Multiplexed diagnostic to recognize concentrations of related proteins and peptides

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and systems for determining concentrations of a target molecule and a variant thereof in a sample. The sample can comprise or be suspected to comprise a target molecule and at least one variant thereof and is exposed to one or more recognition elements that bind to the target molecule and/or the at least one variant. A signal is detected that is associated with the binding of the target molecule and/or a signal is detected that is associated with the binding of the at least one variant to the one or more recognition elements. The concentration of the target molecule and/or the at least one variant thereof is determined based on the signals. The system can comprise a receiver adapted to receive a sample comprising or suspected to comprise a target molecule and the at least one variant thereof, the receiver comprising one or more recognition elements that bind to one or more epitopes in the target molecule and/or the at least one variant thereof.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A system for determining concentrations of a target molecule and/or at least one variant thereof in a sample, the system comprising:
 a receiver adapted to receive a sample comprising or suspected to comprise a target molecule and/or the at least one variant thereof, the receiver comprising one or more recognition elements that bind to one or more epitopes in the target molecule and/or the at least one variant thereof.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the target molecule and the at least one variant thereof comprise a protein and one or more fragment(s) thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the target molecule and the at least one variant thereof comprise a hormone and/or one or more fragment(s) thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the receiver is adapted to receive a sample comprising a clinical sample and/or a tissue aspirate. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more recognition elements are placed at spatially separate locations on the receiver. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more recognition elements are spectrally distinguishable. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more recognition elements comprise an antibody, a peptide, an aptamer, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more recognition elements comprise different elements that bind to different epitopes of the target molecule and/or the at least one variant thereof. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 12 , comprising a detector for detecting a signal associated with the binding of the target molecule to the one or more recognition elements and a signal associated with the binding of the at least one variant to the one or more recognition elements. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , comprising a processor for determining the concentration of the target molecule and/or the at least one variant thereof based on the signals. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the processor determines concentration by comparing the signal associated with the binding of the target molecule to the one or more recognition elements and/or the signal associated with the binding of the at least one variant thereof to the one or more recognition elements to a known sensitivity of the one or more recognition elements for the target molecule and/or the at least one variant thereof. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more recognition elements have different sensitivities for the target molecule and the at least one variant thereof. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more recognition elements have different sensitivities for a complex comprising a detectable moiety and the target and for a complex comprising a detectable moiety and the at least one variant thereof.