In subclasses C12M - C12Q, in the absence of an indication to the contrary, classification is made in the last appropriate subclass of subclasses C12M - C12Q.

It is desirable to add subclass C12R for microorganisms which are considered to be of interest for search.

In this subclass, with the exception of group C12N 5/06, in the absence of an indication to the contrary, classification is made in the last appropriate place.

In this subclass, viruses, human, animal, or plant cells, protozoa, tissues, and unicellular algae are considered as microorganisms.

Overview of relevant orthogonal Indexing symbols:

C12N 2500/00:

Indexing symbols intended for the nutritive components of culture media in combination with C12N 5/0018 (generic media) or C12N 5/06 and subgroups (specific media)—but effects beyond nutrition are not excluded. There is some aspect of classification by pathway in that C12N 2500/10 and subgroups cover metals as well as metal chelators. Note that C12N 2500/25 substitutes for any combination of C12N 2500/05 (for sele​nium), C12N 2500/24 (transferrin/iron) and C12N 2501/33 (insulin). An example of "undefined extract" is Bovine Pituitary Extract (BPE), C12N 2500/84; serum is not indexed as undefined extract since codes are provided for its explicit absence. C12N 2500/02 codes for explicitly low (or high) O₂ pressure, not for the "usual" 5% CO₂. Antibiotics are not foreseen in the scheme.

C12N 2501/00:

Indexing symbols intended for biologically active agents in culture and differentiation processes in combi​na​tion with C12N 5/06 and subgroups or C12N 5/0018. Indexation is made at the most relevant place, taking account of the biological pathway involved and not the chemical structure, unlike apparently similar hierar​chies such as those found in C07K 14/00 or A61K 38/00; e.g.OKT3 antibody C12N 2501/515, staurosporine C12N 2501/727 (tyrosine kinase inhibitor), KAAD-cyclopamine C12N 2501/41 (interferes with Hedgehog pathway), copper salts C12N 2500/20 (more specific symbols under C12N 2500/00 take precedence over C12N 2501/00). Where pathways intersect or overlap, precedence is given to the most specific symbol and multiple classification may well be considered. Head symbols (C12N 2501/10, C12N 2501/20, C12N 2501/30, etc.) should be used only for specific agents not (yet) foreseen in the detailed scheme. C12N 2501/998 - C12N 2501/999 serve as repository for proteins and chemicals which do not fit (yet) within the scheme. C12N 2501/50 and sub-symbols, are not intended to code for markers used in purification and/or identification of cells. (These are intrinsic properties of the cells, not reagents.)

C12N 2502/00:

Complements the C12N 2500/00 and C12N 2501/00 series to indicate conditioned media or co-culture conditions. Also used to index the components of artificial constructs and tissue equivalents: see C12N 5/0697.

C12N 2506/00:

Symbols for "remarkable" differentiation processes, i.e.:

"Typical" differentiation processes from a lineage-specific stem/progenitor cell to its regular progeny within the same lineage should not be indexed.

C12N 2506/00 is occasionally used to index files pertaining to "rejuvenation" without any actual, specific and characterized/type-able resulting product (see C12N 5/16).

C12N 2509/00:

Used to spot the use of specific enzymes to digest tissues, i.e. not regular dispase/collagenase, or the use of very precise conditions for digestion.

C12N 2510/00:

Introduced with the closure of C12N 5/10.

C12N 2517/00:

C12N 2517/02 and C12N 2517/04 pertain to isolated cells from a transgenic or cloned animal (A01K 67/00, C12N 15/00 with A01K); in most cases, such documents do not actually belong to C12N 5/00. C12N 2517/10 docu​ments pertain to cultivation steps which belong to C12N 5/00 (e.g. synchronisation of cells for nuclear transfer, maturation of oocytes for fecundation), although the ultimate purpose is still outside of C12N 5/00 and the document should be circulated accordingly.

C12N 2531/00:

Used in combination with C12N 5/06 (use of microsupports with a specific cell type).

C12N 2533/00:

Used in combination with C12N 5/0068 (mostly), but also C12N 5/0012 and C12N 5/06. Codes may be given either for the base material of the support or for coatings on said support.

In this subclass, C-Sets classification is applied to the following groups, listed in the table below, if the document discloses a pertinent combination of technical features that cannot be covered by the allocation of a single symbol. The fourth column of the table indicates the place where the detailed information about the C-Sets construction and the associated syntax rules can be found, in the definition section "Special rules of classification".

The specific C-Sets rule is located at only one place of the base symbol in the section "Special rules of classification" in the definition. If the C-Sets rule is applicable to all groups of a subclass, it is located at the subclass level only. If the same C-Sets rule is applicable to multiple groups or subgroups within the same subclass, the C-Sets rule is placed at the highest group or subgroup of the multiple groups.

Main group C12N 1/00 covers compositions comprising microorganisms, processes of treating microorganisms, and processes of culturing or growing of microorganisms.

Subgroups C12N 1/10, C12N 1/12, C12N 1/14, C12N 1/16, C12N 1/18, C12N 1/20 cover media compositions for a type of microorganism, compositions comprising a microorganism (with or without other compounds), processes of isolating, maintaining or propagating microorganisms which are specific for a class of microorganism.

Subgroups C12N 1/105, C12N 1/125, C12N 1/145, C12N 1/165, C12N 1/185, or C12N 1/205 covers a micro-organism per se which is a new natural isolate or a new mutant where the mutated gene is not known.

Subgroup C12N 1/04 covers methods of preserving or maintaining viable microorganisms, subgroups C12N 1/10, C12N 1/105, C12N 1/12, C12N 1/125, C12N 1/14, C12N 1/145, C12N 1/16 - C12N 1/185, C12N 1/20 and C12N 1/205 cover compositions of microorganisms irrespective of whether they are viable or not.

Subgroup C12N 1/36 also covers attenuation of pathogens for vaccine preparation.

The last place rule is applicable, but all information should be given a group. For example, if both yeast and bacterial compositions are part of the invention in the application, then classify in both (C12N 1/16 or C12N 1/165) and (C12N 1/20 or C12N 1/205).

Methods of preserving or maintaining viable microorganisms.

Subgroups C12N 1/10 - C12N 1/205 cover compositions of microorganisms irrespective of whether they are viable or not.

Additional Remarks:

1). The logic behind the list of exclusions in sub-groups C12N 1/10 - C12N 1/20 is that the invention can be better defined by another class. Allocation of a symbol in the C12N 1/00 range as an additional symbol is a modification which would probably make a lot of sense. It simply hasn't been done before (bilateral review parhaps?)

