EP1345508A2

EP1345508A2 - Piece of jewelry bearing a genetic fingerprint

Info

Publication number: EP1345508A2
Application number: EP01985810A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexander Olek
Original assignee: Berlin Kathrin; Berlin Kurt; Heuermann Arno; Piepenbrock Christian; Reuter Christine; Schacht Oliver
Current assignee: Berlin Kathrin; Berlin Kurt; Heuermann Arno; Piepenbrock Christian; Reuter Christine; Schacht Oliver
Priority date: 2000-12-21
Filing date: 2001-12-21
Publication date: 2003-09-24
Also published as: US20040163412A1; AU2002235715A1; DE10065089A1; WO2002049474A2; WO2002049474A3

Abstract

The invention relates to pieces of jewelry that are provided to be worn by an individual and that are characterized by bearing genetic information about the individual wearing them or about a different individual. In a preferred embodiment, these pieces of jewelry are wedding or engagement rings.

Description

Jewelry item with genetic fingerprint

Field of the Invention

The invention is concerned with the labeling of jewelry with the genetic fingerprints of individuals.

State of the art

When creating the classic genetic fingerprint, the entire DNA of an individual is divided into smaller sub-pieces in one of several possible forms - usually by means of a so-called restriction endonuclease - and separated by gel electrophoresis according to the length of the resulting pieces. Within many of the resulting pieces there are so-called "repeats", repetitions of one and the same base sequence, the number [of repetitions] of which varies between different individuals. A labeled sample consisting of a DNA sequence complementary to the repeat can be separated with the lengthwise DNA of the individual and at the same time make the length of many such repeats visible. The resulting pattern is almost certainly unique for every person. However, since the length measurement of the different pieces of DNA is only relative (within a separation), each must be Such "experiment" so-called standards are used which then establish the comparability - and thus also the actual uniqueness - of the fingerprint. The currently preferred variant of the genetic fingerprint is carried out via so-called microsatellites. These also consist of repeating repeats of either two or four bases (the most common form is the CACACACA Repeat), the number of repetitions of which can vary per repeat. The genetic markers, each of which can exist in more than just two variants, are defined by the unique DNA sequences on both sides. The greatest advantage of these markers is that a defined set of these markers has been established in global round robin tests and is now internationally accepted. You also have to accept both a number and one Number code agreed which adequately describes the information of the individual markers.

The method of identity determination of the future is likely to be the detection of individual variable base changes in human DNA. Approximately every 100 to 1000 bases (the exact frequency is not yet known and is insignificant here) in the human genome there is statistically a position where one base is in one part of the population and another in another part of the population. If such a variability is very low (only by far the least part of the population has one base, while the vast majority have the other), one classically speaks of a mutation. From a certain uniform distribution of the possible bases at one point, it is a polymorphism or SNP.

It can now be calculated that when analyzing an individual from a certain number of such SNP positions onwards, the sum of the identities at the examined points gives a clear description of the individual. There are hundreds of thousands of such SNPs in the human genome, and today no combination has been agreed worldwide that would be generally applicable to all such analyzes. There is also no recognized addressing system for SNPs in the human genome (other than the description of the actual sequence context), and some ten positions would have to be used to uniquely describe an individual. However, as soon as a standard set of such markers exists, there will undoubtedly be an internationally accepted number or letter code (or other coding) with them. The characterization of SNPs for unambiguous identity determination may therefore become the method of choice in the future.

As a rule, the relationship between the giver and the recipient plays a special role when giving away or exchanging jewelry and some other luxury goods, unlike many other types of objects that are given as gifts or other gifts. But clearly marking objects from your own possession in a highly individual but appealing way has always been an issue, whether for reasons of individuality or simply to secure property or a combination of both. In particular when exchanging wedding rings, such a marking takes place, which usually has the surname or first name of the partner and, for example, the wedding date engraved. Nowadays, almost all members of Western societies place greater emphasis on a particularly individual touch on all very personal matters. The exchange of wedding rings and similar jewelry is also a special case. The individuality of the ring itself can only be influenced very gradually, but mainly via the price, in the form of the chosen material or the "brand name" of a jeweler or a jewelry chain. This method of distinguishing the piece of jewelry from the gifts of a stranger is not possible for most people because of the limited purchasing power, moreover, even if a tailor-made piece of jewelry is selected from the finest materials, the person giving the gift is less connected to the piece of jewelry than is desired by most people and closest to this invention is US4993472, which describes the application of people's fingerprints to jewelry, but in particular, it must be borne in mind that it is usually not possible to have a complete fingerprint of an individual, for example on an marriage It is a general problem that the space on the inside of a wedding ring is usually extremely limited, so that it is not possible to provide unlimited information about the identity of the donor.

