Aptamer Binds HGF Receptor to Control c-Met Activity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of HGF protein is costly and complicated, with challenges in quality control, and there is a need for a molecular tool to control c-Met activity, which is involved in cancer cell metastasis.
Innovation Solution
Development of an aptamer that binds to the HGF receptor, comprising specific polynucleotides with base sequences capable of inhibiting or activating HGF receptor signaling, formed into various structures such as loop, stem, and guanine quadruplex configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HGF protein is used to control c-Met activity, then the desired biological effect is achieved, but the production cost is high and quality control is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an aptamer (nucleic acid molecule) as a simplified copy or alternative to the HGF protein. The aptamer replicates the ligand-binding function of HGF by binding to c-Met receptor, thereby controlling c-Met activity without requiring complex protein production and quality control processes
Solution Approach 2:
The aptamer provides a cost-effective alternative to HGF protein. Nucleic acid-based aptamers are generally cheaper to produce than proteins and can be synthesized using standard oligonucleotide synthesis methods, eliminating the need for complex expression systems and purification protocols required for protein production
2Reliability
If HGF protein is used to control c-Met activity, then the desired biological effect is achieved, but the production cost becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The aptamer serves as a functional copy of HGF that binds to c-Met with high affinity and specificity. This nucleic acid-based mimic allows achievement of the same biological effect (c-Met activation or inhibition) at a fraction of the cost of producing actual HGF protein
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the molecular parameter from protein (HGF) to nucleic acid (aptamer). This parameter change fundamentally alters the production economics, as nucleic acids can be synthesized in vitro using automated synthesizers without requiring cell culture, expression vectors, protein folding, or complex purification steps
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
The aptamer effectively inhibits or activates HGF receptor signaling, providing a cost-effective solution for controlling c-Met activity and potentially inhibiting cancer cell metastasis.
Implementation Method 1
An aptamer comprising a polynucleotide of any of the following (a) to (c) and capable of binding to an HGF receptor to exhibit an activity of inhibiting the binding of HGF to the HGF receptor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an aptamer including a polynucleotide of any of the following (a) to (c) and capable of binding to an HGF receptor to exhibit an activity of inhibiting the binding of HGF to the HGF receptor. (a) A polynucleotide consisting of a base sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, (b) A polynucleotide consisting of a base sequence having the deletion, substitution, insertion and/or addition of one to several bases in the base sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, and (c) A polynucleotide consisting of a base sequence having a sequence identity of 80% or more to the base sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1.