Spalt-Like Transcription Factor 4 (SALL4), a member of the SALL family, is a regulator of embryonic stem cell development that plays a crucial role in cell renewal and proliferation. SALL4 expression is normally repressed in most adult organs but is reactivated in a multitude of solid and blood cancers and upon treatment with hypomethylating agents (HMA). There is outstanding clinical need for the development and validation of a less invasive SALL4 expression assay via peripheral blood, which can be used for monitoring patients on HMA treatment and SALL4-targeting therapy such as molecular glue degraders.

Using the Simoa (Single Molecule Array) platform, a bead-based digital enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we cross-tested 5 commercial SALL4 antibodies and 13 antibody pair combinations, using the best antibody pair to test the matrix effects of human plasma, buffy coats, and bone marrow aspirates. Quantitative assay development further included creating recombinant protein standards, antibody pair screening and validation, and pre-analytical optimization. Upon completion of these steps, a retrospective cohort analysis via patient peripheral blood samples is currently being conducted to validate assay accuracy and precision. Additionally, we are aiming to conduct prospective studies to explore the role of the SALL4 protein biomarker in risk stratification and treatment monitoring.

Thus far, for quantitative assay development, we have successfully expressed and purified full-length SALL4 which will be used to calibrate the standard curve and determine the assay’s limit of quantification. We also optimized multiple pre-analytic steps, including our cell lysis protocol, isolation of buffy coats using density gradient separation, and sample collection method comparison. The best antibody pair can detect both SALL4A and SALL4B isoforms, with stronger signal detected with the SALL4A isoform. For the retrospective cohort validation, we have obtained samples for analysis for liver cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with plans to expand to breast cancer and lung cancer.

In conclusion, we have developed an ultrasensitive SALL4 protein expression diagnostic assay for use in monitoring patient treatment response and for guiding targeted therapy by analyzing peripheral blood for both solid and liquid tumors. Future steps include validating the diagnostic assay for specificity and sensitivity in a retrospective cohort analysis and conducting prospective studies to explore the role of the SALL4 protein biomarker for risk stratification, monitoring on HMA treatment, and guiding targeted therapy.

Ultrasensitive detection of SALL4 oncoproteins for the use in therapeutic monitoring

Click on a poster to submit a score (AMA member exclusive opportunity)

Clinical and Transitional Research

poster

Welcome to the **largest national, multi-specialty research** event featuring research from nearly 700 medical students, residents, fellows, and international medical graduates.

Use the buttons below or navigation menu to access the event.
 


[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/3e33a8c754cc49610b30950617d813e7.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/sessions?searchGroup=all)
 
[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/551404d429c4e274f9a54cbdd7081918.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/posters?searchGroup=all)
 
[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/677d92f566b880cebd36905fc738fc10.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/lounge)
 
[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/c7392833c7261c3874c5b43fa2f4df19.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/help-desk)
 

#### Event Details

The 2023 American Medical Association Research Challenge includes a poster symposium hall and a semifinals hall with the top scored research. **Log in at any time throughout the event to:**

* **View posters and presentations** on a variety of topics and specialties
* **Score posters in the semifinals** to help decide the top five finalists (AMA member exclusive opportunity)
* **Connect with participants** and provide feedback to help advance their research
* **Attend education sessions** with physician experts on key research topics

At the conclusion of this event, the AMA will announce the top five finalists who will advance to the AMA Research Challenge finals, present their research to an elite panel of judges, and compete to win a $10,000 grand prize sponsored by Laurel Road. 

### Grand Prize Sponsor

AMA would like to thank Laurel Road for sponsoring a $10,000 grand prize for the winner of the AMA Research Challenge. Laurel Road is not involved in the judging or scoring process to select the winner. The winner will be announced on February 4, 2024 during the AMA Research Challenge finals. Payment of the grand prize will be directly from Laurel Road. See the AMA Research Challenge Official Rules for terms and conditions.

![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/611e331d4a0eba0920f240cfc04b4d77.png)

**There is no registration fee for this event! **

Register to explore research in a variety of topics. AMA members get exclusive access to score posters in the semifinals.

**Please use this link [here](https://www.ama-assn.org/about/events/ama-research-challenge) to register for free.**

Registration Is Required

AMA Research Challenge 2023

Join the AMA Research Challenge poster symposium and semifinals to explore top research posters, score posters in the semifinals (an AMA member exclusive opportunity) and attend education sessions with experienced physicians to learn tips to advance your research and career. 

Sanjana Shah

1

2

2

SHORT BIO

Presentations

Ultrasensitive detection of SALL4 oncoproteins for the use in therapeutic monitoring

Stay up to date with the latest Underline news!

PRESENTATIONS

CONFERENCES

COMPANY

RESOURCES