siRNA Sequence Specificity for Selective Gene Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack effective strategies for selectively targeting and regulating heterologous nucleic acid sequences, particularly in treating abnormal cell growth, neurological disorders, and diseases caused by pathogens, with limited capability to differentiate between bacterial and human cells.

Innovation Solution

The use of sequence-specific siRNA molecules that bind to target nucleic acid sequences, allowing for the up-regulation or inhibition of gene expression by targeting anti-sense or sense transcripts, including specific sequences such as CD97, TS-α, and PINK1, to treat various diseases and disorders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional gene targeting methods are used, then gene expression can be modulated, but selectivity between heterologous nucleic acid sequences is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselectivity of gene targetingVSAvoidcapability to differentiate between bacterial and human cells
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing siRNA molecules with sequence-specific complementarity to target nucleic acids. The siRNA is engineered to match specific heterologous sequences (viral, bacterial, or abnormal human genes) while maintaining mismatch resistance, allowing precise local targeting of the desired gene without affecting other sequences. This resolves the contradiction by enhancing selectivity through localized sequence matching rather than broad-spectrum targeting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs the inversion principle by targeting the antisense strand of the target gene rather than the sense strand. By designing siRNA that complements the antisense transcript, the invention achieves enhanced specificity because the antisense sequence is unique to the target gene and less likely to have off-target effects. This inverted approach to targeting improves selectivity while maintaining the ability to differentiate between different cell types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents are used, then diseases caused by pathogens can be treated, but inability to differentiate between bacterial and human cells leads to lack of selectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness in treating pathogen-caused diseasesVSAvoidselectivity between bacterial and human cells
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing siRNA with sequence specificity tailored to pathogen genomes or abnormal human genes. The siRNA is engineered to match unique sequences in viral or bacterial nucleic acids, or to target specifically dysregulated human genes in disease states. This allows the therapeutic to act locally on the pathogen or abnormal cells while leaving healthy human cells unaffected, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and selectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs the intermediary principle by using siRNA as a mediator between the therapeutic agent and the target pathogen or abnormal gene. The siRNA acts as a sequence-specific intermediary that bridges the gap between the delivery system and the target, enabling selective recognition and destruction of pathogen nucleic acids or abnormal human genes without affecting normal cellular processes. This intermediary mechanism provides both reliability in treating infections and precision in cell differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If traditional drug discovery methods are used, then diseases can be treated, but lack of precise gene expression regulation limits therapeutic precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidprecision of gene expression regulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the sequence composition and structural parameters of siRNA molecules to achieve precise gene expression regulation. By optimizing parameters such as nucleotide sequence, length, and secondary structure of the siRNA, the invention enables controlled and specific modulation of target gene expression. This allows for precise therapeutic intervention by changing the molecular parameters of the siRNA to match specific disease targets, thereby improving both therapeutic effectiveness and regulatory precision.

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 approach enables precise regulation of gene expression, effectively treating abnormal cell growth, neurological disorders, and diseases by selectively targeting specific nucleic acid sequences, demonstrating potential in treating conditions like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Implementation Method 1

sequence specific siRNA bind to a target nucleic acid molecule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleic acid hybridization:

Data Source

PatentEP1976567B1Natural antisense and non-coding RNA transcripts as drug targets
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 THE SCRIPPS RES INST
  • EP1976567B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP1976567B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP1976567B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knock down antisense transcripts, and regulate the expression of their sense partners. This regulation can either be discordant (antisense knockdown results in sense transcript elevation) or concordant (antisense knockdown results in concomitant sense transcript reduction).