Imprinted Gene Tumor Markers for Early Cancer Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cancer diagnosis methods rely heavily on morphological observation, which is prone to missed diagnoses due to the lack of early morphological changes, while molecular markers like genomic imprinting, which occur earlier in cancer development, are underutilized for sensitive and specific early tumor detection.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing imprinted genes as tumor markers for early tumor diagnosis through in-situ hybridization and analysis of expression patterns, including loss of imprinting and copy number variations, to provide accurate diagnostic models and devices for various cancers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If morphological observation is used for cancer diagnosis, then the diagnosis method is simple and easy to operate, but the sensitivity and accuracy are low due to lack of early morphological changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis sensitivityVSAvoiddetection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from morphological features to molecular biological features (genomic imprinting status). By detecting methylation status of imprinted genes, the method achieves early cancer detection before morphological changes occur, resolving the contradiction between diagnosis sensitivity and method simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/morphological observation system with a molecular biology-based detection system. Instead of visually examining tissue morphology under microscope, the method uses molecular markers (imprinted gene expression patterns) to detect cancer, significantly improving sensitivity while maintaining operational feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If molecular markers are used for early cancer detection, then the diagnosis sensitivity is improved, but the diagnostic complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveearly cancer detection sensitivityVSAvoidmolecular detection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and focuses on a specific molecular marker system (genomic imprinting) from the complex field of molecular biology. By selecting imprinted genes as the detection target, the method achieves early cancer detection with reduced complexity compared to comprehensive molecular profiling, balancing sensitivity improvement with practical feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If imprinted genes are used as tumor markers, then the early diagnosis accuracy is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetumor diagnosis accuracyVSAvoidimprinted gene detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the universal applicability of genomic imprinting detection across different cancer types. The same detection approach (analyzing imprinted gene expression patterns) can be applied to various cancers, making the measurement process more standardized and less difficult compared to cancer-specific marker detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 accurate early tumor diagnosis on a single-cell or tissue level, providing a basis for treatment and improving prognosis by leveraging the unique expression patterns of imprinted genes in different cancers.

Implementation Method 1

analysis of expression patterns, including loss of imprinting and copy number variations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Data Source

PatentEP4006171B1Tumour marker and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 LISEN IMPRINTING DIAGNOSTICS (WUXI) CO LTD
  • EP4006171B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~4(b)
  • EP4006171B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~8(b)
  • EP4006171B1 patent drawingFigure 9(a)~12(b)

AI summary

This application provides a tumor marker and its applications. The tumor marker includes any one, or a combination of at least two, of imprinted genes Z17, Z18, Z19, Z20, Z21, Z22, Z23, Z25, Z26, Z27, and Z28. If necessary, the tumor marker may further include any one, or a combination of at least two, of imprinted genes Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6, Z8, Z9, Z10, N11, Z12, Z13, Z14, Z15, and N16. The imprinted genes in this application have significant diagnostic sensitivity when used as tumor markers for tumor diagnosis and can therefore facilitate early diagnosis of tumors, help increase patients' survival rates, and thus contribute greatly to saving patients' lives. The imprinted genes can also provide important guidance on the treatment and medication of tumors.