2). C12R versus C12N:- C12R is more detailed than C12N. As a result it was decided to "promote" the C12R indexing scheme in IPC to full subclass status at the EPO for classifying natural isolates. A possible way forward here would be to create a single "natural isolate" subgroup in C12N 1/00 with an obligatory additional C12R symbol (bilateral review?).

Media compositions for protozoa, compositions comprising protozoa (with or without other compounds), processes of isolating, maintaining or propagating protozoa.

Naturally isolated protozoa or mutant protozoa in which the mutation is undefined or cannot be defined are covered by C12N 1/105.

Media compositions for unicellular algae, compositions comprising unicellular microalgae (with or without other compounds), processes of isolating, maintaining or propagating unicellular microalgae.

Looping references between C12N 1/12 and A01H 13/00 have been identified. Until this inconsistency is resolved in IPC, the current classification practice in CPC is as follows:

The reference should stay in the title of CPC until the correction/change is made in IPC.

Naturally isolated unicellular algae or mutant unicellular algae in which the mutation is undefined or cannot be defined are covered by C12N 1/125.

Subgroup C12N 1/14 (and lower groups C12N 1/16 and C12N 1/18) covers media compositions for fungi (yeasts), compositions comprising fungi (yeasts) (with or without other compounds), processes of isolating, maintaining or propagating fungi (yeasts).

Looping references between C12N 1/14 and A01H 15/00 have been identified. Until this inconsistency is resolved in IPC, the current classification practice in CPC is as follows:

The reference should stay in the title of CPC until the correction/change is made in IPC.

Naturally isolated fungi, yeast or Saccharomyces, or mutant fungi, yeast or Saccharomyces in which the mutation is undefined or cannot be defined are covered by C12N 1/145, C12N 1/165 and C12N 1/185 and the appropriate C12R subgroup.

If the invention pertains to the attenuation of fungi, classification in C12N 1/36 should also be considered.

Media compositions for bacteria, compositions comprising bacteria (with or without other compounds), processes of isolating, maintaining or propagating bacteria.

Naturally isolated bacteria, or mutant bacteria in which the mutation is undefined or cannot be defined are covered by C12N 1/205 and the appropriate C12R subgroup.

Processes for spore formation and for isolation of spores.

The highest rank head group is to be used only in desperate cases, for documents which do not fit elsewhere, e.g. culture processes characterised by temperature.

By exception to the dividing line general 00/specific 06, documents describing the modification of membranes of a specific cell type are classified both in C12N 5/0006 and C12N 5/06 and subgroups.

Only generic encapsulation here: Encapsulation of a specific cell type is C12N 5/06 (and subgroups), C12N 2533/00 codes may be used for the capsule material. Circulating the document to A61L 27/00 and/or A61K 47/00 should be considered. Encapsulation in fermenters is C12N 13/00. Note that encapsulated hepatocytes and pancreatic cells have specific subgroups: C12N 5/0671 and C12N 5/0677.

Generic media for potentially any type of cells. Culture processes using a particular agent are treated as a culture medium containing this agent (e.g. use of propranolol in cell culture: C12N 5/0018, C12N 2501/81). All documents should have at least one code from the range C12N 2500/00 - C12N 2502/00, and possibly many of them. Examples using CHO, 3T3, BHK or other common cell types should be regarded as generic disclosure and classified under C12N 5/00 rather than under C12N 5/06.

Examples using CHO, 3T3, BHK or other common cell types should be regarded as generic disclosure and classified under C12N 5/00 rather than under C12N 5/06.

When a new medium is fully disclosed, most if not all C12N 2500/00 codes potentially apply; codes should be given for any useful information, i.e. any specific component with a specific concentration range (e.g. Ala 20 µ, Pro 10 µ … is indexed C12N 2500/32; reference to a standard composition of essential amino-acids as one component need not be indexed)—which can mean that many codes are actually given, but this appears to be the best way to retrieve reasonably quickly a document with a medium comprising, e.g., 10-100 nM Cu²⁺ or 20-75 µ Glu. It may not be necessary to index the most common additives (e.g. glutamine) and no code is foreseen for antibiotics, as these appear to be invariably present.

Note that serum-free media for specific cell types are C12N 5/06 (and subgroups), C12N 2500/99.

By "negative selection", it is meant that the document defines what is to be rejected but does not define in any positive manner what is to be retained. The combination of negative and positive markers is regarded as positive selection, and should normally allow to assign a specific type to the cells, and to classify in C12N 5/06 (and subgroups). In practice, C12N 5/0087 and C12N 5/0093 deal with purging blood or bone marrow (but also, rarely, of other tissues) from, respectively, immune cells and tumour cells before transplantation; C12N 5/0081 is thus very rarely used.

Documents should have at least one C12N 2533/00 Indexing Code. Supports for specific cell types are C12N 5/06 (and subgroups), C12N 2531/00 - C12N 2539/00.

Classification is made in the appropriate group below C12N 5/06; group C12N 5/06 implies that the teachings apply only to specific cells and it should always be possible to know whether the cells derive from vertebrates or invertebrates.

General Considerations:

The scope of any sub-group comprises the cells of the title, any tissue explant essentially consisting of these cells (e.g. skin = keratinocytes = C12N 5/0629), processes for isolating these cells (e.g. the definition of a set of markers to isolate a specific cell by FACS, but a document dealing with a specific antibody for one single marker can be classified solely in C07K 16/00), processes for preparing these cells (culture, differentiation), culture media and/supports specifically adapted for these cells and medical uses of these cells (as far as the nature of the cells is known and is relevant; e.g. medical composition of cultivated pancreatic cells C12N 5/0676, A61K 35/12, "low-tech" composition of animal tissue extracts A61K 35/00 and subgroups, photochemically-treated blood A61K 41/0057, A61K 35/14).

Controlled language: Title note of C12N 5/06: In this group, the following words are used with the meanings indicated:

This has been adopted to clarify classification practice with respect to the use of the words "pluri-" and "multipotent." Under this definition, totipotent cells need to be able to generate placenta and amnion, i.e. only the zygote, blastula and morula cells strictly qualify; applicants tend to use the term more liberally … Conversely, the archetypal example of an adult pluripotent cell in the sense of C12N 5/0607, has been named "Multipotent Adult Stem (Progenitor) Cell" (MASC, MAPC) by its discoverers, which is too restrictive in view of our definitions.

