Patents Issued in February 25, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160053237
    Abstract: The present invention provides p97-antibody conjugates and related compositions and methods, which may be used in any of a variety of therapeutic methods, including methods for the treatment of cancers such as Her2/neu-expressing and Her1/EGFR-expressing cancers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: BIOASIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wilfred Jefferies, Timothy Z. Vitalis, Reinhard Gabathuler
  • Publication number: 20160053238
    Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods and compositions for production of recombinant I2S protein with improved potency and activity using cells co-express I2S and FGE protein. In some embodiments, cells according to the present invention are engineered to simultaneously over-express recombinant I2S and FGE proteins. Cells according to the invention are adaptable to various cell culture conditions. In some embodiments, cells of the present invention adaptable to a large-scale suspension serum-free culture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Ferenc Boldog, Michael Heartlein
  • Publication number: 20160053239
    Abstract: EstATII is an esterase that a halotolerant, thermophilic and resistant to a spectrum of heavy metals including toxic concentration of metals. It was isolated from the lowest convective layer of the Atlantis II Red Sea brine pool. The Atlantis II brine pool is an extreme environment that possesses multiple harsh conditions such as; high temperature, salinity, pH and high concentration of metals, including toxic heavy metals. A fosmid metagenomic library using DNA isolated from the lowest convective layer this pool was used to identify EstATII. Polynucleotides encoding EstATII and similar esterases are disclosed and can be used to make EstATII. EstATII or compositions or apparatuses that contain it may be used in various processes employing lipases/esterases especially when these processes are performed under harsh conditions that inactivate other kinds of lipases or esterases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicants: AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF CAIRO (AUC), KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (KAUST)
    Inventors: Hamza EL DORRY, Rania SIAM, Yasmine M. MOHAMED
  • Publication number: 20160053240
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Robert Piotr Olinski, Preben Nielsen, Kim Borch, Anna Verena Reiser, Carsten Hoerslev Hansen, Lone Baunsgaard
  • Publication number: 20160053241
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide fragments comprising an amino-terminal fragment of the PA subunit of a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase possessing endonuclease activity, wherein said PA subunit is from Influenza A 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus or is a variant thereof. This invention also relates to (i) crystals of the polypeptide fragments which are suitable for structure determination of said polypeptide fragments using X-ray crystallography and (ii) computational methods using the structural coordinates of said polypeptide to screen for and design compounds that modulate, preferably inhibit the endonucleolytically active site within the polypeptide fragment. In addition, this invention relates to methods identifying compounds that bind to the PA polypeptide fragments possessing endonuclease activity and preferably inhibit said endonucleolytic activity, preferably in a high throughput setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: EUROPEAN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY
    Inventors: Stephen Cusack, Eva Kowalinski, Chloe Zubieta
  • Publication number: 20160053242
    Abstract: A heat-stable nuclease found in Y. enterocolitica subsp. Palearctica, named Nucyep, is active in broad spectrum conditions. The gene for Nucyep was sequenced in a strain Y. enterocolitica subsp. palearctica, cloned, and expressed in E. coli, and then purified and characterized. The molecular weight of this enzyme is about 30 to 32 kDa. The translation product, Nucyep1, is biologically active. The purified Nucyep1 exhibits non-specific nuclease activity, being able to degrade various nucleic acids, including RNA, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and linear or circular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). This enzyme is active in a wide range of temperatures, from 0 to 100° C. The enzyme is active in a wide range of pH values from 3.6 to 9.9, and keeps greater than 75% of the activity at pH 7.24. This enterobacterial nuclease has unique levels of intrinsic resistance to heat, and is active under a large spectrum of conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Maurice BOISSINOT, Karel Boissinot, Sandra Isabel, Lu-E Shi
  • Publication number: 20160053243
    Abstract: Disclosed alpha-amylase/variant alpha-amylase enzymes, nucleic acids encoding the same, and compositions and methods related to the production and use thereof. The alpha-amylase/variant alpha-amylases are useful, for example, for starch liquefaction and saccharification, for cleaning starchy stains in laundry or dishwashing, for textile processing (e.g., desizing), in animal feed for improving digestibility, and for baking and brewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Luis G. Cascao-Pereira, David A. Estell, Dina Finan, Marc Kolkman, Sandra Ramer
  • Publication number: 20160053244
