Phosphoproteomics for Kinase Signaling Network Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reconstructing cell signaling networks are limited by data availability and are often cell-type and condition-specific, leading to inaccurate composite networks that do not reflect specific physiological states, and existing phosphoproteomic approaches rely on prior knowledge of phosphorylation sites.

Innovation Solution

A method using MS-based phosphoproteomics to identify and quantify phosphorylation sites downstream of kinases targeted by small-molecule inhibitors, creating a dataset of modification sites linked to signaling pathways, allowing for the analysis of kinase signaling networks without prior knowledge of phosphorylation sites, and enabling the identification of markers for kinase inhibition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inference algorithms are used to reconstruct signaling networks from literature data, then network topology can be obtained, but the accuracy is limited by data availability and cell-type specificity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reconstruction accuracyVSAvoiddata availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces literature-based inference algorithms with mass spectrometry-based experimental detection. Instead of using computational methods to infer protein interactions and PTMs from published data, the invention directly detects phosphorylation sites and other modifications in specific cell types and conditions using MS technology, thereby eliminating the information loss inherent in literature compilation and achieving cell-type-specific accurate network reconstruction

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of data acquisition from indirect literature inference to direct experimental measurement. By using mass spectrometry to directly detect modification sites, the system transforms the nature of data collection from secondary information aggregation to primary experimental observation, enabling accurate reconstruction of signaling networks in specific physiological states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If composite networks are created from multiple cell types and organisms, then broader coverage is achieved, but the networks do not reflect specific physiological states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidphysiological state specificity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating cell-type-specific signaling networks rather than universal composite networks. The mass spectrometry approach enables detection of phosphorylation sites and modifications specific to particular cell types and physiological conditions, providing localized accurate information for each cell type while maintaining the ability to generate separate networks for different cell types and organisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the signaling network reconstruction process by cell type and physiological condition. Instead of creating a single composite network that averages across different cell types, the invention generates separate, condition-specific networks through targeted mass spectrometry experiments on each cell type, preserving the unique signaling characteristics of each physiological state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If prior knowledge of phosphorylation sites is required for phosphoproteomic analysis, then analysis can be performed, but the approach cannot identify novel markers without pre-existing databases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis feasibilityVSAvoidnovel marker identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by using mass spectrometry to comprehensively map phosphorylation sites and other modifications in specific cell types before conducting signaling network analysis. This preliminary MS-based profiling creates a cell-type-specific database of modification sites that serves as the foundation for subsequent network reconstruction, eliminating the need to rely on pre-existing literature databases while maintaining analysis feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by not starting with literature-based phosphorylation site databases and then analyzing samples. Instead, it first performs comprehensive mass spectrometry detection to identify all modification sites in the specific cell type, then uses these experimentally determined sites for network analysis, thereby discovering novel markers that are specific to the cell type being studied

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

Enables the creation of a dataset of modification sites that provides insight into kinase activity and signaling pathway plasticity, facilitating the identification of markers for kinase inhibition and understanding of kinase signaling networks, even in resistant cells, thereby improving the analysis of phosphoproteomic data.

Implementation Method 1

identifying and/or quantifying modification sites on modified peptides in a first sample which has been treated with a first modulator of a protein modifying enzyme and a second sample which has been treated with a second modulator of the same protein modifying enzyme using mass spectrometry (MS)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMass spectrometry:

Data Source

PatentEP3627153B1A method of assessing protein modification status and identifying biomarkers linked to cell signaling pathways
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 KINOMICA LTD
  • EP3627153B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3627153B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E
  • EP3627153B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The present invention provides methods of assessing protein modification status and identifying biomarkers linked to cell signaling pathways. The invention provides a method of creating a dataset of modification sites, comprising grouping modification sites on modified peptides from a first sample which has been treated with a first modulator of a protein modifying enzyme and modification sites on modified peptides from a second sample which has been treated with a second modulator of the same protein modifying enzyme into a single group, according to the effect of said first and second modulators of said protein modifying enzyme on said modification sites, wherein said first and second modulators of said protein modifying enzyme are different. The invention further provides a method of preparing a database, methods of treatment and methods of diagnosis.