Patents Represented by Attorney Sandra E. Wells
  • Patent number: 8204695
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying, confirming, mapping, and categorizing sample polymers, such as nucleic acid sequences, are provided. An estimation of the fraction of first and second polymers in a sample of polymers can be calculated by inputting a first hybridization value indicative of hybridization affinity of the sample of polymers to polymers probes that are complementary to the first polymer and inputting a second hybridization value indicative of hybridization affinity of the sample of polymers to polymers probes that are complementary to the second polymer. The estimation of the fraction of the first and second polymers in the sample of polymers can then be calculated by dividing the first hybridization value by a sum of the first and second hybridization values. Estimations of the fractions of alleles in a sample can be clustered to form a fraction pattern usable for identifying, confirming, mapping, and genotyping sample nucleic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Ghandour Ghassan
  • Patent number: 8200440
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method of analyzing data from processed images of biological probe arrays is described that comprises receiving a plurality of files comprising a plurality of intensity values associated with a probe on a biological probe array; normalizing the intensity values in each of the data files; determining an initial assignment for a plurality of genotypes using one or more of the intensity values from each file for each assignment; estimating a distribution of cluster centers using the plurality of initial assignments; combining the normalized intensity values with the cluster centers to determine a posterior estimate for each cluster center; and assigning a plurality of genotype calls using a distance of the one or more intensity values from the posterior estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl A. Hubbell, Simon Cawley
  • Patent number: 8114978
    Abstract: Methods for genotyping polymorphisms using a locus specific primer that is complementary to a region near a selected polymorphism are described. Methods for synthesizing pools of locus specific primers that incorporate some degenerate positions are also disclosed. A plurality of different sequence capture probes are synthesized simultaneously using degenerate oligonucleotide synthesis. The sequence of the locus specific regions of the capture probes are related in that they have some bases that are identical in each sequence in the plurality of sequences and positions that vary from one locus specific region to another. The sequences are selected based on proximity to a polymorphism of interest and because they conform to a similar sequence pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Jones, Michael H. Shapero, Stephen P. A. Fodor
  • Patent number: 8095323
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a rapid efficient method for analyzing polymorphic or biallelic markers, and arrays for carrying out these analyses. In general, the methods of the present invention employ arrays of oligonucleotide probes that are complementary to target nucleic acids which correspond to the marker sequences of an individual. The probes are typically arranged in detection blocks, each block being capable of discriminating the three genotypes for a given marker, i.e., the heterozygote or either of the two homozygotes. The method allows for rapid, automatable analysis of genetic linkage to even complex polygenic traits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Lipshutz, Ronald J. Sapolsky, Ghassan Ghandour
  • Patent number: 8084197
    Abstract: Novel means and methods for analyzing hybridization data derived from hybridization assays between a target nucleic acid and differently sequenced polynucleotide probes involve selecting probe sets that define reference sequences for sequence signatures and deriving useful data about the nature of the target nucleic acid molecule based on its hybridization to the probes. The methods are useful for determining whether the target contains a nucleic acid or polypeptide sequence signature, whether the target encodes a member of a gene family, or whether the target is derived from one of any number of genes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Lockhart, Gordon G. Wong, Pennina Langer-Safer
  • Patent number: 8055098
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method for resolving features on a probe array is described that, comprises acquiring a plurality of micro-shifted images of a region of a probe array; reconstructing an image of the probe array using the micro-shifted images; and deriving intensity values for one or more probe features disposed on the probe array from the reconstructed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Kaiser, David R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8029999
    Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides for novel methods and kits for analyzing a collection of target sequences in a nucleic acid sample. A sample is amplified under conditions that enrich for a subset of fragments that includes a collection of target sequences. The invention further provides for analysis of the above sample by hybridization to an array, which may be specifically designed to interrogate the collection of target sequences for particular characteristics, such as, for example, the presence or absence of one or more polymorphisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Hajime Matsuzaki, Xing Su, Sean Walsh, Giulia Kennedy, Rui Mei
  • Patent number: 8029997
    Abstract: Methods are provided for identification of genes that are imprinted. In another embodiment methods are provided for identification and analysis of genes whose expression shows allelic imbalance. The expression products transcribed from genes that are present in the genome as two or more alleles may be distinguished by hybridization to an array designed to interrogate individual alleles. Genes whose transcription products are present in amounts that vary from expected are candidates for allelic imbalance, imprinting and imprinting errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Giulia Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8009889
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for reconstructing feature intensities from pixel level data. In certain embodiments, the invention uses an empirically determined transfer function to construct a theoretical estimate of pixel level data and then iteratively updates feature intensities based on a minimum multiplicative error between the pixel level data and the theoretical estimate of the pixel level data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl A. Hubbell
  • Patent number: 7993883
    Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides for novel methods and kits for reducing the complexity of a nucleic acid sample by providing non-gel based methods for amplification of a subset of the sequences in a sample. In a preferred embodiment, amplification of a subset can be accomplished by digesting a sample with two or more restriction enzymes and ligating adaptors to the fragments so that only a subset of the fragments can be amplified. The invention further provides for analysis of the above amplified sample by hybridization to an array, which may be specifically designed to interrogate the desired fragments for particular characteristics, such as, for example, the presence or absence of a polymorphism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Shoulian Dong
  • Patent number: 7991564
    Abstract: Methods for genotyping polymorphisms using allele specific probes are disclosed. A training set is used to generate a model for each polymorphism to be interrogated. The training set is used to obtain an estimate of the asymmetry between an intensity measurement for a first allele and an intensity measurement for a second allele of the same polymorphism. The intensity measurement obtained for a test sample is adjusted using the estimate of asymmetry prior to using the intensity measurements to make a genotyping call. In preferred embodiments the adjustment is applied to polymorphisms that have a likelihood of being heterozygous that is above a specified threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Huang, Keith W. Jones
  • Patent number: 7985547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for sequencing and mapping genetic markers in polynucleotide sequences using Type-IIs restriction endonucleases. The methods herein described result in the “capturing” and determination of specific oligonucleotide sequences located adjacent to Type-IIs restriction sites. The resulting sequences are useful as effective markers for use in genetic mapping, screening and manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Sapolsky, Robert J. Lipshutz, Thomas R. Gingeras
  • Patent number: 7962291
    Abstract: Methods and software products for analysis of alternative splicing are disclosed. In general the methods involve normalizing probe set or exon intensity to an expression level measurement of the gene. The methods may be used to identify tissue-specific alternative splicing events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Williams, Simon Cawley, John E. Blume, Hui Wang, Tyson Clark
  • Patent number: 7881875
    Abstract: The invention relates to the selection of a collection of relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms across a genome to design a nucleic acid probe array. As such, the invention relates to diverse fields impacted by the nature of genetics, including biology, medicine, and medical diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa A. Webster, Hajime Matsuzaki, Xiaojun Di, Earl A. Hubbell, Rui Mei, Simon Cawley, Gregory Marcus, Keith W. Jones
  • Patent number: 7862999
    Abstract: Methods for multiplex amplification of a plurality of targets of distinct sequence from a complex mixture are disclosed. In one aspect targets are circularized using a single circularization probe that is complementary to two regions in the target that flank a region to be amplified. The targets may hybridize to the circularization probe so that 5? or 3? flaps are generated and methods for removing flaps and circularizing the resulting product are disclosed. In another aspect targets are hybridized to dU probes so that 5? and 3? flaps are generated. The flaps are cleaved using 5? or 3? flap endonucleases or 3? to 5? exonucleases. The target sequences are then ligated to common primers, the dU probes digested and the ligated targets amplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianbiao Zheng, Li Weng, Malek Faham
  • Patent number: 7846659
    Abstract: The invention provides arrays of immobilized probes, and methods employing the arrays, for detecting mutations in the biotransformation genes, such as cytochromes P450. For example, one such array comprises four probe sets. A first probe set comprises a plurality of probes, each probe comprising a segment of at least three nucleotides exactly complementary to a subsequence of a reference sequence from a biotransformation gene, the segment including at least one interrogation position complementary to a corresponding nucleotide in the reference sequence. Second, third and fourth probe sets each comprise a corresponding probe for each probe in the first probe set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Maureen T. Cronin, Charles G Miyada, Earl A. Hubbell, Mark Chee, Stephen P. A. Fodor, Xiaohua C. Huang, Robert J. Lipshutz, Peter E. Lobban, MacDonald S. Morris, Edward L. Sheldon
  • Patent number: 7824863
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for end-labeling RNA (total RNA, mRNA, cRNA or fragmented RNA). In one aspect of the present invention, T4 RNA ligase is used to attach a 3?-labeled AMP or CMP donor to an RNA acceptor molecule. In another embodiment, a pyrophosphate molecule 3?-AppN-3?-linker-detectable moiety is used as donor molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle B. Cole, Vivi Truong, Glenn H. McGall, Anthony D. Barone
  • Patent number: 7822555
    Abstract: Methods of identifying allele-specific changes in genomic DNA copy number are disclosed. Methods for identifying homozygous deletions and genetic amplifications are disclosed. An array of probes designed to detect presence or absence of a plurality of different sequences is also disclosed. The probes are designed to hybridize to sequences that are predicted to be present in a reduced complexity sample. The methods may be used to detect copy number changes in cancerous tissue compared to normal tissue. The methods may be used to diagnose cancer and other diseases associated with chromosomal anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Huang, Keith W. Jones, Michael H. Shapero
  • Patent number: 7794943
    Abstract: Oligonucleotide analogue arrays attached to solid substrates and methods related to the use thereof are provided. The oligonucleotide analogues hybridize to nucleic acids with either higher or lower specificity than corresponding unmodified oligonucleotides. Target nucleic acids which comprise nucleotide analogues are bound to oligonucleotide and oligonucleotide analogue arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn H. McGall, Charles G. Miyada, Maureen T. Cronin, Jennifer Dee Tan, Mark S. Chee
  • Patent number: 7754451
    Abstract: Methods for appending oligonucleotides directly to nucleic acid templates, particularly to defined sites internal to single-stranded templates, are described. Appending first and second common priming sites to each of a plurality of templates of distinct sequence allows the subsequent stoichiometric amplification of a plurality of templates of distinct sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Malek Faham, Jianbiao Zheng