    Abstract: The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of polypeptides, in particular Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent alpha-amylase: substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH/activity profile, pH/stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca2+ dependency, specific activity, in particular laundry and dish-wash applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: NOVOZYMES A/S
    Inventors: Carsten Andersen, Henrik Oestdal, Jan Peter Skagerlind
  • Publication number: 20160053245
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicants: NOVOZYMES NORTH AMERICA, INC., NOVOZYMES A/S
    Inventors: Sara Landvik, Marc Dominique Morant, Keiichi Ayabe, Guillermo Coward-Kelly
  • Publication number: 20160053246
    Abstract: The thermostable cellobiohydrolase of the present invention is a polypeptide which has cellobiohydrolase activity at least under conditions of a temperature of 75° C. and a pH of 5.5, and which includes a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5, or 7, a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence in which one or several amino acids are deleted, substituted, or added in an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5, or 7, or a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence having 80% or greater but less than 100% sequence identity with an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5, or 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., Kazusa DNA Research Institute
    Inventors: Migiwa SUDA, Jiro OHKUMA, Asuka YAMAGUCHI, Yoshitsugu HIROSE, Yasuhiro KONDO, Tomohiko KATO, Daisuke SHIBATA
  • Publication number: 20160053247
    Abstract: Multimeric protein structures comprising at least two alpha-galactosidase monomers being covalently linked to one another via a linking moiety are disclosed herein, as well a process for preparing same, and methods of treating Fabry disease via administration of a multimeric protein structure. The disclosed multimeric protein structures exhibit an improved performance, in terms of enhanced activity and/or a longer lasting activity under both lysosomal conditions and in a serum environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: PROTALIX LTD.
    Inventors: Avidor SHULMAN, Ilya RUDERFER, Tehila BEN-MOSHE, Talia SHEKHTER, Yaniv AZULAY, Yoseph SHAALTIEL, Tali KIZHNER
  • Publication number: 20160053248
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for engineering or evolving enzymes to have desirable characteristics. Among the desirable characteristics is the ability to control catalytic activity through the use of a trigger molecule that rescues a catalytic site defect introduced during the engineering process. The method includes co-evolving enzyme and substrate to retain or improve substrate binding activity in the absence of catalytic activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventor: Philip N. Bryan
  • Publication number: 20160053249
    Abstract: The present invention relates to various polypeptides from fish hatching fluid, their encoding nucleic acid sequences, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules and their use in various medical and cosmetic applications to the skin, particularly for moisturizing skin and/or for exfoliation of the horny layer of the skin for treating or preventing skin disorders or conditions in an animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: AQUA BIO TECHNOLOGY ASA
    Inventors: Hans Kristian LEREN, Bernt Th. WALTHER
  • Publication number: 20160053250
    Abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) compositions, inactive forms of MMPs (e.g. proMMPs), fragments, mutants, variants or combinations thereof. A pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more of the above in a pharmaceutical carrier. A composition comprises at least one of: a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), an inactive MMP or a proenzyme (proMMP) thereof, wherein the matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), inactive MMPs or proMMPs thereof, comprise: MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-11, MMP-12, MMP-13.MMP-14, MMP-15, MMP-16, MMP-17, MMP-18, MMP-19, MMP-20, MMP-21, MMP-23A, MMP-23B, MMP-24, MMP-25, MMP-26, MMP-27, MMP-28, active fragments, mutants, variants or any combinations thereof. The uses include isolation of cells, in particular stem cells, from tissues, dissociation of tissues, proteins and treatment of a variety of conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Claudia ZYLBERBERG, Gregg B. FIELDS
  • Publication number: 20160053251
    Abstract: The invention is directed to immobilized ketoreductases and methods of making and using them. Enzymes are protein molecules which serve to accelerate the chemical reactions of living cells (often by several orders of magnitude). Without enzymes, most biochemical reactions would be too slow to even carry out life processes. Enzymes display great specificity and are not permanently modified by their participation in reactions. Since they are not changed during the reactions, enzymes can be cost effectively used as catalysts for a desired chemical transformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew D. Truppo, Hongmei Li, Johannah R. Moncecchi, Hallena Strotman
  • Publication number: 20160053252
    Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to a substrate comprising a silane functionalized surface for reversibly immobilizing a biological molecule of interest, such as oligonucleotides, polynucleotides, or protein. Methods for immobilizing the biological molecule and the use in DNA sequencing and other diagnostic applications are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Xavier von Hatten, Wayne N. George, Alexandre Richez, Anne-Cecile Dingwall, Andrew A. Brown
