Cancer Stem Cell Detection via Specific Molecular Markers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current molecular markers for detecting cancer stem cells are not specific enough, as they are often expressed in normal tissues as well, making it difficult to distinguish cancer stem cells from other cancer cells and normal cells.
Innovation Solution
Identification of specific genes such as Sox2, Smcp, and other markers like Or7c1, Dnajb8, which are predominantly expressed in cancer stem cells and not in normal cells, allowing for their detection using RT-PCR or antibody-based methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current molecular markers (CD133, CD24, CD44) are used to detect cancer stem cells, then cancer stem cells can be detected in some cancer types, but the markers are expressed in normal tissues as well, reducing detection specificity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection approach by identifying multiple distinct molecular markers (SOX2, SMCP, OR7C1, DNAJB8) that can be used individually or in combination. Each marker targets specific cancer stem cell populations, allowing precise segmentation of cancer stem cell detection across different cancer types and tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters by shifting from traditional markers (CD133, CD24, CD44) to newly identified markers (SOX2, SMCP, OR7C1, DNAJB8) that exhibit different expression patterns. This parameter change enables detection with higher specificity since the new markers are not expressed in normal tissues, solving the contradiction between detection precision and versatility.
2Measurement precision
If traditional cancer stem cell markers are used, then detection can be performed in some cancer samples, but the low proportion of cancer stem cells in tumor tissue makes specific recognition difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes universal molecular markers (SOX2, SMCP, OR7C1, DNAJB8) that can detect cancer stem cells across multiple cancer types and tissue origins. These markers serve multiple functions: identifying cancer stem cells, determining their proportion in tumors, and guiding therapeutic strategies, thereby simplifying the detection process while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces molecular markers as intermediary substances that mediate between the cancer stem cells and the detection system. These markers act as recognizable targets that bridge the gap between the rare cancer stem cells (which are difficult to detect directly) and the detection methods, enabling specific identification even when cancer stem cells constitute a small proportion of tumor tissue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If markers expressed in normal tissues are used for detection, then broad cancer type coverage is achieved, but distinction between cancer stem cells and normal cells becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distinguishing feature by selecting markers (SOX2, SMCP, OR7C1, DNAJB8) that are specifically expressed in cancer stem cells but not in normal cells. This extraction of the unique expression pattern enables clear discrimination between cancer stem cells and normal cells while maintaining broad applicability across different cancer types and tissues.
Data Source
AI summary
A molecular marker for detecting a cancer stem cell in a cell mass which is a subject of interest, wherein the molecular marker can be detected in a cancer stem cell contained in the subject of interest but cannot be detected in a normal cell and a cancer cell that is different from a cancer stem cell; a method for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell in a subject of interest by using the molecular marker as an measure; a kit for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell, which comprises at least a reagent for detecting the molecular marker; a polypeptide encoded by the molecular marker; an antibody capable of recognizing an epitope of an expression product of a gene derived from the molecular marker; a nucleic acid capable of inhibiting the expression of the molecular marker; and a nucleic acid vaccine comprising a gene derived from the molecular marker.