Cell-Free Nucleic Acid Biomarker Panels for Preterm Birth Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively identify women at risk of preterm birth and understand the mechanisms leading to it, resulting in high preterm birth rates and associated health complications.
Innovation Solution
The use of specific nucleic acid biomarkers, including miRNA-let-7 g, PSME2, APOA1, NAMPT, and other microRNAs, for detecting preterm birth risk through analyzing transcriptomes and hybridizing with complementary nucleic acids, combined with normalization sequences like PPIA and snRNA:U6 for accurate sample comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current detection methods are used, then the process is simple, but the ability to identify women at risk of preterm birth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple independent components: selecting specific microRNA biomarkers (miR-155, miR-142-5p, miR-146a, miR-125b, miR-106b), choosing reference genes for normalization (PPIA, snRNA:U6), and using quantitative PCR methods. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability for identifying preterm birth risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring specific biochemical parameters (microRNA expression levels) that differ between preterm and term birth conditions. By quantifying the expression levels of selected microRNAs and comparing them against established thresholds, the method achieves reliable risk identification through measurable parameter variations rather than complex procedural changes.
2Measurement precision
If normalization sequences are used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the analysis process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces normalization sequences (PPIA, snRNA:U6) as intermediary elements that mediate between the raw microRNA expression data and the final risk assessment. These reference genes serve as stable baseline measurements that correct for technical variations in sample preparation and processing, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex computational adjustments.
3Reliability
If multiple biomarkers are analyzed, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the time required for analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting a specific panel of microRNA biomarkers (miR-155, miR-142-5p, miR-146a, miR-125b, miR-106b) and reference genes (PPIA, snRNA:U6) based on prior research establishing their diagnostic value. This pre-selection allows clinicians to directly analyze only the most relevant markers using standardized protocols, achieving high detection accuracy while minimizing analysis time compared to comprehensive transcriptome sequencing.
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
Enables early detection of preterm birth susceptibility, allowing for timely interventions and reducing the incidence of preterm births and associated health issues.
Implementation Method 1
the analyzing includes hybridizing each nucleic acid biomarker in the nucleic acid sample with a complementary nucleic acid configured as a primer or a probe, the method comprising detecting the hybridizing
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting a combination of nucleic acid biomarkers in a human subject can include: obtaining a nucleic acid sample from the human subject; selecting the combination of nucleic acid biomarkers; analyzing a transcriptome of the human subject for the combination of nucleic acid biomarkers in the nucleic acid sample from the human subject; detecting in the nucleic acid sample the presence of the combination of nucleic acid biomarkers, wherein each nucleic acid biomarker in the combination of nucleic acid biomarkers has a variation from a transcription standard.