The method has demonstrated adaptability beyond EVs, enabling studies with synthetic nanoparticles, proteins, conventional medicines, and even bacterial EVs without redesigning the assay for each target. This flexibility is a key reason LAF is attracting global interest from academic groups and industry alike.
New links between cancer and cholesterol emerge
One of the most surprising findings from early LAF studies is a link between metastatic cancer and cholesterol. Raluca explains that EVs released by metastatic cancer cells—those that spread cancer through the body—tend to bind more strongly to LDL and VLDL particles than EVs from healthy or less aggressive cells. This observation suggests cholesterol may play a larger role in cancer progression than previously thought and provides a practical starting point for exploring therapies that block these interactions to slow metastasis.
Implications for therapy and early detection
While the biological significance of cholesterol in metastasis is still being explored, LAF offers a powerful platform to test hypotheses quickly and at scale. In theory, interventions that disrupt EV-lipoprotein binding could impede the spread of cancer, while diagnostic readouts based on LAF measurements might enable earlier detection of high-risk disease states. The technology’s speed and broad applicability position it to support accelerated development of diagnostics and nanomedicines in oncology and beyond.
Global uptake and market potential
Validated through international collaborations and drawing interest from industry, LAF is already gaining momentum beyond the lab. The team is exploring pathways to market, while further studies across cancer types and patient samples promise to deepen understanding of EV-lipoprotein dynamics. This momentum reflects a broader shift in biomedical research: tools that combine speed, accuracy, and adaptability can transform how we approach complex diseases like cancer.
From the lab bench to real-world impact
For Raluca, the project embodies the idea that thoughtful design—creating accessible tools with real-world impact from the outset—can amplify research reach. Joy Wolfram notes that LAF’s adaptability allows researchers to test hypotheses faster and develop new therapies sooner. The work at AIBN, supported by the Frazer Institute, the School of Chemical Engineering, and James Cook University’s Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, illustrates how world-class science can translate into practical solutions for global health challenges.
As uptake grows and the pathway to market unfolds, LAF stands as a compelling example of how a single, well-crafted assay can reshape cancer research, diagnostics, and nanomedicine—potentially altering the trajectory of disease outcomes for patients worldwide.