Immediate precursors:

"Four dot" stem/precursor/progenitor groups usually cover (multipotent) stem cells as well as (restricted) precursors and committed progenitors, but there are two important exceptions with respect to the latter: myoblasts go with myotubes in C12N 5/0658 (since myotubes do not proliferate, culture can only be directed to their precursors). In the blood/immune hierarchy C12N 5/0634, immediate, committed, precursors are classified with their progeny; C12N 5/0647 is reserved for stem cells and multi-lineage progenitors.

Sub-headgroups C12N 5/0603, C12N 5/0608, C12N 5/0613, C12N 5/0618, etc vs. specific subgroups C12N 5/0604, C12N 5/0605, C12N 5/0606, C12N 5/0608:

The "three dot" (sub)headgroups are used for two different purposes:

E.g. a document pertaining to neural differentiation of BM-MSC is C12N 5/0618, C12N 2506/1353 while a document pertaining to neuronal differentiation of BM- MSC, with detailed, extensive, evidence as to the neuronal phenotype is C12N 5/0619, C12N 2506/1353. In the intermediate situation where a document claims neuronal differentiation with only limited evidence (e.g. one or two markers), it is preferred to use the headgroup C12N 5/0618, especially if the document additionally provides examples of oligodendrocyte/glial differentiation at the same poor level of evidence.

The head group should be used only for specific vertebrate cells which do not fit elsewhere in the scheme. Generic disclosure for vertebrate cells is C12N 5/00 (and subgroups).

This is actually "embryonic or fetal cells and tissues", but interpreted in a very restricted sense to encompass only cells that are solely embryonic and/or fetal; embryonic/fetal cells of recognisable type which are also present in an adult are classified as adult cells. "Rejuvenated" cells claimed to have been brought back to pluripotency or cells described by an applicant as "ES-like" do not qualify for C12N 5/0606: These cells do not actually originate from an embryo or fetus, see C12N 5/0607(A). In practice, C12N 5/0603 itself only contains embryoid bodies and cells being in an intermediate stage of differentiation between pluripotent cells (ES) and "adult" (typable) tissue; e.g. "definitive endoderm" cells C12N 5/0603 (exists only in embryo), pancreatic cells C12N 5/0676 (adult). Embryonic germ (EG) cells, which can be regarded as an equivalent for ES, are C12N 5/0611, but embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells are classified in C12N 5/0606 as far as they are used as a model for ES (now that human ES have been isolated, EC technology appears to be obsolete).

Pluripotent adult stem cells are still a controversial and largely speculative topic. Extreme care must be exercised when allocating this class: to qualify, a cell must have demonstrated pluripotency (note that the corresponding examples of differentiation into at least two distinct lineages are not to be indexed) and must not belong to any other subgroup of the scheme.

This covers all kinds of (demonstrated) "rejuvenated" cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). The rejuvenation method/agents are to classified appropriately (C12N 2510/00 and C12N 2501/60 for typical iPS obtained by forced expression of Oct-3/4, Sox-2, Klf4, Nanog, cMyc…; C12N 2501/00, C12N 2500/00, C12N 2502/00 as appropriate for chemical agents). Detailed aspects regarding the construction of a suitable expres​sion vector are to be classified in C12N 15/00.

The head group is to remain empty until a third mammalian sex is discovered or engineered. The few documents dealing both with oocytes and spermatozoa are classified in both subgroups C12N 5/0609 and C12N 5/061.

For practical reasons, precursors (myoblasts) have been grouped with their progeny (myotubes); as a result, only few documents remain in C12N 5/0659 (satellite cells).

Owing to the complexity of the lineage, committed precursors are grouped with their immediate progeny: e.g. pre-T cells go with T cells in C12N 5/0636; lymphoid stem cells, which can give rise either to B or T, remain in C12N 5/0647.

Vaccines: Immunogenic preparations (e.g. stimulated T cells, antigen-loaded dendritic cells or microphages) are classified in A61K 39/00 and subgroups according to the antigen with the appropriate A61K 2039/51 - A61K 2039/892 Indexing Code(s).

Immunotherapy: Cells classified in C12N 5/0634 - C12N 5/0639 are additionally classified in A61K 39/46 - A61K 39/46484 with indexing codes A61K 2239/00 - A61K 2239/59, when the cells are modified for immunotherapy (e.g. CAR-T cells).

C12N 5/0629 contains purified keratinocytes and whole skin biopsies, assigned to what is regarded as the most relevant cell type, but artificially reconstructed skin is C12N 5/0698.

Encapsulation is assimilated to 3D culture. C12N 2533/00 codes may apply to the capsule material.

For practical reasons, this group contains isolated vascular smooth muscle cells (not C12N 5/0661) as well as elaborated three-dimensional constructs comprising multiple types (e.g. vascular endothelium C12N 5/069, fibroblasts C12N 5/0656); in the latter case, the further cell types may be indexed with C12N 2502/00 codes as in C12N 5/0697.

C12N 5/0692:

Haemangioblasts, which are precursors for both the haematopoietic and the vascular endothelial lineages, always get a double class: C12N 5/0647, C12N 5/0692.

Tumour cells considered for themselves (i.e. as tumours) are classified here, but tumour cells used as convenient immortalised equivalents / models of their untransformed counterparts are classified as normal cells: e.g. embryonic carcinoma C12N 5/0606; medium specially adapted for hepatomas C12N 5/067, C12N 2500/00, C12N 2501/00, C12N 2502/00, C12N 2503/00, C12N 2506/00, C12N 2509/00.

Myeloma cell lines for use in the making of hybridomas are directly classified in C12N 5/163, with their application, rather than as C12N 5/0694.

"Tissue equivalent" is to be construed broadly as any in vitro construct associating different cell types to achieve one function; the precise structure or function of an actual tissue need not be achie​ved but it must be an artificial construct, not an actual tissue explant (C12N 5/0602 and subgroups, according to the source or dominant cell type), and no single cell type must be responsible for the desired effect, as is the case for a typical co-culture. Examples: model of neuromuscular junction where a neuron commands a muscle cell C12N 5/0697, C12N 2502/081, C12N 2502/1335; testicular prosthesis consisting of chondro​cytes (for shape) and of Sertoli cells (for hormonal function), C12N 5/0697, C12N 2502/1317, C12N 2502/24; but embry​onic stem cells on a feeder layer of embryonic fibroblast C12N 5/0606, C12N 2502/13. C12N 2502/00 codes are used to index all cell types, including accessory ones (e.g. vascular cells or tumour cells added in some illustrated embodiments to study vascular or tumour growth inside a tissue).

