Thyroid Carcinoma Detection via Chromosomal Region Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to effectively clarify the molecular mechanism of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), leading to inadequate early detection and treatment of thyroid gland-derived cells and poor prognosis, despite recent advances in molecular-targeted therapies.

Innovation Solution

Identification of characteristic chromosomal regions and genes, such as 20q11, ITCH, AHCY, DYNLRB1, MAP1LC3A, PIGU, TP531PN2, NCOA6, HMG4L, and ASIP1, through Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) and immunohistochemical analyses, enabling detection of gene alterations and protein expression levels for diagnosing malignancy and suppressing cancer progression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional high throughput array CGH method is used to analyze cancer cell lines, then new marker genes can be identified, but the molecular mechanism of ATC remains insufficiently clarified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegene alteration detection capabilityVSAvoidmolecular mechanism understanding
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the analysis by dividing the genome into specific chromosomal regions of interest (1q41, 3q28, 7q31.2, 8p12, 8q22.2, 8q24.21, 11q14.1, 17q12, 20q11, 9p21.3, 16q13.2, and 16q23.1) and focuses detection on these regions. This segmentation allows comprehensive genomic analysis while managing complexity, enabling identification of multiple gene alterations simultaneously without overwhelming the detection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-gene analysis to multi-gene simultaneous detection across multiple chromosomal regions, adding a dimensional aspect to the detection approach. By analyzing 12 specific chromosomal regions containing multiple cancer-associated genes, the method provides a more comprehensive view of molecular mechanisms underlying ATC progression.

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

2Reliability

If detailed genetic analysis of ATC is performed to clarify molecular mechanism, then effective therapy can be developed, but detection complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapy effectivenessVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal detection system that can identify multiple cancer-associated genes across 12 chromosomal regions simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows a single detection platform to screen for various genetic alterations (amplifications, deletions, mutations) in multiple genes involved in ATC, reducing the need for multiple separate tests while improving therapeutic decision-making.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary identification of 12 key chromosomal regions and multiple cancer-associated genes before clinical application. By pre-establishing this comprehensive genetic map of ATC, the detection system is prepared in advance to quickly identify relevant alterations in patient samples, avoiding the need for exploratory analysis during clinical diagnosis and enabling faster therapeutic decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple chromosomal regions and genes are analyzed simultaneously, then comprehensive cancer detection is achieved, but analysis time and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive gene detectionVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detection of multiple genes across 12 chromosomal regions into a single integrated analysis platform. By combining detection capabilities for amplifications, deletions, and mutations across all specified regions and genes (including ITCH, AHCY, DYNLRB1, MAP1LC3A, PIGU, TP531PN2, NCOA6, HMG4L, and ASIP1) into one system, the method achieves comprehensive detection without requiring sequential separate tests, significantly reducing total analysis time.

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

This approach allows for precise detection of malignant transformation and malignancy degree in thyroid carcinoma, particularly anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, and suppresses cancer cell growth by targeting specific genes, potentially leading to improved therapeutic strategies.

Implementation Method 1

Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) is the best method for conveniently and rapidly analyzing genetic abnormalities accompanying amplification or deletion of numerous genes in the genome

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Implementation Method 2

the inventors have clarified excessive expression of an ITCH protein in primary thyroid carcinoma including ATC by immunohistorical analyses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntibody-antigen binding:

Data Source

PatentUS9229003B2Method for detecting thyroid carcinoma
Publication Date: 2016.01.05 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

It is an object of the present invention to identify a gene that exhibits behavior which is characteristic of carcinomas such as thyroid carcinoma, so as to provide a method for detecting carcinoma and a cell growth suppressing agent. The present invention provides a method for detecting carcinoma, which comprises detecting malignant transformation by detecting at least one alteration of gene existing in chromosomal regions 1q41, 3q28, 7q31.2, 8p12, 8q22.2, 8q24.21, 11q4.1, 17q12, 20q11, 9p21.3, 16q13.2, and 16q23.1 in a specimen.