Livestock DNA Methylation Profiling for Breeding Condition Certification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for categorizing animal-derived products based on rearing conditions rely heavily on genetic testing, which is insufficient for accurately determining the environmental conditions under which animals were raised, leading to misclassification and lack of reliable certification.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing DNA methylation patterns to identify and certify the rearing conditions of animals by comparing test methylation profiles with reference profiles using Principal Component analysis and Multi-Dimensional Scaling, employing techniques such as PCR and bisulfite pyrosequencing to determine the specific animal husbandry conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If genetic testing is used to categorize animal-derived products, then the genetic background and strain identification can be determined, but the actual rearing conditions and environmental factors cannot be accurately assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from analyzing genetic parameters (DNA sequence) to analyzing epigenetic parameters (DNA methylation patterns). By examining methylation levels at specific CpG sites, the method captures environmental influences on gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence, thereby reliably assessing actual rearing conditions while maintaining strain identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces DNA methylation patterns as an intermediary between genetics and environment. These epigenetic marks serve as a mediator that records environmental exposures (diet, stress, pollution, rearing conditions) and translates them into detectable molecular signatures, allowing indirect but reliable assessment of rearing conditions that direct genetic testing cannot provide
2Ease of manufacture
If auditing and data recording methods are used to assess rearing conditions, then the process is simple and cost-effective, but the accuracy and reliability of certification are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual auditing and data recording systems with a molecular-based detection system. Instead of relying on human observation and documentation, the method uses DNA methylation profiling with PCR and pyrosequencing technologies to objectively measure and certify rearing conditions, significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining procedural systematicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates molecular copies (methylation profiles) of rearing condition information stored in epigenetic marks. By generating and comparing these molecular fingerprints across different samples, the system enables standardized, reproducible assessment of rearing conditions that is more precise than manual auditing while maintaining ease of operation through established laboratory protocols
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 and reliable certification of animal-derived products based on their rearing conditions, ensuring compliance with distinct breeding standards and consumer expectations.
Implementation Method 1
DNA methylation profiling may be used to determine the distinct breeding conditions of animal-derived products
Implementation Method 2
employing techniques such as PCR and bisulfite pyrosequencing to determine the specific animal husbandry conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of certifying a test animal-derived product sample, the method comprising the steps of:(a) determining a test methylation profile of one or more pre-selected methylation sites within the genomic material obtained from the test animal derived product sample; and(b) comparing the test methylation profile obtained from (a) with a reference methylation profile obtained from a control animal of the same biological taxon of the test animal from which the product sample is derived from, where the control animal is bred under a known distinct type of animal husbandry;wherein a significant similarity in the test methylation profile of (a) compared to the reference methylation profile from the control animal, is indicative of the test animal having been bred under the same distinct type of animal husbandry as the control animal and the test animal-derived product is certified so;wherein a difference in the test methylation profile of (a) compared to the reference methylation profile of the control animal, is indicative of the test animal having been bred under another distinct type of animal husbandry as the control animal; andwherein the pre-selected methylation sites are CpG sites selected from genes or regions of genomic DNA from the control and test animal that show the highest degree of methylation variation during the training of the method; andwherein the test methylation profile has significant similarity to the reference methylation profile when the test methylation profile overlaps with the reference methylation profile that is defined by multiple training samples using Principal Component analysis and/or Multi-Dimensional Scaling; andwherein the methylation profiles are determined using at least one method selected from the group consisting of PCR, methylation-specific PCR, real-time methylation-specific PCR, PCR assay using a methylation DNA-specific binding protein, quantitative PCR, a DNA chip-based assay, pyrosequencing, bisulfate pyrosequencing, Methylated DNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing and combinations thereof; andwherein the test animal is selected from livestock or poultry.