Patents by Inventor Helen Blau

Helen Blau 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: 20080021205
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing hRNA, e.g., shRNA, expression modules for specific target nucleic acids are provided. In the subject methods, an initial nucleic acid, e.g., dsDNA, synthetic DNA, etc., corresponding to the target nucleic acid of interest is converted to an intermediate nucleic acid. The resultant intermediate nucleic acid, following an optional size modification step, is then converted to a linear dsDNA that includes at least one copy of the hRNA expression module of interest, or a precursor (i.e., pro-shRNA expression module) thereof, where in certain embodiments conversion may include amplification. Also provided are reagents, systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Helen Blau, George Sen, Jason Meyers, Tom Wehrman
  • Publication number: 20070275397
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting molecular interactions are provided. Aspects of the invention include the use of a reduced affinity enzyme complementation reporter system. Also provided are systems and kits for use in practicing embodiments of the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Tom Wehrman, Helen Blau
  • Publication number: 20070224621
    Abstract: Sequential reporter enzyme luminescence (SRL) methods are provided. In the subject methods, the activity of a reporter enzyme is evaluated using a secondary reporter system that employs a product of a reporter enzyme mediated reaction as a luminescent substrate, e.g., luciferase substrate. Also provided are kits and other compositions that find use in practicing the subject methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Tom Wehrman, Georges Von Degenfeld, Helen Blau
  • Publication number: 20070123486
    Abstract: Compositions for co-expression of VEGF and PDGF at a desired ratio, and their methods of use, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Andrea Banfi, Helen Blau, Georges Von Degenfeld
  • Publication number: 20060003312
    Abstract: The disclosure provides, inter alia, methods for enhancing the contribution of circulating stem cells to a target tissue. Such methods may be useful for treating a variety of disorders. In a preferred embodiments, circulating stem cell contribution is enhanced by causing damage to the target tissue, or by administering an agent that mimics an aspect of a damage response. The disclosure also provides methods for monitoring the contribution of circulating stem cells to a target tissue, and for developing agents that modulate such contribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Applicant: Stanford University
    Inventors: Helen Blau, Timothy Brazelton, Mark LaBarge, James Weimann
  • Publication number: 20050287522
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting molecular translocations, particularly protein translocations within and between subcellular copartments, using at least two components that exhibit a localization-dependent difference in complementation activity. In particular, alpha-complementing ?-galactosidase fragments are provided. These ?-galactosidase reporter fragments display significantly enhanced enzymatic activity when one fragment is localized in a membrane. Methods for carrying out no-wash ELISA assays based on the reporter component system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Helen Blau, Thomas Wehrman