Patents by Inventor Michael F. Thomashow

Michael F. Thomashow 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).

  • Transcription factors to improve plant stress tolerance
    Publication number: 20040078852
    Abstract: DNA transcription regulating proteins capable of binding to a DNA regulatory sequence that regulates expression of one or more environmental stress tolerance genes in a plant such as to cold and drought are provided. Cold-regulated transcription factors may include ZAT12 and RAV1. The present invention relates to the DNA regulatory sequence to enhance the stress tolerance of recombinant plants into which these genes are introduced. Methods for using the DNA and transcription regulating proteins to regulate expression of one or more native or non-native environmental stress tolerance genes in a plant are provided. Use of a promoter capable of effecting mRNA transcription in the selected plant cell to be transformed may also included. Other embodiments include the use of vectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Michael F. Thomashow, Sarah George Fowler, Jonathan Vogel, Daniel Zarka
  • Plant having altered environmental stress tolerance
    Publication number: 20020157136
    Abstract: A transformed plant is provided which comprises one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; a DNA regulatory sequence which regulates expression of the one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; a sequence encoding a binding protein capable of binding to the DNA regulatory sequence and inducing expression of the one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; and a recombinant promoter which regulates expression of the gene encoding the binding protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Michael F. Thomashow, Eric J. Stockinger, Kirsten Jaglo-Ottosen, Sarah Jane Gilmour, Daniel Zarka, Cai-Zhong Jiang
  • Plant having altered environmental stress tolerance
    Patent number: 6417428
    Abstract: A transformed plant is provided which comprises one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; a DNA regulatory sequence which regulates expression of the one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; a sequence encoding a binding protein capable of binding to the DNA regulatory sequence and inducing expression of the one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; and a recombinant promoter which regulates expression of the gene encoding the binding protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventors: Michael F. Thomashow, Eric J. Stockinger, Kirsten Jaglo-Ottosen, Sarah Jane Gilmour, Daniel Zarka, Cai-Zhong Jiang
  • DNA and encoded protein which regulates cold and dehydration regulated genes
    Patent number: 5965705
    Abstract: A gene, designated as CBF1, encoding a protein, CBF1, which binds to a region regulating expression of genes which promote cold temperature and dehydration tolerance in plants is described. CBF1 is used to transform microorganisms and can be used to transform plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Board of Trustees, Michigan State University
    Inventors: Michael F. Thomashow, Eric J. Stockinger
  • Plant material containing non-naturally introduced binding protein for regulating cold and dehydration regulatory genes
    Patent number: 5929305
    Abstract: A gene, designated as CBF1, encoding a protein, CBF1, which binds to a region regulating expression of genes which promote cold temperature and dehydration tolerance in plants is described. CBF1 is used to transform microorganisms and can be used to transform plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Michigan State University
    Inventors: Michael F. Thomashow, Eric J. Stockinger, Kirsten Jaglo-Ottosen, Daniel Zarka
  • Method for regulating cold and dehydration regulatory genes in a plant
    Patent number: 5891859
    Abstract: A gene, designated as CBF1, encoding a protein, CBF1, which binds to a region regulating expression of genes which promote cold temperature and dehydration tolerance in plants is described. CBF1 is used to transform microorganisms and can be used to transform plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Michigan State University
    Inventors: Michael F. Thomashow, Eric J. Stockinger, Kirsten Jaglo-Ottosen, Daniel Zarka, Sarah Jane Gilmour
  • DNA and encoded protein which regulates cold and dehydration regulated genes
    Patent number: 5892009
    Abstract: A gene, designated as CBF1, encoding a protein, CBF1, which binds to a region regulating expression of genes which promote cold temperature and dehydration tolerance in plants is described. CBF1 is used to transform microorganisms and can be used to transform plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Michigan State University
    Inventors: Michael F. Thomashow, Eric J. Stockinger
  • Method and compositions using polypeptides of arabidopsis thaliana
    Patent number: 5356816
    Abstract: A method for treating chemical or biological materials with a polypeptide derived from a RNA encoded by a cDNA of Arabidopsis thaliana to prevent freezing or heat damage is described. In particular, a novel cDNA and polypeptide, COR15, encoded thereby is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State University
    Inventor: Michael F. Thomashow
  • Method and compositions using polypeptides of arabidopsis thaliana
    Patent number: 5296462
    Abstract: A method for treating chemical or biological materials with a polypeptide derived from a RNA encoded by a cDNA of Arabidopsis thaliana to prevent freezing or heat damage is described In particular, a novel cDNA and polypeptide, COR15, encoded thereby is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventor: Michael F. Thomashow