Delaware Patent of the Month – October 2021
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a fantastic diagnostic tool. By sequencing the mtDNA, you can detect mutations which are often preliminary indicators of developing diseases. Certain mutations at certain sites can indicate certain diseases, giving some of the most accurate diagnostics possible. MDNA Life Sciences, Inc. focuses on further developing the science of mtDNA, developing a portfolio of proprietary tests to enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment, prognosis, and monitoring.
Recently, they have developed a method to detect cancer in a patient using mtDNA sequencing by detecting a deletion in the nucleic acid sequence between residues 10743 and 14125. A deletion of a 3379 base pair segment of mtDNA – referred to as the 3.4 kb deletion by MDNA Life Sciences – within this 10744-14124 base pair region has shown to be an accurate diagnostic tool for prostate cancer.
This detection method involves collecting a biological sample and extracting mtDNA. They then quantify the amount of mtDNA in the sample having a deletion in the nucleic acid sequence spanning these base pair residues. These steps are then repeated numerous times to observe any change in the level of deletion. If the level of deletion increases, this indicates cancer. With just a simple blood test, this offers the most accurate way of determining if a patient is at risk of having clinically significant prostate cancer.
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