Patents Examined by Janell E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6495323
    Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids covalently coupled to electrodes via conductive oligomers. More particularly, the invention is directed to the site-selective modification of nucleic acids with electron transfer moieties and electrodes to produce a new class of biomaterials, and to methods of making and using them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Clinical Micro Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Faiz Kayyem, Stephen D. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6489107
    Abstract: Methods for identifying Escherichia coli strain DSM 6601 and nucleotide sequences associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Pharma-Zentrale GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Hacker, Ulrich Sonnenborn, Gabriele Blum-Oehler, Jürgen Schulze, Jürgen Malinka, Hans Proppert
  • Patent number: 6489100
    Abstract: Genetic elements comprising expression vectors and a gene coding for phosphoenol pyruvate synthase is utilized to enhance diversion of carbon resources into the common aromatic pathway and pathways branching therefrom. The overexpression of phosphoenol pyruvate synthase increases DAHP production to near theoretical yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Texas A & M University System
    Inventor: James C. Liao
  • Patent number: 6485910
    Abstract: The invention provides a mammalian cDNA which encodes a mammalian Ras association domain containing protein. It also provides for the use of the cDNA, fragments, complements, and variants thereof and of the encoded protein, portions thereof and antibodies thereto for diagnosis and treatment of cell proliferative and inflammatory disorders, particularly thymus hyperplasia, allergies, asthma, and hypereosinophilia. The invention additionally provides expression vectors and host cells for the production of the protein and a transgenic model system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Incyte Genomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Walker, Tod M. Klinger, Randi E. Krasnow
  • Patent number: 6485916
    Abstract: Focusing that abundant class genes abundantly present in a nucleic acid sample can comparatively easily be analyzed and readily be removed in a selective manner, a nucleic acid sample for expression analysis of rare expressed genes can be obtained by removing abundant genes therefrom, and analyses based upon the sample can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takamichi Muramatsu, Takeshi Fujita, Masaharu Kiyama, Takashi Irie, Kazunori Okano
  • Patent number: 6485913
    Abstract: Open systems for performing submicroliter reactions are provided. The systems can include a support for performing the reaction; a liquid dispensing system for dispensing a submicroliter amount of a liquid to a site on or in the support; a temperature controlling device for regulating the temperature of the support; and an interface for controlling the amount of liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing system are provided. Methods using the systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Sequenom, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Becker, Hubert Köster, Charles Cantor
  • Patent number: 6475734
    Abstract: The invention relates to genes encoding polyhydroxyalkanoate synthases. Compositions and methods for producing polyhydroxyalkanoate are provided. Such compositions and methods find use in producing biodegradable thermoplastics in host cells and transgenic plants. Isolated nucleotide molecules, isolated polypeptides, expression cassettes and genetically manipulated host cells, plants, plant tissues, plant cells and seeds are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Liebergesell, Patrica Lynne Fallis, Jian G. Dong, Chun Ping Li, Scott E. Nichols
  • Patent number: 6475727
    Abstract: The present invention relates to primers that specifically hybridize to nucleic acid molecules complementary to the messenger RNA transcribed from genes encoding MAGE tumor-specific antigens or a part thereof or to a complementary strand thereof encoding MAGE tumor specific antigens as well as to diagnostic compositions comprising said antigens. The present invention further relates to methods for detecting disseminated tumor cells employing the primers of the invention as well as methods for preparing a tumor adjuvant vaccine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Micromet Gesellschaft Fur Biomedizinische Forschung mbH
    Inventors: Peter Kufer, Alfred Zippelius
  • Patent number: 6472155
    Abstract: PCR (polymerase chain reaction) primers for the detection of certain Bacillus species, such as Bacillus anthracis. The primers specifically amplify only DNA found in the target species and can distinguish closely related species. Species-specific PCR primers for Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus globigii and Clostridium perfringens are disclosed. The primers are directed to unique sequences within sasp (small acid soluble protein) genes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Nancy McKinney
  • Patent number: 6468752
