Mitochondrial Screening via Oxygen Consumption and Acidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for mitochondrial dysfunction are ineffective and vary significantly from patient to patient, necessitating the development of pharmaceutical compounds that can improve mitochondrial function to address a wide range of disorders.
Innovation Solution
Methods for screening candidate agents, such as small molecules, peptides, or nucleic acids, to identify compounds that enhance mitochondrial function by measuring oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate in biological samples from subjects with mitochondrial dysfunction, followed by administering these compounds to treat the dysfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current treatments for mitochondrial dysfunction are used, then treatment can be provided to patients, but the treatments are ineffective and vary significantly from patient to patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treatment approach by dividing patients into distinct groups based on their mitochondrial DNA mutations. This segmentation allows for tailored treatments specific to each mutation type (e.g., m.3243A>G, m.8344A>G) rather than using a single universal treatment, thereby improving effectiveness while reducing unnecessary variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting treatment parameters such as compound selection, dosage, and administration based on the specific mitochondrial DNA mutation identified in each patient. This personalized parameter adjustment optimizes treatment effectiveness for each patient's specific condition.
2Reliability
If pharmaceutical compounds are screened to improve mitochondrial function, then effective treatments can be identified, but the screening process requires complex measurements and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first identifying the specific mitochondrial DNA mutation in patients before proceeding with compound screening and treatment. This preliminary genetic characterization streamlines the subsequent screening process by focusing on compounds relevant to the specific mutation, reducing the overall complexity of the treatment pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through iterative testing where compounds are screened, their effects on mitochondrial function are measured, and results are used to refine compound selection. This feedback loop ensures that only compounds demonstrating actual efficacy in improving mitochondrial function proceed to further development.
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 approach effectively identifies and administers compounds that improve mitochondrial function, potentially treating various disorders associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, including metabolic, cardiac, and fatty acid oxidation disorders, by enhancing energy metabolism in target tissues.
Implementation Method 1
The functions of mitochondria include oxidative phosphorylation, which generates ATP by utilizing the energy released during the oxidation of the food we eat.
Implementation Method 2
measuring mitochondrial function in the sample, wherein the presence of an elevated level of mitochondrial function compared to that in a negative control
Implementation Method 3
measuring mitochondrial function in the sample, wherein the presence of an elevated level of mitochondrial function compared to that in a negative control that is not treated with the candidate agent indicates that the candidate agent improves mitochondrial function
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to methods of screening candidate agents for improving mitochondrial function in a subject and assaying kits for use thereof. The present disclosure further provides methods of treating mitochondrial dysfunction in a subject in need of treatment thereof by administering such compounds identified by the methods.