Patents Examined by Nancy T. Vogel
  • Patent number: 8394937
    Abstract: A protein expression system is provided. The system comprises: a) a T7 RNA polymerase-dependent promoter operably linked to an expression cassette for a protein of interest; and b) an expression cassette for T7 RNA polymerase operably linked to a ?pL promoter and at least two perfect palindrome operator sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies UK Limited
    Inventors: Bhupendra Vallabh Kara, Ian John Hodgson
  • Patent number: 8389207
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for identifying agents capable of affecting the expression, posttranslational modification, and/or an activity of TRB3, for example, in adipose tissue and/or adipocytes. Such agents are useful, for example, to mobilize fat stores and as prospective obesity therapeutics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Marc Montminy, Jose E. Heredia, Ling Qi
  • Patent number: 8389236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a translational recoding reporter construct comprising: a first fluorescent protein coding sequence; a second fluorescent protein coding sequence encoding a fluorescent protein different from the first fluorescent protein; and a linker sequence interposed between the first and second fluorescent protein coding sequence; wherein the first fluorescent protein coding sequence and the second fluorescent protein coding sequence are out-of-frame with respect to each other but are co-expressed as a single fusion polypeptide upon recoding. The invention also relates to methods of use of the construct in screening modulators of recoding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Otago Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Tony Stuart Cardno, Warren Perry Tate
  • Patent number: 8389283
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of obtaining genetic competence in non-competent Bacillus cells for their transformation with exogenous DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Novozymes, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Berka, Michelle Maranta, Maria Tang, Barbara Cherry
  • Patent number: 8367402
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of synaptic network remodeling by means of extranuclear RNA splicing. The present invention also provides methods of extranuclear RNA splicing, and methods of protein translation based on extranuclear RNA splicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: James Eberwine, Kevin Miyashiro, Jason Glanzer
  • Patent number: 8367319
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided to identify functional mutant ribosomes that may be used as drug targets. The compositions and methods allow isolation and analysis of mutations that would normally be lethal and allow direct selection of rRNA mutants with predetermined levels of ribosome function. The compositions and methods of the present invention may be used to identify antibiotics to treat a large number of human pathogens through the use of genetically engineered rRNA genes from a variety of species. The invention further provides novel plasmid constructs to be used in the methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventor: Phillip R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8367403
    Abstract: The invention provides vectors and methods for directional cloning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Promega Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Slater, Ethan Edward Strauss, Keith V. Wood, James Robert Hartnett
  • Patent number: 8367404
    Abstract: An improved baculovirus vector capable of expressing genes in mammalian or insect host cells, and the uses thereof are disclosed. The improved baculovirus vector includes in sequence: a promoter; a first nucleic acid operably linked to the promoter for expressing a first protein in the mammalian or insect host cells; a chimera internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) comprising a portion of an enterovirus (EV) IRES sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 and a portion of a Rhopalosiphum padi virus (RhPV) IRES sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2; and a second nucleic acid operable linked to the portion of the RhPV IRES sequence for expressing a second protein in the mammalian or insect host cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian University
    Inventors: Tzong-Yuan Wu, Ming-Kun Liu
  • Patent number: 8357529
    Abstract: Biological macromolecules are synthesized in vitro under conditions and in a reaction composition wherein oxidative phosphorylation is activated and protein folding is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: James Robert Swartz, Michael Christopher Jewett
  • Patent number: 8343759
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique mammalian cell line expressing inducible c-Src, and, particularly, a unique human cell line overexpressing c-Src in an inducible manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporation Chiba University
    Inventor: Naoto Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8334096
    Abstract: This disclosure provides the identification of an eight base pair deletion in the 3?-untranslated region (UTR) of the striatin gene that is linked to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in Boxer dogs. Also provided are methods for detecting ARVC, methods of breeding Boxer dogs to reduce the prevalence or frequency of ARVC in a population, and methods of screening for a compound useful for treatment of ARVC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Washington State University Research Foundation
    Inventor: Kathryn M. Meurs
  • Patent number: 8323930
