Patents Assigned to VIB VZW
-
Publication number: 20170009249Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of secondary metabolite production in plants. More specifically, the disclosure relates to chimeric genes and their use in the regulation of biosynthesis and/or production of secondary metabolites in plants and plant-derived cell cultures.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2015Publication date: January 12, 2017Applicants: VIB VZW, UNIVERSITEIT GENT, UNIVERSITEIT LEIDENInventors: Alain GOOSSENS, Jan MERTENS, Alex van MOERKERCKE, Jacob POLLIER, Johan MEMELINK
-
Publication number: 20160376347Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody that confers protection against influenza virus infection. More specifically, it relates to an anti-neuraminidase antibody, protecting against highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza strains. The invention relates further to the use of the antibody for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of influenzavirusinfections, and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicants: VIB VZW, Universiteit Gent, Vrije Universiteit BrusselInventors: Xavier Saelens, Francisco Miguel Lopez Cardoso, Ann DePicker, Serge Muyldermans
-
Patent number: 9518084Abstract: Described is an epitope tag useful in affinity-based applications. The invention further includes fusion proteins, methods for preparing fusion proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding these fusion proteins and recombinant host cells that contain these nucleic acid molecules. The invention also relates to nanobodies and other affinity ligands specifically recognizing the epitope tag, and uses thereof in affinity-based applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignees: VIB VZW, Vrije Universiteit BrusselInventors: Els Pardon, Jan Steyaert, Lode Wyns
-
Publication number: 20160347842Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of GPCR structure biology and signaling. In particular, the present invention relates to protein binding domains directed against or capable of specifically binding to a functional conformational state of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). More specifically, the present invention provides protein binding domains that are capable of increasing the stability of a functional conformational state of a GPCR, in particular, increasing the stability of a GPCR in its active conformational state. The protein binding domains of the present invention can be used as a tool for the structural and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors bound to various natural and synthetic ligands, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs. Moreover, the invention also encompasses the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic usefulness of these protein binding domains for GPCR-related diseases.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Applicants: VIB VZW, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Jan Steyaert, Juan Jose Fung, Brian Kobilka, Toon Laeremans, Els Pardon, Soren G.F. Rasmussen
-
Patent number: 9505849Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody construct comprising a first human binding domain specific for the extracellular part of the influenza envelope protein M2 (M2e) and a second domain specific for CD3. Moreover, the invention provides a nucleic acid molecule encoding the antibody construct, a vector comprising said nucleic acid molecule and a host cell transformed or transfected with said nucleic acid molecule or vector. Furthermore, the invention provides a process for the production of the antibody construct of the invention, a pharmaceutical composition comprising said antibody construct, a medical use/method of treatment relating to said antibody construct, and a kit comprising said antibody construct.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignees: AMGEN RESEARCH (MUNICH) GMBH, VIB VZW, Universiteit GentInventors: Peter Kufer, Tobias Raum, Markus Muenz, Jochen Pendzialek, Walter Fiers, Xavier Saelens, Kenny Roose
-
Patent number: 9493756Abstract: Described herein are methods and genetically engineered cells useful for uncapping a mannose-6-phosphate residue on an oligosaccharide.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignees: VIB vzw, Universiteit Gent, Oxyrane UK Limited, Vrije Universiteit BrusselInventors: Nico Luc Marc Callewaert, Wouter Vervecken, Petra Sophie Tiels, Han Karel Remaut, Kathleen Camilla Telesphore Alida Maria Piens
-
Patent number: 9492562Abstract: This disclosure relates to a modified ?-helical bundle cytokine, with reduced activity via an ?-helical bundle cytokine receptor, wherein the ?-helical bundle cytokine is specifically delivered to target cells. Preferably, the ?-helical bundle cytokine is a mutant, more preferably it is a mutant interferon, with low affinity to the interferon receptor, wherein the mutant interferon is specifically delivered to target cells. The targeting is realized by fusion of the modified ?-helical bundle cytokine to a targeting moiety, preferably an antibody. This disclosure relates further to the use of such targeted modified ?-helical bundle cytokine to treat diseases. A preferred embodiment is the use of a targeted mutant interferon, to treat diseases, preferably viral diseases and tumors.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignees: VIB VZW, UNIVERSITEIT GENT, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS), UNIVERSITE MONTPELLIER 2, CENTRE HOSPITALIER REGIONAL UNIVERSITAIRE DE MONTPELLIER, UNIVERSITAT OSNABRUCKInventors: Jan Tavernier, Gilles Uzé, Guillaume Cartron, Franciane Paul, Jacob Piehler
