Spatial Nucleic Acid Capture for 5' and 3' End Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spatial array analysis techniques are biased towards capturing 3' end sequences of nucleic acid analytes, failing to provide comprehensive information on the position of single cells within a tissue and lacking multiplex capture of analytes from biological samples.

Innovation Solution

A method involving reverse transcription with primers complementary to target nucleic acids, incorporation of non-templated polynucleotide sequences, and hybridization to capture probes with spatial barcodes, combined with ligation and sequencing techniques to capture and determine the location of both 5' and 3' end sequences of nucleic acid analytes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If spatial array analysis is used to capture nucleic acid analytes, then spatial location information can be obtained, but capture is biased towards 3' end sequences and 5' end sequences are not captured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial location informationVSAvoid5' end sequence information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the capture process into two separate pathways: one for capturing 3' end sequences using poly(dT) capture probes, and another for capturing 5' end sequences using template switching oligonucleotides (TSOs) and primers. This segmentation allows each pathway to be optimized for its specific target region, resolving the bias towards 3' end capture while preserving 5' end information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces template switching oligonucleotides (TSO) as an intermediary element that facilitates the capture of 5' end sequences. The TSO contains a sequence complementary to the 5' end of the cDNA and a functional domain that enables template switching during reverse transcription, acting as a mediator to capture information that would otherwise be lost in conventional spatial array analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional capture techniques are used, then simple capture processes can be maintained, but multiplex capture of multiple analyte types cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapture process simplicityVSAvoidmultiplex capture capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal capture platform where a single spatial array can simultaneously capture multiple types of analytes including full-length transcripts, 3' end sequences, and 5' end sequences using different capture probes and primers. The system uses universal functional domains that can be combined with different target-specific sequences, allowing one array to perform multiple capture functions without requiring separate arrays for each analyte type.

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

3Productivity

If only 3' end sequences are captured, then capture efficiency is high, but comprehensive gene expression information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapture efficiencyVSAvoidcomprehensive gene expression information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple capture strategies into a single integrated workflow: poly(dT) capture for 3' end sequences, TSO-based capture for 5' end sequences, and probe-based capture for specific gene targets. All these methods are performed simultaneously on the same spatial array using the same basic protocol, combining the high efficiency of 3' end capture with the comprehensive information content of 5' end capture without requiring separate experiments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 determination of the precise location of multiple nucleic acid analytes within a biological sample by capturing and sequencing both 5' and 3' end sequences, providing comprehensive spatial information for gene expression analysis.

Implementation Method 1

hybridizing the first probe and the second probe to the first target nucleic acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Implementation Method 2

hybridizing the first capture sequence of the ligation product to the first capture domain on an array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Implementation Method 3

hybridizing the first primer to the second target nucleic acid and extending the first primer using the second target nucleic acid as a template to generate an extension product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDNA replication:

Implementation Method 4

generating a ligation product by ligating the first probe to the second probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLigation:

Data Source

PatentEP4685239A1Methods, compositions, and kits for determining the location of multiple analytes in a biological sample
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 10X GENOMICS INC
  • EP4685239A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4685239A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4685239A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided herein are methods, compositions, and kits for the spatial analysis of target nucleic acids, or complements thereof, by their 5' end.