Oligonucleotide Probe for K-ras Polymorphism Detection via Melting Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting polymorphisms in the K-ras gene, such as PCR-RFLP and Tm analysis, face challenges including cumbersome procedures, risk of sample dispersion, and impractical analysis of multiple samples, especially when both wild-type and mutant-type polymorphisms are present together.

Innovation Solution

A probe comprising an oligonucleotide sequence (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 31) is used for detecting polymorphisms in the K-ras gene, allowing for reliable identification through Tm analysis, even in samples with both wild-type and mutant-type polymorphisms, by hybridizing with the amplified gene product and measuring the melting temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PCR-RFLP method is used for detecting polymorphisms, then polymorphism detection can be performed, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and sample handling becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymorphism detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential detection function by using a specifically designed oligonucleotide probe that directly hybridizes to the polymorphic site. This eliminates the need for restriction enzyme digestion and Southern hybridization steps, retaining only the critical hybridization-based detection while removing cumbersome intermediate procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a specifically designed oligonucleotide probe as an intermediary element that mediates between the target DNA and the detection system. This probe contains a mismatch at the polymorphic position, enabling direct detection through hybridization stability differences without requiring complex enzymatic reactions or gel electrophoresis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If Tm analysis is used for polymorphism detection, then detection can be performed, but analysis of multiple samples becomes impractical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymorphism detection reliabilityVSAvoidsample analysis throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the detection parameter from measuring melting temperature (Tm) to measuring hybridization signal intensity or presence/absence. This parameter change allows for high-throughput detection using standard hybridization assays, real-time PCR, or microarray technologies, making it practical to analyze multiple samples efficiently while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional detection methods are used, then polymorphism detection is possible, but the risk of sample dispersion and contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsample dispersion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the amplification and detection steps into a single integrated assay. The oligonucleotide probe is designed to work directly with PCR amplification products or even in real-time during amplification, eliminating the need to transfer samples between tubes and reducing opportunities for dispersion and contamination while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple probes are used to detect different polymorphisms, then detection coverage improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymorphism detection coverageVSAvoidprobe system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention designs a universal oligonucleotide probe structure that can detect any polymorphism by simply changing the sequence at the polymorphic position. This single probe design paradigm can be applied to detect any single-nucleotide polymorphism, making the system highly versatile without requiring complex multi-probe systems. The probe structure itself is universal, only the specific sequence needs to be customized for each target.

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

The probe enables easy and reliable detection of polymorphisms in the K-ras gene, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment selection for diseases associated with these mutations, particularly in samples with mixed wild-type and mutant-type sequences.

Implementation Method 1

using a probe complementary to a region including a detection target polymorphism, a hybrid (double-stranded nucleic acid) of a nucleic acid to be examined (hereinafter simply referred to as a 'test nucleic acid') with the probe is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the thus-obtained hybrid is heat-treated, and dissociation (melting) of the hybrid into single-stranded nucleic acids accompanying the temperature rise is detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP2511370B1PROBE FOR DETECTING POLYMORPHISMS IN THE K-ras GENE, AND USE THEREOF
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 ARKRAY INC
  • EP2511370B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1E
  • EP2511370B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2E
  • EP2511370B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present invention provides a polymorphism detection probe that can identify a different polymorphism in a K-ras gene easily with high reliability and use of the polymorphism detection probe. The polymorphism detection probe is a probe for detecting a polymorphism in a K-ras gene that is a disease-related gene, including at least one of oligonucleotides (P1), (P2), (P3), (P1'), (P2'), and (P3'): (P1) a 11- to 50-mer oligonucleotide that is composed of a base sequence complementary to a base sequence including the 220th to 230th bases in SEQ ID NO: 1 and has a base complementary to the 230th base in its 5' end region; (P1') an oligonucleotide composed of a base sequence complementary to the oligonucleotide (P1); (P2) a 15- to 50-mer oligonucleotide that is composed of a base sequence complementary to a base sequence including the 220th to 234th bases in SEQ ID NO: 1 and has a base complementary to the 234th base in its 5' end region; (P2') an oligonucleotide composed of a base sequence complementary to the oligonucleotide (P2); (P3) a 17- to 50-mer oligonucleotide that is composed of a base sequence complementary to a base sequence including the 220th to 236th bases in SEQ ID NO: 1 and has a base complementary to the 236th base in its 5' end region; and (P3') an oligonucleotide composed of a base sequence complementary to the oligonucleotide (P3).