Patents Assigned to The University of Massachusetts
  • Optimized anti-FLT1 oligonucleotide compounds for treatment of preeclampsia and other angiogenic disorders
    Patent number: 11702659
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to novel targets for angiogenic disorders. Novel oligonucleotides are also provided. Methods of using the novel oligonucleotides for the treatment of angiogenic disorders (e.g., preeclampsia) are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER, INC.
    Inventors: Anastasia Khvorova, Vignesh Narayan Hariharan, Sarah Davis, Annabelle Biscans, Ananth Karumanchi
  • Autonomous vehicle operation with explicit occlusion reasoning
    Patent number: 11702070
    Abstract: Autonomous vehicle operation with explicit occlusion reasoning may include traversing, by a vehicle, a vehicle transporation network. Traversing the vehicle transportation network can include receiving, from a sensor of the vehicle, sensor data for a portion of a vehicle operational environment, determining, using the sensor data, a visibility grid comprising coordinates forming an unobserved region within a defined distance from the vehicle, computing a probability of a presence of an external object within the unobserved region by comparing the visibility grid to a map (e.g., a high-definition map), and traversing a portion of the vehicle transportation network using the probability. An apparatus and a vehicle are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignees: Nissan North America, Inc., The University of Massachusetts, Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Kyle Hollins Wray, Stefan Witwicki, Shlomo Zilberstein
  • Ex vivo method of generating super regulatory T cells for the prevention of autoimmune disease
    Patent number: 11702632
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an ex vivo method to prepare regulatory T cells, a population of regulatory T cells with enhanced properties and methods of using the population or complexes useful to induce Tregs in a mammal. The ex vivo methods allows for the generation and expansion of super regulatory T cells for the prevention, inhibition or treatment of autoimmune disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Gregory N. Tew, Lisa M. Minter, Emrah Ilker Ozay
  • OSCILLATING TENSION WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER
    Publication number: 20230220824
    Abstract: A unique point absorber type wave energy conversion device is disclosed that includes a Power Take Off (PTO) which uses a torsion spring to return a vertical shaft to its original position after being rotated by a rope or cord that pulls a reel via a guide system. This spring return allows the PTO and housing to stay stationary under the wave energy while a buoy at the surface provides an oscillating linear movement. The oscillating rotary motion caused by the interaction of the buoy and spring is converted into a one directional motion via a one-way clutch and is transmitted to generators using a gearbox that increases rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Gregory Browne, Christopher M. Meninno, William G Michaud, Nicholas D. White, Daniel G. MacDonald, Mehdi Raessi
  • Compositions and methods to treat aids
    Patent number: 11690906
    Abstract: Polyvalent, primary isolate nucleic acid compositions for inducing an immune response against HIV are disclosed. The compositions and methods described herein are for the use of a nucleic acid composition that encodes one or more different HIV envelope glycoproteins. The synthetic, codon-optimized DNAs encoding one or more HIV proteins are a combination of different nucleic acids, such as DNA plasmids, generated from primary isolate DNA of different HIV major group genetic clades and/or different proteins. HIV polypeptide compositions for inducing an immune response against HIV are also disclosed. Methods for using the polypeptide compositions before, at the same time as, and/or after administration of the DNA compositions are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Shan Lu, Shixia Wang
  • Fluorescent probes
    Patent number: 11685741
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds of Formula I, II, or III and compositions of the same, which are reversible off-on or ratiometric fluorescent iron sensors and are useful in live-cell imaging of labile iron ions and their quantification in subcellular compartments, as well as treatment of diseases associated with iron dyshomoestasis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventor: Maolin Guo
  • Self-regulating AAV vectors for safe expression of MeCP2 in rett syndrome
    Patent number: 11680275
    Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates to compositions and methods of engineering a transgene. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides self-regulating recombinant nucleic acids, viral vectors and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a MeCP2 transgene. In some embodiments, compositions and methods described by the disclosure are useful for treating diseases and disorders associated with a loss of function mutation, for example Rett syndrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Miguel Sena Esteves, Guangping Gao, Michael R. Green, Dan Wang, Tessa Mercedes Simone
  • AAV PRODUCTION STRATEGY USING A CELL LINE EXPRESSING AN INDUCIBLE REP GENE
    Publication number: 20230183711
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to manufacturing AAV using a stable cell line that expresses the rep gene by engineering tRNA to suppress a mutation introduced to a rep integrated into the genome of the cell line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Dan Wang, Jote Bulcha
  • Gene therapeutics for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
    Patent number: 11674154
    Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates to compositions and methods for treating fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) in a subject. In some aspects, the disclosure provides isolated nucleic acids, and vectors such as rAAV vectors, configured to express transgenes that inhibit (e.g., decrease) expression of mutated AVCR1 gene in muscle cells or connective tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Jae-Hyuck Shim, Guangping Gao, Jun Xie, Yeon-Suk Yang, Jung min Kim, Sachin Chaugule
  • Membrane and droplet-interface bilayer systems and methods
    Patent number: 11674955
    Abstract: Droplet-interface bilayer and lipid bilayer membrane compositions stabilized with an amphiphilic polymer are disclosed. Methods of making and using the compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Matthew A. Holden, Max J. Lein, Arash Manafirad, Dan Ezra Aurian-Blajeni
  • Protein-templated self-assembly of a covalent polymer network for intracellular trafficking and traceless release
    Patent number: 11672867
