Patents by Inventor Albert L. Lu

Albert L. Lu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20090192117
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a pest from the Lygus genus, they are capable of decreasing the expression of a target sequence in the pest. In specific embodiments, the decrease in expression of the target sequence controls the pest and thereby the methods and compositions are capable of limiting damage to a plant. The present invention provides various target polynucleotides from specific polypeptide families as disclosed herein, and further provides target polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1-21 or active variants thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity). Further provided are silencing elements which when ingested by the pest decrease the level of the target polypeptide and thereby control the pest. In specific embodiment, the pest is Lygus Hesperus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicants: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Rafael Herrmann, Michael Lassner, Albert L. Lu, Mark E. Nelson, James K. Presnail, Janet A. Rice
  • Publication number: 20090192116
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a pest from the Aphididae family, they are capable of decreasing the expression of a target sequence in the pest. In specific embodiments, the decrease in expression of the target sequence controls the pest and thereby the methods and compositions are capable of limiting damage to a plant. The present invention provides target polynucleotides for specific protein classes and also target polynucleotides as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or active variants or fragments thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity). Further provided are silencing elements which when ingested by the pest decrease the level of the target polypeptide and thereby control the pest. In specific embodiment, the pest is Aphis glycines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicants: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Rafael Herrmann, Michael Lassner, Albert L. Lu, Mark Nelson, James K. Presnail, Janet A. Rice
  • Patent number: 7556936
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting a plant from an insect pest are provided. In particular, nucleic acid sequences encoding insect protoxins modified to comprise at least one proteolytic activation site that is sensitive to a plant protease or an insect gut protease are provided. Cleavage of the modified protoxin at the proteolytic activation site by a protease produces an active insect toxin. Methods of using the modified insect protoxin nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides they encode to protect a plant from an insect pest are provided. Particular embodiments of the invention further provide modified insect protoxin compositions and formulations, expression cassettes, and transformed plants, plant cells, and seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Andre R. Abad, Ronald D. Flannagan, Rafael Herrmann, Albert L. Lu, Billy F. McCutchen, James K. Presnail, Janet A. Rice, James F. Wong, Cao-Guo Yu
  • Publication number: 20090077689
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense responses are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding defensin proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in expression cassettes for modulating development, developmental pathways, and defense responses. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicants: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Carl R. Simmons, Pedro A. Navarro Acevedo, Leslie Harvell, Rebecca Cahoon, Billy Fred McCutchen, Albert L. Lu, Rafael Herrmann, James F.H. Wong
  • Publication number: 20090077690
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense responses are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding defensin proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in expression cassettes for modulating development, developmental pathways, and defense responses. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicants: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Carl R. Simmons, Pedro A. Navarro Acevedo, Leslie Harvell, Rebecca Cahoon, Billy Fred McCutchen, Albert L. Lu, Rafael Herrmann, James F.H. Wong
  • Publication number: 20090077688
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense responses are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding defensin proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in expression cassettes for modulating development, developmental pathways, and defense responses. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicants: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Carl R. Simmons, Pedro A. Navarro Acevedo, Leslie Harvell, Rebecca Cahoon, Billy Fred McCutchen, Albert L. Lu, Rafael Herrmann, James F.H. Wong
  • Publication number: 20090031448
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense responses are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding defensin proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in expression cassettes for modulating development, developmental pathways, and defense responses. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicants: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Carl R. Simmons, Pedro A. Navarro Acevedo, Leslie Harvell, Rebecca Cahoon, Billy Fred McCutchen, Albert L. Lu, Rafael Herrmann, James F.H. Wong
  • Publication number: 20090031449
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense responses are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding defensin proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in expression cassettes for modulating development, developmental pathways, and defense responses. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicants: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Carl R. Simmons, Pedro A. Navarro Acevedo, Leslie Harvell, Rebecca Cahoon, Billy Fred McCutchen, Albert L. Lu, Rafael Herrmann, James F. H. Wong
  • Publication number: 20090025103
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense responses are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding defensin proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in expression cassettes for modulating development, developmental pathways, and defense responses. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicants: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Carl R. Simmons, Pedro A. Navarro Acevedo, Leslie Harvell, Rebecca Cahoon, Billy Fred McCutchen, Albert L. Lu, Rafael Herrmann, James F.H. Wong
  • Publication number: 20090011999
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for orally active Androctonus amoreuxi pesticidal polypeptides. Compositions include novel Androctonus amoreuxi pesticidal polypeptides and biologically active variants thereof. Further provided are methods for modulating the pesticide resistance of plants by expressing the sequences disclosed herein. One method comprises stably transforming into the genome of a plant cell a nucleotide sequence of the present invention operably linked to a heterologous promoter and regenerating a stably transformed plant that expresses the nucleotide sequence. An additional method comprises incorporating a nucleotide sequence of the present invention operably linked to a heterologous promoter into a microorganism and applying said microorganism to the environment of a plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: E.I.du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Rafael Herrmann, Albert L. Lu, Billy F. McCutchen, James K. Presnail, James F.H. Wong
  • Patent number: 7473821
