Patents Assigned to VIB
  • Publication number: 20140187741
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of functional proteomics and more particularly to the field of protein aggregation. The invention discloses a method for interfering with the function of a target protein and uses a non-naturally, user-designed molecule, designated as interferor, that has a specificity for a target protein and which induces aggregation upon contact with said target protein. The present invention also discloses such interferor molecules and their use in agrobiotech applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicants: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, VIB VZW
    Inventors: JOOST SCHYMKOWITZ, FREDERIC ROUSSEAU
  • Publication number: 20140154738
    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: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicants: VIB, VZW, UNIVERSITEIT GENT, RESEARCH CORPORATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Roland Contreras, Nico L.M. Callewaert, Steven C.J. Geysens
  • Patent number: 8741862
    Abstract: A key function of blood vessels, to supply oxygen, is impaired in tumors because of abnormalities in their endothelial lining. PHD proteins serve as oxygen sensors and may regulate oxygen delivery. Therefore the role of endothelial PHD2 in vessel shaping by implanting tumors in PHD2+/? mice was studied. Haplodeficiency of PHD2 did not affect tumor vessel density or lumen size, but normalized the endothelial lining and vessel maturation. This resulted in improved tumor perfusion and oxygenation, and inhibited tumor cell invasion, intravasation and metastasis. Haplodeficiency of PHD2 redirected the specification of endothelial tip cells to a more quiescent phenotype of a filopodia-lacking “phalanx” cell type. Without being bound to a particular mechanism, this transition could at least in part be explained by upregulation of (soluble) VEGFR-1 and VE-cadherin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Life Science Research Partners VZW
    Inventors: Peter Carmeliet, Massimiliano Mazzone
  • Publication number: 20140143897
    Abstract: The present application relates to the field of motor neuron diseases, most particularly to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinomuscular atrophy. Provided herein are strategies to improve symptoms and increase survival in patients with these axonopathies by inhibiting signaling mediated by the EphA4 ephrin receptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: VIB VZW
    Inventor: Wim Robberecht
  • Publication number: 20140130208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant molecular biology and concerns methods for enhancing the abiotic stress tolerance in plants by modulating the expression of a gene involved in the ethylene signal transduction pathway during the period of abiotic stress. The present invention also provides chimeric constructs useful in the methods in the invention. In addition, the invention provides transgenic plants having an enhanced abiotic stress resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: VIB VZW
    Inventors: Dirk G. Inze, Aleksandra Skirycz, Hannes Claeys, Frederik Coppens
  • Publication number: 20140121218
    Abstract: It has now been found that the p53 pathway is inactivated in ocular cancers such as retinoblastoma. As such, the present invention is a method for inducing ocular cancer cell death using a p53 activator. In particular embodiments, the p53 activator blocks the interaction between DM2 or DMX and p53. As the p53 activator induces ocular cancer cell death, a method for preventing or treating ocular cancer is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicants: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Universiteit Gent, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology VIB
    Inventors: Michael A. Dyer, Jean-Christopher Marine, Aart Gerrit Jochemsen
  • Patent number: 8685415
    Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem and currently, the only licensed TB vaccine is Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (M. bovis BCG). In the present invention, mutation of mycobacterial components reportedly involved in phagosome maturation inhibition was evaluated for vaccine purposes, as such mutations should result in better vaccine antigen processing and presentation. Thus, BCG mutants in genes coding for ManLAM capping ?-1,2-mannosyltransferases and the PI3P phosphatase SapM were evaluated as TB vaccines in a stringent mouse model. Vaccination with both ManLAM capping mutants and the SapM mutant resulted in significantly longer survival as compared to non-vaccinated mice, whereas vaccination with the parental BCG did not. Moreover, mice vaccinated with the SapM mutant survived significantly longer than mice vaccinated with the parental BCG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: VIB VZM, Universiteit Gent, Wetenschappelijk Instituut Volksgezondheid
    Inventors: Nico Callewaert, Anjana Batni, Nele Festjens, Christiane Huygen
  • Patent number: 8669418
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of functional proteomics and more particularly to the field of protein aggregation. The invention discloses a method for interfering with the function of a target protein and uses a non-naturally, user-designed molecule, designated as interferor, that has a specificity for a target protein and which induces aggregation upon contact with said target protein. The present invention also discloses such interferor molecules and their use in agrobiotech applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventors: Joost Schymkowitz, Frederic Rousseau
  • Patent number: 8663971
    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: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: VIB, VZW, Research Corporation Technologies, Inc., Universiteit Gent
    Inventors: Roland Contreras, Nico L. M. Callewaert, Steven C. J. Geysens