-
Patent number: 9486541Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for detecting mutations that can be linked to dementia. For example, methods and materials for detecting one or more mutations within PGRN nucleic acid are provided. This document also provides methods and materials for detecting the level of progranulin expression. In addition, this document relates to methods and materials for treating mammals having a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., dementia). For example, methods and materials for increasing PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals are provided, as are methods and materials for identifying agents that can be used to increase PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignees: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, VIB VZW, Universteit Antwerpen, The University of British Columbia, The University of ManchesterInventors: Michael L. Hutton, Matthew Charles Baker, Jennifer Mae Gass, Rosa Rademakers, Jason Eriksen, Stuart M. Pickering-Brown, Ian Reid Alexander Mackenzie, Howard Feldman, Samir Kumar-Singh, Christine Van Broeckhoven, Marc Cruts, Ashley Diane Cannon
-
Publication number: 20160304888Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the identification of a QTL associated with high ethanol tolerance in Saccharomyces spp. More specifically, it relates to specific alleles of MKT1 and APJ1 possibly combined with a specific allele of SWS2 that are important in obtaining a high ethanol tolerance in Saccharomyces spp. It relates further to the use of such alleles in the construction of high ethanol tolerant strains, and the use of these alleles in screening for ethanol tolerance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Applicants: VIB VZW, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U.Leuven R&DInventors: Johan Thevelein, Maria Remedios Foulquie-Moreno, Annelies Goovaerts, Steve Swinnen
-
Patent number: 9453065Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of GPCR structure biology and signaling. In particular, it relates to protein binding domains directed against or capable of specifically binding to a functional conformational state of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). More specifically, it provides protein binding domains that are capable of increasing the stability of a functional conformational state of a GPCR, in particular, increasing the stability of a GPCR in its active conformational state. The protein binding domains hereof can be used as a tool for the structural and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors bound to various natural and synthetic ligands, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs. Moreover, also encompassed are the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic usefulness of these protein binding domains for GPCR-related diseases.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignees: VIB VZW, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Jan Steyaert, Els Pardon, Soren Rasmussen, Juan Fung, Brian Kobilka, Toon Laeremans
-
Patent number: 9447391Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of human genetics, particularly the field of peripheral neuropathy, particularly inherited peripheral neuropathy. Specifically, the disclosure relates to methods and materials to detect hereditary peripheral neuropathy, more particularly autosomal recessive Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignees: VIB VZW, Universiteit AntwerpenInventors: Albena Jordanova, Magdalena Zimon, Jonathan Baets, Peter De Jonghe
-
Patent number: 9422573Abstract: Described are genes and chimeric genes encoding anti-microbial peptides. These genes can be used to generate transgenic plants with an improved resistance to, for example, plant pathogenic fungi. Alternatively, the peptides encoded by these genes can be applied as agrochemical formulations to plants suffering from microbial diseases such as fungal diseases.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignees: VIB VZW, Universiteit Gent, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U. Leuven R&DInventors: Frank Van Breusegem, Annelies Inze, Janick Mathys, Bruno Cammue
-
Publication number: 20160237166Abstract: Described are single domain antibodies with a specificity for BACE1. More specifically, described are single variable-domain antibodies derived from camelids that bind to BACE1 and are capable of inhibiting the activity of BACE1. The antibodies can be used for research and medical applications. Specific applications include the use of BACE1-specific antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2013Publication date: August 18, 2016Applicants: VIB VZW, VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&DInventors: Bart De Strooper, Els Marjaux, Lujia Zhou, Serge Muyldermans
-
