Published Technical Disclosure Archive

TGF-β Superfamily Ligand Binding Profile-Based Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857599_0007_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “TGF-β Superfamily Ligand Binding Profile-Based Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857599_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857599_0007_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,599.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent, applying ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers to modulate TGF-β superfamily signaling in novel industries, including agriculture, industrial chemistry, water quality monitoring, personalized prosthetics, and oil recovery.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent addressed spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by utilizing recombinant ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers. However, the potential of this technology extends beyond SMA treatment. The new inventive concept solves the problem of limited application scope by exploring alternative uses for ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers in various fields.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept encompasses a range of applications, including: (1) a system for monitoring and predicting agricultural crop yields by analyzing soil nutrient levels through TGF-β superfamily ligand binding profiles; (2) a method for optimizing industrial chemical reactions by modulating TGF-β superfamily signaling using ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers; (3) a device for detecting and diagnosing waterborne pathogens via a biosensor incorporating ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers; (4) a system for generating personalized 3D-printed prosthetics by optimizing prosthetic design and fit through TGF-β superfamily ligand binding profiles; and (5) a method for enhancing oil recovery from existing wells by modulating TGF-β superfamily signaling using ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers. These applications capitalize on the versatility of ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers in regulating TGF-β superfamily signaling.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel and non-obvious application of ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers beyond SMA treatment, demonstrating an inventive step in adapting the core technology to address distinct problems in various industries.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include the use of different TGF-β superfamily ligands, variations in the design of the biosensor or algorithm, or the application of ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers in additional industries, such as environmental monitoring or biotechnology.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in multiple industries, including agriculture, industrial chemistry, water quality monitoring, personalized prosthetics, and oil recovery. The market for these applications is substantial, with potential customers including agricultural companies, chemical manufacturers, water treatment facilities, prosthetic manufacturers, and oil extraction companies.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61K38/1841
A A61 A61K31/7125
A A61 A61K38/18
A A61 A61K45/06
A A61 A61P21/00
C C07 C07K14/71
C C12 C12N15/113
A A61 A61K38/179
C C07 C07K2319/30
C C07 C07K2319/32
C C12 C12N2310/11
C C12 C12N2320/31

Field of Art

Biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences, specifically focusing on protein engineering, receptor interactions, and therapeutic applications of TGF-β superfamily signaling pathways

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with advanced degrees in molecular biology, biochemistry, or bioengineering, possessing expertise in protein modification, receptor interactions, and translational research across biological systems

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize the inherent versatility of ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers in modulating TGF-β superfamily signaling, which naturally suggests potential applications beyond the original SMA treatment. The fundamental mechanism of receptor interaction demonstrated in the source patent provides a clear technological foundation for exploring alternative industrial and diagnostic uses. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the core technological principle of targeted receptor modulation.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimer protein complex for treating neuromuscular disorders
PTD Variation
Applying the same protein complex to agricultural yield prediction and soil nutrient analysis
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that TGF-β signaling pathways are fundamental across biological systems, making cross-domain application a predictable design choice based on known receptor interaction mechanisms
Source Patent Element
Protein fusion technology demonstrating receptor interaction modulation
PTD Variation
Utilizing ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers in biosensor design for pathogen detection
Obviousness Reasoning
The source patent establishes the protein's ability to detect and interact with specific molecular signals, which directly translates to biosensor development as a known and predictable technological extension
Source Patent Element
Method of modulating cellular signaling through receptor interactions
PTD Variation
Applying the protein complex to optimize industrial chemical reactions
Obviousness Reasoning
A skilled practitioner would recognize that the fundamental mechanism of signal transduction could be leveraged across different chemical and biological systems as a routine engineering adaptation
Source Patent Element
Protein complex demonstrating ability to influence cellular processes
PTD Variation
Using TGF-β superfamily ligand binding profiles to optimize prosthetic design
Obviousness Reasoning
The source patent establishes the protein's capability to modulate biological interactions, making its application to biomechanical design a predictable extension of known technological principles
Source Patent Element
Protein interaction methodology for treating neuromuscular conditions
PTD Variation
Implementing the protein complex in oil recovery enhancement techniques
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize the potential for applying receptor interaction technologies across diverse industrial contexts as a routine matter of technological adaptation
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857599 and the disclosed variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed technical applications obvious and predictable extensions of the fundamental protein interaction mechanisms, thereby rendering subsequent claims covering similar technological adaptations anticipated and non-patentable under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,599
TitleCompositions and methods for treating spinal muscular atrophy
Assignee(s)ACCELERON PHARMA INC.