Patents Examined by Debra Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 6110665
    Abstract: An amplification primer and probe which can be used in an in vitro diagnostic test for the presence of S. neurona in equine blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Sarcocystis neurona is responsible for the equine condition of protozoal myelitis. The amplification primer is seventeen nucleotides in length and complementary to a unique section of the small ribosomal subunit of Sarcocystis neurona. The primer encompasses nucleotide positions 1470-1487 of the small ribosomal subunit of S. neurona. The primer has the sequence 5' CCATTCCGGACGCGGGT SEQ ID NO:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Clara K. Fenger, David E. Granstrom, Alvin A. Gajadhar, Jitender P. Dubey
  • Patent number: 6090543
    Abstract: The present invention relates to means for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences, as well as variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention also relates to methods for forming a nucleic acid cleavage structure on a target sequence and cleaving the nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. The structure-specific nuclease activity of a variety of enzymes is used to cleave the target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Third Wave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Prudent, Jeff G. Hall, Victor I. Lyamichev, Mary Ann D. Brow, James E. Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 6090606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to means for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences, as well as variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention also relates to improved cleavage means for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences. Structure-specific nucleases derived from a variety of thermostabe organisms are provided. These structure-specific nucleases are used to cleave target-dependent cleavage structures, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Third Wave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Kaiser, Victor I. Lyamichev, Natasha Lyamicheva
  • Patent number: 6027877
    Abstract: A method for detecting mutations, such as a single base change or an addition or deletion of about one to four base pairs, is based on the use of an immobilized DNA mismatch-binding protein, such as MutS, which binds to a nucleic acid hybrid having a single base mismatch or unpaired base or bases, thereby allowing the detection of mutations involving as little as one base change in a nucleotide sequence. Such a method is useful for diagnosing a variety of important disease states or susceptibilities, detecting the presence of a mutated oncogene and for isolating or removing by affinity chromatography duplex DNA molecules containing mismatches such as error-containing molecules in PCR-amplified DNA samples. Also provided are kits useful for practicing the methods of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Gene Check, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Wagner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6017702
    Abstract: A chain-termination type DNA sequencing method is disclosed wherein deoxynucleotide 2'-deoxythymidine-5'-triphosphate is replaced by 2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate, or analogs thereof Kits for performing the method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Perkin-Elmer Corporation
    Inventors: Linda G. Lee, Barnett B. Rosenblum
  • Patent number: 5994069
    Abstract: The present invention relates to means for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences, as well as variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention also relates to methods for forming a nucleic acid cleavage structure on a target sequence and cleaving the nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. The structure-specific nuclease activity of a variety of enzymes is used to cleave the target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof. The present invention further relates to methods and devices for the separation of nucleic acid molecules based on charge. The present invention also provides methods for the detection of non-target cleavage products via the formation of a complete and activated protein binding region. The invention further provides sensitive and specific methods for the detection of human cytomegalovirus nucleic acid in a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Third Wave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff G. Hall, Victor I. Lyamichev, Andrea L. Mast, Mary Ann D. Brow
  • Patent number: 5968769
    Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation and cloning of the structural gene, hipP, for the NTHi pili serotype 5 and the LKP operon. The invention relates to DNA molecules capable of hybridizing to the DNA sequences of the Haemophilus influenzae genome related to the pili. The invention further relates to a DNA molecule which encodes a pili protein, particularly a tip adhesion protein. The DNA molecules of the invention can be used in a method for assaying a sample, such as a blood sample, for the presence of Haemophilus influenzae in the sample. Accordingly, the invention further relates to the use of the DNA molecules as a diagnostic. The invention also relates to a recombinant Haemophilus influenzae pili protein, such as a tip adhesion protein. The protein can be employed in a method for immunizing an animal, such as a human, as a therapeutic or diagnostic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Co. and Bactex, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Green, Charles C. Brinton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5955266