    Abstract: The invention relates to an agent for detecting chemical substances, comprising: a first polynucleotide or peptide sequence having a first fluorophore molecule, the first end of said sequence being bonded on a solid phase and a second polynucleotide or peptide sequence having a second fluorophore molecule, the second end of said sequence having a group that is sensitive to the chemical substance to be detected. The first polynucleotide or peptide sequence can be hybridized to the second polynucleotide or peptide sequence in such a way that a spatial relationship enabling an interaction betweeen the first and the second fluorophore molecule is produced. When the chemical substance including a physical property is attached to the group and the influence of an external force is exerted on the physical property, the spatial relation can be eliminated, thereby generating or abolishing a fluorescent reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: november Aktiengesellschaft Gesellschaft fur Molekulare Medizin
    Inventor: Wolf Bertling
  • Patent number: 6465176
    Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid sequences which, when present in an RNA molecule, bind to RNA binding proteins. These nucleic acid sequences are present in untranslated regions of certain mRNA. They can be used in assays to identify compounds that affect the interaction of RNA containing the nucleic acid sequence, such as the source mRNA, and RNA binding proteins. The disclosed nucleic acid sequences can also be used to identify RNA binding proteins that can interact with the sequences. An assay for identifying compounds that affect interaction of RNA containing one of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences and RNA binding proteins is also disclosed. The assay involves detecting interactions between RNA binding proteins and an RNA molecule containing one of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences in the presence of a test compound and in the absence of the test compound. A difference in the detected interaction in the presence and absence of the test compound indicates that the compound affects the interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Message Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Giordano, Deborah L. Beach, Gretchen L. Temeles
  • Patent number: 6451537
    Abstract: In accordance with this invention, there is provided a DNA sequence which can encode an enzyme protein functioning as the rice dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS). One example of the DNA sequence according to this invention is the DNA having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 1 of Sequence Listing. Additionally, this invention provides the DNA having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID No. 5, as well as the DNA having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID No. 7 of Sequence Listing, as the DNA which is capable of encoding the protein having the DHDPS activity. When cultivation is made of the plant cells in which there has been introduced a recombinant vector having carried therein a DNA fragment containing the DNA of this invention as inserted at downstream of the promoter of said recombinant vector, it is feasible to regenerate from said plant cells a transgenic plant having a high lysine content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hokko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Terakawa, Hisakazu Hasegawa, Masanori Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6444429
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene coding for a thermostable DNA ligase from Aquifex pyrophilus, a hyperthermophilic Bacterium, a protein having an amino acid sequence expressed therefrom and a probe used for detecting said ligase DNA. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a gene having a base sequence of SEQ. ID. NO: 3 and a thermostable DNA ligase having an amino acid sequence expressed therefrom (SEQ. ID. NO: 4). Since Aquifex pyrophilus DNA ligase of the present invention has 75% of the ligation activity after heating at 95 ° C. for 1 hour, the ligase has higher stability than DNA ligases from the preexisting bacteria under high temperature and thus it can be advantageously used in genetic diseases assay of medical field, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Ye-Sun Han, Yeon-Gyu Yu, Jae-Hwan Lim
  • Patent number: 6444422
    Abstract: A method and system for correlating characteristics (e.g., type of nucleotide) of biomolecules (e.g., DNA) to molecular tags with unique molecular weights that are associated with the biomolecule. In one embodiment. the molecular tags are applied to primers used when synthesizing the biomolecule. The system initially receives a mapping of each characteristic of the biomolecules to the corresponding molecular weight of the molecular tag. The system also receives an indication of the molecular weights detected when analyzing the biomolecules to which the molecular tags have been associated. For each molecular weight detected, the system determines based on the received mapping the characteristic corresponding to the detected molecular weight. The system then indicates that the analyzed biomolecule has the determined characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Qiagen Genomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Van Ness, John C. Tabone, J. Jeffry Howbert, John T. Mulligan
  • Patent number: 6440666