Not to be used. Genetic engineering itself is classified in C12N 15/00; cells modified for a particular appli​ca​tion (e.g. recombinant expression, promoter-reporter constructs for testing) are classified with the application (C07K 14/00 - C07K 14/16, G01N 33/00, C12Q 1/00). Classification in C12N 5/00 is done only if there is actual interest in the cell itself; e.g. transfecting pdx1 in MSC to yield insulin-secreting cells (assimilated to pancreatic delta cells, according to the sought therapeutic effect, even though full differentiation and full functionality may not be achieved) C12N 5/0676, C12N 2506/1353, C12N 2510/00.

Has only been used for extremely rare cases of generic fused cell technology applicable equally to animal, vegetal, fungal (yeast) or bacterial cells.

Fusion partners are not indexed. C12N 5/163 covers also cell lines to be used as fusion partners, but not specific hybridomas producing a specific antibody.

Some "rejuvenated" cells prepared by introducing "young" cytoplasm into "old" cells, or even by trans​ferring "old" nuclei into enucleated "young" cells" have been assimilated to fused cells and classified here. See also code C12N 2506/00. Note that nuclear transfer in itself is C12N 15/873 and circulation is warranted. Proper cloning is not classified here.

Classification Policy

Considering that:

All relevant aspects of the examples, including unclaimed aspects, are classified as allowed by the scheme at the most specific place; the wording of the claims, e.g. with respect to further appli​ca​tions or possible generalisation, need not be considered and shall not be classified in the absence of actual support in the examples. The "last place rule" is not used; multiple symbols may be given as needed.

Irrelevant aspects, which are not classified are those upstream and/or downstream the invention (or "contribution to the art"):

A document whose examples are solely directed to testing in cells is not to be clas​si​fied at all in C12N 5/00 but only either in G01N 33/00 or C12Q 1/00 (if emphasis is on the testing itself) or in A61K 31/00 - A61K 38/00 (if the intent lies with in vivo therapy after pre-clinical tests).

Non-patent literature is not classified, owing to its sheer abundance and to the quality of dedicated databases.

Some Principles and Practices

The technology classified in C12N 5/12 and subgroups (fused cells, e.g. hybridomas C12N 5/163, hybridomas for producing a specific antibody C07K 16/00) appears to be mostly obsolete and tech​nically deprecated.

The last overhaul in C12N 5/00 (from 2002 onwards) was driven by the surge of stem cell-related applications. In order to both keep track of differentiation processes and maintain stem cell groups to a manageable size, C12N 2506/00 was introduced. It also appeared that, with paperless classification and online search, it would be better to move cell-type specific media and supports to the corres​ponding cell group; C12N 2500/00 - C12N 2502/00 and, later C12N 2531/00 - C12N 2533/00, were introduced and C12N 5/00 documents deeply indexed during reor​ga​ni​sation (C12N 2531/00 - C12N 2533/00 indexing is less thorough because it was actually performed after reorganisation of C12N 5/06 was complete). To avoid duplicating in whole the existing hierarchies for proteins (A61K 38/00, C07K 14/00), enzymes (C12N 9/00), antibodies (C07K 16/00) and chemicals (A61K 31/00, C07, C08, etc), C12N 2501/00 was organised by signalling pathway, so that a ligand, its receptor, anti​bodies thereof and any "small organic molecule" with agonist or antagonist activity could share one single symbol.

Further cell groups were introduced, with mnemonic letters wherever possible. It has been submitted that the older layers of classification are organised by cell type while the newer layers are often in terms of organs; this is correct, but, taking into account that each different organ is asso​ciated with only a limited number of specific cell types, there should be no ambiguity in practice.

Blood and bone marrow-related groups were completely remodelled for more specificity, giving an opportunity to get rid of the lymphoid/myeloid distinction which proved to be proble​ma​tic (notably dendritic cells are heterogenous and may derive from both lineages). In order to restrict as much as possible the large group for haematopoietic stem cells, committed progenitors were reclas​sified with their progeny but this policy was not consistently considered elsewhere.

C12N 5/0607 (pluripotent adult stem cells) derives from a practical issue, which ultimately stems from our poor understanding of stem cells in general. While stem cells are all the rage, it must be kept in mind that actually very few cells have been proved to be stem: Haema​to​poietic stem cells have only been "purified" to a few percent of a population, and that's with mouse cells, not even in humans. Mesenchymal stem cells are currently sourced from various tissues (bone marrow, circulating blood, adipose tissue) which are assumed to yield similar or iden​tical cells; it has also not been demonstrated whether such MSC populations actually contain true multi​potent cells rather than a mixture of various uni- or bi​potent progenitors. Evidence of true stem​ness, at clonal level, is only available for embryonic stem cells; unfortunately, it is also known that ES are a laboratory artefact—a wonderful artefact, but an artefact nevertheless. C12N 5/0607 was intended as a temporary fix, carefully monitored, to be eventually dispersed into existing groups or better redefined, taking advantage of further insights into "stemness".

And then induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) appeared, and a specific group was quickly needed to cover this technology.

Classification strategy according to subject-matter

For the sake of completeness, classification should be considered in all technical fields where they may be of interest. Common targets for additional classification include:

Cells per se, tissues per se: C12N 5/0602, with the exception of vaccines.

Cells for vaccines are allocated a symbol in A61K 39/00 and subgroups according to the antigen, a symbol in A61K 2039/51 and subgroups and a symbol in C12N 5/00 and subgroups, when the invention is directed to the culture process.

For cellular immunotherapy, a symbol can be allocated in C12N 5/0634 or C12N 5/0636 - C12N 5/064 with an appropriate symbol in A61K 39/46 and subgroups and A61K 2239/00 - A61K 2239/59 if the invention is the invention is directed to the culture process.

Medical preparations containing living animal cells (other than vaccines):

C12N 5/0601, C12N 5/0602, etc with the relevant symbol A61K 35/12 or A61K 48/00.

Considered for classification in A61K 35/00.

Transformed cells, Immortalised cells: Quite often, transfected cells are nothing more than a means to produce a protein (C07K 14/00, C07K 16/00, C12N 9/00, possibly gene therapy, A61K 48/00) or to perform biochemical tests or screening assays (G01N 33/50 or C12Q 1/02): these cases do not deserve clas​si​fi​ca​tion in C12N 5/00 and no further C12N 2510/00 symbol is required. If, and only if, the document is clas​sified in C12N 5/00 for another reason or the transformation itself is important (e.g. a cell immor​talised by telomerase, C12N 2510/04), an C12N 2510/00 symbol is used in combination with the C12N 5/06 class of the cell type. If the cell type is not relevant, the document pertains to a general method of transfection and should be classified in C12N 15/00.

