Patents by Inventor Kimmo Koivu

Kimmo Koivu 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: 20050241022
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a family of novel spatiotemporally active Rubisco promoters (SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3) obtainable from light grown Brassica seedlings. Furthermore the invention is related to transgene expression in specific plant organs or at specific stages of plant development. DNA constructs and expression cassettes comprising at least one of the promoter sequences functionally fused in frame with genes encoding desired gene products are disclosed. Seeds from transformed homologous and herterologous plants and from subsequent generation of the transformed plants are collected and used for efficient production of desired gene products, especially in contained conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Applicant: UniCrop Ltd
    Inventors: Andrei Anissimov, Seppo Kaijalainen, Kimmo Koivu, Kari Juntunen, Anne Kanerva
  • Publication number: 20050039229
    Abstract: An improved double Recoverable Block of Function (RBF) system for transgene containment with enhanced reliability is disclosed. The system includes two blocking constructs (BCs) at the opposite sides of a transgene of interest (TGI). The system comprises means for recovery of the function blocked by expression of the blocking genes of the BCs. The invention is also related to a kit comprising a cloning vector having the BCs and TGI or alternatively a place for TGI to be inserted in. Segregating (two-insert) and inducible (one-insert) types of double RBF are disclosed. The two BCs are either similar or different in their DNA and RNA structures. The two BCs may encode same protein but promoters driving the blocking genes are different and/or the coding sequence of the blocking genes is modified by codon preference change. A system comprising two BCs having different blocking genes is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Viktor Kuvshinov, Kimmo Koivu, Anne Kanerva, Andrei Anissimov
  • Patent number: 6849776
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method and a DNA construct for controlling transgene segregation in a sexually reproducing multicellular organism (SRMO), especially in such SRMOs which are susceptible of interbreeding with their cultured or wild-type relatives. The method and construct allows the farmer to reuse the transgenic crop without risk for escape of the transgene into the environment. The DNA construct is a recoverable block of function (RBF) system comprising at least one blocking construct (BC), and at least one means for recovering the blocked functions. The BC has a capacity of blocking at least one molecular or physiological function essential for the development and/or reproductive cycle of the SRMO. The BC is closely linked to the transgene of intereset (TGI). The blocked function is recoverable by an external treatment or intervention, which is optionally combined with one or more recovering constructs (RC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: UniCrop Ltd
    Inventors: Viktor Kuvshinov, Kimmo Koivu, Anne Kanerva, Eija Pehu
  • Publication number: 20040107457
    Abstract: The present invention provides a molecular mechanism for gene containment in sexually reproducing transgenic plants. The mechanism is achieved with a molecular construct comprising a blocking construct (BC) that is inserted fully or partially into an intron of a transgene of interest (TGI). The TGI encodes desired gene products, such as heterologous or homologous proteins, peptides or other useful products. The expression of the BC leads to block of at least one molecular or physiological function that is essential for development or reproduction of the transgenic plant. Thereby the BC expression leads to death or incapacity of sexual reproduction of the plant. Moreover, the mechanism comprises an externally applicable recovering tool to recover the functions blocked by the BC. The recovering tool may be a recovering construct (RC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Viktor Kuvshinov, Kimmo Koivu, Anne Kanerva, Andrei Anissimov
  • Publication number: 20040031076
    Abstract: The present invention relates to plant biotechnology and specifically to a method for genetically transforming Camelina sativa with Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system. It comprises Camelina sativa for producing homologous and heterologous recombinant products including oil and protein products and assessing and screening the efficacy of plant transformation. Also disclosed are transgenic Camelina sativa plants, seeds as well as cells, cell-lines and tissue of Camelina sativa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Viktor Kuvshinov, Anne Kanerva, Kimmo Koivu, Eija Pehu, Svetlana Kuvshinova
  • Publication number: 20040025200
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method and a complex of DNA constructs for providing an increased level of control of transgene segregation in Sexually Reproducing Multicellular Organisms (SRMOs), which are prone to out-crossing with their wild-type or cultivated relatives. The method and constructs allow the farmer to reuse the transgenic crop. without risk. The RBF system comprises one or more Transgenes of Interest (TGIs) encoding desired gene products, one or more Blocking Constructs (BC), and one or more user-controlled means for recovering the blocked functions. The BC has the capacity of blocking at least one function essential for the survival and/or reproduction of the SRMO. Preferably more than one BC flanking the TGIs are used. The BC may be located in close proximity to the TGI, preferably in an intron or flanking the TGIs. The blocked function is recoverable by user-controlled interventions preferably applicable under confined conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Viktor Kuvshinov, Kimmo Koivu, Anne Kanerva, Eija Pehu
  • Publication number: 20030097678
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a process based on a source-sink principle, for producing products of interest from crushed or uncrushed germinating dicot seeds comprising an expression system, which is induced or can be induced during germination. The product is either a seed derived composition comprising one or more gene products. Alternatively, it is a product of interest obtained by placing the composition in contact with a substrate, containing a substance capable of being transformed by the seed derived composition as such, dried or in down-stream processed form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Viktor Kushinov, Anne Kanerva, Kimmo Koivu, Eija Pehu
  • Patent number: 6455761
    Abstract: The present invention relates to plant biotechnology and specifically to a novel transformation protocol for obtaining transgenic turnip rape plants with Agrobacterium mediated transformation. In the protocol an internode section of the inflorescence carrying stem of mature turnip rape is used as explant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Helsinki University Licensing Ltd. Oy
    Inventors: Viktor Kuvshinov, Kimmo Koivu, Anne Kanerva, Eija Pehu
  • Publication number: 20020007500
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and a system for controlling the transgene segregation and spread. Escape of the gene of interest (TGI) into the environment is prevented by a repressible excision system (RES), which can be controlled by externally applicable means and comprises an excision construct (EC) having a gene encoding recombinase closely linked to the (TGI) and flanked by excision recognition sites (ERSs). The externally applicable means for controlling the repression of the expression of the gene encoding the recombinase enzyme is achieved with or without a repressor construct (RC). The action of the repressible excision system (RES) leads to excision of the transgenic insert, whenever a transgenic organism and the externally applicable means are withdrawn, which occurs if a transgenic organism escapes from the human control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Viktor Kuvshinov, Kimmo Koivu, Anne Kanerva, Eija Pehu
  • Patent number: 5968828
    Abstract: Provided are transgenic plants with resistance to viral infection polynucleotides and methods for conferring such resistance, and methods for producing the transgenic plants. Plants transformed with a nucleotide sequence encoding a P1 protein of potato virus Y result in plants having increased resistance to infection by potato virus Y.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Helsinki University Licensing Ltd. Oy
    Inventors: Eija Pehu, Tuula Pehu, Tuula Maki-Valkama, Jari Valkonen, Kimmo Koivu, Kirsi Lehto
  • Patent number: 5576202
    Abstract: Provided are transgenic plants with resistance to viral infection, methods for conferring such resistance, and methods for producing the transgenic plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Helsinki University Licensing, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eija Pehu, Tuula Pehu, Tuula Maki-Valkama, Jari Valkonen, Kimmo Koivu, Kirsi Lehto