Patents Issued in January 2, 2018
  • Patent number: 9856471
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for synthesizing and/or assembling at least one polynucleotide product having a predefined sequence from a plurality of different oligonucleotides. In exemplary embodiments, the methods involve synthesis and/or amplification of different oligonucleotides immobilized on a solid support, release of synthesized/amplified oligonucleotides in solution to form droplets, recognition and removal of error-containing oligonucleotides, moving or combining two droplets to allow hybridization and/or ligation between two different oligonucleotides, and further chain extension reaction following hybridization and/or ligation to hierarchically generate desired length of polynucleotide products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Gen9, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Jacobson, George Church, Larry Li-Yang Chu
  • Patent number: 9856472
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to the use conditional hairpins, such as, but not limited to shRNAs. The conditional formation of these structures can allow for further events, such as gene silencing (in some embodiments).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Niles A. Pierce, Lisa Hochrein
  • Patent number: 9856473
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of LMNA in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of target validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders. Further provided are methods of identifying cis splicing regulatory elements of a selected mRNA using the disclosed compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Frank Bennett, Kenneth W. Dobie, Susan M. Freier, Stanley T. Crooke, Timothy Vickers
  • Patent number: 9856474
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for blocking the effect of the intronic inhibitory splicing region of intron 7 of the SMN2 gene. The compositions and methods of the instant invention include short oligonucleotide reagents (e.g., oligoribonucleotides) that effectively target sites in the SMN2 pre-mRNA, thereby modulating the splicing of SMN2 pre-mRNA to include exon 7 in the processed transcript. The target regions include a unique RNA structure and a 6-nucleotide long sequence that is essential for initiating a long distance steric inhibitory interaction. The identified region provides a novel target deep within SMN2 intron 7. Intronic targets are highly desirable as annealing of an ASO to an intron does not interfere with translation and transport of mRNA. The invention also provides opportunity to employ a short antisense oligonucleotide or a small compound against the unique RNA structure responsible of SMN2 exon 7 skipping in SMA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravindra N. Singh, Natalia N. Singh
  • Patent number: 9856475
    Abstract: This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing a UNA oligomer targeted to TTR and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The compositions can be used in methods for treating or preventing TTR-related amyloidosis in a primate. The compositions, upon administering a single dose to the primate, can reduce TTR protein in the primate for a period of days to weeks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Tachikawa, Joseph E. Payne, Padmanabh Chivukula
  • Patent number: 9856476
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to gene expression and, in particular, to a method of inhibiting the expression of a target gene and to constructs suitable for use in such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Bryan R. Cullen, Yan Zeng
  • Patent number: 9856477
    Abstract: A method of producing nanovesicles comprising an oligonucleotide inhibitor to an oncogene or a proto-oncogene or the gene product thereof, said method comprises a) introducing a DNA sequence encoding an oligonucleotide capable of inhibiting a human oncogenic or proto-oncogenic transcription factor, into a mammalian cell; b) allowing the cell to express said inhibitor oligonucleotide; and c) obtaining nanovesicles containing said inhibitor oligonucleotide from said cell. Nanovesicles produced by the claimed method can be effectively and specifically targeted to e.g. cancer cells to deliver the inhibitor oligonucleotide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Codiak BioSciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Lötvall, Jonas Andrej Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9856478
    Abstract: The present invention features methods for preventing and treating three related diseases, diet-induced obesity, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis, alone or in combination by inhibiting Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase 1 (ACATI) activity or expression in myeloid cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TRUSTEES OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
    Inventors: Ta-Yuan Chang, Catherine C. Y. Chang, Li-Hao Huang, Elaina Melton, Paul Sohn
  • Patent number: 9856479
