Synthetic Peptide Reprogramming Differentiated Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reprogramming differentiated cells into pluripotent stem cells are complex and involve the risk of gene insertion, low efficiency, and the need for expensive reprogramming factors.

Innovation Solution

A novel synthetic peptide with a short amino acid sequence (CKSKSRRSC) is used to induce reprogramming of differentiated cells without the need for gene transduction or expensive factors, allowing for the production of undifferentiated cells through a simple and efficient process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional reprogramming factors (transcription factors, HDAC inhibitors) are used to reprogram differentiated cells, then reprogramming can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereprogramming capabilityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and utilizes only the essential reprogramming function from complex transcription factors by identifying and applying a specific peptide sequence (CKAKSRRSC) that can induce reprogramming without requiring the full machinery of traditional reprogramming factors. This simplifies the process while maintaining reprogramming capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a short peptide sequence instead of expensive, complex transcription factors or HDAC inhibitors. The peptide is inexpensive to produce, has a simple structure, and can be easily synthesized, making the reprogramming process more accessible and cost-effective.

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

2Productivity

If gene transduction methods are used for reprogramming, then reprogramming efficiency can be improved, but the risk of gene insertion into the genome increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereprogramming efficiencyVSAvoidgene insertion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a short peptide sequence instead of genetic material for transduction. This peptide can be delivered without integrating into the genome, thereby achieving reprogramming efficiency while eliminating the risk of gene insertion and potential tumorigenesis associated with viral transduction methods.

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

3Reliability

If traditional reprogramming factors are used, then reprogramming can be achieved, but the costs associated with the process increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereprogramming capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a short peptide sequence (CKAKSRRSC) that is inexpensive to synthesize and apply. This replaces costly transcription factors, antibodies, or chemical inhibitors, making the reprogramming process economically viable for broader applications in research and regenerative medicine.

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

4Reliability

If complex reprogramming protocols are used, then reprogramming capability is maintained, but the time required for the process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereprogramming capabilityVSAvoidreprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential reprogramming function from complex, time-consuming protocols by identifying a specific peptide sequence that can induce reprogramming more rapidly. This streamlined approach reduces the time required while maintaining the ability to successfully reprogram differentiated cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3159354B1Novel synthetic peptide and use thereof
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 TOAGOSEI CO LTD
  • EP3159354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3159354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3159354B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided are a synthetic peptide that induces the reprogramming of a differentiated cell, a reprogramming-inducing pharmaceutical composition that contains this synthetic peptide, and a method for producing an undifferentiated cell from a differentiated cell using this synthetic peptide. The peptide provided by the present invention is a synthetic peptide having a reprogramming-inducing peptide sequence formed of the amino acid sequence given by SEQ ID NO: 1 or a modified amino acid sequence thereof. The method for producing an undifferentiated cell provided by the present invention includes inducing the reprogramming of a target cell by culturing a cell culture which contains the target cell and to which the synthetic peptide has been supplied.