Patents by Inventor Craig C. Mello

Craig C. Mello 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).

  • Patent number: 10731155
    Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Phillip D. Zamore, Juanita McLachlan, Gyorgy Hutvagner, Alla Grishok, Craig C. Mello
  • Patent number: 10358653
    Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignees: The Carnegie Institution of Washington, The University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Andrew Fire, Stephen Kostas, Mary Montgomery, Lisa Timmons, SiQun Xu, Hiroaki Tabara, Samuel E. Driver, Craig C. Mello
  • Publication number: 20180163206
    Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Phillip D. Zamore, Juanita McLachlan, Gyorgy Hutvagner, Alla Grishok, Craig C. Mello
  • Patent number: 9850487
    Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Phillip D. Zamore, Juanita McLachlan, Gyorgy Hutvagner, Alla Grishok, Craig C. Mello
  • Publication number: 20160362685
    Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Phillip D. Zamore, Juanita McLachlan, Gyorgy Hutvagner, Alla Grishok, Craig C. Mello
  • Publication number: 20160208280
    Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Fire, Stephen Kostas, Mary Montgomery, Lisa Timmons, SiQun Xu, Hiroaki Tabara, Samuel E. Driver, Craig c. Mello
  • Publication number: 20160102309
    Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Phillip D. Zamore, Juanita McLachlan, Gyorgy Hutvagner, Alla Grishok, Craig C. Mello
  • Patent number: 9175287
    Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Phillip D. Zamore, Juanita McLachlan, Gyorgy Hutvagner, Alla Grishok, Craig C. Mello
  • Patent number: 9102939
    Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignees: The Carnegie Institution of Washington, The University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Andrew Fire, Stephen Kostas, Mary Montgomery, Lisa Timmons, SiQun Xu, Hiroaki Tabara, Samuel E. Driver, Craig C. Mello
  • Publication number: 20150133318
    Abstract: The instant invention is based, at least in part, on the identification of novel methods for the enzymatic enrichment of capped RNAs. The invention provides, e.g., methods for enrichment of capped RNAs, kits for making such capped RNAs, and compositions of enriched RNAs or cDNA libraries derived therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Craig C. MELLO, Weifeng GU
  • Publication number: 20140350083
    Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Andrew Fire, Stephen Kostas, Mary Montgomery, Lisa Timmons, SiQun Xu, Hiroaki Tabara, Samuel E. Driver, Craig C. Mello
  • Publication number: 20140179760
    Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Phillip D. ZAMORE, Juanita MCLACHLAN, Gyorgy HUTVAGNER, Alla GRISHOK, Craig C. MELLO
  • Patent number: 8580754
    Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: Carnegie Institution of Washington, The University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Andrew Z. Fire, Stephen A. Kostas, Mary K. Montgomery, Lisa Timmons, SiQun Xu, Hiroaki Tabara, Samuel E. Driver, Craig C. Mello
  • Patent number: 8557785
    Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Phillip D. Zamore, Juanita McLachlan, Gyorgy Hutvagner, Alla Grishok, Craig C. Mello
  • Patent number: 8530438
    Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Phillip D. Zamore, Juanita McLachlan, Gyorgy Hutvagner, Alla Grishok, Craig C. Mello
  • Publication number: 20130230492
    Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicants: THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON
    Inventors: Andrew Fire, Stephen Kostas, Mary Montgomery, Lisa Timmons, SiQun Xu, Hiroaki Tabara, Samuel E. Driver, Craig C. Mello
  • Publication number: 20130029425
    Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Fire, Stephen Kostas, Mary Montgomery, Lisa Timmons, SiQun Xu, Hiroaki Tabara, Samuel E. Driver, Craig C. Mello
  • Patent number: 8283329
    Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: The Carnegie Institution of Washington, The University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Andrew Z. Fire, Stephen A. Kostas, Mary K. Montgomery, Lisa Timmons, SiQun Xu, Hiroaki Tabara, Samuel E. Driver, Craig C. Mello
  • Patent number: 8232260
    Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vitro with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Phillip D. Zamore, Juanita McLachlan, Gyorgy Hutvagner, Alla Grishok, Craig C. Mello
  • Publication number: 20110207224
    Abstract: The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vitro with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Phillip D. ZAMORE, Juanita MCLACHLAN, Gyorgy HUTVAGNER, Alla GRISHOK, Craig C. MELLO