Lectin Pre-Enrichment for Multiplexed PTM Protein Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods are inadequate for quickly and inexpensively measuring multiple post-translational modifications of proteins in a protein-specific manner.

Innovation Solution

A method involving pre-enrichment of post-translationally modified proteins using lectins that specifically bind to saccharides in PTMs, followed by separation and detection using labeled binding molecules that target specific epitopes of the proteins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods are used to measure multiple post-translational modifications, then measurement capability is limited, but cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The assay is divided into distinct functional modules: lectin-based pre-enrichment module for capturing glycosylated proteins, binding molecule detection module for specific epitope recognition, and signal detection module for quantification. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while enabling rapid multiplexed measurement of multiple PTMs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lectin pre-enrichment step is performed beforehand to selectively capture and concentrate glycosylated proteins from complex samples. This preliminary action simplifies subsequent detection steps and enables rapid analysis of multiple PTMs by pre-sorting target proteins based on their glycosylation patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods are used to measure multiple post-translational modifications, then measurement capability is limited, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The assay uses universal lectin reagents that can recognize multiple types of glycosylated proteins across different samples and disease states. The same lectin panel can be used to detect various PTMs on different target proteins, reducing the need for multiple specialized assays and lowering overall measurement costs

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

Solution Approach 2:

The method employs binding molecules with labels that can be detected through standardized readout systems. By using copyable detection signals (such as fluorescent or colorimetric labels), the assay enables high-throughput measurement of multiple PTMs using common instrumentation, reducing per-sample costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If specific detection of multiple PTMs is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidassay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Lectins serve as intermediary reagents that specifically recognize and bind to glycosylated proteins through their carbohydrate moieties. This intermediary step provides high specificity for enriching glycosylated proteins while keeping the overall assay design simple and manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The assay employs a nested structure where binding molecules are embedded within lectin-protein complexes. The lectin captures the glycosylated protein first, then the binding molecule specifically binds to an epitope on the captured protein, creating a nested recognition system that enhances detection precision without requiring simultaneous complex interactions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 efficient quantification and identification of multiple PTMs in proteins, providing a cost-effective and rapid analysis of protein modifications.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the sample or a subsample thereof with a first lectin that specifically binds a first saccharide present in a post-translational modification (PTM) on one or more target proteins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLectin-saccharide binding: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

contacting the first pre-enriched subsample with a plurality of binding molecules comprising a first binding molecule that specifically binds a first epitope of a first target protein and a second binding molecule that specifically binds a second epitope of the first target protein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntibody-epitope binding: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260035741A1Compositions and methods for analyzing soluble proteins
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 GUARDANT HEALTH INC
  • US20260035741A1 patent drawing
  • US20260035741A1 patent drawing
  • US20260035741A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided herein are methods of analyzing post-translationally modified proteins. The methods may comprise pre-enriching proteins using lectins and/or multiplexed detection of multiple proteins and/or multiple post-translational modifications. Provided herein are also methods for determining the likelihood that a subject has a disease or condition, such as cancer.