Patents Issued in January 6, 2004
  • Patent number: 6673546
    Abstract: This invention relates to genetic loci and methods for using polymorphic markers indicative of the propensity for longevity and the resistance to age-related disease. In particular, the invention defines a specified region of human chromosome 4 associated with exceptional longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: The Children's Medical Center Corporation, The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
    Inventors: Thomas T. Perls, Louis Kunkel, Annibale A. Puca
  • Patent number: 6673547
    Abstract: A genome DNA analysis method and a genome DNA analysis system of the present invention generates multiply-charged ions with 5 or more electric charges by an ionization process using air atomization. Also, a mass spectrometric spectrum thereof is detected and compared with predicted mass spectrum patterns in the presence or absence of polymorphism to determine a base at a polymorphic point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsumu Hirabayashi, Min Huang, Yukiko Hirabayashi, Akihiko Okumura
  • Patent number: 6673548
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid. The methods comprise contacting the nucleic acid with one or more types of particles having oligonucleotides attached thereto. In one embodiment of the method, the oligonucleotides are attached to nanoparticles and have sequences complementary to portions of the sequence of the nucleic acid. A detectable change (preferably a color change) is brought about as a result of the hybridization of the oligonucleotides on the nanoparticles to the nucleic acid. The invention also provides compositions and kits comprising particles. The invention further provides methods of synthesizing unique nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates, the conjugates produced by the methods, and methods of using the conjugates. In addition, the invention provides nanomaterials and nanostructures comprising nanoparticles and methods of nanofabrication utilizing nanoparticles. Finally, the invention provides a method of separating a selected nucleic acid from other nucleic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Nanosphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. Mirkin, Robert L. Letsinger, Robert C. Mucic, James J. Storhoff, Robert Elghanian, Thomas A. Taton
  • Patent number: 6673549
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination comprising a plurality of cDNAs which are differentially expressed in human C3A liver cell cultures treated with steroids or synthetic steroid analogues and which may be used entirely or in part to detect metabolic and toxicological responses to treatment with steroids and steroid antagonists, to diagnose, to stage, to treat, or to monitor the treatment of a subject with an steroid responsive disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Incyte Corporation
    Inventors: L. Michael Furness, Jenny L. Buchbinder
  • Patent number: 6673550
    Abstract: Electrophoretic probes comprising fluorescent compounds as detection groups and mobility modifiers are disclosed for the multiplexed detection of the binding of, or interaction between, one or more ligands and target antiligands are provided. In one embodiment, detection involves the release of identifying tags as a consequence of target recognition. Target antiligands are contacted with a set of e-tag probes and the contacted antiligands are treated with a selected cleaving agent resulting in a mixture of e-tag reporters. Typically, uncleaved or partially cleaved e-tag probes are removed and the mixture of e-tag reporters is separated by any technique that provides for separation by mass or mass to charge ratio and the like and detected to provide for target identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Aclara Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy Matray, Vincent Hernandez, Sharat Singh
  • Patent number: 6673551
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and reagents for detecting nucleotide mismatches (for example, due to sequence variances) in a nucleic acid sample involving the use of a nucleic acid probe derived from a hemizygous cell. Methods for determining the haplotype of a nucleic acid sample are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for producing the probe and kits containing the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Variagenics, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent P. Stanton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6673552
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying and purifying double-stranded polynucleotides lacking base pair mismatches, insertion/deletion loops and/or nucleotide gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Diversa Corporation
    Inventor: Gerhard Frey
  • Patent number: 6673553
    Abstract: Methods are described for the identification and preparation of nucleic acid ligands to calf intestinal phosphatase. Included in the invention are specific RNA ligands to calf intestinal phosphatase identified by the SELEX method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Drolet, Larry Gold
  • Patent number: 6673554
    Abstract: Intracellular translocation of proteins, particularly protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes, provides a surrogate test system for determining toxicity of candidate compounds. The profile of translocation with respect to at least one and preferably two or more signal transduction proteins can be correlated with that of known toxins. In addition, databases of such profiles with respect to toxins of various types provide a useful set of standards for evaluating toxicity of candidate compounds. Moreover, to the extent that a toxin's profile mimics that found in a diseased state, the toxin can be used to construct screens for compounds alleviating the disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Trellie Bioinformatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Kauvar
  • Patent number: 6673555
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for screening therapeutic agents, defined as SCAP antagonists, for use in combating diseases associated with elevated lipid levels, said method comprising detecting or assaying the extent or result of transcriptional activity or binding between a control SCAP antagonist and SCAP, in the presence of and absence of said agent. Also claimed are therapeuic agents which are antagonists of SCAP, identified by such a method and their use in combating diseases associated with elevated lipid levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Thierry André Régis Grand-Perrett, Marc Issandou
  • Patent number: 6673556
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting specific lysis of a cell by a lytic agent. The methods generally involve contacting a labeled target cell with a lytic agent; and detecting fluorescence in the target cell. The target cells are labeled with two fluorescent labels: a first fluorescent label that labels the plasma membrane; and a second fluorescent label that labels the cytosol. Release of the cytosolic label from the target cell indicates that the target cell has been lysed. The invention further provides methods of detecting the presence in a sample of a cell that specifically lyses a target cell. The invention further provides methods of detecting the presence in a sample of an antibody that specifically lyses a target cell. The methods are useful in a variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The J. David Gladstone Institutes
    Inventors: Douglas Nixon, Adrian B. McDermott, Scott Furlan, Martin Bigos, Megan Sheehy, Paul Klenerman
  • Patent number: 6673557
    Abstract: Methods are provided for treatment of eye disorders and injury, including methods for treatment of reduced flow of blood or other nutrients to retinal tissue and/or optic nerve, methods for treatment of retinal ischemia and trauma and methods for treatment for optic nerve injury/damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Robert N. McBurney
  • Patent number: 6673558
    Abstract: Drug compositions combining antagonists with agonists to prevent desensitization of cellular receptors. An agonist is a substance or drug that produces a maximal or nearly maximal response, whereas an antagonist is a substance or molecule that produces no response, but can block the action of the agonist/drug. A partial agonist produces a moderate response and can also block the response of the receptor to the agonist/drug. The instant invention solves the problem of determining the optimal concentration of an antagonist or inhibitor which is necessary to prevent desensitization, without causing unnecessary and unwanted inhibition, by providing a formulative method detailing how a competitive antagonist of the receptor should be combined with an agonist in a specific proportion to maximize and maintain receptor response throughout drug therapy/administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Richard G. Lanzara
  • Patent number: 6673559
    Abstract: A method for predicting breast tumor metastasis entails determining the amount of met protein in tumor tissue relative to normal breast duct tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Ilan Tsarfaty, James H. Resau, Iafa Keydar, Donna Faletto, George F. Vande Woude
  • Patent number: 6673560
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the measurement of hydride using a chemiluminescent compound. The preferred chemiluminescent molecule is an acridinium compound. The source of hydride for the reduction of acridinium compound may be of chemical or biochemical origin, or the result of enzymatic catalysis. The chemical source of hydride, for example, might be metal hydrides, such as NaBH4. A biochemical source of hydride might be that derived from NADH, or NADPH, while an enzymatic source would be the class of oxidoreductases termed dehydrogenases which convert NADH or NADPH from NAD or NADP. There are numerous potential applications for acridinium compounds as chemiluminescent indicators of hydride. Any applied tests or diagnostic assays, in which hydride is either present at the onset of or generated through the course of a reaction, would benefit from the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: David Sharpe, Anand Natrajan, Qingping Jiang, George Parsons, Say-Jong Law
  • Patent number: 6673561
    Abstract: Thrombotic or thromboembolic disease is detected or monitored by determining the presence or amount B in a urine sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Timothy A. Morris
  • Patent number: 6673562
    Abstract: The invention provides assay methods and kits that in general measure the level of a first analyte in a sample reduced by the level of a second analyte present in the same sample. In one embodiment, where levels of a first analyte from a first source is desirably determined and first analyte in the sample released from a second source is accompanied by proportional co-release of a second analyte, the assay identifies the level of first analyte released only from the first source. For analytes within bodily fluids, the assay can differentiate between elevated levels of analyte specific to the particular physiological or pathological state and elevated levels not specific to the particular state, providing single tests with diagnostic utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Spectral Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventor: Qinwei Shi
  • Patent number: 6673563
    Abstract: Methods for the isolation and identification of a toxicant in a sample are disclosed. Luminescent biological agents (i.e., bacteria) having sensitivity to a toxicant or an isolatable component in a sample are used to provide visually discernable zones of luminescent inhibition in the presence of a toxicant (or) in the presence of an isolatable sample component as separated by paper or thin layer chromatography. Kits for use in conjunction with the identification of a toxicant in a sample are also described, which include a luminescent biological reagent as the visualizing agent. Particular examples of luminescent bacterial agents useful in the practice of the present invention include Photobacterium leoganthi, Photobacterium phosphoreum, Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio harveyi a luminescent fungi, a luminescent fish extract, a luminescent dinoflagellate and fluorescent microorganisms, such as Cypridina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: James E. Becvar, Laura E. Becvar
  • Patent number: 6673564
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for using a human cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase belonging to the superfamily of mammalian phosphodiesterases. The invention also relates to methods for using polynucleotides encoding the phosphodiesterase. The invention relates to methods using the phosphodiesterase polypeptides and polynucleotides as a target for diagnosis and treatment in phosphodiesterase-mediated or -related disorders. The invention further relates to drug-screening methods using the phosphodiesterase polypeptides and polynucleotides to identify agonists and antagonists for diagnosis and treatment. The invention further encompasses agonists and antagonists based on the phosphodiesterase polypeptides and polynucleotides. The invention further relates to agonists and antagonists identifiefd by drug screening methods with the phosphodiesterase polypeptides and polynucleotides as a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosana Kapeller-Libermann, John Joseph Hunter, Mark Williamson
  • Patent number: 6673565
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting an analyte enzyme includes at least one substrate compound and at least one indicator compound selected to produce a measurable change of state as a result of the interaction of the substrate and at least one target or analyte enzyme. Each of the indicator(s) and substrate(s) are incorporated within a single polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Agentase, LLC
    Inventors: Keith E. LeJeune, Alan J. Russel
  • Patent number: 6673566
    Abstract: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells which have been isolated from an animal that is infected with a microbial pathogen produce nitric oxide in response to stimulation with antigens from that pathogen. Determination of nitric oxide production in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with a pathogen's antigens may thus provide an indication of infection of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Wade R. Waters, Mitchell V. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6673567
    Abstract: The present method is useful for the identification of genes, ORF's and other nucleic acid molecules which are essential for the expression of a specific phenotype in microorganisms. The method employs In vitro transposition in conjunction with an chromosomal integration vector containing a specific gene or genetic element whose function is unknown. Subsequent transformation of a recombination proficient host with the vector and growth first under non-integrating conditions and then under integrating conditions, followed by a selection screen for either single or double crossover events results in transformants that may be subjected to phenotypic screens to determine gene function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Pamela L. Sharpe, Vasantha Nagarajan
  • Patent number: 6673568
    Abstract: This invention describes kits for quantifying viable cells in a sample using fluorescent dyes that can be internalized predominately by viable cells and have fluorescence properties measurably altered when bound to target components. These kits circumvent the need for training personnel in plating, growing and count viable cells, and reduce both the time and the cost required for cellular quantitation according to existing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Genprime, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Fleming, Jason Buck Somes
  • Patent number: 6673569
    Abstract: An artificial operon comprising polynucleotides encoding each of DsbA, DsbB, DsbC and DsbD; an expression plasmid carrying the above artificial operon, usable for expression of DsbA, DsbB, DsbC and DsbD; a cotransformant harboring the above expression plasmid and an expression vector for a foreign protein; and a method for producing a foreign protein comprising culturing the cotransformant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: HSP Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoichi Kurokawa, Hideki Yanagi, Takashi Yura
  • Patent number: 6673570
    Abstract: The invention describes Smad associating proteins (SAPs) and nucleic acids that encode SAPs, including fragments and biologically functional variants thereof, as well as antibodies that bind thereto. Methods and products for using such nucleic acids and polypeptides also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
    Inventors: Fumiko Itoh, Susumu Itoh, Carl-Henrik Heldin, Peter ten Dijke
  • Patent number: 6673571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having aminopeptidase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Novozymes Biotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Blinkovsky, Tony S. Byun, Alan V. Klotz, Alan Sloma, Kimberly Brown, Maria Tang, Mikio Fujii, Chigusa Marumoto, Lene Venke Kofod
  • Patent number: 6673572
    Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for producing nonsegmented, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses of the Order designated Mononegavirales virus, including embodiments relating to methods of producing such viruses as attenuated and/or infectious viruses, such as Measles virus (MV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wyeth Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher L. Parks, Mohinderjit S. Sidhu, Stephen A. Udem, Gerald R. Kovacs
  • Patent number: 6673573
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a vector for the expression of immunoglobulin-cytokine fusion proteins in malignant B cells at least containing operably linked to each other (a) a region of at least 1.5 kb which is homologous to a region of the &mgr; intron or the &kgr; intron and which lacks a functional C&mgr; or C&kgr; enhancer or contains a non-functional C82 or C&kgr; enhancer; (b) at least one DNA sequence encoding a domain of an immunoglobulin or a part thereof; (c) a DNA sequence encoding a cytokine; and (d) a marker gene selectable in eukaryotic B cells and lacking a functional enhancer region wherein the expression of said marker following integration is controlled by the cellular C&mgr; or C&kgr; enhancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: GSF-Forschungszentrum fur Umwelt und Gesundheit
    Inventor: Ralph Mocikat
  • Patent number: 6673574
    Abstract: Bioavailability of peptide active agents to be administered orally is enhanced by a pharmaceutical composition providing targeted release of the peptide to the intestine in addition to having the active peptide linked to a membrane translocator which is capable of being at least partially cleaved in vivo by an enzyme. The composition includes an acid-resistant protective vehicle which transports components of the invention through the stomach and a sufficient amount of a pH-lowering agent to lower local intestinal pH. All components are released together into the intestine with the peptide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Unigene Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: William Stern, Nozer M. Mehta, Martha V. L. Ray
  • Patent number: 6673575
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of a polypeptide with suitable glycosylation by culturing eukaryotic cells and isolating the polypeptide from the culture medium or/and the cells. In this process the desired glycosylated polypeptide can be produced recombinantly with the aid of endogenous gene activation or be produced naturally by the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Franze, Horst Eberhardt, Claus Wallerius
  • Patent number: 6673576
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing 5′-inosinic acid or 5′-guanylic acid for use in seasonings or the like from inosine or guanosine or a precursor thereof using an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-regenerating microorganism containing a DNA encoding a protein that has the activity of forming 5′-inosinic acid or 5′-guanylic acid from inosine or guanosine. Further, the present invention relates to a novel protein having the inosine-guanosine kinase activity, a gene encoding said protein, a recombinant DNA containing said gene, and a microorganism which is transformed with said recombinant DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Usuda, Hisashi Kawasaki, Megumi Shimaoka, Takashi Utagawa
  • Patent number: 6673577
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a methodology which is directed to providing positive confirmation that nucleic acids, possessing putatively identified sequences predicted to generate observed GeneCalling™ signals, are actually present within the sample from which the signal was originally derived. The putatively identified nucleic acid fragment within the sample possesses 3′- and 5′-ends with known terminal subsequences. The method involves contacting nucleic acid fragments in a sample in amplifying conditions with (i) a nucleic acid polymerase; (ii) “regular” primer oligonucleotides having sequences comprising hybridizable portions of known terminal subsequences; and (iii) a “poisoning” oligonucleotide primer. Nucleic acids amplified with a poisoning primer are distinguishable upon detection from nucleic acids amplified with regular primers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: CuraGen Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Michael W. Deem, John W. Simpson
  • Patent number: 6673578
    Abstract: A DNA synthesis method with a shortened time period required for DNA synthesis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), characterized in that a DNA polymerase is used in an amount effective for providing more than 10 ng of amplified DNA fragments of about 2 kb per 50 &mgr;l of a reaction mixture, when PCR is carried out under the following conditions (A) and (B): (A) reaction mixture: 50 &mgr;l volume of a reaction mixture comprising DNA polymerase, 1 ng of genomic DNA from Escherichia coli, and 10 pmol each of primers Eco-1 and Eco-2 (nucleotide sequences of the primers Eco-1 and Eco-2 being shown in SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 11 of Sequence Listing, respectively); and having a composition suitable for the DNA polymerase; and (B) reaction conditions: 35 cycles of PCR, wherein one cycle consists of 99° C., 1 second-66° C., 7 seconds; a kit for DNA synthesis usable for the DNA synthesis method; and an article of manufacture of a PCR agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Uemori, Yoshimi Sato, Mariko Okawa, Tomoko Fujita, Kazue Miyake, Osamu Takeda, Hiroaki Sagawa, Michio Hagiya, Hiroyuki Mukai, Kiyozo Asada, Ikunoshin Kato
  • Patent number: 6673579
    Abstract: A method is described for predetermining ratios of primer pairs present in a single reaction vessel so as to achieve approximately equimolar yield of products. The ratios are determined as a function of the length of the amplicon and the length of other amplicons being simultaneously tested. The primers may desirably be for p53 gene sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Hajime Matsuzaki, Eric Murphy
  • Patent number: 6673580
    Abstract: The invention provides for methods of modifying immunodominant epitopes on polypeptides, preferably polypeptides intended for therapeutic use. Knowledge of immunodominant epitopes prior to clinical use of polypeptides would be useful to design and engineer less immunogenic molecules. The invention provides for methods of identifying immunodominant epitopes and modifying an immunodominant epitope to reduce the immune response to the polypeptide while still retaining a substantial therapeutic activity of the polypeptide. The modified polypeptides are useful therapeutically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugen Koren, John Hok Nin Lowe
  • Patent number: 6673581
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel protein having mannose isomerase activity, DNA encoding the protein, a recombinant vector comprising the DNA, a transformant obtained by introducing the recombinant vector into a host cell, and processes for producing the above protein and mannose, fructose, xylulose and lyxose by using the transformant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Koizumi, Kazuhiko Tabata, Tetsuo Endo, Akio Ozaki
  • Patent number: 6673582
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using a microbe containing a polypeptide that degrades, preferably detoxifies, a compound that is present in the environment. Preferably, the polypeptide is a hydrolase and the compound is at least one s-triazine. The present invention also provides a microbe containing a polypeptide that degrades, preferably detoxifies, a compound that is present in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Hugh McTavish
  • Patent number: 6673583
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to genetic material useful for the preparation of actinol, such as an isolated DNA including a nucleotide sequence coding for an enzyme having levodione reductase activity, a polypeptide encoded by such a DNA, recombinant organisms, and the like. These genetic materials may originate from Corynebacterium, Cellulomonas, Planococcus, Arthrobacter, and the like. The present invention also provides a process for the production of actinol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Roche Vitamins, Inc.
    Inventors: Sakayu Shimizu, Masaru Wada
  • Patent number: 6673585
    Abstract: A purified thermostable DNA polymerase of archaeobacteria of the genus Pyrococcus sp. having a molecular weight of around 89,000-90,000 daltons is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Appligene-Oncor S.A.
    Inventors: Joel Querellou, Marie Anne Cambon
  • Patent number: 6673586
    Abstract: The present invention features a novel p21-activated kinase that interacts with steroid hormone receptors, the steroid hormone receptor interacting p21-activated kinase (PAKSI). In general, the invention provides methods of inhibiting hormone related cancers. More particularly, the present invention relates to inhibiting prostate cancer and breast cancer. The present invention further provides methods of activating the therapeutic effects of steroid hormone receptors, particularly the estrogen receptor. Alternatively, the present invention provides methods of diagnosing steroid hormone receptor-related diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
    Inventor: Steven Balk
  • Patent number: 6673587
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification, isolation, sequencing and characterization of a new member of the histone deacetylase family, as well as its transcripts, gene products, associated sequence information, and related genes. The present invention also relates to methods for detecting and diagnosing carriers of normal and mutant alleles of these genes, methods for detecting and diagnosing diseases, methods of identifying genes and proteins related to or interacting with such genes and proteins, methods of screening for potential therapeutics for diseases, methods of treatment for diseases, and to cell lines and animal models useful in screening for and evaluating potentially useful therapies for diseases. In a particular aspect of the present invention, a novel family member, HDAC7, is described and its interaction with SMRT/N-CoR and mSin3A, its biochemical properties and subcellular localization are characterized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Hung-Ying Kao, Michael Downes, Peter Ordentlich
  • Patent number: 6673588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant DNA coding for the MspA1I restriction endonuclease as well as MspA1I methylase, expression of MspA1I restriction endonuclease and MspA1I methylase in E. coli cells containing the recombinant DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: New England Biolabs, Inc.
    Inventors: Shuang-yong Xu, Robert Maunus, Katy Stropnicky
  • Patent number: 6673589
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like &agr;-amylase, which exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent &agr;-amylase: i) improved pH stability at a pH from 8 to 10.5; and/or ii) improved Ca2+ stability at pH 8 to 10.5, and/or iii) increased specific activity at temperatures from 10 to 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Torben Vedel Borchert, Allan Svendsen, Carsten Andersen, Bjarne Nielsen, Torben Lauesgaard Nissen, Søren Kjærulff
  • Patent number: 6673590
    Abstract: Novel protease variants derived from the DNA sequences of naturally-occurring or recombinant non-human proteases are disclosed. The variant proteases, in general, are obtained by in vitro modification of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally-occurring or recombinant protease to generate the substitution of a plurality of amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of a precursor protease. Protease variants are provided that contain substitutions of the amino acids at one or more residue positions so that the substitution alters the charge at that position to make the charge more negative or less positive compared to a precursor protease and thus the protease variant is more effective in a low detergent concentration system than a precursor protease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ayrookaran .J. Poulose, Volker Schellenberger, James T. Kellis, Jr., Christian Paech, Joanne Nadherny, Donald P. Naki, Katherine D. Collier, Robert M. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6673591
    Abstract: Methods for enhancing the production of viral vaccines in animal cell culture are described. These methods rely on the manipulation of the cellular levels of certain interferon induced antiviral activities, in particular, cellular levels of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) dependent kinase (PKR) and 2′-5′ oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5A synthetase). In cell cultures deficient for PKR or 2-5A synthetase, viral yield is enhanced by several orders of magnitude over cell cultures with normal levels of these proteins making these cell cultures useful for the production of viral vaccines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Allan S. Lau
  • Patent number: 6673592
    Abstract: An open, continuous system for culturing Chaetoceros sp. microalgae includes a large outdoor container and full strength sunlight as a light source. The container is preferably a fiberglass tank having an open top, a diameter of approximately 18 inches, and a height of about 5 feet. The container holds a culture medium having the following characteristics: a carbon dioxide controlled pH of about 8.2, a starting nitrogen concentration of at least 3.0 mg N/liter, a starting phosphorous concentration of at least 2.75 mg P/liter, a starting vitamin B12 concentration of at least 5 micrograms/liter, a starting iron chloride concentration of at least 0.3 mg/liter, a starting copper sulfate concentration of at least 0.01 mg/liter, a starting silicate concentration of at least 10 mg SiO2/liter, and a Na2EDTA concentration of 5 mg/liter. The medium is inoculated with a seed stock of Chaetoceros sp. microalgae and exposed direct sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Jaw-Kai Wang, Tim Hering
  • Patent number: 6673593
    Abstract: The integrated device for microfluid thermoregulation comprises a semiconductor material body having a surface; a plurality of buried channels extending in the semiconductor material body at a distance from the surface of the semiconductor material body; inlet and outlet ports extending from the surface of the semiconductor material body as far as the ends of the buried channels and being in fluid connection with the buried channels; and heating elements on the semiconductor material body. Temperature sensors are arranged between the heating elements above the surface of the semiconductor material body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Ubaldo Mastromatteo, Flavio Villa, Gabriele Barlocchi
  • Patent number: 6673594
    Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of the organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Organ Recovery Systems
    Inventors: Donald R. Owen, David C. Kravitz, John Brassil, Kelvin G. M. Brockbank, Andrew Burroughs, Dickon Isaacs, Dennis Steibel, Richard Fraser, Stanley Harris, Douglas Schein
  • Patent number: 6673595
    Abstract: An automated cell management system which can be programmed to perform and control various operations of the essential phases of cell culturing, of cell culture manipulation, and of cell culture evaluation. The automated cell management system comprises a housing, a storage array for accommodating a plurality of cell culture devices, a loading station, a means for harvesting one or more components from a cell culture device, and one or more processing stations. The automated cell management system may further comprise mechanism for tracking each cell culture device, a plurality of reservoirs, a centrifuge, a microprocessor, one or more evaluation stations, one or more means for sterilization, and a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Biocrystal, LTD
    Inventor: Emilio Barbera-Guillem
  • Patent number: 6673596
    Abstract: Disclosed are bioluminescent bioreporter integrated circuit devices that detect selected analytes in fluids when implanted in the body of an animal. The device comprises a bioreporter that has been genetically engineered to contain a nucleic acid segment that comprises a cis-activating response element that is responsive to the selected substance operably linked to a gene encoding a bioluminescent reporter polypeptide. In preferred embodiments, the target analyte is glucose, glucagons, or insulin. Exposure of the bioreporter to the target substance causes the response element to up-regulate the nucleic acid sequence encoding the reporter polypeptide to produce a luminescent response that is detected and quantitated. In illustrative embodiments, the bioreporter device is encapsulated on an integrated circuit that is capable of detecting the emitted light, processing the resultant signal, and then remotely reporting the results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: UT-Battelle, LLC, University of Tennessee Research Corporation
    Inventors: Gary S. Sayler, Michael L. Simpson, Bruce M. Applegate, Steven A. Ripp