Also, claims to a transformed cell isolated from a transgenic animal (possibly made for that sole purpose) need not be classified in C12N 5/0602 even the cell type is specified: Consider classification in C12N 15/85 and add an additional C12N 2517/00 symbol. The same apply to fused cells (e.g. hybridomas), which are classified in C12N 5/12 and subgroups only if their interest goes beyond the antibody they produce (forward to C07K 16/00).

Apparatuses for cell purification are not classified at all in C12N 5/00; if the application concerns a particular (novel) reagent, a particular device or a method specifically tied to a particular device, in many cases it will be classified fully outside of C12N 5/00. The typical document retained in C12N 5/00 pertains to the use of a combination of (known) reagents (combinations of markers) for isolating a given cell type.

Culture medium:

C12N 5/0018 - C12N 5/0056 for a "universal" medium, including medium for "generic cells".

C12N 5/06 and subgroups for a medium dedicated to a specific cell type.

In all cases, all specified components are classified with C12N 2500/00 - C12N 2502/00 symbols. Many documents pertaining to culture media fall under C12N 5/06 in CPC, but belong to C12N 5/00 and subgroups thereof under IPC.

Culture support:

C12N 5/0068 and C12N 5/0075 possibly add a C12N 5/06 (and subgroups) class for the cell used in the examples if it is relevant. C12N 5/0601, C12N 5/0602… in the less common case where the support is type-specific classify with C12N 2533/00 and C12N 2531/00 symbols.

Cell culture apparatus:

C12M Outside of the scope of this document.

Cell culture process:

C12N 5/0601, C12N 5/0602 etc.

Classify active agents with C12N 2501/00, C12N 2500/00, C12N 2502/00 symbols as applicable.

Differentiation process:

C12N 5/0601, C12N 5/0602 etc. for the resulting cell.

Classify differentiation agents with C12N 2501/00, C12N 2500/00, C12N 2502/00 symbols as applicable.

The differentiation of a lineage-restricted stem cell into the corresponding, expected, progeny (from a C12N 5/0606, C12N 5/0611, C12N 5/0623 etc progenitor or stem cell to a C12N 5/0603, C12N 5/0608, C12N 5/0613 etc terminal cell within the same branch of the hierarchy) is not further classified; differentiation of pluripotent cells (C12N 5/0606, C12N 5/0607, C12N 5/0611) and "unexpected" differentiation processes, such as transdifferentiation to a different branch of the hierarchy or dedifferentiation (from a differentiated cell into a more primitive or more potent cell), are classified with a C12N 2506/00 symbol for the initial cell.

Tissue culture, 3D culture, tissue equivalents:

C12N 5/0062 for a generic process.

C12N 5/0601, C12N 5/0602 etc. for a specific tissue defined by one single cell type or for ex vivo culture of tissues (e.g. skin explants C12N 5/0677).

C12N 5/0697 etc. for an artificial tissue construct requiring the association of more than one type of cells to achieve its function; classify all cell types with C12N 2502/00 symbols.

Tests, screening assays on cells or tissue equivalents:

Classify in G01N 33/50 or C12Q 1/02.

Classification with C12N 2503/00 symbols is only intended to avoid superfluous double classification when the cell in itself is of interest for C12N 5/00 and the testing process is not inventive.

See also A01H 4/00 through A01H 4/008

See also A01H 4/00 through A01H 4/008, C12N 1/12, C12N 5/14 and A01G 33/00

A "pluripotent" cell is a somatic stem cell which can differentiate into cells of at least two of the three somatic lineages (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm). Totipotent cells are classified with pluripotent cells. A "totipotent" cell can differentiate into all somatic lineages (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm), the germ line and extra-embryonic tissues such as the placenta

A "pluripotent" cell is a somatic stem cell which can differentiate into cells of at least two of the three somatic lineages (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm). Totipotent cells are classified with pluripotent cells. A "totipotent" cell can differentiate into all somatic lineages (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm), the germ line and extra-embryonic tissues such as the placenta

A "multipotent" cell is restricted to one lineage.

See also C12N 15/02

Viruses are ultramicroscopic (20 to 300 nm in diameter), metabolically inert, infectious agents that replicate only within the cells of living hosts, mainly bacteria, plants, and animals: composed of an RNA or DNA core, a protein coat, and, in more complex types, a surrounding envelope.

Note that a virus (or VLP) as such is not considered a nanoparticle even if it falls under the size constraints of nanotechnology (see B82Y 5/00).

The complexity of the field is compounded by the large number of available viruses and the increase in their corresponding (therapeutic) uses. In this scheme, taxonomic indexing codes are assigned (C12N 2710/00-C12N 2796/00 series to define which virus is used in a given invention. These codes are extended by two digits to define the specific use(s) of the virus or viral component.

Allocation of these codes is compulsory for all relevant virus subject-matter, according to the rules defined below.

The use of the subdivisions in C07K 14/005-C07K 14/19, C12N 7/00-C12N 7/08 and C12N 15/86-C12N 15/869 is discontinued since the taxonomy within said classification ranges is incomplete and inconsistent. Only A61K 39/12, C07K 14/005, C12N 7/00 and C12N 15/86 will be given in relevant cases, as indicated below.

C12N 7/00 should be given when no other viral (A61K 39/12, C07K 14/005, C12N 15/86) or other group is appropriate, since giving at least one group as invention information is mandatory.

The specific codes in the C12N 2710/00 - C12N 2796/00 ranges have the format C12N27xx/xxxyy. The first part of the code indicates the structural element of the invention, namely the specific virus to which the invention relates. The two last digits before the '/' and the first three digits after the '/' represent the taxonomic location of the virus and the last place rule applies:

Specific further aspects of viruses that are sufficiently disclosed in the application and worth classifying are assigned in combination with the taxonomy by addition of codes of two digits (yy) at the end of the taxonomic information (xx/xxx). The scope of the information covered by the last two digits is as defined below.

If multiple functions are disclosed for the same virus or viral component, multiple codes of the format C12N27xx/xxxyy are given:

Instead of the "last place rule" the following rules are applicable for C12N 9/00 and subgroups:

Proteinases (, e.g. Endopeptidases (3.4.21 - 3.4.25)) derived from bacteria or proteinases derived from Archaea, formerly known as Archaebacteria.

