Patents Assigned to The University of Massachusetts
  • ADENO-ASSOCIATED VIRUS FOR DELIVERY OF KH902 (CONBERCEPT) AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20230048017
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for expressing anti-Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) agent in a cell or subject. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides rAAVs comprising a capsid protein (e.g., AAV2 variants, AAV2/3 hybrid variants, AAV8 variants, etc.), and a transgene encoding an anti-VEGF agent (e.g., KH902) and one or more regulatory sequences. In some embodiments, compositions described herein are useful for treating subjects having diseases associated with angiogenesis or aberrant VEGF activity/signaling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Phillip Tai, Claudio Punzo, Haijiang Lin
  • NOVEL AAV3B VARIANTS THAT TARGET HUMAN HEPATOCYTES IN THE LIVER OF HUMANIZED MICE
    Publication number: 20230049066
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are recombinant AAV variant (e.g., variant serotype 3B (AAV3B)) capsid proteins and variant capsid protein-containing viral particles with enhanced ability to transduce hepatic cells. Viral particles containing these capsid variants are capable of evading neutralization by the host humoral immune response. The recombinant AAV3B variant proteins and viral particles disclosed herein were identified from a variant AAV3B capsid library that was engineered by making substitutions in only the variable regions of the capsid. Some embodiments of the AAV3B capsid variants disclosed herein comprise the AAV3B-G3 variant and the AAV3B-E12 variant. Compositions of these variant AAV particles are provided that are useful for transducing and delivering therapeutic transgenes to cells, such as liver cells, and thus treat diseases and disorders pertaining to these cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicants: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated, University of Massachusetts One Beacon Street
    Inventors: Sergei Zolotukhin, Damien Marsic, Christian Murller
  • Enzymatic methods to generate high yields of sequence specific rna with extreme precision
    Patent number: 11578348
    Abstract: Described herein are synthetic methods for producing sequence-specific RNA oligonucleotides that eliminate impurities produced in prior art methods. In one aspect, an end-protected capture DNA complementary to a portion of the product RNA is employed. In another aspect, the template DNA is covalently or noncovalently linked to the RNA polymerase, either directly or through the use of a nontemplate DNA. In a third aspect, a flow chamber is employed. All of the methods can be used in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Craig Martin, Elvan Cavac, Kithmie Harshana Malagodapathiranage, Shuo Sui, Sarah L. Perry, Yasaman Gholamalipour
  • Explainability of autonomous vehicle decision making
    Patent number: 11577746
    Abstract: A processor is configured to execute instructions stored in a memory to determine, in response to identifying vehicle operational scenarios of a scene, an action for controlling the AV, where the action is from a selected decision component that determined the action based on level of certainty associated with a state factor; generate an explanation as to why the action was selected, such that the explanation includes respective descriptors of the action, the selected decision component, and the state factor; and display the explanation in a graphical view that includes a first graphical indicator of a world object of the selected decision component, a second graphical indicator describing the state factor, and a third graphical indicator describing the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignees: Nissan North America, Inc., The University of Massachusetts, United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASA, Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Kyle Hollins Wray, Omar Bentahar, Astha Vagadia, Laura Cesafsky, Arec Jamgochian, Stefan Witwicki, Najamuddin Mirza Baig, Julius S. Gyorfi, Shlomo Zilberstein, Sparsh Sharma
  • AAV capsid designs
    Patent number: 11578340
    Abstract: The disclosure in some aspects relates to recombinant adeno-associated viruses having distinct tissue targeting capabilities. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to gene transfer methods using the recombinant adeno-associated viruses. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to isolated AAV capsid proteins and isolated nucleic acids encoding the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignees: University of Massachusetts, Sichuan University
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Guangchao Xu, Phillip Tai, Yuquan Wei, Li Luo
  • Nanopore-matched protein shuttle for molecular characterization
    Patent number: 11567061
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for trapping and electrically monitoring molecules in a nanopore sensor. The nanopore sensor comprises a support structure with a first and a second fluidic chamber, at least one nanopore fluidically connected to the two chambers, and a protein shuttle. The protein shuttle comprises an electrically charged protein molecule, such as Avidin. The nanopore can be a Clytosolin A. A method can comprise applying a voltage across the nanopores to draw protein shuttles towards the nanopores. The ionic current through each or all of the nanopores can be concurrently measured. Based on the measured ionic current, blockage events can be detected. Each blockage event indicates a capture of a protein shuttle by at least one nanopore. Each blockage event can be detected through a change of the total ionic current flow or a change in the ionic current flow for a particular nanopore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignees: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Lene V. Hau, Jene A. Golovchenko, Min Chen
  • Negative pressure wound closure device
    Patent number: 11564843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignees: University of Massachusetts, Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond M. Dunn, Victoria Jody Hammond, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, John Kenneth Hicks, Elizabeth Mary Huddleston, Andrew Kelly, Andrew Linton, Mark Richardson, Carl Saxby, Tim Stern
  • Silencing of DUX4 by recombinant gene editing complexes
    Patent number: 11566237
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and compositions for regulating expression of DUX4. Specifically, the disclosure provides a recombinant gene editing complex comprising: a recombinant gene editing protein; and, a nucleic acid encoding a guide RNA (gRNA) that specifically hybridizes to a target nucleic acid sequence encoding a D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat region, wherein binding of the complex to the target nucleic acid sequence results in inhibition of DUX4 gene expression. In some aspects, methods described by the disclosure are useful for treating a disease associated with aberrant DUX4 expression (e.g., facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, FSHD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Peter L. Jones, Charis L. Himeda, Takako Jones
  • Multilayered meta lens and optical apparatus including the same
    Patent number: 11567240
