WDR62 Mutation Detection Assay for Cortical Malformation Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods are inadequate for effectively detecting recessive mutations in genes involved in cortical development, particularly in carrier subjects and affected individuals with neurological disorders such as intellectual disability and cerebral cortical malformations.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining the presence of mutations in the WD repeat domain 62 (WDR62) gene by comparing test samples with control sequences, using techniques like PCR, Northern analysis, and direct sequence analysis to identify specific mutations including deletions, nonsense, and missense mutations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mapping approaches are used for gene discovery in cortical development disorders, then diagnostic classification can be established, but locus heterogeneity and small kindred sizes hinder effective gene discovery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegene discovery effectivenessVSAvoidmapping complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies whole-exome sequencing technology, representing a fundamental parameter change from traditional mapping approaches. This technological shift enables comprehensive detection of genetic variants across the entire exome, overcoming the limitations of locus heterogeneity and small family sizes by providing high-throughput, high-resolution genetic analysis that can identify causative mutations even in complex scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If whole-exome sequencing is used to improve gene discovery, then detection capability is enhanced, but assay complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemutation detection precisionVSAvoidsequencing assay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and focuses on specific mutations of interest from the comprehensive whole-exome sequencing data. By identifying and isolating particular variant types (such as recessive mutations in cortical development genes), the method manages the complexity of whole-exome sequencing while maintaining high detection precision for clinically relevant findings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive genetic testing is performed to detect all mutation types, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but cost and time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary bioinformatic filtering and prioritization strategies to identify likely pathogenic variants before comprehensive validation. By pre-screening for specific mutation patterns and focusing on genes associated with cortical development disorders, the method reduces the time required for comprehensive genetic testing while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9464323B2Assays for detecting WDR62 mutations
Publication Date: 2016.10.11 YALE UNIVERSITY
  • US9464323B2 patent drawing
  • US9464323B2 patent drawing
  • US9464323B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting mutations in WD repeat domain 62 (WDR62).