Patents by Inventor Nurith Kurn

Nurith Kurn 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: 7846666
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for amplification of RNA. The methods are particularly suitable for specifically amplifying RNA in the presence of DNA. The methods involve producing a marked first primer extension product from a target RNA in the presence of a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase inhibitor, which prevents replication of DNA by the reverse transcriptase enzyme. The marked nucleic acid products are subsequently selectively amplified in the presence on non-marked nucleic acids. The methods are useful for production and analysis of polynucleotide sequences complementary to an RNA sequence. The methods are useful for preparation of nucleic acid libraries and substrates for analysis of gene expression of cells in biological samples. The invention also provides compositions and kits for practicing the amplification methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: NuGen Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Patent number: 7846733
    Abstract: Methods for isothermal exponential amplification of a target polynucleotide are disclosed. The methods employ two transcription modules, the first module providing linear amplification resulting in RNA transcripts, and a second module providing for further (generally cyclical) amplification resulting in more RNA transcripts. In one aspect, the amplification of the first module is composite primer based. In a second aspect, the amplification of the first module is based on target switching to generate a primer extension product comprising a promoter sequence. In all aspects, the RNA transcripts of the first transcription module are subjected to further amplification by creating an intermediate product comprising a double stranded promoter region from which transcription can occur. The invention further provides compositions and kits for practicing said methods, as well as methods which use the amplification results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: NuGen Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Patent number: 7771934
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel isothermal methods of generating multiple copies of, detecting and/or quantifying nucleic acid sequences of interest based on limited primer extension or attachment of oligonucleotide pairs using composite RNA/DNA primers. Methods for generating multiple copies of and/or detecting and/or quantifying nucleic acid sequences, wherein products of primer extension or attachment of oligonucleotide pairs comprising a cleavable portion are generated, and wherein cleavage of the products results in dissociation of cleaved products from target polynucleotides, are provided. The invention further provides compositions, kits and systems for practicing these methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: NuGEN Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Patent number: 7771946
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for isothermal amplification of RNA. The methods are particularly suitable for amplifying a plurality of RNA species in a sample. The methods employ a composite primer, a second primer and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In another aspect, the methods employ a single primer (which is a composite primer) and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In some embodiments, a transcription step is included to generate multiple copies of sense RNA of an RNA sequence of interest. The methods are useful for preparation of nucleic acid libraries and substrates for analysis of gene expression of cells in biological samples. The invention also provides compositions and kits for practicing the amplification methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: NuGEN Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Publication number: 20100167354
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for isothermal amplification of RNA. The methods are particularly suitable for amplifying a plurality of RNA species in a sample. The methods employ a composite primer, a second primer and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In another aspect, the methods employ a single primer (which is a composite primer) and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In some embodiments, a transcription step is included to generate multiple copies of sense RNA of an RNA sequence of interest. The methods are useful for preparation of nucleic acid libraries and substrates for analysis of gene expression of cells in biological samples. The invention also provides compositions and kits for practicing the amplification methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Publication number: 20100159559
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of polynucleotide amplification. More particularly, the invention provides methods, compositions and kits for amplification of (i.e., making multiple copies of) a multiplicity of different polynucleotide template sequences using a randomly primed RNA/DNA composite primer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Nurith Kurn, Shenglong Wang
  • Publication number: 20100022403
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for fragmentation and labeling of nucleic acids. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for fragmentation of nucleic acids to produce fragments with 3? end hydroxyl groups within a desired size range. In methods of the invention, nucleic acids are fragmented at abasic sites to produce fragments with blocked 3? ends. The 3? ends are unblocked to produce polynucleotide fragments with hydroxyl groups at their 3? ends. Methods, kits, and compositions for carrying out fragmentation of a polynucleotide template in a single reaction mixture to yield fragments with 3?-hydroxyl ends within the desired size range are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Nurith Kurn, Pengchin Chen
  • Publication number: 20090275486
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for purifying nucleic acids using a polycationic reagent and an anionic substrate to form a complex with a nucleic acid to be purified. The complex may be separated from other components of a mixture and the nucleic acid eluted from the complex with a high ionic strength solution or an anionic reagent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Nurith Kurn, Joe Don Heath
  • Publication number: 20090239232
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for amplification of RNA. The methods are particularly suitable for specifically amplifying RNA in the presence of DNA. The methods involve producing a marked first primer extension product from a target RNA in the presence of a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase inhibitor, which prevents replication of DNA by the reverse transcriptase enzyme. The marked nucleic acid products are subsequently selectively amplified in the presence on non-marked nucleic acids. The methods are useful for production and analysis of polynucleotide sequences complementary to an RNA sequence. The methods are useful for preparation of nucleic acid libraries and substrates for analysis of gene expression of cells in biological samples. The invention also provides compositions and kits for practicing the amplification methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: NuGEN Technologies Inc
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Publication number: 20090233804
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for analysis of nucleic acid methylation status, and fragmentation and/or labeling and/or immobilization of nucleic acids. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for fragmentation and/or labeling and/or immobilization of nucleic acids comprising labeling and/or cleavage and/or immobilization at abasic sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Nurith Kurn, Geoffrey A. Dafforn
