Patents by Inventor Matti Virkkunen

Matti Virkkunen 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).

  • Allelic variation of the serotonin 5HT7 receptor
    Patent number: 5763183
    Abstract: An allelic variant of the 5HT7 serotonin receptor was discovered. Family study data indicate that this variant can be correlated to alchoholic offerders. DNA encoding the variant protein, the protein itself, vectors containing the variant gene and cell lines carrying a vector with the variant gene are part of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Ullamari Pesonen, Markku Koulu, Markku Linnoila, David Goldman, Matti Virkkunen
  • Method for detecting abnormal serotonergic function
    Patent number: 5589331
    Abstract: A method of detecting abnormal serotonergic function in an impulsive human subject is disclosed. The method comprises detecting an L allele of a gene encoding tryptophan hydroxylase. The invention also includes an isolated nucleic acid having a sequence specific to an L allele of a gene encoding tryptophan hydroxylase. The nucleic acid may migrate in a denaturing gel at the same rate as a second nucleic acid specific to a corresponding region of a U allele of a gene encoding tryptophan hydroxylase, and migrate in a nondenaturing gel at a rate about 1.02 times the migration rate of the second nucleic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: David A. Nielsen, David Goldman, Markku Linnoila, Matti Virkkunen