Carrier-bound or immobilized enzymes are also classified in C12N 11/00.

Stabilized enzymes are also classified in the most specific subgroup from C12N 9/00 - C12N 9/94 and in C12Y.

Enzymes present in granular or free-flowing enzyme compositions are also classified in the most specific subgroup from C12N 9/00 - C12N 9/94 and in C12Y.

Enzymes or microbial cells that are immobilised or bound to a carrier, and processes for the immobilisation or binding to carriers of enzymes and microbial cells, with the aim of using them as immobilised or carrier-bound enzymes or microbial cells.

The last place rule is applicable, but all information should be given a class. E.g. if a bridging agent is used and the carrier is carbohydrate and both are part of the invention in the application, then classify in both C12N 11/06 and C12N 11/10.

Processes of treating microorganisms or enzymes with electrical or wave energy including magnetic and sound waves.

Preparing mutants and screening processes therefor.

Processes of fusing two or more cells to each other.

Recombinant DNA-technology including:

Classification in C12N 15/00 should only be performed in exceptional cases in the absence of a more specific subgroup.

C12N 9/00 (and C07K 14/00) vs. C12N 15/00: C12N 9/00 (and C07K 14/00) stop where C12N 15/00 begins. C12N 9/00 (and C07K 14/00) are only used for the product (the inventive non-coding sequence of a gene) while C12N 15/00 is used for the use of this product (e.g. a promoter present in a vector for the production of other proteins). Non-coding sequences are only classified in C12N 9/00 (or C07K 14/00) if they are (part of) the invention. If the non-coding sequence is just an arbitrary choice from more available sequences it is not classified in C12N 9/00 (or C07K 14/00).

In this group, C-Sets (#C12Na) are used. The detailed information about the C-Sets construction and the associated syntax rules are found in the "Special rules of classification" in C12N 15/10.

Methods for generating mutants and their screening processes, without introducing genetic material into the organism (e.g by using chemical mutagens (nitrosoguanidine), specific culture conditions).

See also C12N 5/12 through C12N 5/166

This subclass will not be used.

Methods concerning the cloning, recombination, and generation of genetic material (DNA, RNA) by recombinant DNA technology; genetic engineering.

Methods for the isolation of nucleic acids e.g. DNA, RNA, plasmids, vectors, genomic DNA, genomic RNA) from microorganisms, viruses and plant origin.

Methods for the isolation of nucleic acids using a solid phase, e.g. non-magnetic beads.

Methods for the isolation of nucleic acids by chromatography, binding the nucleic acid onto a column, washing and eluting the nucleic acid.

Methods for the isolation of nucleic acids by chromatography, binding the nucleic acid to para-, ferro- or dia-magnetic beads, e.g. Dynabeads;

Methods for the isolation of nucleic acids by chromatography using filter, frits, membranes.

General in vitro method of mutagenesis of nucleic acid by recombinant DNA technology, inserting/deleting/replacing nucleotides e.g. using oligonucleotides and site directed mutagenesis, error prone PCR, splicing by overlap extension.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/10 group.

In vivo method of mutagenesis of nucleic acid by recombinant DNA technology, e.g. inserting/deleting/replacing nucleotides by introducing genetic material into the host cell, or disrupting the mismatch repair mechanism of the cell.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/10 group.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/10 group.

Preparation of mutated genes by polynucleotide fragment assembly, e.g. assembly of genes using single-stranded oligonucleotides.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/10 group.

General method for screening libraries and isolating an individual clone in which the preparation of the library is not an essential technical feature.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/10 group.

Classification in C12N 15/1034 - C12N 15/1093 takes precedence over classification in C40B. That is to say C40B is of secondary importance and documents must always be classified in C12N 15/1034 and subgroups. A classification symbol from C40B may be given in addition. (N.B. C40B is never used for search in this field).

Preparation or screening of peptide libraries displayed by microorganism, cellular peptide display, e.g. phage display, E. coli display, yeast display, eukaryotic cell display.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

Method for selecting high-affinity polypeptide ligands that specifically bind target molecules by ribosome/polysome display.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

Preparation or screening a library of polypeptides comprising a scaffold-based molecule comprising loop domains, e.g. constructing or screening a library of a scaffold-based proteins which are derived from a stability enhanced consensus sequence of a fibronectin type III (FN3) domain incorporating randomized codons in order to produce polypeptide variants.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

Method of creating or screening a library of gene sequences by gene-trap cloning, isolation of gene sequences by gene-trap cloning, e.g. exons, introns, promoters, enhancer, signal sequences, IRES-, IME-sequences.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/10 and C12N 15/1034 groups.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

Method for the preparation, screening and isolation of gene sequences by a methods of directed molecular evolution using the modified polynucleotide libraries, e.g. cellular transformation, directed evolution, and screening methods for creating novel transgenic organisms having desirable properties, method of screening gene libraries derived from a mixed population of organisms for a bioactivity of biomolecule of interest.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

Linking phenotype (polypeptide) covalently to mRNA (genotype) and screening libraries of such polypeptide-mRNA-display molecules for activity to identify single library member (polynucleotide sequence) that bind with a target molecule.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

In vitro method of preparation or screening of libraries in cell-free compartmentalization systems (IVC), e.g. screening libraries prepared in emulsions (water in oil), droplets in contact with oil; directed evolution of polypeptide/enzyme (peptide display library) by in vitro compartmentalization;

covalent or non-covalent DNA-display.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

Method of identifying nuclei acids that contributes to cell phenotype or phenotypic traits, e.g. method for the identification of genes that are essential for the maintenance of specific cell phenotypes.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

Method of identifying nuclei acids by preparation or screening a genome library in which at least one nucleic acid was stable integrated e.g. using HR, site-specific recombination, transposons, viral vectors, into the genome of the host cell, e.g. using methods for site-specifically integrating at least one first nucleic acid into a genome of at least one cell.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

Method of identifying nuclei acids by preparation or screening a library of nucleic acids using reporter assays, wherein the reporter confers a selectable phenotype on cells, e.g. lacZ, GFP, YFP, Luc.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

Method of identifying nuclei acids by preparation or screening a library of nucleic acids in which at least one step comprises the use of a computer algorithm or an in silico step e.g. to align nucleotide sequences, in silico recombination techniques by designing oligonucleotides for regulated recombination.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

Method of identifying nuclei acids by preparation or screening a library of nucleic acids/host cells not provided for in other subgroups.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/1034 group.