  • Publication number: 20160053253
    Abstract: Presented herein are methods and compositions for multiplexed single cell gene expression analysis. Some methods and compositions include the use of droplets and/or beads bearing unique barcodes such as unique molecular barcodes (UMI).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Neeraj SALATHIA, Jian-Bing FAN
  • Publication number: 20160053254
    Abstract: The current invention provides for methods and medicaments that apply oligonucleotide molecules complementary only to a repetitive sequence in a human gene transcript, for the manufacture of a medicament for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a cis-element repeat instability associated genetic disorders in humans. The invention hence provides a method of treatment for cis-element repeat instability associated genetic disorders. The invention also pertains to modified oligonucleotides which can be applied in method of the invention to prevent the accumulation and/or translation of repeat expanded transcripts in cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Josephus Johannes De KIMPE, Gerard Johannes PLATENBURG, Derick Gert WANSINK
  • Publication number: 20160053255
    Abstract: A method for transfecting a eukaryotic cell in which: a composition that includes at least one saccharide and at least one protein and optionally a salt and/or a pH-stabilizing component is contacted with a nucleic acid and a transfection reagent; a complex of nucleic acid and transfection reagent is formed by interaction with the composition; the complex is dried; the dried complex is stored for a period of time; after storing, the dried complex is taken up into a liquid; and the complex taken up into the liquid is transfected into the eukaryotic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Hahn, Anja Grewe
  • Publication number: 20160053256
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of huntingtin in a cell, tissue or animal. Further provided are methods of slowing or preventing Huntington's disease progression using an antisense compound targeted to huntingtin. Additionally provided are methods of delaying or preventing the onset of Huntingtin's disease in an individual susceptible to Huntingtin's Disease. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicants: CHDI FOUNDATION INC., ISIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Gene Hung, C. Frank Bennett, Janet M. Leeds, Susan M. Freier
  • Publication number: 20160053257
    Abstract: The present inventors have found microRNAs which are strongly associated with stabilization of NRF2 in tumors, and an object of the present invention is to provide means for utilizing such miRNAs for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The inventors conducted screening of 470 microRNAs in a microRNA library by use of HeLa cells. As a result, 8 miRNAs each exhibiting a large decrease in miRNA activity as compared with a control miRNA, and 8 miRNAs each exhibiting a large increase in miRNA activity as compared with a control miRNA, were identified. The inventors have found that the NRF2 activation in the living body, in particular tumor cells, can be detected by use of the thus-identified miRNAs, whereby malignancy of a tumor, or the like can be differentiated. The inventors have also found that a nucleic acid including a miRNA sequence associated with reduction in the aforementioned ARE activity can be used as a cancer therapeutic agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: National University Corporation Tokyo Medical and Dental University
    Inventors: Johji INAZAWA, Jun INOUE, Shinsuke YAMAMOTO, Tatsuyuki KAWANO, Ken-ichi KOZAKI
  • Publication number: 20160053258
    Abstract: Provided is a composition for controlling pluripotency of stem cells including an LIN28A methylation inhibitor and a screening method of the LIN28A methylation inhibitor, and more particularly, a composition for controlling pluripotency of stem cells including an inhibitor controlling methylation of 135th lysine of LIN28A that is methylated by SET7/9, or a composition for treating cancer, and a screening method of the inhibitor, wherein the screening method includes (a) contacting a candidate material with a cell, the cell having a gene introduced thereinto; (b) measuring a methylation level of the 135th lysine of the LIN28A; and (c) selecting an inhibitor controlling methylation of the 135th lysine of the LIN28A. That is, the present invention relates to a composition for controlling pluripotency of embryonic stem cells, or an anti-cancer composition, and a screening method of the inhibitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Daeyoup Lee, Seung-Kyoon Kim, Hosuk Lee
  • Publication number: 20160053259
    Abstract: Disclosed are specific aphid dsRNA constructs that target either Chloride Intracellular Channel (CLIC) gene expression or Sucrase gene expression. Also disclosed is the use of dsRNA constructs of a CLIC gene to interfere with critical functions of CLIC gene peptide products. A novel method to develop nucleic acid control for pest management is also disclosed. Also disclosed is the use of dsRNA constructs to interfere with critical functions of Sucrase gene peptide products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Gary J. Puterka, Scott J. Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20160053260