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gene located on chromosome 1 in chickens, which in birds is involved in so called autosomal dwarfism. The most likely candidate gene has a homolog in mice and men and is called HMGI-c. The sequence of the cDNA and genomic DNA of the gene is provided, as well as uses of said sequence or parts or derivatives thereof, as well as methods of using sequences from this gene or flanking sequences, or microsatellite markers in close vicinity to this gene in methods for selecting for one of the two alleles of this gene. Specifically provided are breeding methods using discrimination between dwarf fenotypes and non dwarf fenotypes, which are a result of the allele variation within this gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Nutreco Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Antonius Mathilda Groenen, Gerardus Antonius Arnoldus Albers
  • Patent number: 6440674
    Abstract: The invention provides a luminal binding protein promoter (PmBiPPro1), deletions thereof, and variants thereof. The promoter is useful for, among other things, directing the expression of transgenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: University of Victoria Innovation and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Santosh Misra, Benjamin S. Forward
  • Patent number: 6432635
    Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule, wherein the molecule contains: (1) a first sequence consisting of human cystatin B genomic DNA as set forth in FIG. 3 (SEQ ID NO:1); (2) a second sequence, wherein said second sequence is a subsequence of said first sequence, is at least nucleotides in length, and is not present in human cystatin B cDNA; (3) a third sequence in which at least one nucleotide of said first or second sequences is replaced by a different nucleotide; or (4) a fourth sequence complementary to any of said first, second or third sequences; with the proviso that (I) if said molecule is an RNA molecule, U replaces T in said sequence of said molecule, and (ii) said third sequence is at least 95% identical to said first or second sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignees: Helsinki University Licensing Ltd. Oy, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Jr. Univeristy
    Inventors: Richard M. Myers, David R. Cox, Len A. Pennacchio, Anna-Elina Lehesjoki, Albert De La Chapelle
  • Patent number: 6423495
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of amplifying a nucleic acid sequence present in a first strand of a double stranded nucleic acid molecule wherein said molecule incorporates an unmodified recognition site for a restriction enzyme capable of cutting the first strand at the 5′ end of the sequence therein to be amplified and leaving the 3′-cut region of the second strand projecting beyond the cut site in the first strand. The method further comprises treating said molecule with said enzyme in the presence of a strand displacing polymerase and unmodified nucleotides for incorporation in an extending nucleic acid strand such that there is or becomes hybridised to said 3′-end region of the second strand a primer sequence complementary thereto whereby said primer sequence is extended in the 5′ to 3′ direction using the second strand as a template to regenerate the restriction endonuclease cut site and displace the sequence to be amplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Tepnel Medical Limited
    Inventors: John Douglas Oultram, Jacqueline Clare Coutts
  • Patent number: 6423499
    Abstract: We sequenced a 619 and 617 bp fragment of the inner spacer region of 16S-23S rDNA of a strain of Acidovorax avenae representing pathogens from several hosts, including foxtail, oats, corn, rice, millet, sugarcane, orchid, and watermelon and a strain of A. avenae subsp. citrulli pathogenic only to watermelon and melons, respectively, for the purpose of designing PCR primers for their identification. These plant pathogens were previously considered as non-fluorescent pseudomonads and have been recently reclassified as Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae, A. avenae subsp. cattleyae, and A. avenae subsp. citrulli. Several sets of primers were designed. Primers identified by SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2 of A. avenae subsp. avenae reacted with all strains of A. avenae subsp. avenae (previously named P. avenae or P. alboprecipitans) originating from foxtail, oats, corn, rice, sugarcane, and millet, A. avenae subsp. cattleyae (previously named P. pseudoalcaligenes subsp. cattleyae) from orchid, and A. avenae subsp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Wan-Yeob Song, Hyung-Moo Kim, Norman W. Schaad
  • Patent number: 6423497
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods of amplifying nucleic acids to minimize contamination by products of earlier amplification reactions. More particularly, it relates to methods of using nucleic acid labels that inhibit further amplification of the amplicon, and compositions that are useful to accomplish this task. In particular, the present invention relates to photoreactive complexes of a binding ligand, a binding enhancer and a label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Applied Gene Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nanibhushan Dattagupta, C. Nagaraja Sridhar, Whei-Kuo Wu