Patents by Inventor Wilhelmus J. Quax

Wilhelmus J. Quax 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).

  • Cytokine design
    Patent number: 7994281
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for the design of proteins, in particular, cytokines. These methods allow the stabilisation of such cytokines, as well as modification of their selectivity/specificity for their cognate receptors. The invention also relates to various modified proteins that have been designed by the methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: European Molecular Biology Laboratory, National University of Ireland, University of Groningen
    Inventors: Vicente R. Tur, Albert Martinus Van der Sloot, Margaret M. Mullally, Robbert H. Cool, Eva E. Szegezdi, Afshin Samali, Gregorio Fernandez-Ballester, Luis Serrano, Wilhelmus J. Quax
  • Expression vectors encoding disulfide bond isomerase and methods of secreting proteins in gram-positive microorganisms using the same
    Patent number: 7037714
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences for Bacillus subtilis disulfide bond isomerases, Dsb1 and Dsb2 and methods for increasing the secretion of heterologous and homologous proteins in Gram-positive microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus J. Quax, Robert M. Caldwell
  • Secretion factors for gram-positive micoorganisms, genes encoding them and methods of using it
    Patent number: 6692951
    Abstract: Heterologous protein secretion from Gram-positive bacteria, in particular from Bacilli has, with few exceptions, met with little success. Incompatibility of the heterologous proteins with the protein secretion machinery of the host is the main cause of this effect. This limiting factor for the production of heterologous proteins in commercially significant concentrations from Bacillus subtilis is removed by overexpressing the Bacillus subtilis protein FtsY or FtsY protein in combination with overexpression of other members of the bacterial signal recognition particle. Said gene(s) is(are) overexpressed in Bacillus host cells expressing a heterologous protein which then shows an increased amount of the heterologous protein secreted in the surrounding medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus J. Quax, Richard Kerkman, Cornelis P. Broekhuizen
  • Increasing production of proteins in gram-positive microorganisms
    Patent number: 6630328
    Abstract: The present invention relates to secretion in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic acid amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis secretion factors SecDF. The present invention also provides improved methods for the secretion of heterologous or homologous proteins in gram-positive microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus J. Quax
  • Increasing production of proteins in gram-positive microorganisms
    Publication number: 20030157642
    Abstract: The present invention relates to secretion in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nuclei acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis secretion factor SecG. The present invention also provides means for increasing the secretion of heterologous or homologous proteins in Gram-positive microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Robert M. Caldwell, Wilhelmus J. Quax
  • Increasing production of proteins in gram-positive microorganisms
    Publication number: 20030124676
    Abstract: The present invention relates to secretion in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nuclei acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis disulfide bond isomerases, Dsb1 and Dsb2. The present invention also provides means for increasing the secretion of heterologous or homologous proteins in gram-positive microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Wilhelmus J. Quax, Robert M. Caldwell
  • Novel secretion factors for gram-positive micoorganisms, genes encoding them and methods of using it
    Publication number: 20030077729
    Abstract: Heterologous protein secretion from Gram-positive bacteria, in particular from Bacilli has, with few exceptions, met with little success. Incompatibility of the heterologous proteins with the protein secretion machinery of the host is the main cause of this effect. This limiting factor for the production of heterologous proteins in commercially significant concentrations from Bacillus subtilis is removed by overexpressing the Bacillus subtilis protein FtsY or FtsY protein in combination with overexpression of other members of the bacterial signal recognition particle. Said gene(s) is(are) overexpressed in Bacillus host cells expressing a heterologous protein which then shows an increased amount of the heterologous protein secreted in the surrounding medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Wilhelmus J. Quax, Richard Kerkman, Cornelis P. Broekhuizen
  • Expression vectors encoding Bacillus subtilis disulfide bond isomerase and methods of secreting proteins in gram-positive microorganisms using the same
    Patent number: 6521421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequence for Bacillus subtills disulfide bond isomerases, Dsb1 and Dsb2 and methods for increasing the secretion of heterologous and homologous proteins in gram-positive microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus J. Quax, Robert M. Caldwell
  • Increasing production of proteins in gram-positive microorganisms using SecG
    Patent number: 6506579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to secretion in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nuclei acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis secretion factor SecG. The present invention also provides means for increasing the secretion of heterologous or homologous proteins in gram-positive microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus J. Quax, Robert M. Caldwell
  • Secretion factors for gram-positive microorganisms genes encoding them and methods of using it
    Patent number: 6410262
    Abstract: Heterologous protein secretion from Gram-positive bacteria, in particular from Bacilli has, with few exceptions, met with little success. Incompatibility of the heterologous proteins with the protein secretion machinery of the host is the main cause of this effect. This limiting factor for the production of heterologous proteins in commercially significant concentrations from Bacillus subtilis is removed by overexpressing the Bacillus subtilis protein FtsY or FtsY protein in combination with overexpression of other members of the bacterial signal recognition particle. Said gene(s) is(are) overexpressed in Bacillus host cells expressing a heterologous protein which then shows an increased amount of the heterologous protein secreted in the surrounding medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus J. Quax, Richard Kerkman, Cornelis P. Broekhuizen
  • Increasing production of proteins in gram-positive microorganisms
    Publication number: 20020006641
    Abstract: The present invention relates to secretion in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis secretion factors SecDF. The present invention also provides improved methods for the secretion of heterologous or homologous proteins in gram-positive microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Wilhelmus J. Quax