    Abstract: This invention relates to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), libraries of those ncRNAs that bind chromatin modifiers, such as Polycomb Repressive Complex 2, inhibitory nucleic acids and methods and compositions for targeting lncRNAs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Jeannie T. Lee, Jing Zhao, Kavitha Sarma, Mark Borowsky, Toshiro Kendrick Ohsumi
  • Patent number: 9856480
    Abstract: The invention provides DNAzymes which are capable to silence the expression of EGFR at allele-specific level. These allele-specific DNAzymes against EGFR T790M mutation will knockdown the expression of EGFR T790M mRNA while keeping EGFR wild-type mRNA intact. Hence, these allele-specific DNAzymes against EGFR T790M mutation may overcome T790M-derived TKI resistance accompanied with lower unwanted side effects on normal cells in lung cancer patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: National Taiwan University, ACADEMIA SINICA
    Inventors: Pan-Chyr Yang, Wei-Yun Lai, Konan Peck, Cheng-Ju Chang, Chi-Yuan Chen, Shuenn-Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 9856481
    Abstract: Provided herein are microRNAs that target transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?) receptors and attenuate pathways of fibrosis. In particular, microRNA-1343 reduces expression of TGFBR1 and TGFBR2, decreases TGF-? signaling, represses pathways of fibrosis, and treats fibrotic diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
    Inventors: Ann Harris, Lindsay R. Stolzenburg
  • Patent number: 9856482
    Abstract: This invention provides a small molecule oligonucleotide aptamer binding to T-2 toxin specifically, and the sequence of the ssDNA aptamer is SEQ ID NO: 1. Through the graphene oxide separation-based Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment, single-stranded oligonucleotide aptamer with high affinity and specific identification of T-2 toxin was obtained in vitro selection. The aptamer has a broad application prospect, which can be used for separation and enrichment of trace T-2 toxin in the sample. It can also be used as a reporter aptamer for the detection of T-2 toxin in food by means of functional groups labeling and other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: JIANGNAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhouping Wang, Xiujuan Chen, Huajie Gu, Yu Xia, Shijia Wu, Nuo Duan, Xiaoyuan Ma
  • Patent number: 9856483
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an expression system and uses thereof. The expression system comprises two vectors that express two fusion proteins and a glutaminyl cyclase (QC) with E45Q mutation, so as to autonomously produce a target protein having a N-terminal pyroglutamate (pGlu) residue in a host cell. The first fusion protein is composed of a maltose binding protein (MBP) and a tobacco etch virus protease (TEVP); and the second fusion protein includes in sequence, a thioredoxin, a S-tag, a linker having a TEVP recognition site therein, a target protein, and a (His)-6-tag. The second fusion protein is cleaved by the TEVP that is expressed by the first fusion protein, and then catalyzed by QC with E45Q mutation so as to autonomously produce the target protein having a N-terminal pGlu residue in the host cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew H. -J. Wang, Kai-Fa Huang, Yan-Ping Shih
  • Patent number: 9856484
    Abstract: A process of endowing a plant or plant cells with a trait of interest by expressing an RNA sequence of interest, said process comprising: providing plant cells or cells of said plant with a first vector and a second vector and selecting cells endowed with said trait of interest, wherein said first vector contains a first nucleotide sequence with a first segment coding, in 5? to 3? direction, for—a 5? part of said RNA sequence of interest and—a 5? part of an intron; and said second vector contains a second nucleotide sequence with a second segment coding, in 5? to 3? direction, for—a 3? part of an intron and—a 3? part of said RNA sequence of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BAYER CROPSCIENCE N.V.
    Inventors: Anatoly Giritch, Sylvestre Marillonnet, Victor Klimyuk, Yuri Gleba
  • Patent number: 9856485
    Abstract: Recombinant DNA constructs, for use in plants and plant cells, have site-specific recombination sites that allow assessing phenotypes and modes of action by over expression or suppression of endogenous genes. In an aspect, a single DNA construct can be switched between over expression and suppression by the action of a recombinase such as the Cre recombinase on constructs having lox recombination sites. Other useful recombination systems include the Flp/frt system, the R/Rs system, the Dre/rox system, and the GIN/gix system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Larry A. Gilbertson, Shihshieh Huang, Thomas Malvar
  • Patent number: 9856486
    Abstract: Trichome specific plant promoters are provided herein. Also provided are transgenic cells and organisms, especially plant cell and plants, comprising such trichome-specific promoter or a chimeric or vector comprising such trichome-specific promoter. The invention further provides methods for expressing nucleic acid sequences in cells and organisms using trichome specific promoters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Keygene N.V.
