Patents by Inventor Jun Urano

Jun Urano 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).

  • Patent number: 11873497
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to novel polynucleotide molecules for use in regulating gene expression in recombinant cells, such as labyrinthulomycetes cells. The disclosure further relates to nucleic acid constructs, such as vectors and expression cassettes, containing a regulatory element operably linked to a heterologous nucleotide sequence. The disclosure further relates to methods for stably transforming a host cell, such as a labyrinthulomycetes cell with transgenes. Stably transformed recombinant cells, progeny, biomaterials derived therefrom, and methods for preparing and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Conagen Inc.
    Inventors: Nicky C. Caiazza, Maung N. Win, Jun Urano
  • Publication number: 20210189002
    Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant Thraustochytriaceae cell for the production of a glycomolecule. The cell comprises a nucleic acid encoding a heterologous glycomolecule, and a sequence encoding a heterologous oligosaccharyltransferase. The cell produces the heterologous glycomolecule having a higher glycan occupancy compared to the same heterologous glycomolecule produced by a corresponding cell not comprising the heterologous oligosaccharyltransferase. The glycan occupancy can be more than 25%. The cells advantageously produce and, optionally secrete, the heterologous glycomolecule. Thus, the invention provides recombinant organisms that provide glycomolecules having a glycosylation profile that is more similar to the glycosylation profile produced in a manunalian cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: Conagen Inc.
    Inventors: Nicky C. Caiazza, Jun Urano, Spiros Kambourakis
  • Publication number: 20210087540
    Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant Labyrinthulomycetes cell for the production of a low sulfate glycomolecule. The cell comprises a nucleic acid encoding a heterologous glycomolecule, and a sequence encoding a heterologous oligosaccharyltransferase. The cell produces the heterologous glycomolecule having fewer sulfated glycans compared to the same heterologous glycomolecule produced by a corresponding cell not comprising the heterologous oligosaccharyltransferase. The cells advantageously produce and, optionally secrete, the heterologous glycomolecule. Thus, the invention provides recombinant organisms that provide glycomolecules having a glycosylation profile that is more similar to the glycosylation profile produced in mammalian cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Nicky C. Caiazza, Jun Urano, Spiros Kambourakis
  • Publication number: 20200399649
    Abstract: The invention provides recombinant organisms containing a nucleic acid encoding a heterologous glycomolecule that has a low sulfation profile or that is unsulfated. In one embodiment the heterologous glycomolecule is an immunoglobulin molecule. The recombinant organisms have a genetic modification to at least one sulfotransferase gene, such as a deletion, disruption, or other genetic modification. The cells advantageously produce and, optionally secrete, the heterologous glycomolecule. Thus, the invention provides recombinant organisms that provide glycomolecules having a glycosylation profile that is more similar to the glycosylation profile produced in a mammalian cell, and therefore may be safer and more effective for use as a therapeutic in humans or animals. The glycomolecules can be a glycoprotein, glycopeptide, or a glycolipid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Conagen Inc.
    Inventors: Nicky C. Caiazza, Jun Urano
  • Publication number: 20200318124
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to novel polynucleotide molecules for use in regulating gene expression in recombinant cells, such as labyrinthulomycetes cells. The disclosure further relates to nucleic acid constructs, such as vectors and expression cassettes, containing a regulatory element operably linked to a heterologous nucleotide sequence. The disclosure further relates to methods for stably transforming a host cell, such as a labyrinthulomycetes cell with transgenes. Stably transformed recombinant cells, progeny, biomaterials derived therefrom, and methods for preparing and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: Conagen Inc.
    Inventors: Nicky C. Caiazza, Maung N. Win, Jun Urano
  • Patent number: 10633665
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to novel polynucleotide molecules for use in regulating gene expression in recombinant cells, such as labyrinthulomycetes cells. The disclosure further relates to nucleic acid constructs, such as vectors and expression cassettes, containing a regulatory element operably linked to a heterologous nucleotide sequence. The disclosure further relates to methods for stably transforming a host cell, such as a labyrinthulomycetes cell with transgenes. Stably transformed recombinant cells, progeny, biomaterials derived therefrom, and methods for preparing and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Conagen Inc.
    Inventors: Nicky C. Caiazza, Maung Nyan Win, Jun Urano
  • Patent number: 10584347
    Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant host cells that produce proteins or therapeutic proteins, and nucleic acid constructs for producing the cells. The cells have nucleic acid constructs that encode a heterologous protein, for example an antibody. The nucleic acid constructs also can have a functional signal sequence that directs the secretion of the protein from the cell. The signal sequence can be any functional signal sequence, and various signal sequences are disclosed herein. The invention also provides methods of producing the proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Conagen Inc.
