CRISPR/Cas DNA Molecular Event Logging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack the ability to efficiently record and store molecular events and their timing within cells, limiting the capability to log internal and external stimuli in a stable and heritable manner.
Innovation Solution
The use of CRISPR/Cas systems and TALENs for precise gene editing enables the incorporation of specific polynucleotide sequences into cellular DNA, creating a record of molecular events through homology-directed repair (HDR), allowing for the integration of timing indicators to provide a temporal log of cellular experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CRISPR/Cas systems and TALENs are used for precise gene editing to record molecular events, then the ability to log internal and external stimuli is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary recording system where CRISPR/Cas systems and TALENs act as mediators between molecular events and the DNA record. These gene editing tools enable precise incorporation of polynucleotide sequences that encode information about sensed states or stimuli, resolving the contradiction by providing a sophisticated intermediary mechanism that achieves high recording precision while managing system complexity through modular biological components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by creating DNA-based records that replicate information about molecular events. Through homology-directed repair (HDR), the system copies sensed states into stable polynucleotide sequences that can be heritably passed to subsequent cellular generations, achieving precise measurement through informational copying rather than direct physical measurement
2Stability of the object's composition
If polynucleotide sequences are incorporated into cellular DNA to create stable records, then the stability and heritability of recorded information is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-designing polynucleotide sequences with specific properties before incorporation into cellular DNA. The recording system is configured in advance to respond to particular molecular events, and the polynucleotide sequences are prepared with appropriate homology regions to ensure precise integration through HDR, thereby achieving both stability and manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying DNA sequences at specific locations through controlled gene editing. The system changes the molecular state of the DNA by incorporating distinct polynucleotide sequences that encode different information about sensed events, achieving stable records through controlled parameter changes in the genetic material
3Loss of information
If timing indicators are integrated into the recording system, then the temporal information capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple recording functions into a unified DNA-based logging system. By combining event detection, timing indication, and information storage into a single polynucleotide record, the system reduces overall complexity while preserving temporal information. The merged system uses integrated polynucleotide sequences that simultaneously encode both the molecular event and its timing
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
This approach allows for the stable recording and heritability of molecular events and their timing within cells, enabling the creation of a temporal log that can be read through DNA sequencing, enhancing our understanding of cellular states and responses.
Implementation Method 1
A new polynucleotide sequence may be inserted into the DSB using homology directed repair ("HDR").
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A log of molecular events experienced by a cell and timing indicators for those events are stored in existing polynucleotides through a process of creating a double strand break ("DSB") in a polynucleotide and inserting a new polynucleotide sequence by repairing the DSB with homology directed repair ("HDR"). The presence, order, and number of new polynucleotide sequences provides a log of events and timing of those events. Cellular mechanisms for creating the DSB and/or repairing with HDR are regulated by intra- or extracellular signals. When the log is created in the DNA of a cell, the changes may be heritably passed to subsequent generations of the cell. A correlation between the cellular signals and sequence of inserted HDR templates allows for identification of events and the timing experienced by the cell.