Patents by Inventor Paula M. Hicks

Paula M. Hicks 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: 20250027131
    Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms, plants, and plant cells are disclosed that have been engineered to express novel recombinant genes encoding steviol biosynthetic enzymes and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Such microorganisms, plants, or plant cells can produce steviol or steviol glycosides, e.g., rubusoside or Rebaudioside A, which can be used as natural sweeteners in food products and dietary supplements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Inventors: Ganesh M. Kishore, Michael Motion, Paula M. Hicks, Jorgen Hansen, Jens Houghton Larsen, Esben Halkjaer Hansen, Michael Dalgaard Mikkelsen, Sabina Tavares, Charlotte Blom
  • Publication number: 20240110215
    Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms, plants, and plant cells are disclosed that have been engineered to express novel recombinant genes encoding steviol biosynthetic enzymes and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Such microorganisms, plants, or plant cells can produce steviol or steviol glycosides, e.g., rubusoside or Rebaudioside A, which can be used as natural sweeteners in food products and dietary supplements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Ganesh M. Kishore, Michael Motion, Paula M. Hicks, Jorgen Hansen, Jens Houghton Larsen, Esben Halkjaer Hansen, Michael Dalgaard Mikkelsen, Sabina Tavares, Charlotte Blom
  • Publication number: 20220073960
    Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms, plants, and plant cells are disclosed that have been engineered to express novel recombinant genes encoding steviol biosynthetic enzymes and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Such microorganisms, plants, or plant cells can produce steviol or steviol glycosides, e.g., rubusoside or Rebaudioside A, which can be used as natural sweeteners in food products and dietary supplements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Ganesh M. Kishore, Michael Motion, Paula M. Hicks, Jorgen Hansen, Jens Hougton-Larsen, Esben Halkjaer Hansen, Michael Dalgaard Mikkelsen, Sabina Tavares, Charlotte Blom, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20200140912
    Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms, plants, and plant cells are disclosed that have been engineered to express novel recombinant genes encoding steviol biosynthetic enzymes and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Such microorganisms plants, or plant cells can produce steviol or steviol glycosides, e.g., rubusoside or Rebaudioside A, which can be used as natural sweeteners in food products and dietary supplements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Ganesh M. Kishore, Michael Motion, Paula M. Hicks, Jorgen Hansen, Jens Houghton-Larsen, Esben Halkjaer Hansen, Michael Dalgaard Mikkelsen, Sabina Tavares, Charlotte Blom
  • Patent number: 9719079
    Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BASF Enzymes LLC
    Inventors: David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao, Peter Luginbuhl, Ellen Burke, Toby H. Richardson, Paula M. Hicks
  • Patent number: 9518280
    Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ellen Burke, Steven John Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Patent number: 9290755
    Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: BASF Enzymes LLC
    Inventors: David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao, Peter Luginbuhl, Ellen Burke, Toby H. Richardson, Paula M. Hicks
  • Patent number: 9034610
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Timothy W. Abraham, Douglas C. Cameron, Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan, James R. Millis, John Rosazza, David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Patent number: 9005938
    Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ellen Burke, Steven John Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Patent number: 8975046
    Abstract: Monatin and certain stereoisomers of monatin, such as R,R monatin and S,R monatin, as well as salts thereof, are produced using polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways. These polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways are also useful in the production of R-2-hydroxy-2-(indoly-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, an intermediate that is formed in certain monatin synthesis pathways, including some biosynthetic pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian J. Brazeau, Mervyn L. De Souza, Steven J. Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Sherry R. Kollmann, Jose M. Laplaza, Sara C. McFarlan, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, Christopher Solheid
  • Patent number: 8785162
    Abstract: The invention provides for aminotransferase and oxidoreductase polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using such aminotransferase and oxidoreductase nucleic acids and polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mervyn L. De Souza, Paula M. Hicks, Sherry R. Kollmann, Jose Laplaza, Joshua M. Lundorff, Sara C. McFarlan, Erin Marasco, Wei Niu, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, Christopher Solheid, David P. Weiner, Peter Luginbuhl, Analia Bueno, Joslin Cuenca
  • Patent number: 8546118
    Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Verenium Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao, Peter Luginbuhl, Ellen Burke, Toby Richardson, Paula M. Hicks
  • Publication number: 20130171328
    Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms, plants, and plant cells are disclosed that have been engineered to express novel recombinant genes encoding steviol biosynthetic enzymes and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Such microorganisms, plants, or plant cells can produce steviol or steviol glycosides, e.g., rubusoside or Rebaudioside A, which can be used as natural sweeteners in food products and dietary supplements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Ganesh M. Kishore, Michael Motion, Paula M. Hicks, Jorgen Hansen, Jens Houghton-Larsen, Esben Halkjær Hansen, Michael Dalgaard Mikkelsen, Sabina Tavares, Charlotte Blom
  • Patent number: 8440434
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan
  • Patent number: 8435765
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy W. Abraham, Douglas C. Cameron, Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan, James R. Millis, John Rosazza, David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Patent number: 8372989
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy W. Abraham, Douglas C. Cameron, Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan, John Rosazza, Lishan Zhao, David P. Weiner
  • Patent number: 8206955
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin or salt thereof from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Sara C. McFarlan, Paula M. Hicks, Mary Jo Zidwick, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, Douglas C. Cameron, Mervyn L. deSouza, John Rosazza, Steven J. Gort, Timothy W. Abraham
  • Patent number: 8158389
    Abstract: Products and methods for the in vivo production of monatin sweetener are provided. The products include microorganisms that are genetically modified to secrete or to improve secretion of monatin; microorganisms that are genetically modified to produce monatin; and microorganisms that are genetically modified to both secrete or improve secretion of monatin and produce monatin. The methods include producing monatin in such genetically engineered microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Anderson, Mervyn L. DeSouza, Paula M. Hicks, Sherry R. Kollmann
  • Patent number: 8153405
    Abstract: Products and methods for the in vivo production of monatin sweetener are provided. The products include microorganisms that are genetically modified to secrete or to improve secretion of monatin; microorganisms that are genetically modified to produce monatin; and microorganisms that are genetically modified to both secrete or improve secretion of monatin and produce monatin. The methods include producing monatin in such genetically engineered microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: James C. Anderson, Mervyn L. DeSouza, Paula M. Hicks, Sherry R. Kollmann, Jose Laplaza
  • Publication number: 20120009634
    Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Ellen BURKE, Steven John Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David Weiner, Lishan Zhao