Patents by Inventor Ka-Man Venus Lai

Ka-Man Venus Lai 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).

  • Publication number: 20180116192
    Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals comprising a humanized interleukin-15 (IL-15) gene. Cells, embryos, and non-human animals comprising a human IL-15 gene. Rodents that express humanized or human IL-15 protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose F. Rojas, Ka-Man Venus Lai, Andrew J. Murphy, Cagan Gurer
  • Patent number: 9955677
    Abstract: Non-human animals, and methods and compositions for making and using the same, are provided, wherein the non-human animals comprise a humanization of a Programmed cell death 1 (Pdcd1) gene. The non-human animals may be described, in some embodiments, as having a genetic modification to an endogenous Pdcd1 gene so that the non-human animals express a PD-1 polypeptide that includes a human portion and an endogenous portion (e.g., a non-human portion).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Elena Burova, Alexander O. Mujica, Ka-Man Venus Lai, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20180094267
    Abstract: A non-human animal (e.g., a rodent) model for diseases associated with a C9ORF72 heterologous hexanucleotide repeat expansion sequence is provided, which non-human animal comprises a heterologous hexanucleotide repeat (GGGGCC) in an endogenous C9ORF72 locus. A non-human animal disclosed herein comprising a heterologous hexanucleotide repeat expansion sequence comprising at least one instance, e.g., repeat, of a hexanucleotide (GGGGCC) sequence may further exhibit a characteristic and/or phenotype associated with one or more neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and/or frontotemporal dementia (FTD), etc.). Methods of identifying therapeutic candidates that may be used to prevent, delay or treat one or more neurodegenerative (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD)) are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: David Heslin, Roxanne Ally, Chia-Jen Siao, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela, Chunguang Guo, Michael LaCroix-Fralish, Lynn Macdonald, Aarti Sharma, Daisuke Kajimura, Gustavo Droguett, David Frendewey
  • Patent number: 9913461
    Abstract: Non-human animals, methods and compositions for making and using the same, are provided, wherein said non-human animals comprise a humanization of a Cluster of Differentiation 274 (CD274) gene. Such non-human animals may be described, in some embodiments, as having a genetic modification to an endogenous CD274 gene so that said non-human animals express a Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) polypeptide that includes a human portion and an endogenous portion (e.g., a non-human portion).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Elena Burova, Yajun Tang, Ka-Man Venus Lai, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20180037910
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for making one or more targeted genetic modifications at a target genomic locus by employing homologous recombination facilitated by single or double-strand break at or near the target genomic locus. Compositions and methods for promoting efficiency of homologous recombination between an LTVEC and a target genomic locus in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells using engineered nucleases are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: David Frendewey, Wojtek Auerbach, David M. Valenzuela, George D. Yancopoulos, Ka-Man Venus Lai
  • Publication number: 20180027782
    Abstract: Provided are non-human animals comprising a mutation in the Fbn1 gene to model neonatal progeroid syndrome with congenital lipodystrophy (NPSCL). Also provided are methods of making such non-human animal models. The non-human animal models can be used for screening compounds for activity in inhibiting or reducing NPSCL or ameliorating NPSCL-like symptoms or screening compounds for activity potentially harmful in promoting or exacerbating NPSCL as well as to provide insights in to the mechanism of NPSCL and potentially new therapeutic and diagnostic targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Charleen Hunt, Jason Mastaitis, Guochun Gong, Ka-Man Venus Lai, Jesper Gromada, Aris N. Economides
  • Publication number: 20180002708
    Abstract: Methods are provided herein for assembling at least two nucleic acids using a sequence specific nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) to create end sequences having complementarity and subsequently assembling the overlapping complementary sequences. The nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) can create double strand breaks in dsDNA in order to create overlapping end sequences or can create nicks on each strand to produce complementary overhanging end sequences. Assembly using the method described herein can assemble any nucleic acids having overlapping sequences or can use a joiner oligo to assemble sequences without complementary ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Schoenherr, John McWhirter, Corey Momont, Caitlin Montagna, Lynn Macdonald, Gregg S. Warshaw, Jose F. Rojas, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9834786