    Inventors: Nicky C. Caiazza, Jun Urano, Maung N. Win, Kent S. Boles
  • Publication number: 20190177759
    Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for assembling a nucleic acid molecule from a set of overlapping oligonucleotides. The method involves contacting a set of overlapping oligonucleotides with a DNA polymerase, a mixture of dNTPs, and a crowding agent to form an assembly mixture. In one embodiment the crowding agent is polyethylene glycol (PEG). The presence of the crowding agent facilitates the nucleic acid assembly process of the invention. The assembly mixture is then subjected to multiple cycles, each cycle comprising an annealing phase, an extension phase, and a denaturation phase, and the desired nucleic acid molecule is thereby assembled. In some embodiments one or more of the phases are time varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: ZHIQING Qi, Jun Urano, Nicky C. Caiazza, Daniel G. Gibson
  • Patent number: 10131897
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates in part to recombinant microorganisms that include non-native genes encoding PUFA-PKS polypeptides, and to methods of making and using such microorganisms for producing at least one PUFA. In particular, the disclosure further relates to methods and related materials useful for the production of at least one PUFA by heterologous expression of the nucleic acid sequences disclosed herein encoding PUFA-PKS polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Synthetics Genomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerardo V. Toledo, Karen D. Xu, Jun Urano
  • Publication number: 20180201941
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to novel polynucleotide molecules for use in regulating gene expression in recombinant cells, such as labyrinthulomycetes cells. The disclosure further relates to nucleic acid constructs, such as vectors and expression cassettes, containing a regulatory element operably linked to a heterologous nucleotide sequence. The disclosure further relates to methods for stably transforming a host cell, such as a labyrinthulomycetes cell with transgenes. Stably transformed recombinant cells, progeny, biomaterials derived therefrom, and methods for preparing and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Nicky C. Caiazza, Maung Nyan Win, Jun Urano
  • Publication number: 20180179557
    Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant microorganisms comprising an isobutanol producing metabolic pathway and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce isobutanol. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may comprise a modification resulting in the reduction of pyruvate decarboxylase and/or glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces clade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Reid FELDMAN, Uvini GUNAWARDENA, Jun URANO, Peter MEINHOLD, Aristos ARISTIDOU, Catherine Asleson DUNDON, Christopher SMITH
  • Patent number: 9932599
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to novel polynucleotide molecules for use in regulating gene expression in recombinant cells, such as labyrinthulomycetes cells. The disclosure further relates to nucleic acid constructs, such as vectors and expression cassettes, containing a regulatory element operably linked to a heterologous nucleotide sequence. The disclosure further relates to methods for stably transforming a host cell, such as a labyrinthulomycetes cell with transgenes. Stably transformed recombinant cells, progeny, biomaterials derived therefrom, and methods for preparing and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Synthetic Genomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicky C. Caiazza, Maung Nyan Win, Jun Urano
  • Patent number: 9926577
    Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant microorganisms comprising an isobutanol producing metabolic pathway and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce isobutanol. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may comprise a modification resulting in the reduction of pyruvate decarboxylase and/or glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces clade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Gevo, Inc.
    Inventors: Reid M. Renny Feldman, Uvini Gunawardena, Jun Urano, Peter Meinhold, Aristos Aristidou, Catherine Asleson Dundon, Christopher Smith
  • Publication number: 20170268015
    Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant host cells that produce proteins or therapeutic proteins, and nucleic acid constructs for producing the cells. The cells have nucleic acid constructs that encode a heterologous protein, for example an antibody. The nucleic acid constructs also can have a functional signal sequence that directs the secretion of the protein from the cell. The signal sequence can be any functional signal sequence, and various signal sequences are disclosed herein. The invention also provides methods of producing the proteins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Nicky C. Caiazza, Jun Urano, Maung N. Win, Kent S. Boles
  • Patent number: 9546372
    Abstract: The present application provides novel regulatory elements including promoter sequences from marine microorganisms. The application further discloses DNA constructs containing these novel regulatory elements; transgenic cells, transgenic non-human organisms, and progeny containing these novel regulatory elements. Methods of modifying, producing, and using the regulatory elements are also disclosed. The regulatory elements disclosed herein are particularly suited for use in Nannochloropsis and other microalgae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Synthetic Genomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michele M. Champagne, Toby H. Richardson, Jun Urano
  • Patent number: 9506074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant microorganisms comprising biosynthetic pathways and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce various beneficial metabolites. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may further comprise one or more modifications resulting in the reduction or elimination of 3 keto-acid (e.g., acetolactate and 2-aceto-2-hydroxybutyrate) and/or aldehyde-derived by-products. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces Glade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GEVO, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Buelter, Andrew Hawkins, Stephanie Porter-Scheinman, Peter Meinhold, Catherine Asleson Dundon, Aristos Aristidou, Jun Urano, Doug Lies, Matthew Peters, Melissa Dey, Justas Jancauskas, Julie Kelly, Ruth Berry
  • Publication number: 20160264985
    Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms engineered for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are provided. Also provided are biomass, microbial oils, and food products and ingredients produced by or comprising the microorganisms of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Nicky C. Caiazza, Elizabeth A. Felnagle, Jun Urano, Maung N. Win, Randor R. Radakovits
  • Patent number: 9441238
    Abstract: Methods and materials useful for modulating the sensitivity of cells to an inhibitor of acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) are disclosed. For example, nucleic acid molecules encoding AHAS large subunits are disclosed as well as methods for using such nucleic acid molecules to transform microbial cells and plant cells, and to confer modulated sensitivity to AHAS-inhibiting compounds onto such cells. Further provided are materials and methods useful for modulating growth, development, activity, and characteristics of host cells and organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Synthetic Genomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michele M. Champagne, Jun Urano
  • Publication number: 20160257965
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to novel polynucleotide molecules for use in regulating gene expression in recombinant cells, such as labyrinthulomycetes cells. The disclosure further relates to nucleic acid constructs, such as vectors and expression cassettes, containing a regulatory element operably linked to a heterologous nucleotide sequence. The disclosure further relates to methods for stably transforming a host cell, such as a labyrinthulomycetes cell with transgenes. Stably transformed recombinant cells, progeny, biomaterials derived therefrom, and methods for preparing and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: NICKY C. CAIAZZA, MAUNG NYAN WIN, JUN URANO
  • Publication number: 20160122741
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates in part to recombinant microorganisms that include non-native genes encoding PUFA-PKS polypeptides, and to methods of making and using such microorganisms for producing at least one PUFA. In particular, the disclosure further relates to methods and related materials useful for the production of at least one PUFA by heterologous expression of the nucleic acid sequences disclosed herein encoding PUFA-PKS polypeptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Gerardo V. Toledo, Karen D. Xu, Jun Urano