Ideally, for example, many bridal couples want to demonstrate a very extensive exchange of their most personal areas, so that even when engraving a wedding ring, only those inscriptions are selected that cannot be changed, that are inseparable from one person and are not assigned by others. Not even engravings such as an American "social security number" meet all of these criteria, although the exchange of this number, which is almost inseparable from people resident in the USA, has certainly already been realized. Also a combination of first and last name, date of birth etc seems too bureaucratic on a wedding ring due to the wealth of data to prevail in practice. task

The invention is therefore based on the problem that it corresponds to the needs of many people to clearly identify themselves or other people on jewelry. On wedding rings, for example, this is usually done in such a way that initials or the full names are used. However, due to the names, it is usually not possible to find the owner of such a ring. Also, many combinations of first and last names can be found very often, which usually makes it difficult to identify the owner of a piece of jewelry. Often, with frequent names, it is no longer possible to identify the owner with reasonable effort. However, there is a considerable need here, especially for expensive jewelry.

In addition to this practical problem comes the need for individuality described above in today's society. For the reasons mentioned, this is not always sufficiently taken into account by adding a name to the item of jewelry.

description

Below we describe a favorite and some other technical solutions to the problem described above. The solution is to apply a sum of data points from the genome (the DNA) to the jewelry item (e.g. as an engraving on a wedding ring), which together are so unique that with the greatest probability no other individual worldwide (and also no jewelry item) exists which has exactly the same combination of data points.

The invention solves the problem in that it uses genetic fingerprints, as is known in principle from the prior art, to identify individuals on jewelry items. For this purpose, the genetic fingerprints are encoded and, for example, stamped on a wedding ring. This allows not only the identification of the rightful owner at all times, but they are naturally also very individual. Depending on the effort involved, it can even be said with almost absolute certainty that the genetic fingerprint in question is unique in the world. In addition, the embossing, for example, brings with it a certain protection against theft, since the original owner of the jewelry item can be identified again at any time, one does not want to change the item or at least remove this unique signature. Such identification features are known from other high-quality objects, such as motor vehicles.

The present invention relates to a piece of jewelry which is intended to be worn by an individual who carries genetic information about an individual. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the jewelry item bears the genetic fingerprint of the individual legally wearing it. However, it can also be the genetic fingerprint of another individual. This is particularly the case when jewelry items are exchanged between two individuals. The jewelry items are particularly preferably a ring, a wedding ring, an engagement ring, a friendship ring, a chain, a medallion, a bangle or combinations thereof.

The present invention furthermore relates to a set of jewelry articles. The objects carry the genetic fingerprint of at least two individuals, the item of jewelry which is intended to be worn by one individual each containing the genetic fingerprint of the other individual. It is also possible and preferred that the jewelry items each carry the genetic fingerprints of two individuals as part of a set of at least two jewelry items. In this sense, a set of wedding rings, engagement rings or friendship rings is particularly preferred.

The present invention furthermore relates to an item of jewelry which contains the genetic fingerprints of the parents of an individual. It acts it is particularly preferred to use a mug, plate, cutlery, plaque or other decorative item that is customary as a birth gift. Such an article of jewelery is particularly preferably a baptismal mug, baptismal plate, christening set, baptismal plaque or another piece of jewelry customary as a christening gift.

In particular, microsatellite markers, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or other genetic markers suitable for the unambiguous identification of individuals are possible as information on which the genetic fingerprints are based. According to current knowledge, microsatellite markers in particular and in the future also single nucleotide polymorphisms are particularly suitable and are hereby preferred.

