A biomarker is a tree. A Bio-Signature shows the forest.
The tree and the forest are an image, not a calculation. A Bio-Signature connects biomarkers chosen to answer a biological question, and its value depends on validation for that use.
One biomarker: one tree.
A biomarker is a measurement that provides information about a biological process in a defined context. It remains useful when read individually.
A biomarker is a measurement that provides information about a biological process in a defined context. It remains useful when read individually.
Scientific references
Several biomarkers read together: the forest.
Each tree still counts. Relationships between several biomarkers may provide information that their separate values do not show.
Relationships between several biomarkers may provide information that their separate values do not show. These relationships need to be studied and validated in context.
Scientific references
What is a Bio-Signature?
A Bio-Signature combines several biomarkers to shed light on a specific aspect of biology.
- Measure
- Connect
- Understand
A Bio-Signature also examines relationships between measurements, guided by a defined question.
A biomarker is a measurement that provides information about a biological process in a defined context. It remains useful when read individually.
Scientific references
One note. Then a chord.
A note can be understood on its own. A chord is also understood through the combination of notes.
- One element
- The relationships
This analogy does not describe a calculation.
The image helps explain Bio-Signatures: relationships between several biomarkers may provide information that their separate values do not show.
This analogy does not describe a calculation. Biological relationships need to be studied and validated in context.
Scientific references
One biological pathway, several metabolites.
DHEA, androstenedione, testosterone and DHT illustrate metabolites connected within the same biological pathway.
- DHEA
- Androstenedione
- Testosterone
- DHT
Simplified educational example; this is not the composition of a BioTwin Bio-Signature.
Through the action of enzymes, DHEA can be converted into androstenedione, then testosterone, then dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This example shows why measurements may be biologically connected.
Other branches exist, and the transformations also depend on the tissues involved.
A concentration indicates the amount measured; it does not measure the rate of these transformations.
Scientific references
One question, selected biomarkers.
A Bio-Signature starts with a biological question, followed by the choice of measurements that can help answer it.
- Question
- Selection
- Validation
At BioTwin, Bio-Signatures provide a framework for understanding biological results. Their interpretation also depends on the question being studied.
The value of a Bio-Signature needs to be demonstrated for its use, measurement method and the relevant group of people.
More biomarkers do not automatically mean greater accuracy. These references explain general principles; they do not validate a BioTwin model.
Scientific references
The right biomarkers, for the right question.
More biomarkers do not automatically mean greater accuracy. The value of a Bio-Signature needs to be demonstrated for its use, measurement method and the relevant group of people.
The value of a Bio-Signature needs to be demonstrated for its use, measurement method and the relevant group of people.
More biomarkers do not automatically mean greater accuracy. These references explain general principles; they do not validate a BioTwin model.
Scientific references
At BioTwin, a framework for reading results.
Each BioTwin and TwinMe program organizes its results into Bio-Signatures. Their interpretation also depends on the question being studied.
At BioTwin, Bio-Signatures provide a framework for understanding biological results. Their interpretation also depends on the question being studied.
A Bio-Signature is computed by a statistical algorithm from biomarkers associated with the same dimension of health or well-being.
Read the trees. See the forest.
- BiomarkerOne measurement, informative in a defined context.
- Bio-SignatureSeveral biomarkers read together, around one biological question.
- ValidationIts value is demonstrated for a given use, method and group of people.
These three ideas summarize the presentation. Each one is detailed, with its sources, on the preceding slides.
Next: the human virtual twin.
Where the virtual twin comes from, what it is made of, and how it follows your biology over time.
What BioTwin is, and what it is not: BioTwin develops virtual twin technology, and TwinMe, its non-medical wellness experience, is a software-based algorithmic reading. Not a laboratory test or a medical test: no molecule is quantified and no diagnosis is made. In Canada and the United States, BioTwin is not authorized as a medical device.
The presentation on the human virtual twin puts metabolomics and Bio-Signatures back in context: where the twin comes from, what it is made of and its trajectory over time.