Axl Biomarker Detection for Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells lack effective biomarkers, making it difficult to diagnose and treat metastatic and drug-resistant cancers, as existing markers are transient and difficult to distinguish from normal stromal cells.
Innovation Solution
The use of Axl as a biomarker for detecting EMT, where upregulation of Axl expression indicates the occurrence of EMT, providing a permanent and specific indicator for malignant cells, and Axl inhibitors are used to inhibit or reverse EMT, potentially treating metastatic cancer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing EMT markers are used for detection, then detection can be performed, but the markers are transient and difficult to distinguish from normal stromal cells, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from transient EMT markers (like vimentin, N-cadherin) to the Axl receptor tyrosine kinase, which exhibits stable and sustained expression during EMT. This parameter change allows for more reliable detection because Axl expression levels remain consistent throughout the EMT process and in metastatic cells, unlike traditional markers that fluctuate or are present in normal stromal cells.
2Measurement precision
If Axl expression is used as a biomarker, then detection precision is improved, but additional diagnostic steps are required to measure Axl levels
Solution Approach 1:
The Axl receptor serves multiple functions: it is both a functional component in the EMT signaling pathway and a reliable biomarker for detection. This multi-functionality means that detecting Axl expression simultaneously provides information about both the presence of EMT and the metastatic potential of cells, eliminating the need for separate functional assays and simplifying the overall diagnostic approach.
3Reliability
If Axl inhibitors are administered to treat metastatic cancer, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of therapy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and targets the specific Axl receptor pathway as the therapeutic intervention point in metastatic cancer treatment. By using Axl inhibitors that specifically block this receptor's activity, the treatment directly addresses the key driver of EMT and metastasis without requiring complex combination therapies, thereby improving effectiveness while managing therapeutic complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of AxI as a biomarker for detecting the occurrence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a subject. More specifically, the invention relates to various methods for detecting the occurrence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a subject by measuring AxI expression and/or activity.