Method for preparing cDNA by reverse translation of RNA, e.g. preparation and cloning DNA into a vector in which the reverse transcription is an essential feature of the process.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/10 group.

Natural or synthetic nucleic acids used in biotechnology and genetic engineering.

Subgroups C12N 15/11 - C12N 15/117 also cover the use of non-coding nucleic acids as active ingredients medicinal preparations

No distinction is made between 'invention' and 'additional' information. All technical features belonging to the 'invention' and all those exemplified in the document are classified. The allocation of additional information symbols, where possible, is mandatory.

Classification is made in all appropriate places, unless otherwise specified.

Methods and processes of general interest for one or more class(es) of non-coding nucleic acids.

The methods or processes should always be further defined by the relevant codes of the C12N 2320/00 indexing scheme.

Methods or processes which are obviously state of the art are not classified

Nucleic acids having a direct effect on the expression of a gene or the transcription of its messenger such as Antisense nucleic acids, Catalytic nucleic acids, e.g. ribozymes, Triplex-forming oligonucleotides, Decoys, Nucleic acids used in gene silencing or RNA interference, or MicroRNAs.

In addition to the Rules already outlined for C12N 15/11, use of the C12N 2310/00 - C12N 2330/00 indexing schemes is made.

In this group and its subgroups classification is made according to the origin and nature of the target and should follow the categorisation made in C07K 14/00. Additional help can be found in the MeSH database of the NCBI

(www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh ).

Non-coding nucleic acids directed against targets directly involved in the oncogenic processes, e.g. when their expression or activity is de-regulated.

Non-coding nucleic acids directed to nucleic acids encoding proteins with an enzymatic activity.

The enzyme(s) targeted are further specified by using the appropriate symbol(s) from the C12Y scheme.

Nucleic acids binding a target molecule specifically and with high affinity without hybridising therewith.

Non-coding nucleic acids having a direct impact on the immune system.

The corresponding Indexing Code should always be given in addition to the class.

Operons: DNA constructs containing a cluster of genes under the control of a single regulatory signal or promoter.

Groups of genes for enzymes providing an organism with the ability to synthesize a specific compound or compounds (e.g. synthetic (partial) pathways)

The genes present in the operon are also classified in C12N 9/00 and subgroups and in C12Y.

Methods to produce a fusion protein by recombinant DNA technology

This group covers only documents in which emphasis is given on the method for the preparation of fusion proteins.

The products of the method are also classified in the groups for the individual proteins being part of the fusion protein.

The documents have further to be given an Indexing Code for fusion proteins: C07K 2319/00.

Methods for producing, by recombinant DNA technology, a fusion protein in which one of the fused polypeptides consists of a signal sequence with or without (part of) its mature protein.

This group covers only documents in which emphasis is given on the method for the preparation of fusion proteins containing a signal sequence.

The products of the method are also classified in the groups for the individual proteins being part of the fusion protein. This includes classification into the group for the polypeptide from which the signal sequence has been derived

The document has further to be given an Indexing Code for fusion proteins: C07K 2319/00.

General method for regulating (enhancing, inhibiting) the gene expression by modifying the operator, enhancer or promoter dependent transcription of the messenger RNA.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/00 group.

General method for regulating (enhancing, inhibiting) the gene expression by modifying/regulating the repressor or inducer mediated transcription of the messenger RNA.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/00 group.

General methods for generating vectors for use in recombinant technology i.e. cloning methods for preparing a general vector. A general vector is to be understood as being one which is independent of the origin of replication. Methods for specifically preparing e.g. a plant, viral or mammalian vector, wherein the method of preparation is restricted to and applicable only in e.g. a plant, virus or mammal are classified in their corresponding vector group.

General methods for preparing the vector, for introducing it into the cell or for selecting the vector-containing host using polypeptides as marker molecules, wherein the polypeptides do not comprise enzymatic activity.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/00 group.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/10 group.

The methods or processes should always be classified in combination-sets which consist of the appropriate CPC group together with the Indexing Codes under C12N 2500/00.

General method for preparing a recombinant vector using cleavage and ligation.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/00 group.

See corresponding header for the C12N 15/10 group.

The methods or processes should always be classified in combination-sets which consist of the appropriate CPC group together with the Indexing Codes under C12N 2500/00.

General method for ribosome mediated regulating (i.e. enhancing, inhibiting) the gene expression by modifying the ribosomal mediated translation of the messenger RNA.

General method of enhancing the expression a nucleic acid sequence, by stabilizing the vector in the host cell, e.g. preserving DNA in a stable form over time, temperature, culture conditions.

General method of enhancing the expression a nucleic acid sequence, by increasing the copy number of the vector in the host cell, e.g. conditions that results in an increase in plasmid copy number in comparison to a control plasmid, e.g. mutation in the copy number control region.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for E.coli, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in Escherichia coli.

Shuttle vector is classified according to the vector/host system in which the vector is able to replicate.

Vectors comprising a chimeric/hybrid origin of replication are classified according to the vectors/host system in which the vector is able to replicate.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for E.coli, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in Escherichia coli, and comprising regulatory sequences from the trp-operon.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for E.coli, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in Escherichia coli, and comprising regulatory sequences from the lac-operon.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for E.coli, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in Escherichia coli, and comprising regulatory sequences from the phage (lambda) regulatory sequences.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for prokaryotic hosts other than E.coli, i.e. comprising at last one origin of replication working in prokaryotic hosts other than E. coli, e.g. Lactobacillus, Micromonospora.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for prokaryotic hosts other than E.coli, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in prokaryotic hosts other than E. coli, e.g. for Agrobacterium, Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for prokaryotic hosts other than E.coli, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in prokaryotic hosts other than E. coli, e.g.: for lactic acid bacteria (Streptococcus; Lactococcus; Lactobacillus; Pediococcus; Enterococcus; Leuconostoc; Propionibacterium; Bifidobacterium; Sporolactobacillus).

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for prokaryotic hosts other than E.coli, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in prokaryotic hosts other than E. coli, e. g. for Bacillus.

