Junction Plakoglobin Biomarker for Ovarian Cancer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack reliable and sensitive biomarkers for early detection of ovarian cancer, leading to late-stage diagnoses and high mortality rates due to asymptomatic progression and the complexity of biomarker expression in blood samples.
Innovation Solution
Identification of junction plakoglobin as a biomarker, with higher expression levels in ovarian cancer patients, including those with early-stage disease, allowing for detection through comparison with reference expression levels in blood samples using methods like antibody-based detection and two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional biomarkers like CA125 are used for ovarian cancer detection, then the method is widely available and established, but the sensitivity is insufficient with elevated levels observed in less than 50% of early stage patients
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the biomarker parameter from traditional CA125 to junction plakoglobin, which demonstrates significantly higher sensitivity for early-stage ovarian cancer detection. This parameter substitution resolves the contradiction by providing a more reliable detection marker that overcomes the limitations of existing biomarkers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite detection approach by combining multiple detection methods (two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and antibody-based detection) to identify and measure junction plakoglobin levels. This composite methodology enhances detection sensitivity while systematically managing the complexity through standardized protocols.
2Reliability
If population screening for ovarian cancer is implemented, then early detection and survival rates would improve, but currently no reliable clinically applicable tests and biological markers are available
Solution Approach 1:
By substituting the biomarker parameter from CA125 to junction plakoglobin, the invention achieves the reliability necessary for population screening. The new biomarker shows elevated expression in early-stage ovarian cancer patients, providing the clinical utility required for widespread screening programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the detection process into distinct methodological components (protein extraction, two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry analysis, and antibody-based detection). This segmentation allows each step to be optimized and validated independently, facilitating the development of reliable, clinically applicable tests.
3Reliability
If early stage ovarian cancer is detected, then 5-year survival rate exceeds 90%, but over 70% of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages due to asymptomatic progression
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter to junction plakoglobin expression levels, which are differentially expressed in early-stage ovarian cancer. This parameter change enables accurate detection of early-stage disease before symptoms manifest, directly addressing the challenge of asymptomatic progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical/direct observation detection methods with molecular-level detection of junction plakoglobin expression. This substitution enables detection at the biochemical level, allowing identification of early-stage cancer through blood samples before anatomical changes become detectable by conventional means.
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
Provides a sensitive and specific method for detecting ovarian cancer, including early-stage disease, improving diagnostic accuracy and potential for population screening, with junction plakoglobin serving as a key indicator for ovarian cancer susceptibility and treatment monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an expression level of junction plakoglobin in blood of the subject
Implementation Method 2
two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a biological marker of ovarian cancer, including early stage ovarian cancer. Specifically, the present invention provides methods for detecting ovarian cancer in a subject which include detecting an expression level of the biological marker junction plakoglobin in blood of the subject. An expression level of junction plakoglobin that is higher than a reference expression level for junction plakoglobin indicates that the subject has ovarian cancer. Methods of identifying a subject having ovarian cancer and methods of determining if a subject is susceptible to developing ovarian cancer are also provided based on detecting the expression level of junction plakoglobin in blood of the subject. The present invention also extends to methods of treatment of ovarian cancer together with methods of screening a candidate therapeutic agent for use in treating ovarian cancer. Furthermore, compositions and kits for detecting ovarian cancer in a subject are provided, as well as a method of identifying a biomarker for a cancer, including ovarian cancer.