    Inventors: Paul Johan Diergaarde, Marinus Willem Prins, Martin De Vos
  • Patent number: 9856487
    Abstract: Two genes, A622 and NBB1, can be influenced to achieve a decrease of nicotinic alkaloid levels in plants. In particular, suppression of one or both of A622 and NBB1 may be used to decrease nicotine in tobacco plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: 22nd Century Limited, LLC
    Inventors: Takashi Hashimoto, Akira Kato
  • Patent number: 9856488
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a gene having a novel function that can cause an increase or decrease in seed protein content is searched for. A chimeric protein obtained by fusing a transcription factor consisting of a protein comprising an amino acid sequence shown in any of the even-numbered SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 76 and a functional peptide capable of converting an arbitrary transcription factor into a transcriptional repressor or a transcription factor consisting of a protein comprising an amino acid sequence shown in any of the even-numbered SEQ ID NOS: 77 to 84 is expressed in a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Madoka Yonekura, Chikara Ohto, Nobuhiko Muramoto, Norihiro Mitsukawa, Masaru Takagi, Kyoko Matsui
  • Patent number: 9856489
    Abstract: A method for producing a recombinant protein in a plant, in particular a tobacco plant, preferably Nicotiana benthamiana, includes the following steps: a) culturing the plant aeroponically or hydroponically, preferably on mobile floats and under LED lighting; b) vacuum agroinfiltration of the plant obtained in a) by agrobacteria that include a DNA fragment coding for the recombinant protein; c) returning the plants to culturing after step b), under the same conditions as for step a); and d) extracting and purifying the recombinant protein from the aerial portions of the plants produced in step c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ANGANY GENETICS
    Inventors: Veronique Gomord, Anne Catherine Fitchette, Loic Faye
  • Patent number: 9856490
    Abstract: Described herein is a transgenic plant that comprises a recombinant DNA construct that contains a nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a promoter, the nucleic acid sequence encoding an AFL1 polypeptide, a recombinant DNA construct for inhibiting expression of a PD15 polypeptide or a NAI2 polypeptide, or a loss-of-function pdi5 or nai2 mutation, wherein the transgenic plant exhibits increased growth under drought as compared to a control plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Academia Sinica
    Inventor: Paul Verslues
  • Patent number: 9856491
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel hybrid promoters comprising a caulimovirus promoter operably linked to one or more of an EF1?, Act8, Act2 or Act11 promoter. The present invention also relates to novel DNA constructs comprising at least one expression cassette which comprises the hybrid promoter thereof. The present invention further relates to transgenic plants/seeds comprising such DNA constructs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Karen L. Fincher, Stanislaw Flasinski, Jack Q. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 9856492
    Abstract: A nucleic acid expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative T3SS protein is disclosed. The nucleic acid expression vector further comprising a cis acting regulatory element capable of driving transcription of the nucleic acid sequence in a plant cell. Moreover, the dominant negative T3SS protein mediates assembly of a dysfunctional needle complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Futuragene Israel Ltd.
    Inventors: Hanan Stein, Dror Avisar
  • Patent number: 9856493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing resistance against soybean rust in transgenic plants and/or plant cells. In these plants, the content and/or the activity of an ADR-1-protein are increased in comparison to the wild-type plants not including a recombinant ADR-1-gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BASF Plant Science Company GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Schultheiβ
  • Patent number: 9856494
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new resistance gene, Rpi-edn2 and functional homologues or functional fragments thereof isolated from S. x edinense. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of said resistance gene, for example the use of said resistance gene in a method to increase or confer at least partial resistance in a plant to an oomycete infection. The invention provides an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding one of the amino acid sequences of FIG. 4 or a functional fragment or a functional homologue thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: COOPERATIE AVEBE U.A.