The most common, perhaps most well-known form of a sum of data points that can be applied to jewelry is the classic genetic fingerprint. Here the entire DNA of an individual is divided into smaller sub-pieces in one of several possible forms - usually by means of a so-called restriction endonuclease - and separated by gel electrophoresis according to the length of the resulting pieces. Within many of the resulting pieces there are so-called "repeats", repetitions of one and the same base sequence, the number [of repetitions] of which varies between different individuals. A labeled sample consisting of a DNA sequence complementary to the repeat can be separated with the lengthwise DNA of the individual and at the same time make the length of many such repeats visible. The resulting pattern is almost certainly unique for every person.

Such a pattern (or an extract from it that describes the individual sufficiently precisely) can now be engraved or embossed in graphic form on, for example, a ring. However, since the length measurement of the different pieces of DNA is only relative (within a separation), so-called standards must be used in each such "experiment", which then establish the comparability - and thus also the actual uniqueness - of the fingerprint. A fingerprint should indicate a person exactly the application of such a standard may also be described for example a ring is necessary. If the sum of the relative distances (sizes) of the DNA pieces characterizes the person uniquely, at least the technical skill of the engraving is such that these minimal differences are reproduced. This is an extremely difficult undertaking, since the size of the engravings should also vary. Therefore, the application of a classic fingerprint to a wedding ring, for example, is a possible, but not the preferred solution to the problem to be solved.

The method of identity determination of the future is likely to be the detection of individual variable base changes in human DNA. Approximately every 100 to 1000 bases (the exact frequency is not yet known and is insignificant here) in the human genome there is statistically a position where one base is in one part of the population and another in another part of the population. If such a variability is very low (only by far the least part of the population has one base, while the vast majority have the other), one classically speaks of a mutation. From a certain uniform distribution of the possible bases at one point, it is a polymorphism or SNP. If there are two possible bases at a certain point, the polymorphism ideally suited for the purpose here is one in which each of the two bases occurs exactly in half of the population. It can now be calculated that when analyzing an individual from a certain number of such SNP positions onwards, the sum of the identities at the examined points gives a clear description of the individual. There are hundreds of thousands of such SNPs in the human genome and today no combination has been agreed worldwide that would apply to all such analyzes. Since there is also no recognized addressing system for SNPs in the human genome (apart from the description of the actual sequence context) and a few ten positions have to be used for a clear description of an individual, a real representation in an appealing but clearly legible form on the limited area of one Jewelry item, for example a wedding ring, technically still difficult to realize. However, as soon as there is a standard set of such markers, there will also be an internationally accepted number or letter code (or other coding), which can then also be used as an attractive engraving. So maybe that will Enforce characterization of SNPs for the unique identification as a method of the future and therefore also be used for the engraving or embossing of jewelry or other gifts.

The variability of DNA is not due to the exchange of a single base by one (or at most the three other possible) others, but rather by the exchange of several bases in succession at the same location in the genome or the absence or insertion of bases in only a few Individuals, the meaningfulness of the identity is the same, the technical feasibility of the analysis becomes more complicated, there is still no agreement on a possible, unambiguous addressing of such markers, but such a method can be described as inventive.

It is, however, a possible variant of the invention, and this applies, of course, to all the methods of engraving mentioned that the donors prefer not to leave engravings that are clearly legible for all strangers. On the contrary, the knowledge that a pattern has clearly emerged from their genome may be sufficiently personal for many people. It could be that such a person wishes that it is completely impossible to identify his or her identity from an engraving, but that it can be clearly distinguished from the identity of another person at any time if only the method of creating the fingerprint is known. It would also be possible for a person whose fingerprint in the form of an engraving to identify an object to be possible only by means of a code stored, for example, in a confidential position. For example, the bases could be engraved on an SNP diagram, but the identity of the positions in the genome (eg in the form of the sequence environment) could be deposited with a notary, a bank, the producing laboratory or even the jeweler. Of course, it is also conceivable to encode these environmental sequences using a cryptography algorithm and to store them on a chip card or your own computer. It is more likely, however, that in the future a lot of medical data will be stored centrally or decentrally, so that given the confidentiality in this case, the SNPs used for a fingerprint, sequence contexts or more generally the identity of other genetic markers could also be stored. Of course, the range of storage options such information is practically unlimited today. However, it is assumed that the form of storage of any information does not influence the essence of the invention and therefore also includes other forms of transfer and storage of information that is important in this context.