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are metal-ligand complexes containing polynucleotides, compounds for making the same, and methods of using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Chad A. Mirkin, Colin Michael Calabrese, William E. Briley, Timothy J. Merkel
  • Publication number: 20160053261
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising at least one oligomeric compound comprising an alternating motif and further include a region that is complementary to a nucleic acid target. The compositions are useful for targeting selected nucleic acid molecules and modulating the expression of one or more genes. In preferred embodiments the compositions of the present invention hybridize to a portion of a target RNA resulting in loss of normal function of the target RNA. The present invention also provides methods for modulating gene expression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: ISIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Allerson, Balkrishen Bhat, Ann B. Eldrup, Muthiah Manoharan, Richard H. Griffey, Brenda F. Baker, Eric E. Swayze
  • Publication number: 20160053262
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule that binds and/or is complementary to the nucleotide molecule having sequence 5?-GUGGCUAACAGAAGCU (SEQ ID NO 1) and to its use in a method for inducing skipping of exon 44 of the DMD gene in a DMD patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Gerard Johannes Platenburg, Josephus Johannes de Kimpe, Judith Christina Theodora van Deutekom, Garrit-Jan Boudewijn van Ommen, Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
  • Publication number: 20160053263
    Abstract: This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for reducing ?-catenin target RNA and protein levels via use of dsRNAs, e.g., Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Bob D. Brown, Henryk T. Dudek
  • Publication number: 20160053264
    Abstract: Embodiments concern methods and compositions involving miR-34 mimics, including miR-34a and miR-34c mimics. In some embodiments, there are double-stranded RNA molecules with modified nucleotides having an active strand with a miR-34a sequence and a complementary passenger strand. In additional embodiments, there are double-stranded RNA molecules with modified nucleotides having an active strand with a miR-34c sequence and a complementary passenger strand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin KELNAR, David BROWN
  • Publication number: 20160053265
    Abstract: Provided herein are fluoropyrimidine-modified RNA aptamers capable of binding CCR5. The compositions and methods provided herein are, inter alia, useful for the delivery of antiviral drugs (e.g., siRNAs) and preventing HIV entry into a target cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: John Rossi, Jiehua Zhou, Marc Weinberg, Kevin Morris
  • Publication number: 20160053266
    Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing and using aptamers useful as oncology therapeutics capable of binding to PDGF, PDGF isoforms, PDGF receptor, VEGF, and VEGF receptor or any combination thereof with great affinity and specificity. The compositions of the present invention are particularly useful in solid tumor therapy and can be used alone or in combination with known cytotoxic agents for the treatment of solid tumors. Also disclosed are aptamers having one or more CpG motifs embedded therein or appended thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: ARCHEMIX LLC
    Inventors: Dilara McCauley, John L. Diener, Charles Wilson, Thomas Greene McCauley
  • Publication number: 20160053267
    Abstract: This invention relates to interfering RNA (iRNA) molecules and their applications, especially multi-targets iRNA molecules and their applications. The said multi-targets iRNA molecules comprised of a sense strand annealed onto at least one antisense strand, each strand is at least 30 nucleotides in length, the sense or antisense strand has at least two segments, which can target at least two RNAs of different genes, or can target at least two portions of an RNA, and wherein the iRNA does not induce an interferon-response when transfected into a cell. The iRNA molecule can interfere with the translation procedure post-transcription, and the target gene is inhibited or blocked, the iRNA does not induce an interferon-response in vivo. The RNA molecules are the active ingredient in preparation of the drug which can regulate one or many genes function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: BIOMICS BIOTECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: York Yuan Yuan Zhu, Tiejun Li
  • Publication number: 20160053268
    Abstract: The invention provides an antibody specific to the ANGPTL4 protein capable of neutralizing proliferation and methods of making and using the same. The antibody of the invention is further directed to the C terminal region of the protein and may be capable of neutralizing cell proliferation and treating cancer. The antibody may be monoclonal and/or humanized antibody.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Nguan Soon TAN, Han Chung CHONG, Ming Jie TAN, Royston HUANG
  • Publication number: 20160053269
    Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in modulating gene expression in a variety of applications, including use in therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, and genomic discovery applications. Specifically, the invention relates to synthetic chemically modified small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against target nucleic acid sequences. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of any disease or condition that responds to modulation of gene expression or activity in a cell, tissue, or organism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Leonid Beigelman, James McSwiggen, Chandra Vargeese
