Patents Examined by Stephanie W. Zitomer
  • Plant adenylosuccinate synthetase and DNA coding therefor
    Patent number: 5882869
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel plant DNA sequences coding for native adenylosuccinate synthetase (ADSS). Methods for using the complete or partial ADSS coding sequence as a probe for diagnostic, mapping and other purposes are taught. Generation of transformed host cells capable of expressing ADSS is also taught. Methods of using the transformed host cells are taught, including methods for recombinant production of ADSS enzymes. A method for using the plant ADSS enzyme to screen for inhibitors of ADSS activity is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventors: Sharon Lee Potter, Eric R. Ward
  • Relating to the detection of viruses
    Patent number: 5883225
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides from clinical isolates of cytomegalovirus encoded by the gB coding region which include at least one amino acid variation which is a substitution, insertion or deletion wherein the polypeptides otherwise retain the character of cytomegalovirus. The amino acid variations include changes to neutralizing epitopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine
    Inventors: Jane Grundy, Vincent Emery, Paul Griffiths
  • Method for detecting molecules containing nucleotide mismatches and the location of these mismatches, and application to the detection of base substitutions or deletions in nucleotide sequences
    Patent number: 5879886
    Abstract: Method for the detection and/or location of mutations or deletions in nucleotide sequences by creation of heteroduplexes between two types of double-stranded DNA able to form mismatches at the sites of said mutations or deletions. The heteroduplexes are detected as a result of the labeling of each type of strand by different fluorescent molecules or are screened by passage over a support which specifically retains them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignees: Institut Pasteur, Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale
    Inventors: Tommaso Meo, Mario Tosi, Elisabeth Verpy, Michel Biasotto
  • APC mutation associated with familial colorectal cancer in Ashkenazi jews
    Patent number: 5879890
    Abstract: During routine screening of a patient with a family history of colorectal cancer for truncating APC mutations, a novel missense mutation was identified. Upon further evaluation, it was found that 6% of Ashkenazi Jews carry this mutation, and that it was present in .sup..about. 20% of Ashkenazis with a family history of CRC. Probes, methods, and kits for identifying individuals affected with this missense mutation are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Steve Laken, Stephen Gruber, Gloria Petersen, Kenneth Kinzler, Bert Vogelstein
  • Detection of mismatches by resolvase cleavage on a solid support
    Patent number: 5876941
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting one or more mismatches in a test nucleic acid which preferentially hybridizes to a reference nucleic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: Ulf Landegren, Arild Lagerkvist
  • Method for reducing carryover contamination in an amplification procedure
    Patent number: 5876976
    Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and economical method for reducing carryover contamination in an amplification procedure. The method of the present invention enables background caused by contaminant amplification product to be reduced or eliminated through the incorporation of at least one modification into the amplification product. The modified amplification product is readily distinguishable from the target sequence in a test sample. Prior to amplifying the target in a new test sample, the sample may be treated to selectively eliminate the contaminant amplification product so that it cannot be amplified in the new sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney M. Richards, Theodore Jones, David L. Snitman, Gregory S. Brown
  • Nucleic acid ligand inhibitors to DNA polymerases
    Patent number: 5874557
    Abstract: High-affinity oligonucleotide ligands to the thermostable Taq polymerase and Tth polymerase are disclosed. Specifically disclosed are DNA ligands having the ability to bind to the Taq and Tth polymerases and the methods for obtaining such ligands. The ligands are capable of inhibiting polymerases at ambient temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: NeXstar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Gold, Sumedha D. Jayasena
  • Method for detecting a target compound in a substance using a nucleic acid ligand
    Patent number: 5874218
    Abstract: This invention discloses novel detection methods for determining the presence of a target compound in a substance using nucleic acid ligands as detection molecules. Specifically, the substance is bound to a solid support matrix, such as those used in blot procedures, and detection of the target molecule is accomplished using the affinity and specificity of nucleic acid ligands to the target molecule. The method utilized herein for identifying and preparing said nucleic acid ligands is called SELEX. The method of the present invention is additionally useful to isolate the target compounds from the various substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: NeXstar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Drolet, Sumedha D. Jayasena, Larry Gold
  • Remotely programmable matrices with memories
    Patent number: 5874214
    Abstract: Combinations, called matrices with memories, of matrix materials with remotely addressable or remotely programmable recording devices that contain at least one data storage unit are provided. The matrix materials are those that are used in as supports in solid phase chemical and biochemical syntheses, immunoassays and hybridization reactions. The data storage units are non-volatile antifuse memories or volatile memories, such as EEPROMS, DRAMS or flash memory. By virtue of this combination, molecules and biological particles, such as phage and viral particles and cells, that are in proximity or in physical contact with the matrix combination can be labeled by programming the memory with identifying information and can be identified by retrieving the stored information. Combinations of matrix materials, memories, and linked molecules and biological materials are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: IRORI
    Inventors: Michael P. Nova, Andrew E. Senyei
  • Method for the production of ligands capable of facilitating aminoacyl-RNA synthesis
    Patent number: 5871924
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a method for identifying and preparing nucleic acid ligands capable of facilitating aminoacyl-RNA synthesis. The nucleic acid ligands are identified and produced by exposure of candidate nucleic sequences to a reactant under conditions conducive to reaction, wherein nucleic acid sequences having facilitative activity are able to facilitate or enhance a reaction between the reactant molecule and nucleic acid sequence. Included in the invention are specific RNA ligands capable of facilitating aminoacyl-RNA synthesis identified by the SELEX method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: NeXstar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Yarus, Mali Illangasekare
  • Methods for nucleic acid analysis
    Patent number: 5871928
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for sequencing, fingerprinting and mapping biological macromolecules, typically biological polymers. The methods make use of a plurality of sequence specific recognition reagents which can also be used for classification of biological samples, and to characterize their sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventors: Stephen P. A. Fodor, Dennis W. Solas, William J. Dower
  • Machine for making complete tea bags for infusion in a liquid in which the infusable product is contained in a filter bag made of heat-sealed, porous material
    Patent number: 5871789
    Abstract: A machine and process for making complete tea bags comprising a filter bag and thread for holding the filter bag. The machine comprises a continuously turning wheel, whose lateral surface has pins which can move from a rest position, where they are retracted into the lateral surface, to a working position where they protrude from the wheel; the wheel assembles a strip of porous material with the thread, with a pickup tag and with the infusable product in such a way as to form tea bags where the thread is arranged in a closed loop inside the filter bag, together with the infusable product, and is attached to the edges of the filter bag to form a particularly resistant fastening during infusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Tecnomeccanica S.r.l.
