Patents by Inventor Akaterini Vassilakos

Akaterini Vassilakos has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • High efficiency translation of mRNA molecules
    Patent number: 5824497
    Abstract: An increased level of translation of a selected mRNA molecule is effected by coupling specific nucleotide sequences at the 5'- and 3'-ends of a nucleic acid molecule transcribable to or which itself is the mRNA molecule. The nucleotide sequence at the 5'-end is effective to increase the rate of translation initiation of the mRNA molecule in a cell while the nucleotide sequence at the 3'-end is effective to increase the period of translation of the mRNA molecule in a cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: McMaster University
    Inventors: David W. Andrews, Martin John Glenton Hughes, Akaterini Vassilakos
  • High efficiency translation of mRNA molecules
    Patent number: 5807707
    Abstract: An increased level of translation of a selected mRNA molecule is effected by coupling specific nucleotide sequences at the 5'- and 3' -ends of a nucleic acid molecule transcribable to or which itself is the mRNA molecule. The nucleotide sequence at the 5'-end is effective to increase the rate of translation initiation of the mRNA molecule in a cell while the nucleotide sequence at the 3'-end is effective to increase the period of translation of the mRNA molecule in a cell. The nucleotide sequence of the 3'-end is provided by a 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of a gene, particularly that of .beta.-prolactin, or an effective fragment thereof. A polyadenylation sequence preferably is provided at the 3'-end of the 3'-UTR sequence. The 3'-UTR sequence provides mRNA stabilization independent of the poly A tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: McMaster University
    Inventors: David W. Andrews, Martin John Glenton Hughes, Akaterini Vassilakos