Patents by Inventor Charles R. Cantor

Charles R. Cantor 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: 20020045178
    Abstract: Methods and kits that use nucleotide analogs to confer increased accuracy and improved resolution in the analysis and sequencing of oligonucleotide mixtures are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: The Trustees of Boston University
    Inventors: Charles R. Cantor, Fouad A. Siddiqi
  • Patent number: 6287844
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the control of genetically engineered organisms are described. A more effective cell suicide approach is contemplated based on the conditional expression of the lethal Streptomyces avidinii streptavidin gene. Toxicity of streptavidin is derived from its exceptionally high binding affinity for an essential prosthetic group, D-biotin. The general requirement for biotin through the living world makes streptavidin-based conditional lethal designs applicable to a broad range of containment strategies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignees: The Trustees of Boston University, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Przemyslaw Szafranski, Charlene Mello, Takeshi Sano, Cassandra L. Smith, David L. Kaplan, Charles R. Cantor
  • Patent number: 6207390
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for contacting biological targets using a mutated streptavidin protein having a reduced affinity for biotin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Trustees of Boston University
    Inventors: Charles R. Cantor, Takeshi Sano
  • Patent number: 6124129
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the control of genetically engineered organisms are described. A more effective cell suicide approach is contemplated based on the conditional expression of the lethal Streptomyces avidinii streptavidin gene. Toxicity of streptavidin is derived from its exceptionally high binding affinity for an essential prosthetic group, D-biotin. The general requirement for biotin through the living world makes streptavidin-based conditional lethal designs applicable to a broad range of containment strategies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: The Trustees of Boston University
    Inventors: Przemyslaw Szafranski, Charlene Mello, Takeshi Sano, Cassandra L. Smith, David L. Kaplan, Charles R. Cantor
  • Patent number: 6022951
    Abstract: The present invention relates to streptavidin proteins and peptides having a altered physical properties such as an increased stability or increased or decreased affinity for binding biotin. The invention also relates to methods for the detection, identification, separation and isolation of targets using streptavidin proteins or peptides. Streptavidin with increased or reduced affinity allows for the use of the streptavidin-biotin coupling systems for detection and isolation systems wherein it is necessary to remove of one or the other of the binding partners. Such systems are useful for the purification of functional proteins and viable cells. The invention also relates to nucleic acids which encode these streptavidin proteins and peptides and to recombinant cells such as bacteria, yeast and mammalian cells which contain these nucleic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventors: Takeshi Sano, Charles R. Cantor, Sandor Vajda, Gabriel O. Reznik, Cassandra L. Smith, Mark W. Pandori
  • Patent number: 6010849
    Abstract: The present invention defines a DNA:protein-binding assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind DNA test sequences. The assay is versatile in that any number of test sequences can be tested by placing the test sequence adjacent to a defined protein binding screening sequence. Binding of molecules to these test sequence changes the binding characteristics of the protein molecule to its cognate binding sequence. When such a molecule binds the test sequence the equilibrium of the DNA:protein complexes is disturbed, generating changes in the concentration of free DNA probe. Numerous exemplary target test sequences (SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:600) are set forth. The assay of the present invention is also useful to characterize the preferred binding sequences of any selected DNA-binding molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Genelabs Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Edwards, Charles R. Cantor, Beth M. Andrews, Lisa M. Turin, Kirk E. Fry
  • Patent number: 6007987
    Abstract: This invention is directed to methods and reagents useful for sequencing nucleic acid targets utilizing sequencing by hybridization technology comprising probes, arrays of probes and methods whereby sequence information is obtained rapidly and efficiently in discrete packages. That information can be used for the detection, identification, purification and complete or partial sequencing of a particular target nucleic acid. When coupled with a ligation step, these methods can be performed under a single set of hybridization conditions. The invention also relates to the replication of probe arrays and methods for making and replicating arrays of probes which are useful for the large scale manufacture of diagnostic aids used to screen biological samples for specific target sequences. Arrays created using PCR technology may comprise probes with 5'- and/or 3'-overhangs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: The Trustees of Boston University
    Inventors: Charles R. Cantor, Marek Przetakiewicz, Takeshi Sano, Cassandra L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5965133
    Abstract: The invention is directed to constructs and compositions containing multimeric forms of nucleic acid. Multimeric nucleic acids comprise single-stranded nucleic acids attached via biotin to streptavidin and bound with a functional group. These constructs can be utilized in vivo to treat or identify diseased tissue or cells. Repeated administrations of multimeric nucleic acid compositions produce a rapid and specific amplification of nucleic acid constructs and their attached functional groups. For treatment purposes, functional groups may be toxins, radioisotopes, genes or enzymes. Diagnostically, labeled multimeric constructs may be used to identify specific targets in vivo or in vitro. Multimeric nucleic acids may also be used in nanotechnology and to create self-assembling polymeric aggregates such as membranes of defined porosity, microcircuits and many other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignees: Trustees of Boston University, Univ. of Mass. Medical Center