  • Publication number: 20140037646
    Abstract: Described are MMP8 inactivating antigen binding proteins, such as antigen binding proteins comprising an amino acid sequence that comprises 4 framework regions and 3 complementary determining regions; further described is the use of such antigen binding proteins to treat inflammation, such as, but not limited to, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, LPS induced inflammation, renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, ventilation induced lung injury, periodontal inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme arthritis and osteoarthritis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicants: UNIVERSITEIT GENT, VIB VZW
    Inventors: Claude Libert, Eline Dejonckheere
  • Publication number: 20140030746
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cytoplasmic protein complex comprising: (a) a first recombinant fusion protein comprising a kinase, fused to a first interaction polypeptide; and (b) a second recombinant fusion protein comprising a domain comprising a reporter phosphorylation site, whereby the domain is fused to a second interaction polypeptide. The disclosure relates further to a method to detect compound-compound-interaction using the cytoplasmic protein complex, and to cells comprising such cytoplasmic protein complex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicants: UNIVERSITEIT GENT, VIB VZW
    Inventors: Jan Tavernier, Samuel Lievens
  • Publication number: 20130345142
    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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicants: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Vib VZW, The University of Manchester, The University of British Columbia, Universiteit Antwerpen
    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
  • Patent number: 8614192
    Abstract: It has now been found that the p53 pathway is inactivated in ocular cancers such as retinoblastoma. As such, the present invention is a method for inducing ocular cancer cell death using a p53 activator. In particular embodiments, the p53 activator blocks the interaction between DM2 or DMX and p53. As the p53 activator induces ocular cancer cell death, a method for preventing or treating ocular cancer is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignees: Leiden University Medical Center, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, VIB, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
    Inventors: Michael A. Dyer, Jean-Christophe Marine, Aart Gerrit Jochemsen
  • Publication number: 20130330421
    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: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicants: KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&D, VIB VZW
    Inventor: Jean-Christophe Marine
  • Patent number: 8597906
    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 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    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
  • Publication number: 20130315916
    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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicants: Universiteit Gent, VIB VZW
    Inventors: Xavier Saelens, Bert Schepens, Walter Fiers
  • Publication number: 20130310270
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for analyzing target molecules. The device comprises a substrate retention device for holding a substrate having a functionalized surface provided thereon. This functionalized surface is adapted for capturing a plurality of target molecules. The device also comprises a light source for illuminating the functionalized surface and an image sensor for recording interference patterns of magnetic particles present on the functionalized surface. The device further comprises a first magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field to attract magnetic particles linked to the target molecules to the functionalized surface. The disclosure further relates to a method for analyzing target molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicants: VIB, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
    Inventors: Frederik Colle, Liesbet Lagae, Dries Vercruysse
  • Patent number: 8580493
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of disorders of the peripheral or central nervous system, in particular, Alzheimer's disease, and the prevention and/or treatment thereof. In particular, the invention relates to the screening of compounds that modulate GPR3 activity and/or beta-arrestin signaling in a mammalian cell and, in particular, compounds that reduce the formation of amyloid beta peptides. The invention also relates to inhibiting agents targeting beta-arrestin signaling and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and their use in therapeutic applications of those disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U. Leuven R&D
    Inventors: Bart De Strooper, Amantha Thathiah
  • Patent number: 8568717
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U. Leuven R&D, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventors: Bart De Strooper, Els Marjaux, Lujia Zhou, Serge Muyldermans
  • Publication number: 20130267426
    Abstract: The present application relates to the field of cancer, particularly to mismatch repair (MMR?) deficient tumors. New markers are presented herein that have a high sensitivity to detect whether a tumor is mismatch repair deficient or not. The markers are particularly mutations in microsatellite regions. Accordingly, methods are provided for diagnosing microsatellite instability of a tumor, comprising determining the presence of these markers. Further, kits are provided to detect the presence of these markers (or subsets thereof) in a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicants: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U. Leuven R&D, VIB VZW
    Inventor: Diether Lambrechts