mRNA Cap Analog Linker for Capped mRNA Purification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the method of producing mRNA by in vitro transcription, it is challenging to separate mRNA with a 5' cap structure from mRNA without a 5' cap structure, as the latter can induce spontaneous immunity and reduce translation efficiency, and current purification methods are inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A mRNA cap analog with a linker having specific functional groups such as amino, carboxylic acid active ester, aminooxy, hydrazino, thiol, haloacetyl, Michael acceptor, alkynyl, or 1,3-dipole functional groups, cleavable by light or fluoride ions, is used to facilitate separation by reacting with an insoluble support and subsequent cleavage to isolate the mRNA with a 5' cap structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If in vitro transcription is used to produce mRNA, then mRNA with 5' cap structure can be produced, but mRNA without 5' cap structure is produced as a byproduct that cannot be easily separated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemRNA production efficiencyVSAvoidseparation of capped and uncapped mRNA
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the mRNA population into two separable segments by attaching a functionalized linker to the cap structure. The linker contains functional groups that enable selective binding to a purification support, allowing the capped mRNA to be separated from uncapped mRNA through filtration or chromatography steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The functionalized linker acts as an intermediary between the cap structure and the purification support. The linker's functional groups (such as amino, carboxyl, or hydroxyl groups) mediate the interaction with the support matrix, enabling selective capture of capped mRNA while leaving uncapped mRNA in solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If purification methods such as chromatography are used to separate mRNA, then separation can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation of capped and uncapped mRNAVSAvoidpurification process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functionalized linker is pre-attached to the cap structure during the capping reaction itself, before the transcription is complete. This preliminary functionalization enables subsequent simple filtration or wash steps to achieve separation, avoiding the need for complex post-transcription purification protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the separation function from complex chromatographic processes by incorporating a purification handle (functionalized linker) directly into the cap structure. This allows the separation step to be performed through simple filtration or wash operations, removing the complexity of traditional chromatography while maintaining separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If mRNA without 5' cap structure is not separated, then production process is simpler, but spontaneous immunity is induced and translation efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of production processVSAvoidspontaneous immunity and reduced translation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the previously problematic uncapped mRNA (which caused immunity and reduced translation) into a removable contaminant. By attaching the functionalized linker to the cap, the separation process becomes simple filtration, and the uncapped mRNA can be efficiently removed, eliminating the harmful effects while maintaining process simplicity.

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

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

This method effectively separates mRNA with a 5' cap structure from mRNA without a cap, enhancing the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients by improving purification efficiency and maintaining the integrity of the mRNA with a cap structure.

Implementation Method 1

the linker having a structure cleavable by light or a fluoride ion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotocleavage: Photodissociation

Implementation Method 2

the linker having a structure cleavable by light or a fluoride ion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluoride ion cleavage:

Implementation Method 3

nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) is polymerized by RNA polymerase using a template DNA

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP4524146A1mRNA cap analog and method for producing same, method for producing mrna, and kit
Publication Date: 2025.03.19 YAMASA SHOYU CO LTD
  • EP4524146A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4524146A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4524146A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A mRNA cap analog includes a linker at a sugar or a base moiety of a nucleotide, wherein the linker includes: a functional group selected from an amino group, a carboxylic acid active ester group, an aminooxy group, a hydrazino group, a carbonyl group, a thiol group, a haloacetyl group, a Michael acceptor functional group, an alkynyl group, and a 1,3-dipole functional group; and a structure cleavable by light or a fluoride ion.