Analyte Mislocalization Measurement Using Capture Probe Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spatial analysis techniques fail to provide information on the position of single cells within a biological sample, requiring time and resource-intensive sequencing to determine analyte sequence and spatial location, and there is a need to assess spatial preservation and presence of analytes prior to traditional analysis.

Innovation Solution

A method involving hybridization of analytes to capture probes on an array, extending and circularizing padlock or snail probes, amplifying, and detecting signals to determine mislocalization by comparing images, using techniques such as rolling circle amplification and enzymatic ligation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional spatial analysis techniques are used to determine analyte sequence and spatial location, then complete spatial information is obtained, but the process becomes time and resource intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial location accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential spatial information needed for analysis by using capture probes that bind to analytes at their original locations, followed by amplification and detection that retrieves spatial coordinates without requiring complete sequencing of all analyte molecules. This extraction approach obtains sufficient spatial data while avoiding the time-consuming nature of traditional comprehensive sequencing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of information

If sequencing is performed to determine analyte sequence and spatial barcode, then complete spatial analysis is achieved, but resources are consumed excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial information completenessVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal capture probes that can bind to multiple different analyte types through common structural features, allowing a single set of probes to retrieve spatial information for various analytes simultaneously. The amplification and detection system also serves multiple functions by amplifying captured analytes and generating detectable signals, thereby reducing resource consumption while maintaining complete spatial information acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If permeabilization is increased to improve analyte accessibility, then more analytes are captured, but mislocalization increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte capture efficiencyVSAvoidanalyte localization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes permeabilization parameters (such as enzyme concentration, treatment time, and temperature) to achieve the minimum effective level needed for analyte accessibility. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient analyte capture efficiency while minimizing excessive permeabilization that would cause analyte displacement and mislocalization, thereby balancing productivity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides high-resolution analyte data while retaining native spatial context, minimizing mislocalization, and optimizing permeabilization conditions for accurate analyte localization.

Implementation Method 1

hybridizing the analyte to a capture probe on an array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Implementation Method 2

extending the capture probe using the analyte as a template

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDNA extension:

Implementation Method 3

circularizing the padlock probe or the snail probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLigation:

Implementation Method 4

amplifying the padlock probe or the snail probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling circle amplification:

Implementation Method 5

hybridizing a plurality of detection probes to the amplified circularized padlock probe or the amplified circularized snail probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Data Source

PatentEP4428246B1Methods of measuring mislocalization of an analyte
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 10X GENOMICS INC
  • EP4428246B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4428246B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4428246B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided herein are methods for determining the mislocalization of an analyte by capturing the analyte on an array and measuring the mislocalization distance.