    Inventors: Nicolaas Clemens Maria Henricus de Vetten, Estelle Celine Verzaux, Jacobus Hubertus Vossen, Hendrik Rietman, Vivianne Gertruda Antonia Anna Vleeshouwers, Evert Jacobsen, Richard Gerardus Franciscus Visser
  • Patent number: 9856495
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of controlling insect pests, in particular Leptinotarsa spp. which infest crop plants, and methods of providing plants resistant to such pests. Also disclosed are polynucleotides and recombinant DNA molecules and constructs useful in such methods, insecticidal compositions such as topical sprays containing insecticidal double-stranded RNAs, and solanaceous plants with improved resistance to infestation by Leptinotarsa spp. Further disclosed are methods of selecting target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing and control of Leptinotarsa spp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Jodi Lynn Beattie, Michael John Crawford, Brian Donovan Eads, Lex Evan Flagel, Mahak Kapoor, Christina Marie Taylor
  • Patent number: 9856496
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-naturally occurring peptides containing a membrane-penetrating amino acid sequence and further at least one polycationic moiety or peptide sequence. The peptides are suitable for use in delivery a cargo to the interior of a cell. Suitable cargo includes nucleic acid molecules (including DNA, RNA or PNA), polypeptides, or other biologically active molecules. The present invention is further directed to transfection complexes containing the non-naturally occurring peptides of the present invention in non-covalent association with at least one cationic lipid and a cargo to be delivered to the interior of a cell. The invention further relates to methods for the preparation and use of the non-naturally occurring peptides for the formation of transfection complexes and the delivery of a cargo to the interior of a cell in culture, an animal or a human. The invention also relates to compositions and kits useful for transfecting cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Xavier de Mollerat du Jeu
  • Patent number: 9856497
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, compositions and methods for regulating expression of a target polynucleotide in a cell. The systems, compositions and methods comprise a chimeric receptor polypeptide comprising a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) or a fragment thereof, a chimeric adaptor polypeptide, at least one actuator moiety and a cleavage moiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Board of Trustee of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Lei S. Qi, P. C. Dave P. Dingal
  • Patent number: 9856498
    Abstract: The invention relates to processes of producing a fermentation product, comprising liquefying a starch containing material with an alpha-amylase; pre-saccharifying and/or saccharifying and fermenting using a fermentation organism in the presence of a carbohydrate source generating enzyme and a cellulolytic composition The invention also relates to methods of dewatering whole stillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: NOVOZYMES A/S
    Inventors: Thomas Rasmussen, Jeremy Saunders, James Croonenberghs, Zhengfang Kang, Joyce Craig, Michael John Akerman
  • Patent number: 9856499
    Abstract: Method of cell culture, comprising adding a redox active compound with a redox potential of between ?0.116 to ?0.253 to a culture capable of forming hydrogen via a hydrogenase so that the redox potential is diverted from hydrogen to form a longer chain acids, e.g., butryic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: George N. Bennett, Xianpeng Cai
  • Patent number: 9856500
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for consolidated bio processing of lignocellulosic biomass to L-Lactic acid. Particularly, the present invention relates to the production of L-Lactic Acid from low cost non edible feedstock lignocellulosic biomass. More particularly the present invention relates to the process for one step production of L-Lactic Acid from lignocellulosic biomass using thermophilic bacteria Paenibacillus macerans IIPSP3 (MTCC 5569), which is not only capable of hydrolyzing cellulose to glucose but also further fermenting it to L-Lactic Acid under aerobic conditions, without any growth inhibition in presence of lignin. The present invention provides a process which has less chances of contamination, as the fermentation is carried out at higher temperatures and is economically attractive, as preferably no external enzyme loadings are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Dilip Kumar Adhikari, Jayati Trivedi, Deepti Agrawal
  • Patent number: 9856501