The coding of the fingerprints is preferred (whatever technical method, be it in standardized or discrete form) individually or as a limited edition or even mass-produced by an artist or graphic artist (or similarly working designer, jeweler or similar) in a particularly appealing form , The simple number or letter code that is already available for microsatellites and that will soon be available for SNPs is certainly not the preferred form for engraving on a piece of jewelry. On the contrary, the value and the individuality and thus exclusivity of a gift marked in this way could experience a significant increase if well-known artists transform such codes of numbers or letters into attractive patterns. A well-known artist could create a unique pattern (it is irrelevant in every variant whether the absolute information of the markers is legible for every person or whether the coding used - because graphic representation could well be a form of coding - discrete remains in the possession or with the availability of a restricted group of people, is stored confidentially, or even destroyed) produce extreme values in the form of unique pieces that are unique in several respects worldwide. Limited editions, which were ordered in large series, for example by jewelry chains from well-known artists or designers, or sold in-house, could further increase the character of individuality and thus satisfy the human need addressed. Conceivable and of course according to the invention would also be the introduction of a quasi standard for marking such jewelry, or even the introduction of a standard coding system, which generally protects the marking with its own genetic fingerprint, but this identity only under regulated (possibly even legal) conditions for makes other people readable. In principle, a kind of completely secure signature for the identification of objects could be created in this way. The described are the three main, but certainly not the only, methods of deriving an actually individualized engraving or embossing for jewelry items or other gifts or even for marking one's own possessions. At this point we would like to confirm that these are only the most likely examples of such a marking. Every possibility to obtain information from the human genome (or also e.g. gene expression pattern in a certain cell type or its protein expression pattern or other highly individual parameters) and to use it as an engraving or embossing or imprint for the marking of gifts, especially wedding rings, but also in general possessions should also fall under the protection of this invention. The various ways in which such a clear genetic description of the individual is applied to an object hardly play a role for the essence of the invention. This can include prints, embossing, engravings, reliefs, painting, spatial processing, milling, drilling or any other possible method of attaching characters to materials. However, the grinding form of a gemstone, for example, could also encode a genetic fingerprint in this context if there is a corresponding (open or discrete) convention. In this context, the type of material is also irrelevant, which would influence the essence of the invention. In principle, even little permanent gifts or souvenirs such as pralines with a genetic fingerprint are conceivable and a good solution as a technical solution to the permanent problem of finding the personal gift.

However, it is essentially according to the invention to provide materials that are as durable as possible with such a permanent marking. Gold, white gold and platinum would certainly be used most often for wedding rings, but an engraving in gemstones would also be possible. For example, at the upper end of the price scale, the facets of a diamond could each describe a genetic marker.

Typically, the genetic fingerprints that are created today are not optimized for a compact representation that would be suitable for smaller jewelry items. The representation of the genetic fingerprints in the form of letters and / or is particularly preferred Syllable and / or word and / or number combinations, as reliefs, in table form or artistically abstract.

The currently preferred variant of the genetic fingerprint is carried out via so-called microsatellites. These also consist of repeating repeats of either two or four bases (the most common form is the CACACACA Repeat), the number of repetitions of which can vary per repeat. The genetic markers, each of which can exist in more than just two variants, are defined by the unique DNA sequences on both sides. However, since there are more variants of each marker, the meaningfulness of the individual markers about the identity of an individual is therefore much higher than that of the individual SNPs. The greatest advantage of these markers is that a defined set of these markers has been established in global round robin tests and is now internationally accepted. In addition, both an accepted number code and a number code have been agreed that adequately describe the information of the individual markers. It is therefore very easy to uniquely depict the either eight or twelve markers used by engraving, even if it is a graphically rather unappealing number code.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the genetic information applied to the jewelry article is in coded form.

