Spatial Transcriptome Mapping for Cell Therapy Distribution Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for evaluating cell therapy efficacy lack the resolution and accuracy necessary to provide comprehensive insights into the distribution and molecular changes of administered cells within tissues, limiting the understanding of their therapeutic potential.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing spatially analyzed transcriptome information to explore the distribution, efficacy, and physiological activity of genome-containing materials within tissues, employing an integrated reference transcriptome library to classify and map genome-derived and tissue-derived transcriptome information for accurate positional and therapeutic mechanism analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional methods like PCR are used to evaluate cell therapy efficacy, then the evaluation can be performed on dissected organs, but the resolution and accuracy for identifying microscopic characteristics and cell distribution within tissues is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution and accuracy of cell distribution identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of evaluation method
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional bulk tissue analysis to spatially resolved transcriptome analysis, adding the spatial dimension to the evaluation. By mapping gene expression data to specific tissue locations and integrating with histological images, the method achieves microscopic resolution of cell distribution while maintaining systematic analysis capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple data types including spatial transcriptome data, histological images, and reference transcriptome libraries into an integrated analysis system. This merging of diverse information sources enables comprehensive evaluation of cell therapy efficacy with high resolution without requiring overly complex separate procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If fluorescently labeled cells are used to image administered cells, then cell tracking is enabled, but the tracer is readily detached from the cells, limiting cell tracking capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of cell trackingVSAvoidtracer detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical labeling approach (fluorescent tracers attached to cells) with a molecular biology-based approach (spatial transcriptome analysis). By detecting gene expression patterns specific to administered cells at their spatial locations, the method achieves reliable cell tracking without physical tracers that can detach.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses gene expression profiles as an intermediary to identify and track administered cells. Instead of directly labeling cells with tracers, the method detects the presence and distribution of administered cells through their unique transcriptomic signatures in spatial context, providing indirect but reliable tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If conventional evaluation methods are used, then the assessment of cell therapy can be performed, but comprehensive understanding of detailed molecular changes and interactions between administered cells and host cells is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive understanding of molecular changesVSAvoidefficiency of evaluation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tissue into spatial units (e.g., regions or spots) and analyzes gene expression in each segment. This segmentation enables detection of localized molecular changes and cell-cell interactions throughout the tissue, providing comprehensive information without requiring analysis of the entire tissue as a single unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional evaluation system that simultaneously provides information on cell distribution, gene expression changes, cell interactions, and therapeutic efficacy. By integrating multiple analysis capabilities into a single spatial transcriptome framework, the method reduces information loss while maintaining evaluation efficiency.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4696771A1Method and device for exploring distribution, efficacy, action, or physiological activity of genome-containing substances in tissues of interest
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 PORTRAI INC
  • EP4696771A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4696771A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4696771A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for exploring distribution, efficacy, action, or physiological activity of a genome-containing material in a tissue of interest.