Mitochondrial Fusion Transcript Detection via Hybridization Probes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack effective detection and diagnostic tools for cancer using mitochondrial fusion transcripts and proteins, which are potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

Development of isolated mitochondrial fusion transcripts, mtDNA encoding these transcripts, hybridization probes complementary to these transcripts, and methods for detecting cancer in mammals by assaying tissue samples for the presence of these transcripts or proteins using hybridization probes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional cancer detection methods are used, then existing diagnostic capabilities are maintained, but the ability to detect cancer using mitochondrial fusion transcripts and proteins is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecancer detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection of mitochondrial fusion transcripts
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary identification and characterization of mitochondrial fusion transcripts and proteins before clinical application. Specific fusion transcripts (e.g., ND4L-ND5, COII-Cytb) and their encoded proteins are identified and characterized in advance, allowing development of targeted detection methods before actual cancer diagnosis is performed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses hybridization probes as intermediary molecules to detect mitochondrial fusion transcripts. These probes serve as mediators that specifically bind to target fusion transcripts, enabling indirect detection of cancer-related mitochondrial abnormalities without directly observing the pathological changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mitochondrial fusion transcripts are used as biomarkers, then cancer prediction and diagnosis capability is improved, but the complexity of identifying and analyzing these transcripts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecancer diagnosis reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex mitochondrial genome into specific fusion transcript regions for targeted analysis. Instead of analyzing the entire mitochondrial genome, specific fusion transcripts (e.g., ND4L-ND5, COII-Cytb, ATPase6-Cytb) are identified and analyzed separately, simplifying the detection process while maintaining diagnostic reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a universal detection approach using hybridization probes that can detect multiple different mitochondrial fusion transcripts with a single methodology. The same basic probe-based detection system can be applied to various fusion transcripts and different cancer types, reducing overall system complexity through method standardization.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If mitochondrial deletions are considered merely deleterious by-products, then the complexity of understanding mitochondrial genome dynamics is reduced, but the functional role of these deletions in cancer pathways is overlooked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunderstanding of mitochondrial genome dynamicsVSAvoidfunctional information of mitochondrial deletions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful mitochondrial deletions into beneficial diagnostic information. Instead of viewing deletions merely as damage to be eliminated, the invention identifies specific deletion patterns and resulting fusion transcripts as valuable cancer biomarkers, transforming a pathological feature into a diagnostic advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional view of mitochondrial deletions from harmful by-products to functional biomarkers. Rather than seeing deletions as errors to be corrected, the invention analyzes the resulting fusion transcripts and proteins as informative indicators of cancer, reversing the traditional interpretation of mitochondrial genome abnormalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution enables the prediction, diagnosis, and monitoring of cancer by identifying specific mitochondrial fusion transcripts and proteins, providing a novel approach for cancer detection and management.

Implementation Method 1

hybridization probes complementary to these transcripts, and methods for detecting cancer in mammals by assaying tissue samples for the presence of these transcripts or proteins using hybridization probes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Data Source

PatentEP3272871B1Aberrant mitochondrial DNA, associated fusion transcripts and translation products and hybridization probes therefor
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 MDNA LIFE SCI
  • EP3272871B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3272871B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3272871B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

The present invention provides novel mitochondrial fusion transcripts, the parent mutated mtDNA molecules, and the resulting translation products (proteins) for predicting, diagnosing and/or monitoring cancer. Hybridization probes complementary thereto for use in the methods of the invention are also provided.