Patents by Inventor Helen Piwnica-Worms

Helen Piwnica-Worms 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).

  • METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING DIABETES AND OBESITY THERAPEUTICS
    Publication number: 20100311807
    Abstract: The invention relates to inhibition of Par-1b kinase activity for treating disorders including diabetes and obesity. The invention also relates to screening for compounds or compositions that inhibit the kinase activity of Par-1b protein, which compounds and compositions are useful in the treatment of diabetes and obesity, as well as preparing compounds for treatment of diabetes and obesity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Washington University
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Hurov, Helen Piwnica-Worms, Lewis C. Cantley
  • Human Myt1 protein and chimeric proteins derived therefrom
    Patent number: 6017708
    Abstract: The cDNA of the human Myt1 kinase (Myt1Hu), which catalyzes phosphorylation of Cdc2 on Thr 14 and Tyr 15, has been cloned and sequenced. The invention provides isolated, purified and structurally defined DNA encoding Myt1Hu, isolated and purified Myt1Hu protein, a method for making Myt1Hu protein by expressing the DNA encoding Myt1Hu and methods for measuring levels of Myt1Hu in RNA or of Myt1Hu protein in a cell sample. Also provided are chimeric proteins having Cdc2 kinase activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventor: Helen Piwnica-Worms
  • Antibody Specific for human Myt1 and detection methods
    Patent number: 5977317
    Abstract: The cDNA of the human Myt1 kinase (Myt1Hu), which catalyzes phosphorylation of Cdc2 on Thr 14 and Tyr 15, has been cloned and sequenced. The invention provides isolated, purified and structurally defined DNA encoding Myt1Hu, isolated and purified Myt1Hu protein, a method for making Myt1Hu protein by expressing the DNA encoding Myt1Hu and methods for measuring levels of Myt1Hu in RNA or of Myt1Hu protein in a cell sample. Also provided are antibodies specifically reactive with an epitope of Myt1Hu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventor: Helen Piwnica-Worms
  • DNA sequences encoding human TcAK1 kinase
    Patent number: 5863729
    Abstract: Entry into mitosis requires the activity of the Cdc25C phosphatase which functions to activate Cdc2/Cyclin B. In asychronously growing cells, Cdc25C is stoichiometrically phosphorylated on serine 216. Levels of serine 216 phosphorylation remain constant throughout the G1-, S- and G2-phases of the cell cycle. A human kinase, denoted TcAK1 (for Twenty-five C Associated protein Kinase) that phosphorylates Cdc25C on serine 216 has been cloned and sequenced. A method is also provided for measuring levels of TcAK1 in RNA or of TcAK1 protein in cells. Phosphorylation of Cdc25C on serine 216 with TCAK1 creates a 14-3-3 recognition motif. The interaction between Cdc25C and 14-3-3 proceeds in a phosphorylation-specific manner. TcAK1 functions to mediate interaction between 14-3-3 proteins and other cellular proteins associated with oncogenesis or key signalling events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventor: Helen Piwnica-Worms
  • DNA sequences encoding human Myt1 kinase
    Patent number: 5744349
    Abstract: The invention provides isolated, purified and structurally defined DNA encoding Myt1Hu, isolated and purified Myt1Hu protein, a method for making Myt1Hu protein by expressing the DNA encoding Myt1Hu and methods for measuring levels of Myt1Hu in RNA or of Myt1Hu in a cell sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventor: Helen Piwnica-Worms