Hans Gerstmans

Living diagnostics: a bacterial biosensing platform for early detection and treatment of BRCA1/2 breast cancer.

Our goal is to develop a bacterial biosensing system for continuous monitoring and early intervention of BRCA1/2 breast cancer. Advances in microbiome research enable engineered commensal bacteria to detect disease and deliver drugs in vivo with localized action and minimal side effects. However, current strains lack stability and complex therapeutic capacity.

We hypothesize that engineering a natural breast microbiome member to detect and treat BRCA-mutant lesions overcomes these limitations. Equipped with a synthetic circuit, it will detect cancer-specific signals and produce selective antibacterial and anticancer peptides upon activation. Its natural capacity to colonize breast tissue makes this bacterium a potential therapeutic candidate for long- term monitoring and addresses the urgent need for non-invasive solutions.