Patents by Inventor Mark A. Akeson

Mark A. Akeson 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: 11970738
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, William B. Dunbar, Roger Jinteh Arrigo Chen, Noah A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 11926819
    Abstract: Provided are methods of adding a polymer of non-canonical nucleotides to the 3? end of a ribonucleic acid (RNA). In certain embodiments, the methods comprise combining an RNA, a polynucleotide-3? nucleotidyl transferase, and non-canonical nucleotides, in a reaction mixture under conditions in which the polynucleotide-3? nucleotidyl transferase adds a polymer of the non-canonical nucleotides to the 3? end of the RNA. Such methods may further include analyzing the RNA using a nanopore. According to some embodiments, the methods include identifying the polymer of non-canonical nucleotides added to the 3? end of the RNA, and determining the junction between the 3? end of the RNA and the polymer of non-canonical nucleotides to identify the 3? end of the RNA. Kits that find use, e.g., in practicing the methods of the present disclosure are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Manuel Ares, Logan Mulroney, Jenny Vo, Mark Akeson
  • Publication number: 20220396758
    Abstract: Described herein is a device and method for translocating a protein through a nanopore and monitoring electronic changes caused by different amino acids in the protein. The device comprises a nanopore in a membrane, an amplifier for providing a voltage between the cis side and trans side of the membrane, and an NTP driven unfoldase which processed the protein to be trans-located. The exemplified unfoldase is the ClpX unfoldase from E. coli.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. NIVALA, Douglas B. MARKS, Mark A. AKESON
  • Publication number: 20210348224
    Abstract: Provided are methods of analyzing capped ribonucleic acids (RNAs). The methods include translocating an adapted RNA through a nanopore of a nanopore device. The adapted RNA includes an RNA region, a 5? cap, and an adapter polynucleotide attached to the 5? cap. The methods include monitoring ionic current through the nanopore during the translocating, translocating the 5? cap through the nanopore, and identifying one or more ionic current features characteristic of the 5? cap (e.g., a triphosphate linkage between the 5? cap and nucleotide N1 of the RNA region, a 5? to 5? orientation of the 5? cap and nucleotide N1 of the RNA region, and/or the like), translocating through the nanopore. Also provided are computer-readable media, computer devices, and systems that find use, e.g., in practicing the methods of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Logan Mulroney, Mark Akeson, Miten Jain, Hugh Olsen
  • Publication number: 20210189482
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, William B. Dunbar, Roger Jinteh Arrigo Chen, Noah A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20210071239
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for polynucleotide sequencing that detect the location of selected nucleobases with greater precision. The methods can be used to determine the location and nature of modified bases in a polynucleotide, that is, non-canonical bases, or to improve accuracy of sequencing of “problem” regions of DNA sequencing such as homopolymers, GC rich areas, etc. The sequencing method exemplified is nanopore sequencing. Nanopore sequencing is used to generate a unique signal at a point in a polynucleotide sequence where an abasic site (AP site, or apurinic or apyrimidinic site) exists. As part of the method, an abasic site is specifically created enzymatically using a DNA glycosylase that recognizes a pre-determined nucleobase species and cleaves the N-glycosidic bond to release only that base, leaving an AP site in its place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Miten Jain, Hugh Edward Olsen, Mark A. Akeson
  • Publication number: 20200377875
    Abstract: Provided are methods of adding a polymer of non-canonical nucleotides to the 3? end of a ribonucleic acid (RNA). In certain embodiments, the methods comprise combining an RNA, a polynucleotide-3? nucleotidyl transferase, and non-canonical nucleotides, in a reaction mixture under conditions in which the polynucleotide-3? nucleotidyl transferase adds a polymer of the non-canonical nucleotides to the 3? end of the RNA. Such methods may further include analyzing the RNA using a nanopore. According to some embodiments, the methods include identifying the polymer of non-canonical nucleotides added to the 3? end of the RNA, and determining the junction between the 3? end of the RNA and the polymer of non-canonical nucleotides to identify the 3? end of the RNA. Kits that find use, e.g., in practicing the methods of the present disclosure are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Manuel Ares, Logan Mulroney, Jenny Vo, Mark Akeson
  • Publication number: 20200325535
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, William B. Dunbar, Kate Lieberman, Noah A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10760117
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for polynucleotide sequencing that detect the location of selected nucleobases with greater precision. The methods can be used to determine the location and nature of modified bases in a polynucleotide, that is, non-canonical bases, or to improve accuracy of sequencing of “problem” regions of DNA sequencing such as homopolymers, GC rich areas, etc. The sequencing method exemplified is nanopore sequencing. Nanopore sequencing is used to generate a unique signal at a point in a polynucleotide sequence where an abasic site (AP site, or apurinic or apyrimidinic site) exists. As part of the method, an abasic site is specifically created enzymatically using a DNA glycosylase that recognizes a pre-determined nucleobase species and cleaves the N-glycosidic bond to release only that base, leaving an AP site in its place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Miten Jain, Hugh Edward Olsen, Mark A. Akeson
  • Patent number: 10344327
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, William B. Dunbar, Roger Jinteh Arrigo Chen, Noah A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10208342
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: William B. Dunbar, Noah A. Wilson, Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, Kate Lieberman
  • Patent number: 10202645
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, Daniel Branton, David W. Deamer, Seiko L. Endo
  • Patent number: 10196688
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, William B. Dunbar, Roger Jinteh Arrigo Chen, Noah A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20180320168
    Abstract: Provided are methods of producing size-selected nucleic acid libraries. The methods include contacting a nucleic acid sample and a nucleic acid binding reagent including an affinity tag, under conditions in which nucleic acids of less than a desired length are substantially bound to the nucleic acid binding reagent and nucleic acids of the desired length are substantially not bound to the nucleic acid binding reagent. The conditions include the duration of the contacting, the concentration of the nucleic acid binding reagent, or both. The methods further include separating, using the affinity tag, the nucleic acids of less than the desired length bound to the nucleic acid binding reagent from the nucleic acids of the desired length not bound to the nucleic acid binding reagent, to produce a size-selected nucleic acid library. Compositions and kits that find use, e.g., in practicing the methods of the present disclosure, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Hugh E. Olsen, Miten Jain, Mark A. Akeson
  • Patent number: 10081835
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, William B. Dunbar, Roger Jinteh Arrigo Chen, Noah A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20180258474
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for polynucleotide sequencing that detect the location of selected nucleobases with greater precision. The methods can be used to determine the location and nature of modified bases in a polynucleotide, that is, non-canonical bases, or to improve accuracy of sequencing of “problem” regions of DNA sequencing such as homopolymers, GC rich areas, etc. The sequencing method exemplified is nanopore sequencing. Nanopore sequencing is used to generate a unique signal at a point in a polynucleotide sequence where an abasic site (AP site, or apurinic or apyrimidinic site) exists. As part of the method, an abasic site is specifically created enzymatically using a DNA glycosylase that recognizes a pre-determined nucleobase species and cleaves the N-glycosidic bond to release only that base, leaving an AP site in its place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Miten Jain, Hugh Edward Olsen, Mark A. Akeson
  • Patent number: 10059988
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, Seico Benner, William B. Dunbar, Noah A. Wilson, Kathy Lieberman, Robin Abu-Shumays, Nicholas Hurt
  • Publication number: 20180023136
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, Daniel Branton, David W. Deamer, Seico Benner
  • Publication number: 20180023137
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: William B. Dunbar, Noah A. Wilson, Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, Kate Lieberman
  • Patent number: 9797013
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, Roger Jinteh Arrigo Chen