  • Publication number: 20160053270
    Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of histamine receptor H1 mRNA expression, in particular, for treating patients having an HRH1-related condition or at risk of developing an HRH1-related condition such as allergic conjunctivitis, ocular inflammation, dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, or allergy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: John M. Yanni, Jon E. Chatterton, Daniel A. Gamache, Steven T. Miller
  • Publication number: 20160053271
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered microorganisms, engineered biosynthetic pathways, methods of producing lipid compounds using genetically engineered microorganisms, and the products synthesized by those organisms. In particular, the disclosure provides genetically engineered microorganisms for the production of multi-methyl branched fatty acids (MMBFAs) and MMBFA esters (wax esters) derived from these fatty acids. In addition, the disclosure provides methods for producing acylglycerols with one of more of their acyl substituents being an MMBFA, and methods for producing alcohols derived from MMBFAs (fatty alcohols).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Hugo GRAMAJO, Ana ARABOLAZA, Santiago COMBA, Simón MENENDEZ- BRAVO, Héctor ÁLVAREZ
  • Publication number: 20160053272
    Abstract: Methods of modifying one or more target nucleic acid sequences using the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR associated (Cas) proteins (CRISPR/Cas) system are disclosed. Methods of introducing one or more exogenous nucleic acid sequences into one or more circular nucleic acid sequences using the CRISPR/Cas system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Omri Wurtzel, Samuel LoCascio, Peter Reddien
  • Publication number: 20160053273
    Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary isolated nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides having elongase activity, which utilize fatty acids as substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: OLIVER KILIAN, Bertrand Vick
  • Publication number: 20160053274
    Abstract: Improved methods and means are provided to modify in a targeted manner the genome of a eukaryotic cell at a predefined site using a double stranded break inducing enzyme such as a TALEN and a donor molecule for repair of the double stranded break.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventor: Katelijn D'HALLUIN
  • Publication number: 20160053275
    Abstract: This disclosure provides plants having desirable levels of lignin synthesis, sugar release, S/G ratio, and resistance to stress and pathogens; methods of selecting plants with such desirable levels of lignin synthesis, sugar release, S/G ratio, and resistance to stress and pathogens; methods of genetically modifying plants to modulate lignin synthesis, sugar release, S/G ratio, and resistance to stress and pathogens; and uses of such plants. The inventors have determined that the expression and/or activity of POPTR_0014s08530, a gene encoding an Angustifolia/CtBP transcription factor, modulates lignin synthesis, sugar release, S/G ratio, and resistance to stress and pathogens in plants. Plants with lignin synthesis, sugar release, S/G ratio, and resistance to stress and pathogens, based on modulation of the expression or activity of the POPTR_0014s08530 gene, have divergent uses including pulp and paper production, and ethanol/biofuel production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Jay Chen, Lee E. Gunter, Sara Jawdy, Wellington Muchero, Gerald Tuskan, Jianjun Guo, Priya Ranjan, Stephen P. DiFazio, Anthony C. Bryan
  • Publication number: 20160053276
    Abstract: A method for enhancing various economically important yield-related traits in plants is provided. More specifically, a method for enhancing one or more yield-related traits in plants is provided, by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a POI (protein of interest) polypeptide. Also provided are plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a POI polypeptide, which plants have one or more enhanced yield-related traits compared with control plants. Constructs useful in performing the methods of the invention are further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Jenny Russinova, Christophe Reuzeau
  • Publication number: 20160053277
    Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising polynucleotides and polypeptides having dicamba decarboxylase activity are provided. Further provided are nucleic acid constructs, host cells, plants, plant cells, explants, seeds and grain having the dicamba decarboxylase sequences. Various methods of employing the dicamba decarboxylase sequences are provided. Such methods include, for example, methods for decarboxylating an auxin-analog, method for producing an auxin-analog tolerant plant, plant cell, explant or seed and methods of controlling weeds in a field containing a crop employing the plants and/or seeds disclosed herein. Methods are also provided to identify additional dicamba decarboxylase variants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Eric Althoff, Yih-En Andrew Ban, Linda A. Castle, Daniela Grabs, Jian Lu, Phillip A. Patten, Yumin Tao, Alexandre Zanghellini
