Patents by Inventor Luca Comai

Luca Comai 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: 20120079628
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating cell division in plants. In particular, the present invention provides polynucleotides that encode REVOLUTA. In addition, REVOLUTA vectors and transformed plants are provided wherein plant cell division is modulated by expression of a REVOLUTA transgene as compared to a control population of untransformed plants. The present invention also provides methods for the isolation and identification of REVOLUTA genes from higher plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: University of Washington
    Inventors: Ann Joan SLADE, Linda Madisen, Luca Comai
  • Publication number: 20110004965
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating cell division in plants. In particular, the present invention provides polynucleotides that encode REVOLUTA. In addition, REVOLUTA vectors and transformed plants are provided wherein plant cell division is modulated by expression of a REVOLUTA transgene as compared to a control population of untransformed plants. The present invention also provides methods for the isolation and identification of REVOLUTA genes from higher plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Ann Joan SLADE, Linda Madisen, Luca Comai
  • Patent number: 7816139
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating cell division in plants. In particular, the present invention provides polynucleotides that encode REVOLUTA. In addition, REVOLUTA vectors and transformed plants are provided wherein plant cell division is modulated by expression of a REVOLUTA transgene as compared to a control population of untransformed plants. The present invention also provides methods for the isolation and identification of REVOLUTA genes from higher plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Ann Slade, Linda Madisen, Luca Comai
  • Publication number: 20060218676
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating cell division in plants. In particular, the present invention provides polynucleotides that encode REVOLUTA. In addition, REVOLUTA vectors and transformed plants are provided wherein plant cell division is modulated by expression of a REVOLUTA transgene as compared to a control population of untransformed plants. The present invention also provides methods for the isolation and identification of REVOLUTA genes from higher plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Applicant: University of Washington
    Inventors: Ann Slade, Linda Madisen, Luca Comai
  • Patent number: 7056739
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating cell division in plants. In particular, the present invention provides polynucleotides that encode REVOLUTA. In addition, REVOLUTA vectors and transformed plants are provided wherein plant cell division is modulated by expression of a REVOLUTA transgene as compared to a control population of untransformed plants. The present invention also provides methods for the isolation and identification of REVOLUTA genes from higher plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Ann Joan Slade, Linda Madisen, Luca Comai
  • Publication number: 20060031967
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating cell division in plants. In particular, the present invention provides polynucleotides that encode REVOLUTA. In addition. REVOLUTA vectors and transformed plants are provided wherein plant cell division is modulated by expression of a REVOLUTA transgene as compared to a control population of untransformed plants. The present invention also provides methods for the isolation and identification of REVOLUTA genes from higher plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: February 9, 2006
    Inventors: Ann Slade, Linda Madisen, Luca Comai
  • Patent number: 6774283
    Abstract: Novel constructs are provided for expression of physiologically active mammalian proteins in plant cells, either in culture or under cultivation. The constructs provide a promoter functional in a plant host, a structural gene coding for mammalian protein and a terminator functional in a plant host. The construct is introduced into a plant cell to become integrated into the plant genome for expression in the plant cells or plants. The plant cells may be harvested and the mammalian protein isolated in physiologically active form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Calgene LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Goodman, Vic C. Knauf, Catherine M. Houck, Luca Comai
  • Publication number: 20010049830
    Abstract: Novel constructs are provided for expression of physiologically active mammalian proteins in plant cells, either in culture or under cultivation. The constructs provide a promoter functional in a plant host, a structural gene coding for mammalian protein and a terminator functional in a plant host. The construct is introduced into a plant cell to become integrated into the plant genome for expression in the plant cells or plants. The plant cells may be harvested and the mammalian protein isolated in physiologically active form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: ROBERT M. GOODMAN, VIC C. KNAUF, CATHERINE HOUCK, LUCA COMAI
  • Patent number: 6096547
    Abstract: Constructs are provided for expression of physiologically active mammalian proteins in plant cells, either in culture or under cultivation. The constructs provide a promoter functional in a plant host, a structural gene coding for mammalian protein and a terminator functional in a plant host. The construct is introduced into a plant cell to become integrated into the plant genome for expression in the plant cells or plants. The plant cells may be harvested and the mammalian protein isolated in physiologically active form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Calgene, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Goodman, Vic C. Knauf, Catherine M. Houck, Luca Comai
  • Patent number: 6051753
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel plant promoter derived from the figwort mosaic virus and methods of use of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventors: Luca Comai, Margaret P. Sanger, Stephen Daniel Daubert
  • Patent number: 5629175