    Inventor: Andrea Romagnoli
  • Detection method for C-RAF-1 genes
    Patent number: 5869308
    Abstract: The present invention relates to (1) a method of identifying an individual at an increased risk for developing cancer, (2) a method for determining a prognosis in patients afflicted with cancer, and (3) a method for determining the proper course of treatment for a patient afflicted with cancer; comprising: amplifying a region of the c-raf-1 gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of the Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Ulf R. Rapp, Stephen M. Storm
  • Detection of the genus pectinatus
    Patent number: 5869642
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method for detecting a certain species of genus Pectinatus which is a beer-spoilage bacteria. An oligonucleotide characterized in that the oligonucleotide targets a nucleotide sequence coding a 16S ribosomal RNA gene of the genus Pectinatus to selectively detect a bacteria in a test sample, the oligonucleotide is complementary to the nucleotide sequence, and the oligonucleotide has a certain sequence groups, or at least one of the corresponding complementary sequence. A method for detecting the bacteria by using the oligonucleotide is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Asahi Breweries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kanta Sakamoto
  • Nucleotide sequences for detection of serpulina hyodysenteriae
    Patent number: 5869630
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting the presence of Serpulina hyodysenteriae in a biological sample, an oligonucleotide primer and an S. hyodysenteriae-specific oligonucleotide probe useful in that method, and an article of manufacture that contains the primers and/or probe. Also provided are an about 2.3-kb DNA fragment derived from genomic DNA of S. hyodysenteriae and encoding for an about 56 kDa polypeptide, a recombinant expression vector containing the DNA fragment, the 56 kDa polypeptide and a monoclonal antibody reactive with the peptide, and a method of assaying for antibodies reactive with the 56 kDa peptide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Board of Regents, University of Nebraska Lincoln
    Inventors: Gerald E. Duhamel, Robert Elder
  • High affinity nucleic acid ligands of CD4
    Patent number: 5869641
    Abstract: Methods are described for the identification and preparation of high-affinity nucleic acid ligands to CD4. Included in the invention are specific 2'F RNA ligands to CD4 identified by the SELEX method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: NeXstar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Sumedha Jayasena, Kenneth A. Davis, Larry Gold
  • Method for amplification and detection of RNA and DNA sequences
    Patent number: 5869249
    Abstract: A method of detecting and identifying specific human nucleic acid sequences contained in human nucleic acids in a human blood or tissue sample, comprising: (1) amplifying at least one portion of the specific nucleic acid sequence present in the sample; (2) transcribing the amplification product with an RNA polymerase to produce multiple RNA copies of each copy of specific nucleic acid sequence comprising the amplification product; and (3) identifying the transcription product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: City of Hope
    Inventor: John J. Rossi
  • Determination and identification of active compounds in a compound library
    Patent number: 5866334
    Abstract: Libraries of compounds such as nucleic acids or peptides are contacted with a target molecule and libraries that have at least one compound that bind with at least a minimum activity are determined by a reiterative process in which a change in the rate of recovery (elimination) of compounds that bind to the target indicates that the library contains such a compound. The procedure may also be used to determine indirectly the sequence of such compound by employing sublibraries, each of which have a known entity at a known position of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Genzyme Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce A. Beutel
  • Screening methods to detect mRNA targets of editing enzymes
    Patent number: 5866333
    Abstract: The expression of APOBEC-1 in the liver of transgenic mice can cause liver dysplasia and liver tumors, and the expression of human APOBEC-1 in the intestine, stomach, or brain can cause obesity. Promiscuous editing of other mRNAs is correlated to these phenotypic changes. The instant invention discloses novel techniques for detecting aberrantly edited mRNAs, and hence, genes responsible for non-wild type phenotypes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Thomas L. Innerarity, Xiaobing Qian, Shinya Yamanaka
  • Method for serial analysis of gene expression
    Patent number: 5866330
    Abstract: Serial analysis of gene expression, SAGE, a method for the rapid quantitative and qualitative analysis of transcripts is provided. Short defined sequence tags corresponding to expressed genes are isolated and analyzed. Sequencing of over 1,000 defined tags in a short period of time (e.g., hours) reveals a gene expression pattern characteristic of the function of a cell or tissue. Moreover, SAGE is useful as a gene discovery tool for the identification and isolation of novel sequence tags corresponding to novel transcripts and genes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Kinzler, Bert Vogelstein, Victor E. Velculescu, Lin Zhang