    Inventors: Charles R. Cantor, Christof M. Niemeyer, Cassandra L. Smith, Takeshi Sano, Donald J. Hnatowich, Mary Rusckowski
  • Patent number: 5869241
    Abstract: The present invention defines a DNA:protein-binding assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind DNA test sequences. The assay is versatile in that any number of test sequences can be tested by placing the test sequence adjacent to a defined protein binding screening sequence. Binding of molecules to these test sequence changes the binding characteristics of the protein molecule to its cognate binding sequence. When such a molecule binds the test sequence the equilibrium of the DNA:protein complexes is disturbed, generating changes in the concentration of free DNA probe. Numerous exemplary target test sequences (SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:600) are set forth. The assay of the present invention is also useful to characterize the preferred binding sequences of any selected DNA-binding molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Genelabs Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Edwards, Charles R. Cantor, Beth M. Andrews, Lisa M. Turin, Kirk E. Fry
  • Patent number: 5849878
    Abstract: The invention relates to bis-protein-DNA conjugates. A protein having a specific ligand binding activity is covalently linked to each end of a derivatized DNA molecule. These bis-protein-DNA conjugates can be used for immunoassays, PCR assays and measuring distances between proteins at up to 3.4 A resolution. The invention also relates to methods of synthesizing these bis-protein-DNA conjugates. Synthesis of the conjugates entails derivatizing the 5' or 3' end of a DNA oligonucleotide and covalently linking that DNA to a protein. The DNA can be conjugated to the proteins, including antibodies or Fab' fragments, using disulfide bond linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Charles R. Cantor, Roy S. Chuck, Doris B. Tse
  • Patent number: 5795714
    Abstract: The invention relates to the replication of probe arrays and methods for replicating arrays of probes which are useful for the large scale manufacture of diagnostic aids used to screen biological samples for specific target sequences. Arrays created using PCR technology may comprise probes with 5'- and/or 3'-overhangs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Trustees of Boston University
    Inventors: Charles R. Cantor, Marek Przetakiewicz, Cassandra L. Smith, Takeshi Sano
  • Patent number: 5753439
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for rapidly determining the sequence and/or length a target sequence. The target sequence may be a series of known or unknown repeat sequences which are hybridized to an array of probes. The hybridized array is digested with a single-strand nuclease and free 3'-hydroxyl groups extended with a nucleic acid polymerase. Nuclease cleaved heteroduplexes can be easily distinguish from nuclease uncleaved heteroduplexes by differential labeling. Probes and target can be differentially labeled with detectable labels. Matched target can be detected by cleaving resulting loops from the hybridized target and creating free 3-hydroxyl groups. These groups are recognized and extended by polymerases added into the reaction system which also adds or releases one label into solution. Analysis of the resulting products using either solid phase or solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Trustees of Boston University
    Inventors: Cassandra L. Smith, Ron Yaar, Przemyslaw Szafranski, Charles R. Cantor
  • Patent number: 5744131
    Abstract: The present invention defines an assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind specific DNA test sequences. The assay is also useful for determining the sequence specificity and relative DNA-binding affinity of DNA-binding molecules for any particular DNA sequence. Also described herein are potential applications of the assay, including: 1) the detection of lead compounds or new drugs via the mass screening of libraries of synthetic or biological compounds (i.e., fermentation broths); 2) the design of sequence-specific DNA-binding drugs comprised of homo- or hetero-meric subunits of molecules for which the sequence specificity was determined using the assay; and 3) the use of molecules for which sequence specificity was determined using the assay as covalently attached moieties to aid in the binding of nucleic acid or other macromolecular polymers to nucleic acid sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Genelabs Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Edwards, Kirk E. Fry, Charles R. Cantor, Beth M. Andrews
  • Patent number: 5738990
    Abstract: The present invention defines an assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind specific DNA test sequences. The assay is also useful for determining the sequence specificity and relative DNA-binding affinity of DNA-binding molecules for any particular DNA sequence. Also described herein are potential applications of the assay, including: 1) the detection of lead compounds or new drugs via the mass screening of libraries of synthetic or biological compounds (i.e., fermentation broths); 2) the design of sequence-specific DNA-binding drugs comprised of homo- or hetero-meric subunits of molecules for which the sequence specificity was determined using the assay; and 3) the use of molecules for which sequence specificity was determined using the assay as covalently attached moieties to aid in the binding of nucleic acid or other macromolecular polymers to nucleic acid sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Genelabs Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Edwards, Kirk E. Fry, Charles R. Cantor, Beth M. Andrews
  • Patent number: 5726014
