Patents Assigned to VIB
  • Publication number: 20160347842
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicants: VIB VZW, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Jan Steyaert, Juan Jose Fung, Brian Kobilka, Toon Laeremans, Els Pardon, Soren G.F. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 9505849
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignees: AMGEN RESEARCH (MUNICH) GMBH, VIB VZW, Universiteit Gent
    Inventors: Peter Kufer, Tobias Raum, Markus Muenz, Jochen Pendzialek, Walter Fiers, Xavier Saelens, Kenny Roose
  • Patent number: 9492562
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: VIB VZW, UNIVERSITEIT GENT, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS), UNIVERSITE MONTPELLIER 2, CENTRE HOSPITALIER REGIONAL UNIVERSITAIRE DE MONTPELLIER, UNIVERSITAT OSNABRUCK
    Inventors: Jan Tavernier, Gilles Uzé, Guillaume Cartron, Franciane Paul, Jacob Piehler
  • Patent number: 9493756
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and genetically engineered cells useful for uncapping a mannose-6-phosphate residue on an oligosaccharide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: VIB vzw, Universiteit Gent, Oxyrane UK Limited, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventors: Nico Luc Marc Callewaert, Wouter Vervecken, Petra Sophie Tiels, Han Karel Remaut, Kathleen Camilla Telesphore Alida Maria Piens
  • Patent number: 9486541
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignees: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, VIB VZW, Universteit Antwerpen, The University of British Columbia, The University of Manchester
    Inventors: 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: 20160304888
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicants: VIB VZW, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U.Leuven R&D
    Inventors: Johan Thevelein, Maria Remedios Foulquie-Moreno, Annelies Goovaerts, Steve Swinnen
  • Patent number: 9453065
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Jan Steyaert, Els Pardon, Soren Rasmussen, Juan Fung, Brian Kobilka, Toon Laeremans
  • Patent number: 9447391
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Universiteit Antwerpen
    Inventors: Albena Jordanova, Magdalena Zimon, Jonathan Baets, Peter De Jonghe
  • Patent number: 9422573
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Universiteit Gent, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U. Leuven R&D
    Inventors: Frank Van Breusegem, Annelies Inze, Janick Mathys, Bruno Cammue
  • Publication number: 20160237166
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicants: VIB VZW, VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&D
    Inventors: Bart De Strooper, Els Marjaux, Lujia Zhou, Serge Muyldermans
  • Patent number: 9408885
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignees: VIB VZW, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&D
    Inventor: Jean-Christophe Marine
  • Patent number: 9409973
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Universiteit Gent
    Inventors: Xavier Saelens, Bert Schepens, Walter Fiers
  • Patent number: 9359628
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignees: VIB, VZW, Research Corporation Technologies, Inc., Universiteit Gent
    Inventors: Roland Contreras, Nico L.M. Callewaert, Steven C.J. Geysens
  • Patent number: 9353164
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Life Sciences Research Partners VZW, Universiteit Gent
    Inventors: Lay Khim Chuah, Thierry Vandendriessche, Pieter De Bleser
  • Publication number: 20160052999
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: VIB vzw
    Inventor: Serge Muyldermans
  • Patent number: 9249420
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignees: VIB VZW, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&D
    Inventors: Catherine Asleson Dundon, Christopher Smith, Piruz Nahreini, Johan Thevelein, Sofie Saerens
  • Patent number: 9238028
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Life Sciences Research Partners VZW
    Inventors: Ludo Van Den Bosch, Constantin Van Outryve d'Ydewalle, Wim Robberecht
  • Patent number: 9234025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an extracellular binding domain for an allosteric inhibitor, whereby said binding domain is derived from a single membrane span tyrosine kinase receptor. More specifically, the invention relates to an extracellular domain derived from a Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR). It further relates to the use of this domain for the identification of similar domains in the extracellular part of other tyrosine kinase receptors, and to a screening method for identification of a small compound allosteric inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignees: SANOFI, VIB VZW, LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH PARTNERS VZW, VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
    Inventors: Peter Carmeliet, Frederik De Smet, Joost Schymkowitz, Frédéric Rousseau, Corentin Herbert
  • Patent number: 9222083
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and genetically engineered cells useful for producing an altered N-glycosylation form of a target molecule. Also described are methods and molecules with altered N-glycosylation useful for treating a variety of disorders such as metabolic disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignees: Oxyrane UK Limited, VIB vzw, Universiteit Gent
    Inventors: Nico Luc Marc Callewaert, Wouter Vervecken, Karen Jacqueline Marcel De Pourcq, Steven Christian Jozef Geysens, Mouna Guerfal
  • Patent number: 9206408
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and genetically engineered cells useful for producing an altered N-glycosylation form of a target molecule. Also described are methods and molecules with altered N-glycosylation useful for treating a variety of disorders such as metabolic disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignees: Oxyrane UK Limited, VIB vzw, Universiteit Gent
    Inventors: Nico Luc Marc Callewaert, Wouter Vervecken, Karen Jacqueline Marcel De Pourcq, Steven Christian Jozef Geysens, Mouna Guerfal