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for making one or more targeted genetic modifications at a target genomic locus by employing homologous recombination facilitated by single or double-strand break at or near the target genomic locus. Compositions and methods for promoting efficiency of homologous recombination between an LTVEC and a target genomic locus in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells using engineered nucleases are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: David Frendewey, Wojtek Auerbach, David M. Valenzuela, George D. Yancopoulos, Ka-Man Venus Lai
  • Publication number: 20170332610
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for making non-human animals with reduced tolerance of a foreign antigen of interest and making antigen-binding proteins against that foreign antigen of interest using such animals. The methods and compositions employ CRISPR/Cas9 systems using multiple guide RNAs to reduce or eliminate expression of a self-antigen homologous to or sharing an epitope of interest with the foreign antigen of interest or to reduce or eliminate expression of an epitope on the self-antigen that is shared with the foreign antigen of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Vera Voronina, Lynn Macdonald, Marine Prissette, Ka-Man Venus Lai, Ashok Badithe, Andrew J. Murphy, Gustavo Droguett, David Frendewey, Brian Zambrowicz
  • Patent number: 9745598
    Abstract: Targeting constructs and methods of using them are provided for differentiation-dependent modification of nucleic acid sequences in cells and in non-human animals. Targeting constructs comprising a promoter operably linked to a recombinase are provided, wherein the promoter drives transcription of the recombinase in an differentiated cell but not an undifferentiated cell. Promoters include Blimp1, Prm1, Gata6, Gata4, Igf2, Lhx2, Lhx5, and Pax3. Targeting constructs with a cassette flanked on both sides by recombinase sites can be removed using a recombinase gene operably linked to a 3?-UTR that comprises a recognition site for an miRNA that is transcribed in undifferentiated cells but not in differentiated cells. The constructs may be included in targeting vectors, and can be used to automatically modify or excise a selection cassette from an ES cell, a non-human embryo, or a non-human animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: David Frendewey, David Jonathan Heslin, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela
  • Patent number: 9738897
    Abstract: Methods are provided herein for assembling at least two nucleic acids using a sequence specific nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) to create end sequences having complementarity and subsequently assembling the overlapping complementary sequences. The nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) can create double strand breaks in dsDNA in order to create overlapping end sequences or can create nicks on each strand to produce complementary overhanging end sequences. Assembly using the method described herein can assemble any nucleic acids having overlapping sequences or can use a joiner oligo to assemble sequences without complementary ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Schoenherr, John McWhirter, Corey Momont, Caitlin Montagna, Lynn Macdonald, Gregg S. Warshaw, Jose F. Rojas, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20170204430
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modifying a rat genomic locus of interest using a large targeting vector (LTVEC) comprising various endogenous or exogenous nucleic acid sequences as described herein. Compositions and methods for generating a genetically modified rat comprising one or more targeted genetic modifications in their germline are also provided. Compositions and methods are provided which comprise a genetically modified rat or rat cell comprising a targeted genetic modification in the rat interleukin-2 receptor gamma locus, the rat ApoE locus, the rat Rag2 locus, the rat Rag1 locus and/or the rat Rag2/Rag1 locus. The various methods and compositions provided herein allows for these modified loci to be transmitted through the germline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Lee, Alexander O. Mujica, Wojtek Auerbach, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela, George D. Yancopoulos
  • Publication number: 20170164588
    Abstract: Non-human animals, expressing humanized CD3 proteins are provided. Non-human animals, e.g., rodents, genetically modified to comprise in their genome humanized CD3 proteins are also provided. Additionally, provided are methods and compositions of making such non-human animals, as well as methods of using said non-human animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kara L. Olson, Eric Smith, Ka-Man Venus Lai, Andrew J. Murphy, Gavin Thurston, Dayong Guo
  • Patent number: 9677086