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a subject having or at risk of having a thrombotic disease syndrome by analysis of a platelet polymorphism is provided. The association between a polymorphism of the Pl.sup.A2 allele of the GPIIIa gene and unstable thrombotic syndromes provides the basis for methods and kits for diagnosing subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    Inventors: Paul F. Bray, Pascal J. Goldschmidt-Clermont
  • Patent number: 5912147
    Abstract: Provided is a method for detecting genomic instability, independent of microsatellite alterations, comprising the steps of treating a comparison pair of genomic DNA from tumor cells and genomic DNA from normal cells with oligonucleotide primers under conditions for, and in an amplification reaction to, amplify a target sequence associated with such genomic instability. Detection of an alteration in the banding pattern of amplified product from genomic DNA from tumor cells as compared to that of normal cells, is indicative of such genomic instability. Additionally provided is a process for simultaneously assessing changes in methylation patterns in the genomic DNA tested comprising treating the genomic DNA with reagents for detecting methylation status prior to the amplification reaction, comparing the resultant banding patterns of amplified products, wherein differences in the banding patterns is indicative of an alteration in methylation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Health Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Stoler, Mark Basik, Garth Anderson
  • Patent number: 5908746
    Abstract: A method is provided, comprising the steps of reacting a biologically active first substance immobilized on a carrier with a second substance capable of specifically binding the first substance, and detecting a non-bound part of the second substance or a bound part of the second substance indirectly bound to the carrier through binding between the first and second substances so that the first substance or the second substance in a sample is analyzed, wherein the carrier carries a compound having 2 to 100 carbodiimide groups, and the first substance is immobilized on the carrier through the carbodiimide groups so that the active substance such as protein and nucleic acid is bound to the carrier conveniently, efficiently, and tightly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Osamu Suzuki, Naokazu Sasaki, Tatsuo Ichihara, Sanae Okada
  • Patent number: 5888733
    Abstract: Methodologies for determining the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences in a sample of eucaryotic origin using in situ hybridization are described. The in situ hybridization is performed using a hybridization solution comprising at least one binding partner capable of hybridizing to the specific nucleic acid sequence to be determined so as to form hybrids and a hybrid destabilizing agent in an amount effective to decrease the melting temperature of hybrids formed between the nucleic acid and the binding partner so as to increase the specific binding and decrease the non-specific binding. The binding partner used is a polymeric strand of polymerized moieties having a non-cyclic backbone, the polymeric strand being capable of hybridizing to the nucleic acid sequence to be determined. The method is particularly suitable for diagnosing different human diseases such as bacterial and viral infections, genetic diseases and neoplastic disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Dako A/S
    Inventors: Jens J. Hyldig-Nielsen, Karl-Johan Pluzek, Tom Just
  • Patent number: 5885775
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining sequence information in polynucleotides by combining the recent disparate technologies of mass spectrometry and polynucleotide hybridization, amplification, extension and/or ligation techniques. Broadly, in a first step, the method for determining sequence information in a sample polynucleotide includes hybridizing with a sample nucleotide one or a mixture of oligonucleotide probes having a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of the sample polynucleotide, thereby forming a complex. Then, in a second step, the complex is contacted with at least a member selected from the group consisting of nucleosides, dideoxynucleosides, polymerases, nucleases, transcriptases, ligases and restriction enzymes to alter at least a subset of said oligonucleotide probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: PerSeptive Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Haff, Igor Pavlovich Smirnov
  • Patent number: 5880094
    Abstract: Polypeptides which stimulate bone growth are described based on the sequences: (a) Gly Ile Gly Lys Arg Thr Asn Glu His Thr Ala Asp Cys Lys Ile Lys Pro Asn Thr Leu His Lys Lys Ala Ala Glu Thr Leu Met Val; (b) Gly Ile Gly Lys Arg Thr Asn Glu His Thr Ala Asp Cys Lys Ile Lys Pro Asn Thr Leu His Lys Lys Ala Ala; (c) Gly Ile Gly Lys Arg Thr Asn Glu His Thr Ala Asp Cys Lys Ile Lys Pro Asn Thr Leu; and (d) Gly Ile Gly Lys Arg Thr Asn Glu His Thr Ala Asp Cys Lys Ile. The associated nucleotide sequences, methods of preparation and use, and antibodies and kits based upon them are described, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Osteopharm Limited
    Inventor: Cherk Shing Tam
  • Patent number: 5874292
