miRNA Quantification for Early Neurodegenerative Diagnosis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment are not sensitive enough for early detection, often only detecting the diseases in later stages when major morphological changes have occurred, and existing tests are invasive or not specific enough.
Innovation Solution
A noninvasive or minimally invasive method for diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative diseases by quantifying synapse and/or neurite small RNAs, such as miRNAs, in bodily fluids, allowing for early detection before significant neuronal cell death occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current diagnostic methods are used for neurodegenerative diseases, then diagnosis can be made, but detection sensitivity is insufficient for early stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from traditional imaging or cognitive assessment to quantification of specific miRNA molecules (miR-132, miR-124, miR-9) in bodily fluids. This parameter change enables detection at molecular levels before structural brain changes occur, achieving early diagnosis with high sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/imaging-based diagnostic methods (MRI, PET, cognitive testing) with molecular biology-based detection (qRT-PCR quantification of miRNA). This substitution allows for more sensitive detection of early pathological changes in synapses and neurites
2Measurement precision
If invasive procedures are used to improve diagnostic accuracy, then early detection sensitivity increases, but patient comfort and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses bodily fluids (blood, serum, plasma) as an intermediary medium to access brain pathology information without directly penetrating or imaging the brain. The miRNA molecules serve as mediators that carry diagnostic information from the central nervous system to easily accessible body fluids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and quantifies specific miRNA molecules from bodily fluids that originate from brain synapses and neurites. By taking out and measuring these molecular markers in peripheral fluids, the method achieves brain diagnostic capability without invasive brain procedures
3Reliability
If diagnostic methods detect major morphological changes, then confirmation of disease is easier, but treatment opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of miRNA changes that occur during early synaptic dysfunction and neurite retraction, before major morphological changes and neuronal death occur. This preliminary action enables intervention during the treatable MCI stage rather than after irreversible dementia sets in
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects pathological changes beforehand during the compensatory phase when the brain can still respond to treatment. By identifying miRNA alterations early, the method cushions against the loss of treatment opportunities that occurs when diagnosis is delayed until major neuronal loss
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
Described are methods for detection of neuronal pathologies using quantitative analysis in bodily fluids of synapse and/or neurite small RNAs and application of these methods to early diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological disorders.