PCYOX1 Activity Assay Using Amplex Red Fluorescence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring PCYOX1 activity are expensive, time-consuming, and limited by the need for radioactive compounds, low reproducibility, and inability to measure protein amount, making them unsuitable for high-throughput analysis and clinical applications.

Innovation Solution

Development of a molecule that inhibits or blocks PCYOX1 expression and function, specifically using farnesal and farnesol, and employing siRNA, shRNA, or antisense oligonucleotides to target the PCYOX1 gene, along with a method for measuring PCYOX1 activity that avoids radioactive compounds and provides a high-throughput assay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to measure PCYOX1 activity, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the method is expensive, time-consuming, and requires radioactive compounds

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePCYOX1 activity measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the measurement of hydrogen peroxide production as the key indicator of PCYOX1 activity, separating it from complex conventional assays. By focusing on the specific product (H2O2) rather than measuring multiple parameters, the method achieves high precision while dramatically reducing time and cost requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses an intermediary substance (Amplex Red) that reacts with hydrogen peroxide to produce a fluorescent signal. This mediator allows indirect but highly sensitive measurement of PCYOX1 activity through H2O2 detection, avoiding the need for radioactive compounds and complex procedures while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to measure PCYOX1 activity, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the method is expensive and requires radioactive compounds

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePCYOX1 activity measurement precisionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive radioactive compounds with inexpensive fluorescent probes (Amplex Red). The probe is a non-radioactive, cost-effective alternative that provides equivalent or superior sensitivity for detecting hydrogen peroxide, thereby eliminating the need for costly radioactive materials while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluorescent mediator (Amplex Red) serves as a cost-effective substitute for radioactive tracers. This intermediary substance enables sensitive detection of PCYOX1 activity through fluorescence, avoiding the high costs associated with radioactive materials while achieving comparable precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to measure PCYOX1 activity, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the method has low reproducibility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePCYOX1 activity measurement precisionVSAvoidreproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention incorporates feedback mechanisms through standardized reaction conditions and control samples. The fluorescent assay includes built-in controls and standardized protocols that ensure consistent results across different experiments and laboratories, thereby improving reproducibility while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes reaction parameters (pH, temperature, incubation time, reagent concentrations) to achieve maximum reproducibility. By carefully controlling these parameters and establishing standardized protocols, the method ensures consistent and reproducible measurements of PCYOX1 activity across different experimental settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to measure PCYOX1 activity, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the method cannot measure protein amount

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePCYOX1 activity measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a multi-functional assay that can simultaneously measure both PCYOX1 activity (through H2O2 production) and protein amount (through appropriate protein detection methods). This universal approach allows a single experimental setup to provide multiple types of information, enhancing the versatility of the measurement system while maintaining precision.

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

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 proposed solution effectively inhibits PCYOX1 function, offering a cost-effective and high-reproducibility method for measuring PCYOX1 activity, suitable for clinical applications and oxidative stress-related degenerative disease treatment and diagnosis.

Implementation Method 1

PCYOX1 is a membrane-associated flavin-containing lysosomal monooxygenase that metabolizes prenymcysteine to prenyml aldehyde through a completely novel mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

The assay utilizes the fluorescent reagent, Amplex Red, to detect H2O2 production

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3240898B1Prenylcysteine oxidase 1 inhibitors for the prevention and/or treatment of oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases and prenylcysteine oxidase 1 as diagnostic marker
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 CENT CARDIOLOGICO MONZINO
  • EP3240898B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3240898B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3240898B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention refers to molecules able to inhibit or block PCYOX1 expression and/or function and to their use as a medicament, preferably in the treatment and/or prevention of oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases. Additionally, the present invention refers to an in vitro method for detecting and/or for measuring the activity/amount and/or measuring the alteration of the activity/amount of PYCOX1 protein or of fragments.