DNA Storage Composition for Preserving Methylation at Room Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
DNA methylation patterns are prone to deviation from original patterns when stored at room temperature for extended periods, necessitating improved storage conditions to preserve these patterns for prolonged durations.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a biological sample with a methylated DNA sequence in a storage solution containing methanol and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (tris) at specific pH and concentration, optionally with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), effectively preserves methylation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DNA samples are stored at room temperature for extended periods, then storage simplicity is maintained, but methylation patterns deviate from original patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the storage environment by formulating a specific solution containing methanol, tris, and BHT at defined concentrations and pH levels. This chemical parameter modification creates conditions that stabilize methylation patterns while maintaining ease of storage at room temperature, directly resolving the contradiction between storage simplicity and pattern fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage solution acts as an intermediary medium between the DNA sample and the external environment. By introducing this chemical intermediary containing methanol, tris, and BHT, the system protects methylation patterns from degradation while allowing simple room temperature storage, thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and reliability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If standard storage conditions are used, then storage simplicity is maintained, but methylation patterns are not preserved for prolonged periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies storage parameters by implementing a specific chemical formulation (methanol, tris, BHT) with controlled concentrations and pH. This parameter change enables prolonged storage duration while maintaining methylation pattern reliability, transforming standard storage into an enhanced preservation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage solution is a composite chemical system combining methanol, tris, and BHT in specific proportions. This composite formulation provides synergistic protection for methylation patterns over extended periods, achieving both prolonged storage duration and high reliability in pattern preservation.
3Reliability
If methanol and tris are added to the storage solution, then methylation pattern fidelity is improved, but solution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the storage solution by defining specific concentrations for methanol, tris, and BHT, along with controlled pH levels. These parameter specifications ensure high methylation pattern fidelity while providing clear guidelines for preparation, managing the complexity through standardized parameters rather than arbitrary formulations.
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
The methylation patterns are maintained with high fidelity, retaining at least 60-95% similarity compared to pre-storage levels for several weeks to years at various temperatures, including room temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a storage solution comprising methanol and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (tris); wherein methylation patterns of the methylated DNA sequence are preserved
Implementation Method 2
In certain embodiments, the storage solution further comprises butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). In certain such embodiments, the BHT is present in an amount from 1 to 500 ppm
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides methods for storage solutions for preserving DNA methylation patterns over a period of time. The disclosure also provides for methods of using methylated DNA stored in such storage solutions.