Patents Examined by Che S. Chereskin
  • Enhanced expression in a plant plastid
    Patent number: 5545817
    Abstract: Novel compositions and methods useful for genetic engineering of plant cells to provide increased expression in the plastids of a plant or plant cell of a protein which produces a phenotype which is present when the plant or plant cell is grown in the absence of means for selecting transformed cells. Expression of the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterial protoxin in a plant chloroplast is exemplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin E. McBride, David M. Stalker
  • Process for the isolation and characterisation of a gene enzyme system for inactivation of the herbicide phenmedipham and transfer of the gene into plants
    Patent number: 5543306
    Abstract: A process for the isolation and characterization of a gene enzyme system for the inactivation of the herbicide phenmedipham, wherein the enzyme is a carbamate hydrolase of Arthrobacter oxidans, which is responsible for the cleavage of the carbamate bond between the benzene rings of phenmedipham. This process includes the isolation of the carbamate hydrolase, the identification of the amino acid sequence of two BrCN cleavage peptides of the carbamate hydrolase, the synthesis of oligonucleotides for specific determination of the carbamate hydrolase sequence by hybridization and identification of the coding region, cloning and specifying the nucleotide sequence of the carbamate hydrolase gene from Arthrobacter oxidans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Schering Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Pohlenz, Werner Boidol, Wolfgang Streber
  • Lycopene biosynthesis in genetically engineered hosts
    Patent number: 5530189
    Abstract: DNA segments encoding the Erwinia enzymes geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) synthase, phytoene synthase and phytoene dehydrogenase-4H, vectors containing those DNA segments, host cells containing the vectors and methods for producing those enzymes and lycopene by recombinant DNA technology in transformed host organisms are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney L. Ausich, Friedhelm L. Brinkhaus, Indrani Mukharji, John Proffitt, James Yarger, Huei-Che B. Yen
  • Beta-carotene biosynthesis in genetically engineered hosts
    Patent number: 5530188
    Abstract: DNA segments encoding the Erwinia herbicola enzymes geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) synthase, phytoene synthase, phytoene dehydrogenase-4H and lycopene cyclase, vectors containing those DNA segments, host cells containing the vectors and methods for producing those enzymes and beta-carotene by recombinant DNA technology in transformed host organisms are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney L. Ausich, Friedhelm L. Brinkhaus, Indrani Mukharji, John Proffitt, James Yarger, Huei-Che B. Yen
  • DNA constructs containing the gene for ACC Oxidase, cells and plants derived therefrom
    Patent number: 5530190
    Abstract: DNA constructs which inhibit ethylene production in plants comprise a transcriptional initiation region operative in plants for transcribing a DNA sequence encoding an RNA sequence (which may be inverted) complementary to a substantial run of bases showing substantial homology to an mRNA encoding an enzyme involved in ethylene biosynthesis: also plant cells comprising such constructs and plants derived therefrom showing reduced ethylene production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventors: Donald Grierson, Andrew J. Hamilton, Grantley W. Lycett
  • Sequences preferentially expressed in early seed development and methods related thereto
    Patent number: 5530194
    Abstract: Novel DNA constructs which may be used as molecular probes or inserted into a plant host are provided. These constructs comprise a sequence obtainable from the Bce4 gene that is capable of directing transcription in seed tissue at least as early as 11 days after anthesis until approximately 30-35 days after anthesis, joined to a nucleic acid sequence of interest, and a transcription termination region. Thus, transcription of a message encoded by a nucleic acid sequence under the control of the Bce4 regulatory region will occur at a specific time of seed development. In this manner, production of exogenous products, as well as modulation of endogenous products, may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventors: Vic C. Knauf, Jean C. Kridl, Donna E. Scherer
  • Control of ostrinia
    Patent number: 5530197
    Abstract: A method to combat or control Ostrinia nubilalis by contacting such insects with a CryIB protein or a combination of a CryIB protein and a CryIAb or CryIAc protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Plant Genetic Systems, N.V.
    Inventors: Marnix Peferoen, Stefan Jansens, Peter Denolf
  • Bacillus thuringiensis gene encoding a toxin active against insects
    Patent number: 5530195
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a novel toxin gene purified and isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki and given the designation CryIE(c). The novel toxin gene encodes a protein of approximately 130 kDa in size and is active against Lepidopteran insects. Also included in the invention are the proteins encoded by CryIE(c). Further disclosed are recombinant genes and proteins derived from CryIE(c). Also provided are biologically pure bacterial strains transformed with the CryIE(c) gene which can be used in entomocidal formulations for the control of Lepidopteran insects. Yet another aspect of the invention are plants transformed with the toxin gene or active fragments thereof, particularly where the transforming sequences have been optimized for expression in maize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventors: Vance C. Kramer, Thomas C. Currier
  • Methods for production f hybrid rose plantlets from rose somatic embryos
    Patent number: 5530182
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for producing somatic embryos of Rosa hybrida and obtaining regenerated plantlets therefrom. Somatic embryos may be produced by culturing mature tissue from Rosa hybrida in callus induction medium to induce callus formation and subsequently culturing the induced callus in regeneration medium which is capable of inducing completion of the development of somatic embryos. The availability of somatic embryos and the regenerative capacity of such embryos provides convenient raw material for carrying out current methods of plant transformation, such as ballistic methods of DNA delivery, or Agrobacterium culture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Florigene B.V. Europe
    Inventors: Maro R. Sondahl, Clemencia Noriega
  • Mutant dwarfism gene of petunia
    Patent number: 5523520
    Abstract: This invention relates to a dwarf petunia plant, seed, variety and hybrid. More specifically, the invention relates to a petunia plant having a mutant gene for dwarfism which results in the reduced plant and flower size. The invention also relates to crossing inbreds, varieties and hybrids containing the dwarf gene to produce novel types and varieties of dwarf petunia plants and flowers for ornamental purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds Inc.
