Stool-Based CRC Detection Using Gene Marker Set

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diagnosing colorectal cancer (CRC) are invasive and lack sensitivity, with existing tests being uncomfortable for patients and failing to detect the disease at early stages effectively, while traditional biomarkers are not specific or sensitive enough for early detection and monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A set of 31 gene markers identified through deep shotgun sequencing and a Metagenome-Wide Association Study (MGWAS) are used to develop a non-invasive stool-based test, utilizing a minimum redundancy−maximum relevance (mRMR) feature selection method to classify CRC risk, providing a more specific and sensitive diagnostic tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current diagnostic methods (flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy) are used, then CRC can be detected, but the procedures are invasive and uncomfortable for patients

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCRC detection capabilityVSAvoidPatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fecal samples as an intermediary medium to detect CRC biomarkers indirectly, avoiding direct invasive procedures. The microbial metabolites and genetic markers in stool serve as mediators that reflect colorectal conditions without requiring physical insertion of instruments into the patient's body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical invasive procedures (sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy) with a biochemical detection system. Instead of using mechanical instruments to visually examine the colon, the invention uses laboratory assays to detect microbial metabolites, DNA, and other biomarkers in fecal samples, substituting mechanical diagnosis with chemical/biological analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional biomarkers are used for CRC detection, then diagnosis can be performed, but the sensitivity and specificity are insufficient for early detection

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEarly detection sensitivityVSAvoidDiagnostic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex CRC detection problem into multiple independent biomarker measurements. Instead of relying on a single traditional biomarker, the invention measures multiple microbial metabolites (such as secondary bile acids, short-chain fatty acids), genetic markers, and protein indicators separately, then integrates these segmented measurements to achieve high sensitivity and specificity for early detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite diagnostic approach by combining multiple types of biomarkers (microbial metabolites, genetic markers, protein indicators) into an integrated detection system. This composite strategy leverages the complementary strengths of different biomarker types to achieve superior diagnostic accuracy compared to any single marker alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10526659B2Biomarkers for colorectal cancer

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 BGI SHENZHEN CO LTD

AI summary

Biomarkers and methods related to microbiota for predicting the risk of a disease, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), are described.