  • Publication number: 20160053278
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring lepidoptericidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for the Axmi222z toxin polypeptide are provided. The Axmi222z coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated Axmi222z toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the Axmi222z polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:24-26, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, 7, 12, and 17, as well as variants and fragments thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Kimberly Sampson, Daniel Tomso
  • Publication number: 20160053279
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cell specific therapeutic modality by using a region of the PLAP Promoter. The invention further relates to specific expression of therapeutically PLAP useful sequences for specific transcriptional activation of this gene. The invention also relates to the PLAP region which may be used alone or in combination with other regions like enhancer sequences that augment cell or tumour specific gene expression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Subrata SINHA, Imran KHAN, Mohammad Khalid ZAKARIA, Kunzang CHOSDOL, Parthaprasad CHATTOPADHYAY
  • Publication number: 20160053280
    Abstract: The invention provides a new expression system comprising a mammalian selectable marker that promotes desirable post-translational modifications of glycoproteins. In particular, the invention includes methods and compositions for optimal recombinant protein expression in mammalian cells by employing a selection marker system based on GPT genes of mammalian origin. The invention includes methods that facilitate selectivity and enhanced expression copies as well as protein yield of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells, and methods of using GPT expression systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Dipali DESHPANDE, Darya BURAKOV, Gang CHEN, James FANDL
  • Publication number: 20160053281
    Abstract: Compositions and method for treating a folate-resistant disease in a subject are disclosed. The methods involve administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition containing a formate. For example, the method can be used to reducing the risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy. The method can also be used to treat other conditions normally treatable by folate supplementation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: The University Court Of The University Of Edinburgh
    Inventor: Peter Simmonds
  • Publication number: 20160053282
    Abstract: The teachings herein are generally directed to a method of enhancing the genetic stability of parvovirus vectors. The stability of conventional ss or dsAAV vector constructs can be enhanced, for example, to obtain a concurrent increase in vector titer and purity, as well as an improvement in vector safety, due at least in part to the elimination of stuffer DNA from the AAV vector. The method is broadly applicable to all gene transfer/therapy applications, such as those requiring delivery of foreign DNA containing recombinant gene expression cassettes. Such foreign DNA can range, for example, from about 0.2 up to about 5.2 kb in length. The enhanced vector constructs are highly flexible, user-friendly, and can be easily modified (via routine DNA cloning) and utilized (via standard AAV vector technology) by anyone skilled in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Mark A. Kay, Dirk Grimm
  • Publication number: 20160053283
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided involving high producing cell lines. Embodiments concern efficient methods for screening for such cell lines and for creating such cell lines. These cell lines can be used to create large amounts of protein. To quickly generate large quantity of recombinant proteins or vaccines for both pre-clinical study and clinical trials, almost all drug development will face the same challenging obstacle of rapidly generating a high stable producer. Developing and identifying a stable cell line is a critical part of biopharmaceutical development.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Weili Wang, James P. BRADY, Madhusudan V. PESHWA
  • Publication number: 20160053284
    Abstract: A genetically enhanced cyanobacterial host cell, Cyanobacterium sp. ABICyanoI, is disclosed. The enhanced Cyanobacterium sp. ABICyanoI produces a compound or compounds of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Kui WANG, Tuo SHI, Irina PIVEN, Masami INABA, Frank ULICZKA, Dan KRAMER, Heike ENKE, Kerstin BAIER, Alexandra FRIEDRICH, Ulf DUEHRING
  • Publication number: 20160053285
    Abstract: The present invention provides a means for producing butanol in butanol fermentation with high efficiency. The present invention relates to a genetically modified microorganism of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum, and a method for producing butanol using the microorganism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Yukio DOBASHI, Masaharu MUKOYAMA, Eita ICHIGE, Masahiro NAKANOSHO, Shunichi NAKAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20160053286
    Abstract: A non-naturally occurring microbial organism includes a microbial organism having a 1,3-butanediol (1,3-BDO) pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 1,3-BDO pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce 1,3-BDO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Anthony P. Burgard, Mark J. Burk, Robin E. Osterhout, Priti Pharkya