    Abstract: A commercial and institutional kitchen retrofit system for 1. the automatic daily cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and flues, 2. a low pressure, low volume, recirculating cleaning system designed for the removal of oily residue from hard surfaces and the accelerated bioremediation of the resulting collective hydrocarbon waste, 3. the collection and elimination of roof-top grease accumulations, 4. the systematic on site incubation and enhanced propagation of cultured, hydrocarbon specific, bacterial microorganisms in an automatically mixed aqueous solution containing PH neutral oxidizers and hydrocarbon base emulsifiers altogether, producing a regenerative, recyclable cleaning solution specifically developed for use in 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Pearson Vernie McMinn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5871918
    Abstract: A method of detecting a nucleic acid (e.g., DNA, RNA) that contains at least one preselected base (e.g., adenine, guanine, 6-mercaptoguanine, 8-oxo-guanine, and 8-oxo-adenine) comprises (a) reacting the nucleic acid with a transition metal complex capable of oxidizing the preselected base in an oxidation-reduction reaction; (b) detecting the oxidation-reduction reaction; and (c) determining the presence or absence of the nucleic acid from the detected oxidation-reduction reaction at the preselected base. The method may be used in a variety of applications, including DNA sequencing, diagnostic assays, and quantitative analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: H. Holden Thorp, Dean H. Johnston, Mary E. Napier, Carson R. Loomis, Mark F. Sistare, Jinheung Kim
  • Patent number: 5869247
    Abstract: A natural resistance-associated macrophage protein and corresponding promoter and antibodies specific thereto are provided. The promoter region exhibits polymorphisms and is useful as a diagnostic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Wellcome Trust Limited as Trustee to the Wellcome Trust
    Inventors: Charles Howard Barton, Jacqueline Katie White, Jenefer Mary Blackwell
  • Patent number: 5869235
    Abstract: DNA, a gene derived from the genome of the hop latent virus, encoding the coat protein of the virus and having the base sequence described in the sequence identification number 1 in the sequence listing. The DNA is useful of a development of an efficient gene diagnostic method for detecting the hop latent virus-infected plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sapporo Breweries Ltd.
    Inventors: Narushi Suda, Yutaka Itoga, Tatsuzi Hataya
  • Patent number: 5869634
    Abstract: The present invention provides new methods, employing a nucleotide integrase, for cleaving double-stranded and single stranded DNA substrates at specific sites and for attaching nucleic acid molecules to the cleaved DNA substrates. One method uses a nucleotide integrase to cleave one strand of a double-stranded DNA and to concomitantly attach a nucleic acid molecule to the cleaved strand. Another method uses a nucleotide integrase to cleave both strands of a double-stranded DNA substrate and to attach a nucleic acid molecule to one strand of the DNA substrate. Another method uses a nucleotide integrase to cleave both strands of a double-stranded DNA substrate and to attach an RNA molecule to one strand of the substrate and for attaching a cDNA to the other strand of the substrate. Another method cleaves single stranded DNA with the concomitant insertion of a nucleic acid molecule at the cleavage point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Ohio State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Alan M. Lambowitz, Steven Zimmerly, Jian Yang, Huatao Guo
  • Patent number: 5863729
    Abstract: Entry into mitosis requires the activity of the Cdc25C phosphatase which functions to activate Cdc2/Cyclin B. In asychronously growing cells, Cdc25C is stoichiometrically phosphorylated on serine 216. Levels of serine 216 phosphorylation remain constant throughout the G1-, S- and G2-phases of the cell cycle. A human kinase, denoted TcAK1 (for Twenty-five C Associated protein Kinase) that phosphorylates Cdc25C on serine 216 has been cloned and sequenced. A method is also provided for measuring levels of TcAK1 in RNA or of TcAK1 protein in cells. Phosphorylation of Cdc25C on serine 216 with TCAK1 creates a 14-3-3 recognition motif. The interaction between Cdc25C and 14-3-3 proceeds in a phosphorylation-specific manner. TcAK1 functions to mediate interaction between 14-3-3 proteins and other cellular proteins associated with oncogenesis or key signalling events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventor: Helen Piwnica-Worms
  • Patent number: 5863724
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of detecting persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy comprising obtaining a sample comprising patient nucleic acids from a patient tissue sample; amplifying sulfonylurea receptor specific nucleic acids from said patient nucleic acids to produce a test fragment; obtaining a sample comprising control nucleic acids from a control tissue sample; amplifying control nucleic acids encoding wild type sulfonylurea receptor to produce a control fragment; comparing the test fragment with the control fragment to detect the presence of a sequence difference in the test fragment, wherein a difference in said test fragment indicates persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy. A diagnostic kit and primers for the detection of persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy are also within the scope of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignees: Baylor College of Medicine, The Board of Regents of the University of Texas
    Inventors: Joseph Bryan, Pamela Thomas, Gilbert J. Cote, Robert F. Gagel, Lydia Aguilar-Bryan, Daniel A. Nelson