  • Expression system for altered expression levels
    Patent number: 6313283
    Abstract: A new expression system is provided which comprises component(s) of a lipase regulation cascade. the lipase regulation cascade as disclosed herein includes a kinase, a DNA binding regulator, a polymerase, a promoter, an upstream activating sequence, and secretion factors. Plasmids and transformed cells are also provided as well as methods of transforming host cells using the plasmids. Further, there is provided a kinase that can regulate the expression of a protein, a DNA binding regulator that can regulate the expression of a protein, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes polymerase, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes sigma 54 promoter, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes upstream activating sequence, the Pseudomonas alcaligenes secretion factors XcpP, XcpQ, XcpR, XcpS, XcpT, XcpU, XcpV, XcpW, XcpX, XcpY, XcpZ and the xcp regulators OrfV, OrfX.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gijsbert Gerritse, Wilhelmus J. Quax
  • Increasing production of proteins in gram-positive microorganisms
    Patent number: 6258563
    Abstract: The present invention relates to secretion in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic acid amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis secretion factors SecDF. The present invention also provides improved methods for the secretion of heterologous or homologous proteins in gram-positive microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus J. Quax
  • Expression system for altered expression levels
    Patent number: 6225106
    Abstract: A new expression system is provided which comprises component(s) of a lipase regulation cascade. The lipase regulation cascade as disclosed herein includes a kinase, a DNA binding regulator, a polymerase, a promoter, an upstream activating sequence, and secretion factors. Plasmids and transformed cells are also provided as well as methods of transforming host cells using the plasmids. Further, there is provided a kinase that can regulate the expression of a protein, a DNA binding regulator that can regulate the expression of a protein, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes polymerase, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes sigma 54 promoter, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes upstream activating sequence, the Pseudomonas alcaligenes secretion factors XcpP, XcpQ, XcpR, XcpS, XcpT, XcpU, XcpV, XcpW, XcpX, XcpY, XcpZ and the xcp regulators OrfV, OrfX.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gijsbert Gerritse, Wilhelmus J. Quax
  • Expression system for altered expression levels
    Patent number: 6048710
    Abstract: A new expression system is provided which comprises component(s) of a lipase regulation cascade. the lipase regulation cascade as disclosed herein includes a kinase, a DNA binding regulator, a polymerase, a promoter, an upstream activating sequence, and secretion factors. Plasmids and transformed cells are also provided as well as methods of transforming host cells using the plasmids. Further, there is provided a kinase that can regulate the expression of a protein, a DNA binding regulator that can regulate the expression of a protein, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes polymerase, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes sigma 54 promoter, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes upstream activating sequence, the Pseudomonas alcaligenes secretion factors XcpP, XcpQ, XcpR, XcpS, XcpT, XcpU, XcpV, XcpW, XcpX, XcpY, XcpZ and the xcp regulators OrfV, OrfX.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Genecor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gijsbert Gerritse, Wilhelmus J. Quax
  • Mutated penicillin G acylase genes
    Patent number: 6033823
    Abstract: New mutant .beta.-lactam Penicillin G acylases are provided, exhibiting altered substrate specificities. These Penicillin G acylases are obtained by expression of a gene encoding said Penicillin G acylase and having an amino acid sequence which differs at least in one amino acid from the wild-type Penicillin G acylase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventors: Jan M. Van Der Laan, Adriana M. Riemens, Wilhelmus J. Quax
  • Mutated penicillin G acylase genes
    Patent number: 5891703
    Abstract: New mutant .beta.-lactam Penicillin G acylases are provided, exhibiting altered substrate specificities. These Penicillin G acylases are obtained by expression of a gene encoding for said Penicillin G acylase and having an amino acid sequence which differs at least in one amino acid from the wild-type Penicillin G acylase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Gist-Hrocades
    Inventors: Jan M. Van Der Laan, Adriana M. Riemens, Wilhelmus J. Quax
  • Mutated .beta.-lactam acylase genes
    Patent number: 5457032
    Abstract: New mutant .beta.-lactam acylases are provided exhibiting altered substrate specificities. These .beta.-lactam acylases are obtained by expression of a gene encoding said .beta.-lactam acylase and having an amino acid sequence which differs at least in one amino acid from the wild-type .beta.-lactam acylase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Gist-brocades NV
    Inventors: Wilhelmus J. Quax, Onno Misset, Jan M. Van Der Laan, Herman B. M. Lenting
  • Glucose isomerases with an altered pH optimum
    Patent number: 5384257
    Abstract: A method for selecting amino acid residues is disclosed which upon replacement will give rise to an enzyme with an altered pH optimum. The method is specific for metalloenzymes which are inactivated at low pH due to the dissociation of the metal ions. The method is based on altering the pK.sub.a of the metal coordinating ligands or altering the K.sub.ass for the metal binding. New glucose isomerases with an altered pH optimum are provided according to this method. These altered properties enable starch degradation to be performed at lower pH values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignees: Gist-brocades, N.V., Plant Genetics System, NV
    Inventors: Anne-Marie Lambeir, Ignace Lasters, Nadir Mrabet, Wilhelmus J. Quax, Jan M. Van der Laan, Onno Misset
  • Mutant microbial .alpha.-amylases with increased thermal, acid and/or alkaline stability
    Patent number: 5364782
    Abstract: Thermostable and acid stable .alpha.-amylases are provided as expression products of genetically engineered .alpha.-amylase genes isolated from microorganisms, preferably belonging to the class of Bacilli. Both chemical and enzymatic mutagenesis methods are e.g. the bisulphite method and enzymatic misincorporation on gapped heteroduplex DNA. The mutant .alpha.-amylases have superior properties, e.g. improved thermostability over a broad pH range, for industrial application in starch processing and textile desizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignees: Gist-Brocades N.V., Plant Genetic Systems N.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus J. Quax, Yves Laroche, Adrianus W. H. Vollebregt, Patrick Stanssens, Marc Lauwereys