For people who prefer unrestricted legibility and the highest possible level of individuality at an acceptable price, these markers in open (standardized coded) form are the variant of the engraving or embossing of choice. People who prefer coded uniqueness can now choose any method, simply (e.g. by swapping the order of the letters or numbers) or complicated (by cryptography) to thwart the unambiguous readability again. Of course, complete anonymization is also possible again by destroying these codes.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the genetic information applied to the jewelry article can contain more than 99% Security can be used to identify the individual from whom the information comes.

There are also cases in which an identification of a person, for example via a chain carried by them, is the essential function of the same, as is the case, for example, with soldiers. It is assumed here that the use of genetic fingerprints proposed here can equally be used for such purposes.

In a further preferred embodiment, the essential function of the jewelry object is not that of jewelry, but that of the possibility of identification, preferably of the individual wearing it.

Further variants could of course be to include in the future such genetic markers in the form of an engraving, which describe the personal characteristics of the person giving or giving the gift. So it would be quite conceivable to apply the blood type, eye color or hair color in the form of genetic markers to a piece of jewelry, gifts or possessions.

The present invention furthermore relates to a method for applying genetic information to a jewelry item and for retrieving the same.

Above all, this procedure is intended to ensure that it is not directly applicable to

It is possible for unauthorized persons to use the genetic applied to the jewelry item

Use information.

In the first step, as is generally known to the person skilled in the art, the genetic

Information is obtained from samples from said individuals.

In the second step, the genetic information is coded, the key to this code being kept by a person or an institution who is not authorized without the consent of a previously determined group of people

Pass on the key. Usually this group of people will only include the individual concerned or, for example, close relatives.

In the third step of the process, the coded information is applied to the (jewelry) -

Item applied. This can, again, either in the form of letter and / or syllable and / or word and / or number combinations, as reliefs, in Tabelienform or artistically abstract, using a variety of techniques such as embossing, engraving or etching.

In the last step of the method, in the event that the genetic information is required for identification, this is determined from the information on the jewelry item and from the key provided by the said person or institution in the case of a legitimate interest.

Claims

claims

1. Jewelry item intended for wearing by an individual, characterized in that it carries genetic information about another individual, characterized in that the item is a ring, a wedding ring, an engagement ring, a friendship ring, a chain Medallion, a bangle or combinations of these.

2. Set of jewelry objects according to claim 1, characterized in that the objects bear the genetic fingerprint of at least two individuals, the jewelry object which is intended to be worn by an individual each containing the genetic fingerprint of the other individual and characterized in that that these items are wedding rings, engagement rings or friendship rings.

3. Jewelry item, characterized in that it contains the genetic fingerprints of the parents of an individual.

4. Jewelry item according to claim 3, characterized in that it is a mug, plate, cutlery, plaque or other jewelry item customary as a birth gift.

5. Jewelery object according to claim 3, characterized in that it is a baptismal mug, baptismal plate, christening cutlery, christening badge or another jewelry object common as a christening gift.

6. Jewelry objects according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the genetic fingerprint of the individual microsatellite markers, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or other genetic markers suitable for the unique identification of individuals are the basis.

7. Jewelry objects according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the representation of the genetic fingerprints in the form of letter and / or syllable and / or word and / or number combinations which correspond to the respective standards in genetics, or as reliefs, in tabular form or in an artistically abstract manner.

δ.Jewellery object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the genetic information applied to it is present in coded form.

9. Jewelry item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the genetic information can be used for more than 99% certainty to identify the individual from whom the information comes.

10. Object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that its essential function is not that of jewelry, but that of the possibility of identification.

11. Procedure for applying genetic information to a person

Jewelery item and for retrieving the same, characterized in that the following steps are carried out:

a) The genetic information is obtained from samples from said individuals;

b) the genetic information is coded, the key to this code being kept by a person or an institution who is not authorized to pass on this key without the consent of a predetermined group of people;

c) the coded information is applied to the (jewelry) object and

d) in the event that the genetic information is required for identification, this is based on the information on the jewelry item and that of the said person or institution with a legitimate interest provided keys.

Nerfahren according to claim 11, characterized in that the application of the genetic information on the object in the form of letter and / or syllable and / or word and / or number combinations which correspond to the respective standards in genetics, or as Reliefs, in tabular form or artistically abstract.