    Abstract: The present invention defines a DNA:protein-binding assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind DNA test sequences. The assay is versatile in that any number of test sequences can be tested by placing the test sequence adjacent to a defined protein binding screening sequence. Binding of molecules to these test sequence changes the binding characteristics of the protein molecule to its cognate binding sequence. When such a molecule binds the test sequence the equilibrium of the DNA:protein complexes is disturbed, generating changes in the concentration of free DNA probe. Numerous exemplary target test sequences (SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:600) are set forth. The assay of the present invention is also useful to characterize the preferred binding sequences of any selected DNA-binding molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Genelabs Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Edwards, Charles R. Cantor, Beth M. Andrews, Lisa M. Turin
  • Patent number: 5716780
    Abstract: The present invention defines an assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind specific DNA test sequences. The assay is also useful for determining the sequence specificity and relative DNA-binding affinity of DNA-binding molecules for any particular DNA sequence. Also described herein are potential applications of the assay, including: 1) the detection of lead compounds or new drugs via the mass screening of libraries of synthetic or biological compounds (i.e., fermentation broths); 2) the design of sequence-specific DNA-binding drugs comprised of homo- or hetero-meric subunits of molecules for which the sequence specificity was determined using the assay; and 3) the use of molecules for which sequence specificity was determined using the assay as covalently attached moieties to aid in the binding of nucleic acid or other macromolecular polymers to nucleic acid sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Genelabs Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Edwards, Kirk E. Fry, Charles R. Cantor, Beth M. Andrews
  • Patent number: 5693463
    Abstract: The present invention defines an assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind specific DNA test sequences. The assay is also useful for determining the sequence specificity and relative DNA-binding affinity of DNA-binding molecules for any particular DNA sequence. Also described herein are potential applications of the assay, including: 1) the detection of lead compounds or new drugs via the mass screening of libraries of synthetic or biological compounds (i.e., fermentation broths); 2) the design of sequence-specific DNA-binding drugs comprised of homo- or hetero-meric subunits of molecules for which the sequence specificity was determined using the assay; and 3) the use of molecules for which sequence specificity was determined using the assay as covalently attached moieties to aid in the binding of nucleic acid or other macromolecular polymers to nucleic acid sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Genelabs Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Edwards, Kirk E. Fry, Charles R. Cantor, Beth M. Andrews
  • Patent number: 5681745
    Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic containment systems which express a biotin-binding component that can be used for selectively destroying recombinant cells such as genetically engineered microorganisms. These systems may comprise a streptavidin or an avidin gene whose expression is controlled by a regulatable promoter. The regulatory agent such as a transcriptional effector is expressed from another gene which may also be expressed and its expression controlled by the containment system. Expression of the agent can be designed to respond to physiological changes in the environment. The invention also relates to containment systems and methods for the selective detection or tracking of recombinant cells and to eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells which contain these genetic containment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignees: Trustees of Boston University, The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Przemyslaw Szafranski, Charlene M. Mello, Takeshi Sano, Kenneth A. Marx, Charles R. Cantor, David L. Kaplan, Cassandra L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5679533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic containment systems which express a biotin-binding component that can be used for selectively destroying recombinant cells such as genetically engineered microorganisms. These systems may comprise a streptavidin or an avidin gene whose expression is controlled by a regulatable promoter. The regulatory agent such as a transcriptional effector is expressed from another gene which may also be expressed and its expression controlled by the containment system. Expression of the agent can be designed to respond to physiological changes in the environment. The invention also relates to containment systems and methods for the selective detection or tracking of recombinant cells and to eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells which contain these genetic containment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignees: Trustees of Boston University, The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Przemyslaw Szafranski, Charlene M. Mello, Takeshi Sano, Kenneth A. Marx, Charles R. Cantor, David L. Kaplan, Cassandra L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5665539
    Abstract: A novel system and method for sensitive antigen detection. The system utilizes immuno-polymerase chain reaction in which a specific biotinylated nucleic acid molecule is used as the marker. The biotinylated marker is attached to antigen-antibody complex through a streptavidin-protein A chimeric protein that possesses tight and specific binding affinity both for biotin and immunoglobulin G. A segment of the attached biotinylated marker is amplified by polymerase chain reactions with appropriate primers and the polymerase chain reaction products are detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. The method can detect any antigen and has a greater sensitivity than any existing antigen detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Takeshi Sano, Charles R. Cantor, Cassandra L. Smith