    Abstract: A method for recombinantly expressing a macromolecule in a host cell is disclosed which involves culturing a host cell which contains two nucleic acid sequences, the first encoding a membrane-permeabilizing agent and the second encoding a desired macromolecule under the operative control of an inducible promoter, to a selected cell density that permits accumulation of the agent. Thereafter, the host cell is exposed to environmental conditions that induce the agent to disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane without complete lysis of the cell membrane, which cancels the energized membrane function. The host cell allows transport through the membrane of small molecular weight compounds. These resulting host cells are cultured in the presence of a nutrient cocktail that contains components that can transport through the disrupted cell membrane, e.g., an inducing agent that induces the tightly regulated promoter and metabolic requirements that permit expression of the macromolecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Da Yu Enterprises, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 9856502
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method or process for controlling, inhibiting or reducing protein fucosylation in a eukaryote and/or a eukaryotic protein expression system. Said method comprises carrying out the protein expression and/or post-translational modification in the presence of an elevated total concentration of manganese or manganese ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BIOCON LIMITED
    Inventors: Pradip Nair, Ramakrishnan Melarkode, Rasika Venkataraman, Laxmi Adhikary, Ankur Bhatnagar, Sunaina Prabhu, Kriti Shukla, Dinesh Baskar, Saravanan Desan, Harish Venkatraman Pai, Jose Enrique Montero Casimiro
  • Patent number: 9856503
    Abstract: A detection instrument determines whether a specimen container (e.g., blood culture bottle) is positive for presence of microbial agent growth therein. When the container is deemed positive it is made available (e.g, transferred or exposed to) to an automated instrument performing identification and/or characterization of the microbial agent. The identification and/or characterization instrument removes a portion of the sample from the specimen container and places it into a disposable separation and concentration device. The microbial agent is concentrated via optional selective lysis of non-microbial agent cellular material which may be present and centrifugation. A reading module reads the concentrated microbial agent using spectroscopic methods, e.g., measurements of intrinsic fluorescence. Such interrogation may occur while the microbial agent remains concentrated in the disposable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronnie J. Robinson, Mark S. Wilson, Christopher S. Ronsick, John D. Walsh, Jones M. Hyman, Thurman C. Thorpe, Bradford G. Clay
  • Patent number: 9856504
    Abstract: A device for the microbiological detection and analysis of a controlled interface where known and controlled exposure of a sample of interest interacts with one of series of porous reactive zones in a manner that allows discernable activity to be detected. A favorable environment within the device allows agents emanating from the sample of interest to react with specific agents emanating from the porous reaction zone in a manner that is repeatable and precise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: D. Roy Cullimore
  • Patent number: 9856505
    Abstract: A manufacturing method comprises collecting a sample from a cell culture used by a manufacturing application, and controlling a Raman spectrometer to collect a Raman spectrum of a targeted volume within the sample. The method further comprises obtaining reference spectra uniquely associated with a known cell line, which comprise at least two of: spectral measurements of mycoplasma by itself, a contaminated cell line, and a pure cell line. Moreover, the method comprises comparing the reference spectra to the collected spectrum, and identifying whether there is at least one unnatural molecular composition within the collected spectrum based upon the comparison of the reference spectra to the collected spectrum. An indication is provided as to whether mycoplasma is detected in the collected Raman spectrum where at least one unnatural molecular composition is identified within the collected spectrum, and the manufacturing application is stopped where mycoplasma is detected in the collected Raman spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Andrew P. Bartko
  • Patent number: 9856506
    Abstract: A method for examining microorganisms has a sampling preparation step including a fluorescence staining step of stirring and mixing certain amounts of a sample and a fluorescence staining reagent, a still standing step of leaving the solution after the fluorescence staining step to still stand for a certain time, and a dilution step of diluting the solution after the still standing step with a liquid that emits no fluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SATAKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukio Hosaka, Shinya Fushida, Akiko Nakata, Kazuhiko Koike
  • Patent number: 9856507
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for screening for a food ingredient or a food composition that reduces a cancer risk and inhibits cancer development. A substance that reduces a cancer risk is screened by administering a candidate substance and analyzing alteration in gut microbiota or a metabolite produced by an intestinal bacterium. Also, candidate substances are screened by adding each candidate substance to a bacterial culture system and analyzing its effect on a bacterium involved in cancer development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: JAPANESE FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
    Inventors: Eiji Hara, Naoko Ohtani, Shin Yoshimoto, Tze Mun Loo
  • Patent number: 9856508
    Abstract: Chemiluminescent compositions, methods, assays and kits for oxidative enzymes are described. Further disclosed are dioxetane compounds of the form: where R can independently be any branched alkyl or cycloalkyl group which provides stabilization for the dioxetane or where both R groups together form a cycloalkyl or polycycloalkyl moiety spiro bound to the dioxetane ring, wherein each R group or the spiro bound moiety can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more electron-withdrawing groups or electron donating groups, or groups providing preferential oxidative isozyme substrate recognition, and wherein R1 is an aryl group, or an alkyl group of 1-20 carbon atoms, which can be optionally substituted with 1 or more halogen atoms, and wherein T is an aryl or heteroaryl ring capable of emitting light upon enzyme activated decomposition of the dioxetane I. Kits, methods and assays are also disclosed that comprise the dioxetane compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rouh-Rong Juo, Brooks Edwards, Melissa Gee, Zhixian Wang, Kathleen Skaare
  • Patent number: 9856509
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compound of Formula I: F1—X1-L1-X2—P1—X3-G1??(Formula I).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Broad Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Yan-Ling Zhang, Edward Holson, Florence F. Wagner
  • Patent number: 9856510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vitro determining generation of a haemostatis factor such as thrombin and/or plasmin in a test sample using a chemiluminescent substrate specific for said blood clotting factor. Upon cleavage of the substrate, a luminescent signal is generated via aminoluceferin with the aid of a luciferase. The invention also relates to a kit for in vitro determining generation of a haemostasis factor in a test sample, and to novel chemiluminescent substrates for the determination of thrombin and plasmin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: Stichting Katholieke Universiteit, Chiralix B.V.
    Inventors: Waander Laurens van Heerde, Richard Hendrik Blaauw
  • Patent number: 9856511
    Abstract: A method for screening a compound to determine whether the compound is a proteasome deubiquitinating inhibitor of high specificity comprises contacting the compound with human 19S regulatory particles (19S RP) of 26S proteasome and determining whether the compound inhibits activity of deubiquitinating (DUB) enzymes UCHL5 and USP14; inhibition of UCHL5 and USCP14 activities indicates that the compound is a proteasome deubiquitinating inhibitor of high specificity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: VIVOLUX AB
    Inventors: Slavica Brnjic, Padraig D'Arcy, Rolf Larsson, Stig Linder
  • Patent number: 9856512
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising at least one auxin transport inhibitor for pre-treating a plant or seed to increase saccharification, or saccharide release by hydrolysis, the at least one auxin transport inhibitor being in an amount effective to increase sugar release from a plant tissue by hydrolysis. Also described are plant mutations, and methods to screen for such plant mutations, having an improved sugar release phenotype. The described compositions, methods and plant mutations are particularly useful for producing biofuel crops, such as maize, to improve sugar extractability from lignocellulosic biomass and hence, the efficiency of bioethanol production overall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
    Inventors: Dario Torquato Bonetta, Peter John McCourt, Danielle Vidaurre, George Stamatiou
  • Patent number: 9856513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and arrays for use in high resolution imaging of individual nucleic acid molecules and chromatin fragments, including native chromatin fragments. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a chromatin array that includes a transfer platform having a support and a transfer surface layered on the support. The chromatin array also includes a plurality of elongated individual native chromatin fragments coupled to the transfer surface in an orderly pattern suitable for high resolution imaging of the plurality of native chromatin fragments. The native chromatin fragments of the chromatin array include both DNA and histones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: CORNELL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Aline Cerf, Harold G. Craighead, Harvey C. Tian
  • Patent number: 9856514
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid present in a biological sample, comprising combining the biological sample with a lysis buffer to form a lysis mixture comprising nucleic acid released from cells in said biological sample; and subjecting a volume of the lysis mixture to size-exclusion chromatography in a column comprising a volume of size-exclusion medium. In certain embodiments, the lysis buffer separates double-stranded nucleic acid into single-stranded nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, the elution can have a flow rate of separation of less than 10 minutes to produce an eluted solution comprising isolated nucleic acid. The invention provides for a method of accurately and rapidly detecting products of nucleic acid amplification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Meridian Bioscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I Slepnev, Ahmer Kodvawala, Brian Loeffler, Anand Hindupur, Reddy Ponaka, Vecheslav A. Elagin
  • Patent number: 9856515
    Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to processing and preparing samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods, systems, and kits for removing assay inhibitors, e.g., compounds that inhibit polymerase chain reaction, from samples comprising nucleic acids. In particular, the technology is directed toward treating crude sample preparations, such as supernatants from homogenized stool samples, with insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to form PVP-assay inhibitor complexes, and filtration to separate the PVP-assay inhibitor complexes from the crude sample preparations to produce clarified samples that exhibit reduced assay inhibition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Exact Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Janelle J. Bruinsma, Hemanth D. Shenoi, Michael J. Domanico, James P. Light, II
  • Patent number: 9856516
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved methods for the isolation of genomic material and detection of disease related single nucleotide polymorphisms. In some aspects, these methods increase the total recovery of genomic DNA from buccal cell samples by improving cell lysis conditions. In other aspects, these methods allow for the reuse of patient buccal swab samples, reducing the likelihood of having to collect additional patient samples for re-testing. Finally, in some aspects, these methods increase the sensitivity of SNP detection using an improved real-time PCR assay protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: AVELLINO LABS USA, INC.
    Inventor: Connie Chao-Shern
  • Patent number: 9856517
    Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: LUMINEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steve Jia Chang Yu, Jesus Ching, Phillip You Fai Lee, David Hsiang Hu
  • Patent number: 9856518
    Abstract: A nanopipette biosensor capable of detecting a small concentration of target molecules within a sample solution using optical detection methods. The biosensor includes a nanopipette that connects a nanocolloid reservoir containing a nanocolloid solution and a sample reservoir containing a sample solution, where the nanopipette is tapered at the end connected to the sample reservoir. The nanocolloid solution includes nanoparticles functionalized with probes specific to miRNA of the target molecules and reporters. During the detection process, the nanocolloids nanoparticles aggregate such that plasmonic hotspots are formed. These hotspots magnify the reporter signals produced when the probes hybridize with target molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Shoupeng Liu, Satyajyoti Senapati, Yunshan Wang, Yu Yan, Hsueh-Chia Chang
  • Patent number: 9856519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detection and quantification of individual target molecules in biomolecular samples. In particular, the invention relates to improved, stable nanoreporter probes that are capable of binding to and identifying target molecules based on the probes' uniquely detectable signal. Methods for identifying target-specific sequences for inclusion in the probes are also provided, as are methods of making and using such probes. Polynucleotide sequences of certain nanoreporter components are also provided. The probes can be used in diagnostic, prognostic, quality control and screening applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: NanoString Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippa Jane Webster, Timothy Dahl
  • Patent number: 9856520
    Abstract: Methods and system for the isolation and/or analysis of nucleic acids on a solid phase device comprising (i) incubating a nucleic acid sample with Dimethyl adipimidate (DMA) on said solid phase under conditions that allow formation of a complex of the nucleic acid with the DMA; contacting the complex of (i) with said surface; and isolating and/or analyzing the nucleic acid of the complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Yong Shin, Mi Kyoung Park