    Abstract: A meta-lens includes a first layer that is arranged on a substrate and that includes a plurality of first nanostructures and a second layer including a plurality of second nanostructures separately arranged from the first nanostructures. The meta-lens may focus light of a plurality of wavelengths or light of a wide wavelength bandwidth due to the arrangement of the nanostructures in a multilayer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Seunghoon Han, Mahdad Mansouree, Amir Arbabi, Suyeon Lee
  • Genetically engineered microorganisms and methods of use
    Patent number: 11560543
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to genetically engineered microorganisms for treating or reducing the risk of bacterial infections or dysbiosis, and further discloses methods of making and using such microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Vanni Bucci, Jacob Palmer, Christopher Brigham, Mark Silby
  • AAV VECTORS ENCODING NF1 AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20230002787
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods of treating certain genetic disease (e.g., Neurofibromatosis type I) by delivering functional neurofibromin 1(NF1) protein (e.g., mini-NF1 protein and/or full-length NF1 protein) to target cell (e.g., cells and/or tissue of a subject). The disclosure is based, in part, on isolated nucleic acids (e.g., rAAV vectors) and rAAVs engineered to express a functional NF1 protein (e.g., mini-NF1 protein and/or full-length NF1 protein) or variants thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventor: Miguel Sena Esteves
  • Antiviral compounds
    Patent number: 11542288
    Abstract: The present application provides compounds and methods of treating viral infections, including viral infections caused by HIV or HTLV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Celia A. Schiffer, Akbar Ali, Nese Kurt-Yilmaz, Linah N. Rusere, Gordon J. Lockbaum, Mina Henes
  • Recombinant AAV variants and uses thereof
    Patent number: 11542525
    Abstract: The disclosure in some aspects relates to recombinant adeno-associated viruses having distinct tissue targeting capabilities. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to gene transfer methods using the recombinant adeno-associated viruses. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to isolated AAV capsid proteins and isolated nucleic acids encoding the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Jun Xie, Terence Flotte
  • Segmentation of retinal blood vessels in optical coherence tomography angiography images
    Patent number: 11534064
    Abstract: Methods for automated segmentation system for retinal blood vessels from optical coherence tomography angiography images include a preprocessing stage, an initial segmentation stage, and a refining stage. Application of machine-learning techniques to segmented images allow for automated diagnosis of retinovascular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignees: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc., University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Ayman El-Baz, Nabila Eldawi, Shlomit Schaal, Mohammed Elmogy, Harpal Sandhu, Robert S. Keynton, Ahmed Soliman
  • Mapping of genomic interactions
    Patent number: 11535844
    Abstract: The present invention relates to genomic analysis. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for mapping genomic interactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Job Dekker, Josee Dostie
  • AAV-BASED DELIVERY OF THYMINE KINASE 2
    Publication number: 20220403417
    Abstract: In some aspects the disclosure provides compositions and methods for promoting expression of functional Thymine Kinase 2 (TK2) protein in a subject. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides methods of treating a subject having TK2 deficiency, for example a subject having mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Jun Xie, Guangping Gao
  • PIVOTING AUV/UUV DOCK FOR USE WITH A WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER
    Publication number: 20220403812
    Abstract: An AUV/UUV docking station is provided that is tethered to a wave energy converter that is in turn tethered to a flotation buoy. The AUV/UUV docking station has a cone for directing an AUV/UUV into a charging dock that is rotatable between a horizontal docking position and a vertical charging position such that in the vertical position the docking station and docked AUV/UUV have a reduced profile so as not to interfere with the operation of the wave energy converter. Energy from the wave energy converter is directed to the dock to charge the AUV/UUV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Gregory E Browne, Christopher M Meninno, Daniel G MacDonald, Mehdi Raessi
  • Anti-CRISPR compounds and methods of use
    Patent number: 11530394
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing platforms. In particular, the present invention has identified Type II-C Cas9 anti-CRISPR (Acr) inhibitors that control Cas9 gene editing activity. Co-administration of such Acr inhibitors may provide an advantageous adjunct in permitting safe and practical biological therapeutics through spatial or temporal control of Cas9 activity; controlling Cas9-based gene drives in wild populations to reduce the ecological consequences of such forced inheritance schemes; and contributing to general research into various biotechnological, agricultural, and medical applications of gene editing technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
    Inventors: Erik J. Sontheimer, Alan Davidson, Karen Maxwell, April Pawluk, Yan Zhang, Jooyoung Lee, Nadia Amrani
  • MULTI-ANTIGENIC PEPTIDE MIMICS OF GONOCOCCAL LIPO-OLIGOSACCHARIDE (LOS) EPITOPES
    Publication number: 20220395567
    Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates to compositions of peptide mimics useful in the treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae). In some embodiments, the peptide mimics are multi-antigenic molecules of a conserved gonococcal lipoohgosaccharaide (LOS) epitope. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to methods of making peptide mimics for the treatment of N. gonorrhoeae. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to methods of using peptide mimics for the treatment of N. gonorrhoeae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Peter A. Rice, Michael W. Pennington
  • Modeling controversy within populations
    Patent number: 11521098
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for modeling controversy as a combination of at least contention and importance with respect to a given population. An example system for modeling controversy within a population includes an interface, memory, and processor. The interface is configured to obtain information regarding stances of individuals in the population on a topic. The processor is configured to determine, and store in the memory, a representation of contention on the topic among individuals of the population. The representation of contention is based on the stances of individuals in the population. The processor is further configured to determine, and store in the memory, a representation of importance of the topic within the population. The processor is configured to create, and store in the memory, a model of controversy for the topic based on the representations of contention and importance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Myungha Jang, Shiri Dori-Hacohen, James Allan