DNA Methylation Gene Panels for Cell Identity Characterization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for identifying and characterizing cells in regenerative medicine are inadequate due to the complexity and variability of cells, leading to challenges in determining cell identity, purity, and potency, particularly in mixed cell populations and during in vitro manipulations.

Innovation Solution

The use of specific genes such as COL3A1, CAV1, PRELP, SPP1, and others to create gene panels that analyze DNA methylation patterns, providing a sensitive and specific method for determining cell types and statuses through mRNA and protein expression analysis, as well as methylation status analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional biochemical and molecular procedures are used for cell identification, then cell characterization can be performed, but the methods are insufficient due to cell complexity and variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell identification accuracyVSAvoidcell identity confirmation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the measurement parameter from conventional biochemical/molecular markers to DNA methylation patterns. Methylation status provides a more stable and reliable parameter for cell identification that is less affected by cell variability and environmental conditions, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability of cell identity confirmation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes conventional biochemical and molecular procedures with epigenetic analysis of DNA methylation patterns. This replacement provides a more robust and consistent method for cell characterization that overcomes the limitations of traditional approaches when dealing with complex and variable cell populations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If traditional analytical tools are used for cell characterization, then basic cell identification is possible, but they cannot accurately determine identity, purity, and potency in heterogeneous mixtures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell composition informationVSAvoidcell type discrimination

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The DNA methylation analysis method serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies cell type, determines purity by detecting minority populations, and characterizes differentiation state. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate conventional tests with a single comprehensive epigenetic analysis platform

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses DNA methylation patterns as a universal parameter that can discriminate between different cell types and states. This epigenetic parameter provides rich information about cell identity, composition, and quality that traditional tools cannot extract, thereby reducing information loss and improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If in vitro cell manipulations are performed, then cell production and engineering are achieved, but cell status becomes unpredictable and difficult to monitor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell production efficiencyVSAvoidcell status predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements feedback monitoring through DNA methylation analysis during in vitro cell manipulations. By tracking methylation patterns at different stages of cell culture and differentiation, researchers can monitor cell status changes in real-time and adjust cultivation conditions to maintain desired cell states, thereby improving both productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses DNA methylation analysis to predict future cell behavior and differentiation potential before actual differentiation occurs. By examining epigenetic marks that precede phenotypic changes, researchers can take preliminary actions to guide cell development in the desired direction, making the process more predictable and controllable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 accurate identification, quantification, and monitoring of cell types in heterogeneous mixtures, enhancing the quality control of cell products and optimizing cell engineering processes by providing stable and consistent markers for cell characterization.

Implementation Method 1

particular genes and genomic regions in which DNA methylation patterns are a consistent and characteristic property of different cell types, states and stages of differentiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDNA methylation:

Data Source

PatentUS8298762B2Specific DNAS for Epigenetic Characterisation of cells and tissues

Publication Date: 2012.10.30 EPIONTIS GMBH

AI summary

The present invention provides methods, nucleic acids and molecular markers for the characterization of cells, tissues and heterogeneous mixtures of cells. Specifically, it describes particular genes and genomic regions in which DNA methylation patterns are a consistent and characteristic property of different cell types, states and stages of differentiation. The invention is useful in determining the identity, composition, quality and potency of cells and cell populations. Furthermore, the invention will be useful in monitoring the differentiation of cells.