    Abstract: Targeting constructs and methods of using them are provided for differentiation-dependent modification of nucleic acid sequences in cells and in non-human animals. Targeting constructs comprising a promoter operably linked to a recombinase are provided, wherein the promoter drives transcription of the recombinase in an differentiated cell but not an undifferentiated cell. Promoters include Blimp1, Prm1, Gata6, Gata4, Igf2, Lhx2, Lhx5, and Pax3. Targeting constructs with a cassette flanked on both sides by recombinase sites can be removed using a recombinase gene operably linked to a 3?-UTR that comprises a recognition site for an miRNA that is transcribed in undifferentiated cells but not in differentiated cells. The constructs may be included in targeting vectors, and can be used to automatically modify or excise a selection cassette from an ES cell, a non-human embryo, or a non-human animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: David Frendewey, Guochun Gong, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela
  • Publication number: 20170071173
    Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that exhibit a functional lack of one or more lncRNAs. Methods and compositions for disrupting, deleting, and/or replacing lncRNA-encoding sequences are provided. Genetically modified mice that age prematurely are provided. Also provided are cells, tissues and embryos that are genetically modified to comprise a loss-of-function of one or more lncRNAs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Ka-Man Venus Lai, Guochun Gong, John Rinn, David Frendewey, David M. Valenzuela
  • Publication number: 20170067078
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modifying a genomic locus of interest in a eukaryotic cell, a mammalian cell, a human cell or a non-human mammalian cell using a large targeting vector (LTVEC) comprising various endogenous or exogenous nucleic acid sequences as described herein. Further methods combine the use of the LTVEC with a CRISPR/Cas system. Compositions and methods for generating a genetically modified non-human animal comprising one or more targeted genetic modifications in their germline are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: David Frendewey, Wojtek Auerbach, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela, George D. Yancopoulos
  • Publication number: 20170055505
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a rodent model of prostate cancer. The rodents disclosed herein comprise a transgene that provides prostate-specific expression of an oncogenic protein (e.g, an SV40 tumor antigen) under the control of 5? and 3? regulatory regions of a mouse probasin gene. The rodents develop progressive forms of prostate tumor that resemble the development of human prostate cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Chia-Jen Siao, Hoi-Ching Lee, Zhe Li, Ka-Man Venus Lai, Gavin Thurston
  • Patent number: 9580715
    Abstract: Methods are provided herein for assembling at least two nucleic acids using a sequence specific nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) to create end sequences having complementarity and subsequently assembling the overlapping complementary sequences. The nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) can create double strand breaks in dsDNA in order to create overlapping end sequences or can create nicks on each strand to produce complementary overhanging end sequences. Assembly using the method described herein can assemble any nucleic acids having overlapping sequences or can use a joiner oligo to assemble sequences without complementary ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Schoenherr, John McWhirter, Corey Momont, Caitlin Montagna, Lynn Macdonald, Gregg S. Warshaw, Jose F. Rojas, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20170037429
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for making rat pluripotent and totipotent cells, including rat embryonic stem (ES) cells. Compositions and methods for improving efficiency or frequency of germline transmission of genetic modifications in rats are provided. Such methods and compositions comprise an in vitro culture comprising a feeder cell layer and a population of rat ES cells or a rat ES cell line, wherein the in vitro culture conditions maintain pluripotency of the ES cell and comprises a media having mouse leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) or an active variant or fragment thereof. Various methods of establishing such rat ES cell lines are further provided. Methods of selecting genetically modified rat ES cells are also provided, along with various methods to generate a transgenic rat from the genetically modified rat ES cells provided herein. Various kits and articles of manufacture are further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Lee, Wojtek Auerbach, David Heslin, David Frendewey, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela
  • Patent number: 9554564
    Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that exhibit a functional lack of one or more lncRNAs. Methods and compositions for disrupting, deleting, and/or replacing lncRNA-encoding sequences are provided. Genetically modified mice that age prematurely are provided. Also provided are cells, tissues and embryos that are genetically modified to comprise a loss-of-function of one or more lncRNAs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Ka-Man Venus Lai, Guochun Gong, John Rinn, David Frendewey, David M. Valenzuela