    Abstract: The invention provides polymers and polymer-based nano-structures, in particular, polymers and polymer network to which biomolecules (e.g., proteins, antibodies, peptide aptamers) can be covalently conjugated and stably encapsulated therein and be controllably delivered and released upon degradation of the nano-structures in response to specific microenvironment, and compositions and methods of preparation and use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Sankaran Thayumanavan, Jiaming Zhuang
  • Use of CDK inhibitors to enhance growth and self-renewal of progenitor cells
    Patent number: 11661581
    Abstract: Methods for using cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors to enhance growth and self-renewal of progenitor cells, in vitro and in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Merav Socolovsky, Ralph Scully, Yung Hwang
  • System and methods for treating neurovascular compression
    Patent number: 11654011
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and methods for treating neurovascular compression. Certain preferred embodiments of the invention generally comprise an apparatus having an elongated body portion including a proximal anchor element and distal anchor element. The apparatus also may include one or more marker elements to facilitate placement of the apparatus by the user. The apparatus may be configured to permit the user, after insertion and deployment of the apparatus in a blood vessel, to move the blood vessel so that the blood vessel is no longer in contact with and compressing a nerve or other parts of the nervous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Miklos Marosfoi, Matthew Gounis, Ajay K. Wakhloo
  • Use of novel miRNA-binding site cassettes for antigen-presenting cell detargeting of transgene expression by rAAV gene therapy vectors
    Patent number: 11655483
    Abstract: The disclosure, in some aspects, relates to nucleic acids, compositions and kits useful for gene therapy with reduced immune response to transgene products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Phillip Tai, Manish Muhuri, Wei Zhan
  • GENE REPLACEMENT THERAPY FOR FOXG1 SYNDROME
    Publication number: 20230151359
    Abstract: In some aspects the disclosure provides compositions and methods for promoting expression of functional Forkhead box G1 (FOXG1) protein in a subject. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides methods of treating a subject having FOXG1 deficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Dan Wang, Guangping Gao, Ailing Du
  • PATTERNED NANOPARTICLE STRUCTURES
    Publication number: 20230154641
    Abstract: Aspects relate to patterned nanostructures having a feature size not including film thickness of below 5 microns. The patterned nanostructures are made up of nanoparticles having an average particle size of less than 100 nm. A nanoparticle composition, which, in some cases, includes a binder, is applied to a substrate. A patterned mold used in concert with electromagnetic radiation function to manipulate the nanoparticle composition in forming the patterned nanostructure. In some embodiments, the patterned mold nanoimprints a pattern onto the nanoparticle composition and the composition is cured through UV or thermal energy. Three-dimensional patterned nanostructures may be formed. A number of patterned nanostructure layers may be prepared and joined together. In some cases, a patterned nanostructure may be formed as a layer that is releasable from the substrate upon which it is initially formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: James Watkins, Michael R. Beaulieu, Nicholas R. Hendricks
  • COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING RPGR EXPRESSION
    Publication number: 20230142852
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for modulating expression of certain RPGR retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) proteins in a cell or subject. In some embodiments the disclosure provides expression vectors encoding one or more RPGR proteins and/or one or more inhibitory nucleic acids that target certain isoforms of RPGR, for example RPGRCONST. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to methods of treating retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in a subject by administering compositions that modulate RPGR expression or activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Hemant Khanna, Laura Moreno Leon
  • AAV CAPSIDS VARIANTS AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20230138766
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for delivering a transgene (e.g., a transgene encoding one or more gene products) to a target cell. The disclosure is based, in part, on adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid protein variants characterized by tropisms for certain cell types (e.g., neurons, muscle cells, bone cells, heart cells, etc.). In some embodiments, recombinant A A Vs (rAAVs) comprising the capsid protein variants (e.g., AAVv66, SEQ ID NO: 1) are more efficiently packaged than rAAVs having certain wild-type AAV capsid proteins. Methods of delivering an rAAV comprising the AAV capsid protein variants are also described by the disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicants: University of Massachusetts, Sichuan University
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Guangchao Xu, Phillip Tai, Yuquan Wei, Li Luo
  • Risk aware executor with action set recommendations
    Patent number: 11635758
    Abstract: A method for use in traversing a vehicle transportation network by an autonomous vehicle (AV) includes traversing, by the AV, the vehicle transportation network. Traversing the vehicle transportation network includes identifying a distinct vehicle operational scenario; instantiating a first decision component instance; receiving a first set of candidate vehicle control actions from the first decision component instance; selecting an action; and controlling the AV to traverse a portion of the vehicle transportation network based on the action. The first decision component instance is an instance of a first decision component modeling the distinct vehicle operational scenario.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignees: Nissan North America, Inc., The University of Massachusetts, Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Kyle Hollins Wray, Stefan Witwicki, Shlomo Zilberstein
  • Optically transmissive devices and fabrication
    Patent number: 11635546
    Abstract: An optical device as described herein includes a host substrate fabricated from a dielectric material transparent in the Infrared range. Additionally, the optical device as discussed herein includes multiple elements disposed on the host substrate. The multiple elements are spaced apart from each other on the host substrate in accordance with a desired pattern. Each of the multiple elements disposed in the host substrate is fabricated from a second material having a refractive index of greater than 4.5. Such an optical device provides an improvement over conventional optical devices that operate in the Infrared range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignees: University of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Institute of Technoloqy
    Inventors: Hualiang Zhang, Jun Ding, Juejun Hu, Tian Gu, Hanyu Zheng