    Inventors: Mary H. Hunsperger, Mathilde H. Holtrop
  • Polymeric media amendment for growing mushrooms
    Patent number: 5514191
    Abstract: A medium for enhancing growth and availability of water during a mushroom life cycle, comprising a synthetic resin and a casing material, the resin consisting essentially of a substantially-linear water-soluble polymer capable of forming a water absorbing network within the casing material, such that the polymer is dispersed within the casing material upon exposure to water and retains water for mycelia to mushroom growth progression. Use of polyacrylamides benefits growth by retaining water, reducing evaporation loss, improving yields, and increasing product distribution into larger size ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Deerpoint Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah L. Miller, John C. Miller, Douglas Tanner, Anastacio Andrade
  • Plant thioesterases
    Patent number: 5512482
    Abstract: This invention relates to plant thioesterases, means to identify such proteins, amino acid and nucleic acid sequences associated with such protein, methods to obtain, make and/or use such plant thioesterases. Also, by this invention, the existence of a heretofore unproven factor critical to the biosynthesis of medium-chain fatty acids in plants is demonstrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventors: Toni A. Voelker, Huw M. Davies
  • Method and an acetyl CoA carboxylase gene for conferring herbicide tolerance
    Patent number: 5498544
    Abstract: The present invention provides an expression cassette encoding a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase gene and methods for conferring herbicide tolerance and/or altering the oil content of plants by introducing and expressing a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase gene in plant cells. An expression cassette of the invention can comprise a gene coding a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase or a functional mutant thereof or an antisense DNA sequence complementary to the sequence for a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase gene combined with a promoter functional in a plant cell. The method of imparting herbicide tolerance to a plant includes the steps of introducing the expression cassette into the cells of a plant tissue and expressing the plant acetyl CoA carboxylase gene in an amount effective to render the acetyl CoA carboxylase and/or plant cell substantially tolerant to the herbicides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Burle G. Gengenbach, David A. Somers, Donald L. Wyse, John W. Gronwald, Margaret A. Egli, Sheila M. Lutz
  • Insect resistant tomato and potato plants
    Patent number: 5495071
    Abstract: A method for producing genetically transformed plants exhibiting toxicity to Coleopteran insects is disclosed. In another aspect, the present invention embraces chimeric plant genes, genetically transformed cells and differentiated plants which exhibit toxicity to Coleopteran insects. In yet another aspect, the present invention embraces bacterial cells and plant transformation vectors comprising a chimeric plant gene encoding a Coleopteran toxin protein of Bacillus thuringiensis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: David A. Fischhoff, Roy L. Fuchs, Paul B. Lavrik, Sylvia A. McPherson, Frederick J. Perlak
  • Transformation of plant cells
    Patent number: 5464765
    Abstract: Plant cells are transformed by bringing them into contact with a a multiplicity of needle-like bodies on which the cells may be impaled. This causes a rupture in the cell wall allowing entry of transforming DNA either from a surrounding liquid medium or of DNA previously bound to or otherwise entrapped in the needle-like projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Zeneca Limited
    Inventors: Ronald A. Coffee, James M. Dunwell
  • Plants transformed with a DNA sequence from Bacillus thuringiensis lethal to Lepidoptera
    Patent number: 5460963
    Abstract: A plant cell transformed with all or part of a Bacillus thuringiensis gene coding for either a 130 or 132 kDa protoxin against Lepidoptera, preferably with a part of the gene coding just for the respective 62 or 60 kDa trypsin-digestion product of the protoxin. A plant, regenerated from the transformed cell, is resistant to Lepidoptera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Plant Genetic Systems, N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Botterman, Marnix Peferoen, Herman Hofte, Henk Joos
  • Insecticidally effective peptides
    Patent number: 5461032
    Abstract: The invention provides insecticidally effective peptides isolatable from Diguetia spider venom, methods for preparing and using insecticides, and DNA encoding such insecticidally effective peptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignees: FMC Corporation, NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen J. Krapcho, J. R. Hunter Jackson, Bradford C. VanWagenen, Robert M. Kral, Jr.
  • Dicot plants containing an antisense polygalacturonase gene segment
    Patent number: 5457281
    Abstract: Recombinant DNA comprises promoter and terminator base sequences respectively upstream and downstream of an inverted base sequence complementary to a substantial sequence of bases in polygalacturonase mRNA. The antisense mRNA produced thereby delays softening of fruit, in particular tomatoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Zeneca Limited
    Inventors: Ian G. Bridges, Wolfgang W. Schuch, Donald Grierson
  • Medium-chain thioesterases in plants
    Patent number: 5455167
    Abstract: By this invention, further properties and uses of medium-chain thioesterases in plants are provided, including methods of using medium-chain thioesterases from non-plant sources to provide medium-chain fatty acids in plant cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Calgene Inc.
    Inventors: Toni A. Voelker, Huw M. Davies
  • Method for the preparation of 2',3'-dideoxy and 2',3'-dideoxydide-hydro nucleosides
    Patent number: 5455339
    Abstract: A method for preparing 2',3'-didehydrodideoxynucleosides and the corresponding reduced 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides which includesi) preparing a nucleoside derivative of the general structure ##STR1## wherein B is a nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur heterocycle of from C.sub.1 to C.sub.15, Y is a suitable oxygen protecting group, each R is C(S)SR', where R' is an alkyl or cyanoalkyl group of C.sub.1 to C.sub.15, or both Rs together are >C.dbd.S: and thenii) deoxygenating the nucleoside derivative to the corresponding 2',3'-didehydrodideoxynucleoside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Chung K. Chu