Patent number: 9409973Abstract: Described is a vaccine against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). More specifically, described is a recombinant subunit vaccine comprising the ectodomain of the RSV-encoded Small Hydrophobic (SH) protein. The ectodomain of SH is referred to as SHe. The ectodomain is typically presented as an oligomer, or a pentamer. Further described are antibodies, raised against the ectodomain or specific for the ectodomain, and their use for protecting a subject against RSV infection and/or for treatment of an infected subject.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignees: VIB VZW, Universiteit GentInventors: Xavier Saelens, Bert Schepens, Walter Fiers
-
Patent number: 9408885Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of oncology, more particularly to the field of melanoma. Provided are methods of treating melanoma, particularly advanced cutaneous melanoma, with a combination of pharmaceutical agents comprising MDM4-specific antagonists (such as an inhibitor of the MDM4-p53 interaction or a molecule that decreases MDM4 protein stability) or MDM4-MDM2 dual inhibitors (i.e., molecules that disrupt the interactions between p53 and MDM2 and p53 and MDM4) and one or more chemotherapeutic agents such as for example alkylating agents (i.e., Dacarbazine (DITC) or melphalan), alkylating-like agents (i.e., cisplatin or carboplatin) or mitotic inhibitors (taxanes docetaxel or paclitaxel) and PI3K-AKT, B-RAF and MEK inhibitors. Further provided are pharmaceutical formulations of MDM4-specific antagonists (be it an inhibitor of the MDM4-p53 interaction or a molecule that decreases MDM4 protein stability) or MDM4-MDM2 dual inhibitors (i.e.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignees: VIB VZW, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&DInventor: Jean-Christophe Marine
-
Patent number: 9359628Abstract: The present invention provides genetically engineered strains of Pichia capable of producing proteins with reduced glycosylation. In particular, the genetically engineered strains of the present invention are capable of expressing either or both of an ?-1,2-mannosidase and glucosidase II. The genetically engineered strains of the present invention can be further modified such that the OCH1 gene is disrupted. Methods of producing glycoproteins with reduced glycosylation using such genetically engineered stains of Pichia are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignees: VIB, VZW, Research Corporation Technologies, Inc., Universiteit GentInventors: Roland Contreras, Nico L.M. Callewaert, Steven C.J. Geysens
-
Patent number: 9353164Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid regulatory elements that are able to enhance cardiac-specific expression of genes, methods employing these regulatory elements and uses of these elements. Expression cassettes and vectors containing these nucleic acid regulatory elements are also disclosed. The present invention is particularly useful for applications using gene therapy.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignees: VIB VZW, Life Sciences Research Partners VZW, Universiteit GentInventors: Lay Khim Chuah, Thierry Vandendriessche, Pieter De Bleser
-
Publication number: 20160052999Abstract: The present invention relates to functional heavy chain antibodies, functional single domain heavy chain antibodies, functional VH domains, or functional fragments thereof comprising an amino acid which is neither a charged amino acid nor a C at position 45, and comprising an amino acid at position 103 independently chosen from the group consisting of R, G, K, S, Q, L, and P, and optionally an amino acid at position 108 independently chosen from the group consisting of Q, L and R, said positions determined according to the Kabat numbering.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2015Publication date: February 25, 2016Applicant: VIB vzwInventor: Serge Muyldermans
-
Patent number: 9249420Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant microorganisms comprising an isobutanol producing metabolic pathway and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce isobutanol. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may comprise one or more modifications resulting in the reduction in the expression and/or activity of an endogenous transporter protein. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces clade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignees: VIB VZW, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&DInventors: Catherine Asleson Dundon, Christopher Smith, Piruz Nahreini, Johan Thevelein, Sofie Saerens
-
Patent number: 9238028Abstract: The disclosure relates to diseases in the peripheral nervous system, particularly hereditary neuropathies, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. It is shown that this disease is associated with decreased acetylated tubulin levels, which can be overcome by inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs). Using HDAC inhibitors, it is shown herein that the symptoms of the CMT phenotype can be overcome both in vitro and in vivo. Also provided herein are two different mouse models of CMT disease.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignees: VIB VZW, Life Sciences Research Partners VZWInventors: Ludo Van Den Bosch, Constantin Van Outryve d'Ydewalle, Wim Robberecht