Oligonucleotide Library Ligation for Contiguous Randomised Codons

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing oligonucleotide libraries with contiguous randomised codons are limited, as they require the production of randomised template oligonucleotides, which complicates the randomisation of three or more consecutive codons and results in low yields and high unwanted sequence percentages.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the ligation of randomisation oligonucleotides with blunt ends to starter oligonucleotides, using DNA ligase, followed by PCR amplification and purification, allows for the production of oligonucleotide libraries with multiple contiguous randomised codons without the need for randomised template oligonucleotides, reducing unwanted sequences and increasing yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If randomised template oligonucleotides are used for producing oligonucleotide libraries with contiguous randomised codons, then the randomisation of three or more consecutive codons can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and yields low results with high unwanted sequence percentages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandomisation of contiguous codonsVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The method divides the randomisation process into separate steps: first synthesising non-randomised template oligonucleotides with specific sequences, then using randomisation oligonucleotides that can be ligated to create contiguous randomised codons. This segmentation allows complex randomisation patterns to be built systematically without requiring complex template structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary synthesis of non-randomised template oligonucleotides with specific sequences before introducing randomisation. By preparing the template structure in advance with defined sequences, the subsequent randomisation step can focus only on introducing variability at specific positions, simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If randomised template oligonucleotides are produced prior to using selection oligonucleotides, then contiguous randomised codons can be generated, but the mass and complexity of the template oligonucleotide limits the number of codons that can be randomised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of randomisable codonsVSAvoidtemplate oligonucleotide mass
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The method segments the template structure into smaller, manageable non-randomised oligonucleotide units that can be ligated with randomisation oligonucleotides. This segmentation allows multiple randomised codons to be introduced without requiring a single massive template oligonucleotide, thereby increasing the number of randomisable codons.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-strand template approach to a double-strand approach where non-randomised template oligonucleotides are ligated with randomisation oligonucleotides. This dimensional change allows for more flexible and extensive randomisation without being constrained by the mass limitations of single-strand templates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If traditional hybridisation methods are used for producing DNA libraries, then conventional screening can be performed, but only small quantities of DNA constructs are produced making manipulation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of DNA constructsVSAvoidmanipulation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hybridisation process with a ligation-based approach using DNA ligase to join non-randomised template oligonucleotides with randomisation oligonucleotides. This substitution enables the production of larger quantities of DNA constructs with defined sequences, improving both quantity and ease of manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The method changes the fundamental parameter of DNA construction from hybridisation-based assembly to ligation-based assembly. This parameter change allows for the production of larger quantities of DNA constructs with specific sequences, making them easier to manipulate and screen compared to traditional hybridisation methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables the efficient production of oligonucleotide libraries with 1 to 10 contiguous randomised codons, improving yield and reducing non-MAX codons, facilitating the creation of peptide libraries for screening and expression.

Implementation Method 1

The technique now identified and described by the inventors unexpectedly allows the production of contiguous randomised codons without the need to produce randomised template oligonucleotides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLigation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

followed by PCR amplification and purification, allows for the production of oligonucleotide libraries with multiple contiguous randomised codons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPCR amplification:

Implementation Method 3

the predefined oligonucleotide comprises a nucleotide sequence coding for a restriction endonuclease recognition site capable of being recognised by a restriction endonuclease, the restriction endonuclease capable of cleaving the predefined oligonucleotide upstream or downstream of the endonuclease recognition at a predetermined cleavage site to create a blunt ended cut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRestriction digestion: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP1907548B1Oligonucleotide library encoding randomised peptides
Publication Date: 2011.10.19 ASTON UNIV
  • EP1907548B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP1907548B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1907548B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of producing an oligonucleotide library comprising a plurality of oligonucleotides, each oligonucleotide in the library having at least one predetermined position, a randomisation codon selected from a defined group of codons, the codons within said defined group coding for different amino acids. Vector, host cells containing such libraries and kits for the production of such libraries are also provided.