Lectin-Based Detection of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack specific markers for reliably detecting and isolating colorectal cancer stem cells, making it difficult to assess tumor aggressiveness and recurrence risk.
Innovation Solution
Utilization of a lectin recognizing the fucose α 1-2 galactose motif, such as Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin I, in combination with an anti-OCT4 antibody, to specifically label and quantify colorectal cancer stem cells in biological samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional markers (CD133, CD44, ALDH-1, Msi-1, Lgr-5) are used to detect cancer stem cells, then detection can be performed, but the markers lack specificity and cannot reliably discriminate cancer stem cells from other tumor cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from conventional protein markers (CD133, CD44, etc.) to a specific glycan structure (fucose α1,2-galactose motif). This parameter change enables specific recognition of colorectal cancer stem cells through lectin binding, resolving the issue of marker non-specificity and improving both detection precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lectin as an intermediary molecule that specifically binds to the fucose α1,2-galactose motif on colorectal cancer stem cells. This intermediary enables indirect detection through the specific glycan marker, allowing reliable discrimination of cancer stem cells from other tumor cells without requiring direct antibody binding to protein markers
2Reliability
If multiple conventional markers are used to improve detection reliability, then discrimination accuracy may improve, but the complexity of the detection method increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses on a single specific glycan marker (fucose α1,2-galactose motif) that is characteristic of colorectal cancer stem cells. By concentrating detection efforts on this one specific marker rather than using multiple conventional protein markers, the method achieves reliable discrimination while simplifying the overall detection approach
Solution Approach 2:
The lectin used in the patent serves multiple functions: it specifically recognizes the fucose α1,2-galactose motif, binds to this marker with high affinity, and enables detection through various readout methods. This multi-functional lectin reagent simplifies the detection system compared to using multiple different antibodies and detection reagents
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 detection and quantification of colorectal cancer stem cells, improving the assessment of tumor aggressiveness and recurrence risk, thereby facilitating therapeutic adaptation.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to the use of a means enabling the specific recognition of the fucose α 1-2 galactose motif, in particular a lectin recognizing the fucose α 1-2 galactose motif, for the detection and/or quantification of colorectal cancer stem cells
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the use of a lectin that recognises the fucose α 1-2 galactose unit, as a means for labelling colorectal cancer stem cells, for the detection and/or quantification of said colorectal cancer stem cells, and the use of said lectin in a method for diagnosing aggressiveness, recurrence risk and a prognostic value in order to adapt colorectal cancer treatment.