    Abstract: Provided are methods, compositions, and kits for molecular cloning of DNA using DNA topoisomerase. The methods comprise (I) combining into a mixture (A) a first polynucleotide, comprising an origin of replication, a selectable marker, two topoisomerase recognition sequences, and two nicking agent recognition sequences, each of the topoisomerase recognition sequences being within 50 nucleotides of at least one of the nicking agent recognition sequences and each of two nicking agent recognition sequences being nicked, with (B) a sequence-specific topoisomerase and (C) a second polynucleotide, having a 5? hydroxyl on each end; and (II) transforming the mixture into a host organism, thereby cloning the second polynucleotide. Formation or purification of a DNA-protein adduct prior to the addition of the second polynucleotide is not required. Also provided are vector sequences to facilitate performance of the methods and methods for modifying a vector of interest to render it useful in the disclosed methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: DNA Twopointo, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon E. Ness, Jeremy S. Minshull
  • Patent number: 8323949
    Abstract: Compositions of peptides and surface-active agents are described, as are methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions are capable of affecting metabolic rates in biological systems, and to accelerate nutrient uptake without a concomitant increase in biofilm production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced BioCatalytics Corporation
    Inventor: Carl W. Podella
  • Patent number: 8318497
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a reversible, parallel and/or multitask cloning method and kit, which improve the cloning of (preferably multiple) genetic element(s) in a nucleic acid construct such as vector or in chromosome of a cell and the rapid and efficient selection of said construct with a correct integration of said genetic element(s) either in vitro or in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Universite Libre de Bruxelles
    Inventors: Cédric Szpirer, Michel C. Milinkovitch, Philippe Gabant
  • Patent number: 8318480
    Abstract: Sequences of a serotype 8 adeno-associated virus and vectors and host cells containing these sequences are provided. Also described are methods of using such host cells and vectors in production of rAAV particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, James M. Wilson, Mauricio R. Alvira
  • Patent number: 8309576
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving or treating inflammatory bowel disease through suppression of the expression of inflammatory cytokines based on the action mechanism of suppression of NF-?B activation by administering feruloyl serotonin to a subject in need of treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The feruloyl serotonin of the present invention can be administered as a pharmaceutical agent or a food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Naito, Naoto Koyama, Katsuya Suzuki, Hideaki Kihara, Yuka Ikenoue
  • Patent number: 8304234
    Abstract: Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a polynucleotide function enhancer and administering to the cells, a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produces a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV am disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: The Trustees of the Universtiy of Pennsylvania, The Wistar Institute
    Inventors: David B. Weiner, William V. Williams, Bin Wang
  • Patent number: 8293529
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing differentiation of cardiomyocytes efficiently and selectively from stem cells. A method for inducing differentiation of cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells, which comprises: (i) culturing the pluripotent stem cells in a culture medium containing no substance that promotes activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway during the time period between initiation of differentiation induction and 24 hours before the period of elevated canonical Wnt gene expression; and then (ii) culturing the pluripotent stem cells in a culture medium containing a substance that promotes activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway during a time period of 24 to 96 hours, starting from 24 to 0 hours before the period of elevated canonical Wnt gene expression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited
    Inventors: Uichi Koshimizu, Tomofumi Tanaka, Kayoko Kawashima, Michinori Kadokura
  • Patent number: 8293517
    Abstract: The “instant evolution” system was initially developed in E. coli, primarily because of the ease with which this organism can be genetically manipulated. Because many of the functionally important regions of rRNA are conserved among bacteria, drug leads developed against conserved targets in the E. coli system may produce broad-spectrum anti-infectives. However, in order the develop a system to product narrow-spectrum anti-infectives, herein we disclose method and compositions for screening Pseudomonas aeruginosa 16S rRNA in E. coli cells. In certain embodiments, a plasmid comprising the 16S rRNA gene from Pseudomonas aeruginosa t mutated to replace the natural helix 9 region with the corresponding region of the E. coli rRNA, is shown to form functional ribosomes in E. coli host cells. Li other embodiments, a plasmid, comprising the unmutated 16S rRNA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, along with a plasmid containing the Pseudomonas aeruginosa S20 protein, can yield functional ribosomes in E. coli cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventor: Philip R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8288085
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pancreatic islet isolation method comprising the steps of (1) injecting a protection solution containing a protease inhibitor into the pancreatic duct of an procured pancreas; (3) digesting the pancreas into which the protection solution has been injected; and (4) purifying the digested pancreatic tissue using a purification solution containing a density gradient reagent. The present invention also provides a protection solution for injection into the pancreatic duct, a pancreas preservation solution for the two-layer method, and an islet purification solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Kyoto University
    Inventors: Shinichi Matsumoto, Hiromi Wada, Hirofumi Noguchi