See corresponding header fro C12N 15/70.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for prokaryotic hosts other than E.coli, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in prokaryotic hosts other than E. coli, e. g. for Actinomyces; for Streptomyces.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for prokaryotic hosts other than E.coli, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in prokaryotic hosts other than E. coli, e. g. Corynebacterium, for Brevibacterium.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for prokaryotic hosts other than E.coli, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in prokaryotic hosts other than E. coli, e. g. Pseudomonas.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for eukaryotic hosts, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in eukaryotic hosts, and which can not be classified in the subgroups below C12N 15/80 – C12N 15/86.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/64.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for eukaryotic hosts, i.e. comprising at least origin of replication working in eukaryotic hosts, e.g. fungi.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/64.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for eukaryotic hosts, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in eukaryotic hosts, e.g. yeast.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/64.

All application dealing with vectors especially adapted for eukaryotic hosts, i.e. comprising at least one origin of replication working in eukaryotic hosts, e.g. other than Saccharomyces.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/70.

See corresponding header for C12N 15/64.

If a document relates to:

Plant breeding (tissue culture) method and new non-transgenic plants (varieties): use A01H 1/00 through A01H 4/00 for the method if appropriate; use A01H 5/00 through A01H 17/00 for the new plants (varieties)

Note that the C12N 15/8241... subclasses are not used unless there is significant matter defining the purposive modification of the plant genotype or phenotype normally no A01H class as above. (Note also A01H 1/00 through A01H 4/00 could be added. For example if transformation method included information relating to tissue culture).

A01H 5/00 through A01H 17/00 classes are only used in ECLA for new mainly non-transgenic plants (usually varieties).

Includes algal transformation

Means for DNA/chromosomal rearrangements

Mitochondrial transformation

Multiple cis/trans cascaded systems

Signal peptides

Output trait influences the output products of plants or their parts

Modulating protein content

Input trait influences the input required for growth and development of the plant or its parts

Vectors are nucleic acid constructs capable of introducing genetic information into cells.This group covers vectors for animal cells (C12N 15/85), in particular for the production of transgenic animals (C12N 15/8509), and viral vectors (C12N 15/86).

Introduction of foreign genetic material using processes not otherwise provided for, e.g. co-transformation, cloning and microinjection are covered by C12N 15/87-C12N 15/907.

C12N 15/8509, C12N 15/873 and C12N 15/877 relate to processes for producing animals, which per se are classified in the range A01K 67/027-A01K 67/033, in combination with codes in the A01K 2207/00-A01K 2267/00 ranges.

All indexing information needed to characterise the non-coding nucleic acids used in groups C12N 15/11 - C12N 15/117.

The orthogonal Indexing symbols in this group are only to be used with groups C12N 15/11 - C12N 15/117.

The orthogonal Indexing symbols are only given to information relevant to the invention or explicitly exemplified, i.e. wish-lists are not indexed.

#C12Nc: a nucleic acid that is modified at the 2'-OR position of the sugar by a methoxy-group: is classified as (C12N 2310/321, C12N 2310/3521)

#C12Nc: a nucleic acid that is halogenated at the 2'-R-position of the sugar is classified as (C12N 2310/322, C12N 2310/3533)

#C12Nc: a methylated adenosine is classified as (C12N 2310/333, C12N 2310/3521)

#C12Nc: an interfering RNA with a stem-loop structure, e.g. a shRNA is classified as (C12N 2310/14, C12N 2310/531)

#C12Nc: an antisense nucleic acid with an LNA - gapmer design is classified as (C12N 2310/11, C12N 2310/3231, C12N 2310/341)

C-Sets search queries may be made according to C-Sets classification rule #C12Nc described above.

Information about which class of non-coding nucleic acid is concerned.

Chemical modification of the nucleic acids, i.e. all relevant deviations from the natural DNA or RNA forms.

Modifications of the phosphate group(s) forming the backbone of the nucleic acid, including the terminal group(s).

Nucleic acids where the phosphate units of the backbone are (at least partially) replaced by a different chemical entity.

All modifications made to, or variations of, the (deoxy)ribose part of the nucleic acid:

All modifications at the 2'-position of the sugar made via an oxygen-atom.

The nature of the modifying group is further defined by using a combination symbol (see the corresponding header of C12N 2310/00).

The combination symbol corresponding to the natural ribose (2'-OH), i.e. C12N 2310/321 combined with C12N 2310/3531 to form a combination set is only given when the RNA nature of the oligonucleotide is of particular relevance to the invention.

All modifications directly linked to the 2'-carbon of the sugar, without an intermediate oxygen.

The nature of the modifying group is further defined by using a combination symbol (see the corresponding header of C12N 2310/00).

The combination symbol corresponding to the natural deoxyribose (2'-H), i.e. C12N 2310/322 combined with C12N 2310/3531 to form a combination set is only given when the DNA nature of the oligonucleotide is of particular relevance to the invention.

Modifications of the classical (deoxy)ribose ring, including replacement by other sugars.

The nature of the modifying group is further defined by using a combination symbol (see the corresponding header of C12N 2310/00).

Nucleic acids comprising a base other than adenine (A), uracil (U), thymidine (T), guanine (G) or cytosine (C). This includes modifications of said natural bases.

The nature of the modifying group is further defined by using a combination symbol (see the corresponding header of C12N 2310/00).

Nucleic acids where the specific position of a modification within the nucleic acid is relevant.

Aspects concerning specific uses of the non-coding nucleic acids.

The indexing symbols in this group are only to be used with groups C12N 15/11 - C12N 15/117.

The indexing symbols are only given to information relevant to the invention or explicitly exemplified, i.e. wish-lists are not indexed.

When appropriate, use of combination-symbols is made to further characterise the nucleic acids (see corresponding rule by C12N 2310/00).

The use of the non-coding nucleic acid for screening as well as the detection of the nucleic acid.

The use of a non-coding nucleic acid in the identification of an accessible site on the target nucleic acid. Hence, the Indexing Code covers also the screening for active non-coding nucleic acids.

All methods and processes directed to provide the non-coding nucleic acid with a new function.

Subject-matter where the method or therapeutic application is part of the invention.

Methods and means directed to modify the natural activity of the nucleic acids.

The means for producing or obtaining the non-coding nucleic acids.

The indexing symbols in this group are only to be used with groups C12N 15/11 - C12N 15/117.

The indexing symbols are only given to information relevant to the invention or explicitly exemplified, i.e. wish-lists are not indexed.

When appropriate, use of combination-symbols is made to further characterise the nucleic acids (see corresponding rule by C12N 2310/00).

Non-coding nucleic acids naturally present in a cell or organism.

This Indexing Code can be given as a combination code, e.g. C12N 2310/111 combined with C12N 2330/10 to form a combination set indicates a naturally occurring antisense.