  • Publication number: 20090203531
    Abstract: The present method provides methods, libraries, and kits related to the archiving and clonal expansion of sequences related to target polynucleotide sequences. The method allow for the attachment of polynucleotides with defined 3? and or 5? sequences to solid surfaces. The polynucleotides attached to the solid substrates can be stored or archived as libraries and can subsequently be retrieved for analysis, for example by clonal expansion. In some embodiments, nucleotides attached to solid surfaces can be used for sequencing of nucleotide sequences related to target RNA or target RNA. The methods are applicable to total RNA and/or total DNA analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Publication number: 20090203085
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided related to the amplification of target polynucleotide sequences as well as total RNA and total DNA amplification. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions also allow for the immobilization and capture of target polynucleotides with defined 3? and or 5? sequences to solid surfaces. The polynucleotides attached to the solid surfaces can be amplified or eluted for downstream processing. In some cases, nucleotides attached to solid surfaces can be used for high throughput sequencing of nucleotide sequences related to target DNA or target RNA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Nurith KURN, Shenglong Wang
  • Publication number: 20090130721
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for amplification of polynucleotide sequences using primers containing single-stranded RNA. The methods employ use of an enzyme capable of cleaving single-stranded RNA, such as RNase I, to degrade a first RNA-containing primer prior to addition of a second RNA-containing primer. The invention also provides compositions and kits for practicing the amplification methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Nurith Kurn, Shenglong Wang
  • Publication number: 20090068709
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of polynucleotide amplification. More particularly, the invention provides methods, compositions and kits for amplification of (i.e., making multiple copies of) a multiplicity of different polynucleotide template sequences using a randomly primed RNA/DNA composite primer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Nurith Kurn, Shenglong Wang
  • Publication number: 20090036663
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for isothermal amplification of RNA. The methods are particularly suitable for amplifying a plurality of RNA species in a sample. The methods employ a composite primer, a second primer and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In another aspect, the methods employ a single primer (which is a composite primer) and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In some embodiments, a transcription step is included to generate multiple copies of sense RNA of an RNA sequence of interest. The methods are useful for preparation of nucleic acid libraries and substrates for analysis of gene expression of cells in biological samples. The invention also provides compositions and kits for practicing the amplification methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Publication number: 20080182300
    Abstract: Methods for isothermal exponential amplification of a target polynucleotide are disclosed. The methods employ two transcription modules, the first module providing linear amplification resulting in RNA transcripts, and a second module providing for further (generally cyclical) amplification resulting in more RNA transcripts. In one aspect, the amplification of the first module is composite primer based. In a second aspect, the amplification of the first module is based on target switching to generate a primer extension product comprising a promoter sequence. In all aspects, the RNA transcripts of the first transcription module are subjected to further amplification by creating an intermediate product comprising a double stranded promoter region from which transcription can occur. The invention further provides compositions and kits for practicing said methods, as well as methods which use the amplification results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Publication number: 20080176311
    Abstract: Methods for isothermal exponential amplification of a target polynucleotide are disclosed. The methods employ two transcription modules, the first module providing linear amplification resulting in RNA transcripts, and a second module providing for further (generally cyclical) amplification resulting in more RNA transcripts. In one aspect, the amplification of the first module is composite primer based. In a second aspect, the amplification of the first module is based on target switching to generate a primer extension product comprising a promoter sequence. In all aspects, the RNA transcripts of the first transcription module are subjected to further amplification by creating an intermediate product comprising a double stranded promoter region from which transcription can occur. The invention further provides compositions and kits for practicing said methods, as well as methods which use the amplification results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Patent number: 7402386
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of polynucleotide amplification. More particularly, the invention provides methods, compositions and kits for amplification of (i.e., making multiple copies of) a multiplicity of different polynucleotide template sequences using a randomly primed RNA/DNA composite primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Nugen Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nurith Kurn, Shenglong Wang
  • Patent number: 7354717
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for isothermal amplification of RNA. The methods are particularly suitable for amplifying a plurality of RNA species in a sample. The methods employ a composite primer, a second primer and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In another aspect, the methods employ a single primer (which is a composite primer) and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In some embodiments, a transcription step is included to generate multiple copies of sense RNA of an RNA sequence of interest. The methods are useful for preparation of nucleic acid libraries and substrates for analysis of gene expression of cells in biological samples. The invention also provides compositions and kits for practicing the amplification methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Nugen Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Patent number: 7351557
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for linear amplification of RNA that has an RNA sequence of interest. The methods are based on using a first DNA primer with a 3? portion that is complementary to the RNA and a 5? portion that is not complementary to the RNA in that region. The primer and an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase are used to make a DNA-RNA complex from the RNA. The RNA is cleaved from the complex with an enzyme, then a second primer and a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase are used to make double stranded DNA. The double stranded DNA is then denatured, and an RNA-DNA composite primer, a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, and strand displacement are used to isothermally produce multiple copies of the complementary sequence to the RNA sequence of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: NuGEN Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn