Patents Issued in February 17, 2004
  • Patent number: 6692914
    Abstract: Sensors for determining the presence and concentration of bio-molecules in a biological sample are provided in the form of polymer brushes, which comprise a substrate having a surface that is modified with a water-dispersible or water-soluble polymer segment having functional groups that bind probes. The method of synthesis of such sensors preferably includes use of controlled free radical polymerization techniques, which allows for controlled architecture polymers to modify the surface of the substrate. In this manner functional groups in the polymer chain are removed from the surface, which allows for solution chemistry to be more realistically reproduced with the benefits of a solid bound probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerrit Klaerner, Ralph B. Nielsen, Paul Mansky, Didier Benoit, Dominique Charmot, Bernd Jandeleit, Laura T. Mazzola
  • Patent number: 6692915
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods and devices for sequencing a polynucleotide by determining subsets of composite subsequences present in nucleic acid subsamples generated from the sample polynucleotide. A hairpin primer interrogates the composite subsequences in a two-step process resulting first in a polymerase extended product whose synthesis identifies the first subsequence of the composite subsequence. The second subsequences are identified by hybridizing the polymerase extended products or amplified products therefrom to an array of capture probes wherein each capture probe is positionally distinguishable from other capture probes. The invention is applicable to the quantitative determination of the presence of nucleic acids in a sample, for identifying differences in the relative abundance of nucleic acids in a mixture of nucleic acids, and generally, to diagnostic aids for the identification of nucleic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Girish N. Nallur
  • Patent number: 6692916
    Abstract: Methods are provided for evaluating a biological condition of a subject using a calibrated profile data set derived from a data set having a plurality of members, each member being a quantitative measure of the amount of a subject's RNA or protein as distinct constituents in a panel of constituents. The biological condition may be a naturally occurring physiological state or may be responsive to treatment of the subject with one or more agents. Calibrated profile data sets may be used as a descriptive record for an agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Source Precision Medicine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Bevilacqua, Danute M. Bankaitis-Davis, John C. Cheronis, Victor Tryon
  • Patent number: 6692917
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences and variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention relates to methods for forming a nucleic acid cleavage structure on dendrimers and cleaving the nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. For example, in some embodiments, a 5′ nuclease activity from any of a variety of enzymes is used to cleave the target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Third Wave Technologies, INC
    Inventors: Bruce P. Neri, Jeff G. Hall, Victor Lyamichev, Lloyd M. Smith
  • Patent number: 6692918
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel isothermal, single primer linear nucleic acid amplification methods. Methods for amplifying complementary DNA using a composite primer, primer extension, strand displacement, and optionally a termination sequence, are provided. Methods for amplifying sense RNA using a composite primer, primer extension, strand displacement, optionally template switching, a propromoter oligonucleotide and transcription are also provided. The invention further provides compositions and kits for practicing said methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: NuGEN Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nurith Kurn
  • Patent number: 6692919
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for detecting or measuring Notch activation by observing or measuring the appearance of Notch on the cell surface or by observing or measuring Notch cleavage products that are indicative of Notch activation. The present invention is also directed to methods for detecting a molecule that modulates Notch activation by observing or measuring a change in the amount of Notch expressed on the cell surface or a change in the amount or pattern of Notch cleavage products. The present invention is also directed to a substantially purified activated heterodimeric form of Notch and components thereof and pharmaceutical compositions and kits thereof. The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that Notch in its active form, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Spyridon Artavanis-Tsakonas, Huilin Qi, Matthew D. Rand
  • Patent number: 6692920
    Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a novel expressed chemokine (ADEC) from inflamed adenoid tissue. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode ADEC, expression vectors for the production of purified ADEC, antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of ADEC-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of ADEC, diagnostic tests for inflammation or disease based on ADEC-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Incyte Corporation
    Inventors: Karl J. Guegler, Phillip R. Hawkins, Craig G. Wilde, Jeffrey J. Seilhamer
  • Patent number: 6692921
    Abstract: A method of assaying for an analyte which occurs at least partially bound as a complex with its soluble receptor or binding protein, the method comprising the steps of: i) mixing a biological fluid serum sample containing the analyte to be determined with a detergent for dissociating said complex, ii) mixing the sample from step i) with reagents, including a specific binding partner of the analyte for binding to the analyte, for performing a specific binding assay for the analyte, iii) and mixing the sample from step i) with a sequestrant for the detergent, whereby the binding of step ii) is performed in the presence of the sequestrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Amersham Biosciences UK Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey Horton, Peter Baxendale
  • Patent number: 6692922
    Abstract: The invention relates to the interaction of MEC with CCR3 and/or CCR10 and to agents (e.g., ligands, antibodies, antagonists, agonists, inhibitors, promoters) which alter said interaction. In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting or identifying an agent (i.e., molecule or compound) which can modulate (inhibit, promote) the binding of MEC to CCR3 and/or CCR10. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating a subject having an inflammatory condition, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an agent which modulates the binding of MEC to CCR3 and/or CCR10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene C. Butcher, Eric J. Kunkel, Junliang Pan, Dulce Soler-Ferrán
  • Patent number: 6692923
    Abstract: The invention provides a cDNA which encodes tapasin-like protein. It also provides for the use of the cDNA, protein, and antibody in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of therapies for cancer. The invention further provides vectors and host cells for the production of the protein and transgenic model systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Incyte Corporation
    Inventors: Preeti G. Lal, Matthew R. Kaser, Mariah R. Baughn
  • Patent number: 6692924
    Abstract: Novel polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zalpha11, a novel cytokine receptor. The polypeptides may be used within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block ligand activity in vitro and in vivo. The polynucleotides encoding zalpha11, are located on chromosome 16, and can be used to identify a region of the genome associated with human disease states. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: ZymoGenetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Presnell, Darrell C. Conklin, Julia E. Novak, Angela K. Hammond
  • Patent number: 6692925
    Abstract: The invention relates to the molecule referred to as ALK-1, and its role as a type I receptor for members of the TGF-&bgr; family. The molecule has a role in the phosphorylation of Smad-5 and Smad1, which also act as activators of certain genes. Aspects of the invention relate to this interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
    Inventors: Kohei Miyazono, Takeshe Imamura, Peter ten Dijke
  • Patent number: 6692926
    Abstract: Transformed cells designed to express a recombinant human SMBP at an elevated level to the extent that its ligand-binding activity can be measured, and cellular membrane fractions thereof; recombinant human SMBPs isolated from the transformed cells or the cellular membrane fractions thereof; a screening system for human SMBP agonists/antagonists characterized by utilizing the transformed cells, the cellular membrane fractions thereof or the isolated recombinant human SMBPs; and human SMBP agonists or antagonists obtainable by the screening system, are provided by deleting the polythymidine sequence from the base sequence of the 3′-untranslated region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Company, Limited
    Inventors: Toshinari Sugasawa, Jun Hidaka, Hajime Kawakami
  • Patent number: 6692927
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an assay for determining Bax degradation activity in a patient sample. The assay includes a labeled Bax protein which is incubated with a protein extract from the sample and a detector for detecting a signal from the labeled Bax protein, whereby decreased signals compared to a control indicates Bax degradation activity. Also provided by the present invention is a method for assaying a tissue for Bax degradation activity for determining aggressiveness of a tumor, for screening compounds for inhibitors of Bax degradation activity and for determining efficacy of proteasome inhibitors to prevent Bax degradation including the steps of incubating the sample with a labeled Bax protein and detecting the presence of a label generated signal whereby decrease signal compared to a control indicates Bax degradation activity. A method for screening potential proteasome inhibitors and anticancer drugs for efficacy in preventing Bax degradation activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Ping Dou, Benyi Li
  • Patent number: 6692928
    Abstract: The invention features assays to identify cardiovascular agents, such as vasoprotective agents, antihypertensive agents, cardiomyopathy therapeutic agents, coronary heart disease therapeutic agents, or heart failure therapeutic agents. The assays include culturing cells in the presence or absence of a predetermined amount of the candidate agent and measuring the expression or activity of selected genes or reporter constructs known to be responsive to estrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: New England Medical Center Hospitals, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Mendelsohn, Richard H. Karas
  • Patent number: 6692929
    Abstract: The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:1) encoding a novel protein, JMY, which is found to be a co-activator of p300/CBP. The invention also provides JMY polypeptides and antibodies thereto, as well as assays for modulators of the cell cycle which target the interaction of JMY with transcription factors such as E2F; ER or TBP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of Glasgow
    Inventors: Nicholas Barrie La Thangue, Noriko Shikama
  • Patent number: 6692930
    Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are provided which bind to heat-treated proteins of meats. The antibodies are useful in detecting the presence of an exogenous meat in a cooked or raw meat sample. Furthermore, the antibodies can be used to determine the end point temperature of a meat sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventor: Y. H. Peggy Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6692931
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel recombinant glycoproteins that act as messenger substances, signaling substances, promoters, stimulators and initiators in a multitude of ways in the animal, especially human, circulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Werner Reutter, Rudolf Tauber, Rüdiger Horstkorte, Sabine Nöhring, Martin Gohlke, Rolf Nuck, Richard R. Schmidt, Charlotte Hauser
  • Patent number: 6692932
    Abstract: A thermostable enzyme is provided which is derived from the microorganism Anaerocellum thermophiluml. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 96 to 100 kDa, shows DNA polymerase activity and reverse transcriptase activity in the presence of magnesium ions. The enzyme may be native or recombinant, and may be used with selected primers and nucleoside triphosphates in a temperature cycling polymerase chain reaction on DNA or RNA as template with or without additional DNA polymerases as an enzyme mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Waltraud Ankenbauer, Gudrun Schmitz-Agheguian, Elizaveta Bonch-Osmolovskaya, Vitaly Svetlichny, Ursula Markau, Bernhard Angerer, Astrid Reiser
  • Patent number: 6692933
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a glutamine-rich gluten-free peptide preparation from gluten protein, comprising the steps of enzymatically hydrolysing wheat gluten using one or sore proteases to obtain a hydrolysate; acidifying the hydrolysate to a pH between 4 and 5; and filtering the hydrolysate to obtain the glutamine-rich gluten-free peptide preparation as the filtrate. The protease is preferably a neutral or basic protease and the optimum pH is from, 4.5 to 4.7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Campina B.V.
    Inventors: Debra Ann Merrill, Edward Allan Hunter
  • Patent number: 6692934
    Abstract: The current invention discloses nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for novel organic anion transfer proteins (“OATPs”). The invention encompasses the OATPs described herein, together with vectors containing the cDNA sequences, host cells containing the vectors and polypeptides having all or part of an OATP. Also encompasses are uses for OATPs for targeting drugs to specific organs and for modulating the concentration of endogenous substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
    Inventors: Todd G. Kirchgessner, Bonnie Hsiang, Yingjie Zhu, Yuli Wu, Zhaoqing Wang, Jean S. Lynch, Xin Huang, Wen-Pin Yang
  • Patent number: 6692935
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for targeted assembly of distinct active peptide or protein domains into a single complex and to such complexes. The invention relates particularly to the fusion of peptide or protein domains to complementary association domains which are derived from a single tertiary or quaternary structure by segmentation. The association domains are designed to assemble in a complementary fashion, thereby providing multifunctional (poly)peptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: MorphoSys AG
    Inventors: Peter Pack, Andrei Lupas
  • Patent number: 6692936
    Abstract: Polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are described. The polypeptide sequences comprise one or more of: (a) a polypeptide having the deduced amino acid sequence translated from the polynucleotide sequence in SEQ ID NO: 1 and variants, fragments, homologues, analogues and derivatives thereof; (b) a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 and variants, fragments, homologues, analogues and derivatives thereof; or (c) a polypeptide encoded by the cDNA of NCIMB 41067 and variants, fragments, homologues, analogues and derivatives thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Harland
  • Patent number: 6692937
    Abstract: This invention relates to small and intermediate conductance, calcium-activated potassium channel proteins. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions and methods for making and detecting calcium-activated potassium channel proteins and the nucleic acids encoding calcium-activated potassium channel proteins. The invention also provides methods and compositions for assaying compounds which increase or decrease potassium ion flux through a calcium-activated potassium channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: ICAgen, Incorporated, Oregon Health Sciences University
    Inventors: John P. Adelman, James Maylie, Chris T. Bond, Christopher P. Silvia
  • Patent number: 6692938
    Abstract: A peptide has an amino acid sequence having more than 80% homology with the amino acid sequence listed as SEQ ID NO:4. A nucleic acid molecule has more than 80% homology with one of the nucleic acid sequences listed as SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3. Ligands, anti-ligands, cells vectors relating to the peptide and/or nucleic acid molecule are also used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Euroscreen, S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Samson, Marc Parmentier, Gilbert Vassart, Frederick Libert
  • Patent number: 6692939
    Abstract: Nucleotide sequences which encode a mammalian lung endothelial cell adhesion molecule are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleotide sequences which encode a lung endothelial cell adhesion molecule-associated protein. Recombinant lung endothelial cell adhesion molecule or recombinant lung endothelial cell adhesion molecule-associated protein may be obtained by culturing in a medium a host cell genetically engineered to contain and express a nucleotide sequence according to the present invention, and recovering the recombinant lung endothelial cell adhesion molecule-associated protein or recombinant lung endothelial cell adhesion molecule-associated protein from the culture medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Benedicht U. Pauli, Randolph C. Elble, Achim D. Gruber
  • Patent number: 6692940
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a fungal host cell in a medium conducive for the production of the polypeptide, wherein the fungal host cell comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide operably linked to a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a promoter foreign to the nucleic acid sequence, wherein the promoter comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of nucleotides 1 to 3949 of SEQ ID NO. 1, nucleotides 1 to 938 of SEQ ID NO. 2, and nucleotides 1 to 3060 of SEQ ID NO. 3, and a subsequence thereof; and mutant, hybrid, and tandem promoters thereof; and (b) isolating the polypeptide from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to the isolated promoter sequences and to constructs, vectors, and fungal host cells comprising the promoter sequences operably linked to nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Novozymes Biotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy M. Berka, Michael W. Rey, Kimberly Brown, Stephen H. Brown
  • Patent number: 6692941
    Abstract: A DNA comprising a deoxynucleotide sequence coding for bovine growth hormone is described. A transfer vector and an expression vector containing this DNA and microorganisms transformed by these vectors are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Walter L. Miller, Joseph Augustin Martial, John D. Baxter
  • Patent number: 6692942
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of in vivo and ex vivo gene delivery, for a variety of cells. More specifically, it relates to a novel carrier system and method for targeted delivery of nucleic acids to mammalian cells. More specifically, the present invention relates to carrier system comprising single-chain polypeptide binding molecules having an a region rich in basic amino acid and having the three dimensional folding and, thus, the binding ability and specificity, of the variable region of an antibody. The basic amino acid rich region can comprise oligo-lysine, oligo-arginine or combinations thereof. Such preparations of modified single chain polypeptide binding molecules also have ability to bind nucleic acids at the region rich in basic amino acid residues. These properties of the modified single chain polypeptide binding molecules make them very useful in a variety of therapeutic applications including gene therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Enzon, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Filpula, Maoliang Wang, Marc D. Whitlow
  • Patent number: 6692943
    Abstract: A novel growth factor, persephin, which belongs to the GDNF/neurturin family of growth factors, is disclosed. The mouse and rat amino acid sequences have been identified. Mouse and rat persephin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequenced and the respective cDNA sequences identified. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using persephin, methods for detecting persephin gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of persephin are provided. Methods for identifying additional members of the persephin-neurturin-GDNF family of growth factors are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventors: Eugene M. Johnson, Jr., Jeffrey D. Milbrandt, Paul T. Kotzbauer, Patricia A. Lampe
  • Patent number: 6692944
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the systhesis of optically enriched dextro- and laevo-rotatory isomers of rose oxide from racemic citronellol. The invention particularly relates to the preparation of optically enriched (−)-(2 S, 4 R)-rose oxide and its isomer (+)-(2 R, 4 S)-rose oxide torn racemic citronellol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Shubash Chandra Taneja, Vijay Kumar Sethi, Surrinder Koul, Samar Singh Andotra, Ghulam Nabi Qazi
  • Patent number: 6692945
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyhydroxyoctanoate, said method involving construction of a multifunctional Escherichia coli—Streptomyces conjugative shuttle vector, development of a recombinant vector designated as pCAB218, which is used to transform Streptomyces lividans TK64, such that it is capable of producing polyhydroxyoctanoate (PHO) in substantial amounts when grown in a conventional mineral medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Gyanendra Tripathi, Lata Hanamantrao Mahishi, Turaga Venkata Naga Ramachander, Shuban Kishen Rawal
  • Patent number: 6692946
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides corresponding to the nadA gene and which encode the quinolinate synthetase A protein, methods of producing nicotinic acid or nicotinic acid derivatives, and methods of screening for polynucleotides which encode proteins having quinolinate synthetase A activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Christine Bastuck, Brigitte Bathe, Nicole Dusch, Bettina Moeckel, Georg Thierbach
  • Patent number: 6692947
    Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Lexicon Genetics Incorporated
    Inventors: D. Wade Walke, C. Alexander Turner, Jr., Glenn Friedrich, Alejandro Abuin, Brian Zambrowicz, Arthur T. Sands
  • Patent number: 6692948
    Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the kinase peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the kinase peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the kinase peptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Hui Wei, Kabir Chaturvedi, Valentina Di Francesco, Ellen M. Beasley
  • Patent number: 6692949
    Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the phosphatase peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the phosphatase peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the phosphatase peptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhua Yan, Weiniu Gan, Valentina Di Francesco, Ellen M. Beasley
  • Patent number: 6692950
    Abstract: A compound of formula (I), wherein R=H or Na, or a salt thereof and an enzyme, obtainable from Streptomyces species, having clavulanic acid dehydrogenase activity which is capable of converting (I) into clavulanic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham plc
    Inventors: Stephen William Elson, Neville Hubert Nicholson, Stefan Roland Woroniecki, Janice Arnell
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6692952
    Abstract: A cell analysis and sorting apparatus is capable of monitoring over time the behavior of each cell in a large population of cells. The cell analysis and sorting apparatus contains individually addressable cell locations. Each location is capable of capturing and holding a single cell, and selectively releasing that cell from that particular location. In one aspect of the invention, the cells are captured and held in wells, and released using vapor bubbles as a means of cell actuation. In another aspect of the invention, the cells are captured, held and released using electric field traps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Rebecca Braff, Joel Voldman, Martha Gray, Martin Schmidt, Mehmet Toner
  • Patent number: 6692953
    Abstract: Nozzle openings 15a each including a straight duct portion 15s and a tapered portion 15t are situated at an upstream position of an air flow with respect to the straight duct portion. The nozzle openings are formed in a nozzle plate 15 such that the nozzle openings 15a are arranged in grid, and airborne microorganisms passing through the nozzle plate 15 can be effectively collected to form colonies. A degree of cleanness is measured by counting the colonies visually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Midori Anzen Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Sugita, Yutaka Hatta, Takeshi Yamada, Yukihiro Nakata
  • Patent number: 6692954
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant DNA construct comprising a YAC vector and at least a portion of the HCMV genome. The vector is useful as a basic research tool with which to study CMV biology, or as a vaccine with which to immunize a mammalian host against infection by CMV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Scripps Research Institute
    Inventors: Peter Ghazal, Huang Huang
  • Patent number: 6692955
    Abstract: A herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) vector which has inserted therein at least a part of a gene encoding an envelope protein of HIV for use in delivering said protein to a specific cell population such as T cell lymphocytes and/or macrophages. The invention also provides a vaccine comprising the recombinant vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: University of Leeds
    Inventors: David Mark Meredith, Alexander Fred Markham
  • Patent number: 6692956
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a recombinant adenoviral vector derived from an adenovirus genome in which at least a part of the E3 region is deleted or is non functional, wherein said adenoviral vector retains E3 sequences encoding a functional 14.7K protein, a functional 14.5K protein, and/or a functional 10.4K protein. The present invention further relates to the use of a polynucleotide comprising at least one or more gene(s) of an E3 region of an adenovirus, taken individually or in combination, to protect from an inflammatory reaction in a host cell, tissue or organism. The present invention additionally concerns a viral particle, a host cell and a composition comprising said recombinant adenoviral vector or said polynucleotide, as well as their use for therapeutic or prophylactic purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Transgene S.A.
    Inventor: Ronald Rooke
  • Patent number: 6692957
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of separating cells of interest which method comprises: determining cells of interest; selecting a promoter specific for the cells of interest; introducing a nucleic acid molecule encoding green fluorescent protein under control of the promoter into a plurality of cells; and separating cells of the plurality of cells that are expressing said green fluorescent protein, wherein the separated cells are the cells of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Goldman, Hong Wu
  • Patent number: 6692958
    Abstract: Activated lymphocytes derived from cord blood are excellently effective for preventing and treating various types of tumors and various types of infection. With interleukin 2 and/or anti-CD3 antibody, the lymphocytes derived from the cord blood is prepared by segregating lymphocytes from the cord blood and proliferating the segregated lymphocytes directly in vitro or segregating monocytes from cord blood and proliferating the monocytes in vitro. Also, the cord blood-derived activated lymphocytes can be effectively used for preventing recurrence of the diseases and promoting the take of stem cells or other organs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Humantec Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruaki Sekine, Kiminari Ito, Norio Shimizu, Kenzo Bamba, Tomohiro Yamaguchi, Yasuyuki Kuroiwa
  • Patent number: 6692959
    Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-4. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-4. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-4 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-4 are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Frank Bennett, Susan M. Freier
  • Patent number: 6692960
    Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Frank Bennett, Susan M. Freier
  • Patent number: 6692961
    Abstract: The present invention provides cell culture media formulations which support the in vitro cultivation of animal epithelial cells. The media comprise at least one fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and at least one agent that induces increased intracellular cAMP levels, and optionally comprise ascorbic acid. The present invention also provides methods of cultivating animal epithelial cells in vitro using these cell culture media formulations, kits comprising the media, cell culture compositions comprising the culture media and an animal epithelial cell, and compositions that may be used as replacements for organ or gland extracts in animal cell culture media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Invitrogen Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Judd, Paul J. Battista
  • Patent number: 6692962
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant molecular biology, in particular to translational control. The inventors herein disclose compositions and methods useful to alter plant gene translation, which methods enable genetic modification of numerous plant processes, such as inducible or constitutive responses to biotic and abiotic stress, or growth pattern adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: University of Wyoming
    Inventor: Don A. Roth
  • Patent number: 6692963
    Abstract: A method has been discovered for reproducing plants by somatic embryogenesis by placing embryogenic tissue or organ onto a semi-permeable membrane that is on a culture medium and incubating to produce a normal somatic embryo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Michael Bausher, Randall Niedz, Scott Hyndman