Patents Assigned to Univ. of Utah Research Foundation
  • Mutations in the KCNE1 gene encoding human minK which cause arrhythmia susceptibility thereby establishing KCNE1 as an LQT gene
    Patent number: 6274332
    Abstract: The genomic structure including the sequence of the intron/exon junctions is disclosed for KVLQT1 and KCNE1 which are genes associated with long QT syndrome. Additional sequence data for the two genes ARE also disclosed. Also disclosed are newly found mutations in KVLQT1 which result in long QT syndrome. The intron/exon junction sequence data allow for the design of primer pairs to amplify and sequence across all of the exons of the two genes. This can be used to screen persons for the presence of mutations which cause long QT syndrome. Assays can be performed to screen persons for the presence of mutations in either the DNA or proteins. The DNA and proteins may also be used in assays to screen for drugs which will be useful in treating or preventing the occurrence of long QT syndrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Univ. of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Mark T. Keating, Michael C. Sanguinetti, Igor Splawski
  • Method to determine predisposition to hypertension
    Patent number: 5998145
    Abstract: The association of the molecular variant G-6A of the angiotensinogen gene with human hypertension is disclosed. The determination of this association enables the screening of persons to identify those who have a predisposition to high blood pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignees: Univ. of Utah Research Foundation, INSERM
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Lalouel, Xavier Jeunemaitre, Richard P. Lifton, Florent Soubrier, Youri Kotelevtsev, Pierre Corvol
  • Conotoxin peptides
    Patent number: 5719264
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to conotoxin peptides having 25-35 amino acids, six cysteines which form three disulfide bonds between the first and fourth, second and fifth, and third and sixth cysteines, respectively. The invention is directed to .delta.-conotoxin GmVIA having the formula Val-Lys-Pro-Cys-Arg-Lys-Glu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Cys-Asp-Pro-Ile-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Cy s-Arg-Gly-Trp-Asn-Cys-Val-Leu-Phe-Cys-Val (SEQ ID NO:1). This peptide activates sodium channels. The invention is further directed to .mu.O-conotoxin peptides of the generic formula Ala-Cys-Xaa.sub.1 -Lys-Lys-Trp-Glu-Tyr-Cys-Ile-Val-Pro-Ile-Xaa.sub.2 -Gly-Phe-Xaa.sub.3 -Tyr-Cys-Cys-Pro-Gly-Leu-Ile-Cys-Gly-Pro-Phe-Val-Cys-Val, wherein Xaa.sub.1 is Arg or Ser, Xaa.sub.2 is Ile or Leu and Xaa.sub.3 is Ile or Val (SEQ ID NO:2). These peptides block sodium charmels. Examples of .mu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignees: Univ. of Utah Research Foundation, Yissum Research Development Co. of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Inventors: Ki-Joon Shon, Baldomero M. Olivera, J. Michael McIntosh, Arik Hasson, Micha E. Spira