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting a plant from an insect pest are provided. Nucleic acid molecules encoding insect protoxins or insect toxins modified to comprise at least one proteolytic activation site that is sensitive to an insect gut protease are provided. Cleavage of a modified insect protoxin at the proteolytic activation site by an insect gut protease produces an active insect toxin in the gut of the insect pest. Cleavage of a modified insect toxin of the invention at a proteolytic activation site results in the production of an active insect toxin in the insect gut that displays improved pesticidal activity relative to the insect toxin that lacks the proteolytic activation site. Methods of using the modified insect protoxin and modified insect toxin nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides they encode to protect a plant from an insect pest are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignees: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Andre R. Abad, Gary C. Chun, Ronald D. Flannagan, Rafael Herrmann, Albert L. Lu, Janet A. Rice, Eric J. Schepers
  • Patent number: 7456334
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions include a novel nucleotide sequence for a root-preferred promoter for the gene encoding Cr1Bio. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method includes stably incorporating into the genome of a plant cell a nucleotide sequence operably linked to the root-preferred promoter of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant that expresses the nucleotide sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignees: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Scott Diehn, Albert L. Lu, Lynne E. Sims, Kim R. Ward
  • Patent number: 7442855
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acids encoding plant cyclotides. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the plant cyclotides, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in the production of altered levels of plant cyclotides in a transformed host cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont De Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Rafael Herrmann, Albert L. Lu, Billy F. McCutchen, James K. Presnail, Janet A. Rice, Clement W. K. Waine
  • Patent number: 7439348
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions include a novel nucleotide sequence for an inducible promoter for the gene encoding a maize deoxyhypusine synthase. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises stably incorporating into the genome of a plant cell a nucleotide sequence operably linked to the root-preferred promoter of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant that expresses the nucleotide sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignees: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Scott Diehn, Albert L. Lu, Billy F. McCutchen, Lynne E. Sims, Kim R. Ward
  • Publication number: 20080234130
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided related to improved plants that are tolerant to more than one herbicide. Particularly, the invention provides plants that are tolerant of glyphosate and are tolerant to at least one ALS inhibitor, and methods of use thereof. The glyphosate/ALS inhibitor-tolerant plants comprise a polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide that confers tolerance to glyphosate and a polynucleotide that encodes an ALS inhibitor-tolerant polypeptide. In specific embodiments, a plant of the invention expresses a GAT polypeptide and an HRA polypeptide. Methods to control weeds, improve plant yield, and increase transformation efficiencies are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicants: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Billy Fred McCutchen, Linda A. Castle, Timothy K. Chicoine, Hyeon-Je Cho, Jon S. Claus, Jerry M. Green, Anthony D. Guida, Christine B. Hazel, Matthew J. Heckert, Jeffrey M. Hegstad, James M. Hutchison, Donglong Liu, Albert L. Lu, Wayne J. Mehre, York Moy, Paul D. Olson, Kenneth A. Peeples, David W. Saunders, Mark D. Vogt, Jack Q. Wilkinson, James F. H. Wong
  • Publication number: 20080200415
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting a plant from an insect pest are provided. In particular, nucleic acid sequences encoding insect protoxins modified to comprise at least one proteolytic activation site that is sensitive to a plant protease or an insect gut protease are provided. Cleavage of the modified protoxin at the proteolytic activation site by a protease produces an active insect toxin. Methods of using the modified insect protoxin nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides they encode to protect a plant from an insect pest are provided. Particular embodiments of the invention further provide modified insect protoxin compositions and formulations, expression cassettes, and transformed plants, plant cells, and seeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicants: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du PONT de NEMOURS and COMPANY
    Inventors: Andre Abad, Ronald D. Flannagan, Rafael Herrmann, Albert L. Lu, Billy F. McCutchen, James K. Presnail, Janet A. Rice, James F. Wong, Cao-Guo Yu
  • Patent number: 7414173
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding orally active Androctonus amoreuxi pesticidal polypeptides. Compositions include novel nucleotide sequences encoding Androctonus amoreuxi pesticidal polypeptides, and biologically active variants thereof. Further provided are methods for modulating the pesticide resistance of plants using the nucleotide sequences disclosed herein. One method comprises stably transforming into the genome of a plant cell a nucleotide sequence of the present invention operably linked to a heterologous promoter and regenerating a stably transformed plant that expresses the nucleotide sequence. An additional method comprises incorporating a nucleotide sequence of the present invention operably linked to a heterologous promoter into a microorganism and applying said microorganism to the environment of a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Rafael Herrmann, Albert L. Lu, Billy F. McCutchen, James K. Presnail, James F. H. Wong
  • Patent number: 7396980
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense responses are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding defensin proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in expression cassettes for modulating development, developmental pathways, and defense responses. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignees: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Carl R. Simmons, Pedro A. Navarro Acevedo, Leslie Harvell, Rebecca Cahoon, Billy F. McCutchen, Albert L. Lu, Rafael Herrmann, James F. Wong
  • Patent number: 7393947
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions include a novel nucleotide sequence for an inducible promoter for the gene encoding ZmPOX24. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises stabling incorporating into the genome of a plant cell a nucleotide sequence operably linked to the root-preferred promoter of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant that expresses the nucleotide sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignees: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Scott Diehn, Albert L. Lu, Billy F. McCutchen, Lynne E. Sims, Kim R. Ward
  • Publication number: 20080124799
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting a plant from an insect pest are provided. In particular, nucleic acid sequences encoding insect protoxins modified to comprise at least one proteolytic activation site that is sensitive to a plant protease or an insect gut protease are provided. Cleavage of the modified protoxin at the proteolytic activation site by a protease produces an active insect toxin. Methods of using the modified insect protoxin nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides they encode to protect a plant from an insect pest are provided. Particular embodiments of the invention further provide modified insect protoxin compositions and formulations, expression cassettes, and transformed plants, plant cells, and seeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicants: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du PONT de NEMOURS and COMPANY
    Inventors: Andre Abad, Ronald D. Flannagan, Rafael Herrmann, Albert L. Lu, Billy F. McCutchen, James K. Presnail, Janet A. Rice, James F. Wong, Cao-Guo Yu