    Abstract: Novel constructs are provided for expression of physiologically active mammalian proteins in plant cells, either in culture or under cultivation. The constructs provide a promoter functional in a plant host, a structural gene coding for mammalian protein and a terminator functional in a plant host. The construct is introduced into a plant cell to become integrated into the plant genome for expression in the plant cells or plants. The plant cells may be harvested and the mammalian protein isolated in physiologically active form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Goodman, Vic C. Knauf, Catherine M. Houck, Luca Comai
  • Patent number: 5550038
    Abstract: Novel constructs are provided for expression of physiologically active mammalian proteins in plant cells, either in culture or under cultivation. The constructs provide a promoter functional in a plant host, a structural gene coding for mammalian protein and a terminator functional in a plant host. The construct is introduced into a plant cell to become integrated into the plant genome for expression in the plant cells or plants. The plant cells may be harvested and the mammalian protein isolated in physiologically active form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Goodman, Vic C. Knauf, Catherine M. Houck, Luca Comai
  • Patent number: 5187267
    Abstract: Novel nucleic acid sequences, constructs employing such sequences, transgenic plant cells and plants are provided employing sequences associated with tomato heat shock protein 80.5 ("hsp80"). Nucleic acid sequences obtainable from the use of hsp80 as a probe in other plant species are also disclosed. In particular, the 5' noncoding region of tomato hsp80 or other plant promoters obtainable therefrom, especially to provide differentially specific initiation of transcription of a desired nucleic acid sequence of interest. Also provided are putative sequences believed to represent Scaffold Attachment Regions (SAR) of the plant hsp80 gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventors: Luca Comai, Ann J. Koning
  • Patent number: 5106739
    Abstract: Unexpectedly high levels of expression of coding sequences can be obtained by the use of a CaMv 35s enhanced mannopine synthase promoter in plant host cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventors: Luca Comai, Paul M. Moran
  • Patent number: 5094945
    Abstract: Enhanced resistance to glyphosate, an inhibitor of the aromatic amino acid biosynthesis pathway, is imparted to a glyphosate sensitive host. A mutated aroA gene is employed which expresses 5-enolpyruvyl-3-phosphoshikimate synthase (EC: 2.5.1.19) (ES-3-P synthase). Methods are provided for obtaining the aroA mutation which provides the enzyme resistant to inhibition by glyphosate, means for introducing the structural gene into a sensitive host, as well as providing a method of producing the enzyme.The E. coli strain C600 (pPMG1) has been deposited at the A.T.C.C. on December 14, 1982 and given A.T.C.C. Accession No. 39256.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventor: Luca Comai
  • Patent number: 5068193
    Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for introducing alien DNA into a nucleic acid in vivo by providing a plasmid capable of replication in a first host, which is capable of conjugation with a second host into which the alien DNA is to be introduced. The plasmid is characterized by being capable of maintenance in said first host, being incapable of maintenance in said second host, having a region of homology with DNA present in said second host, not self-transmissable but capable of mobilization by a helper plasmid and having a marker, which may be the alien DNA, for selection in said second host. The invention finds particular application for introducing alien DNA into the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens for introduction into plant cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventor: Luca Comai
  • Patent number: 4956282
    Abstract: Novel constructs are provided for expression of physiologically active mammalian proteins in plant cells, either in culture or under cultivation. The constructs provide a promoter functional in a plant host, a structural gene coding for mammalian protein and a terminator functional in a plant host. The construct is introduced into a plant cell to become integrated into the plant genome for expression in the plant cells or plants. The plant cells may be harvested and the mammalian protein isolated in physiologically active form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Goodman, Vic C. Knauf, Catherine M. Houck, Luca Comai
  • Patent number: 4795855
    Abstract: Woody species, particularly poplar, are produced by transformation of shoot cultures with the foreign DNA and regeneration of plants from transformed cells, where the plants are capable of expression of the foreign gene. Particularly, poplar shoot cultures are employed and are transformed employing a manipulated Agrobacterium transformation system, followed by regeneration of the plant tissue into plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventors: Joanne Fillatti, Luca Comai
  • Patent number: 4769061
    Abstract: Enhanced resistance to glyphosate, an inhibitor of the aromatic amino acid biosynthesis pathway, is imparted to a glyphosate sensitive host. A mutated aroA gene is employed which expresses 5-enolpyruvyl-3- phosphoshikimate synthase (EC: 2.5.1.19) (ES-3-P synthase). Methods are provided for obtaining the aroA mutation which provides the enzyme resistant to inhibition by glyphosate, means for introducing the structural gene into a sensitive host, as well as providing a method of producing the enzyme.The E. coli strain C600(pPMG1) has been deposited at the A.T.C.C. on Dec. 14, 1982 and given A.T.C.C. Accession No. 39256.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Calgene Inc.
    Inventor: Luca Comai
  • Patent number: 4762785
    Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for introducing alien DNA into a nucleic acid in vivo by providing a plasmid capable of replication in a first host, which is capable of conjugation with a second host into which the alien DNA is to be introducted. The plasmid is characterized by being capable of maintenance in said first host, being incapable of maintenance in said second host, having a region of homology with DNA present in said second host, not self-transmissable but capable of mobilization by a helper plasmid and having a marker, which may be the alien DNA, for selection in said second host. The invention finds particular application for introducing alien DNA into the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens for introduction into plant cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Calgene, Inc.
    Inventor: Luca Comai