Novation Pharmaceuticals, of New Westminster, Calif., has filed for a US Patent entitled, “Assay for identifying compounds which affect stability of mRNA.” The application relates to an assay for the identification of biologically active compounds, in particular to a reporter gene assay for the identification of compounds, which have an effect on mRNA stability. Specifically, the invention in the patent relates to a reporter gene expression system and cell lines comprising said expression system. The invention further relates to compounds which destabilize mRNA.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, of Irvine, Calif., has filed for a US patent on behalf of clients entitled, “Method for the controlled transport of magnetic beads and device for executing said method.” The application is related to a method and corresponding devices for controlled transport of magnetic beads between two positions. The magnetic beads are manipulated or transported by successively applying a series of local magnetic fields, which are generated by a single current-carrying structure, in which the current density is not constant. The invention mainly points to application in the domain of biochips and microarrays, for use in diagnostics, genetics, and molecular studies.
Novozymes Biotech, of Davis, Calif., has filed for a US patent entitled, “Methods for monitoring multiple gene expression.” The application relates to methods for monitoring differential expression of a plurality of genes in a first filamentous fungal cell relative to expression of the same genes in one or more second filamentous fungal cells using microarrays containing filamentous fungal-expressed sequenced tags. The present invention also relates to filamentous fungal-expressed sequenced tags and to computer-readable media and substrates that contain such expressed sequenced tags for monitoring the expression of a plurality of genes in filamentous fungal cells.
Mattingly, Stanger & Malur, of Alexandria, Va., has filed for a US patent on behalf of clients entitled, “Micro-particle array analysis system, micro-particle array kit, and chemical analysis method.” The application covers means for analyzing organism-related molecules, dealing with multi-item analysis, that are captured according to probe species, and for collecting according to the probe species. A magnetic micro-particle array is fixed with magnets that are configured with magnetic micro-particles in a capillary and with an array of glass beads to which DNA probes of different types from each other are immobilized. A syringe pump and a cross valve are operated to circulate a sample solution in the magnetic micro-particle array, which is reacted with probe DNAs on a glass bead with a probe. Subsequently, a washing solution is introduced to wash inside of the capillary. Next, respective beads are measured for fluorescence intensities. Furthermore, a particular bead is collected based on results of fluorescence measurement. Target molecules captured on a surface of the collected bead may be separated by heat-denaturation, which then may be subjected to next analysis.
The Trustees of Columbia University, of New York, have filed for a US patent entitled, “Method of preparing a protein array based on biochemical protein-protein interaction.” The application covers a method of pre-paring a protein array based on biochemical protein-protein interaction. An array of a first protein, which comprises a PDZ domain, is deposited on a substrate. A second protein, which comprises an amino acid sequence, is applied to the first protein array. The amino acid sequence of the second protein is bound to the PDZ domain of the first protein.
The Regents of the University of California, of Oakland, Calif., have filed for a US patent entitled, “Multiplex analysis of proteins.” The application covers several related methods for multiplexed detection of one or more post-translational modifications of a plurality of proteins. Methods for detecting one or more nucleic acid binding proteins are also provided. Use of such methods (e.g., methods of detecting phosphorylation of protein kinases) for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of disease is also included. Compositions, systems, and kits that relate to each of the methods are described in the filing.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, of Irvine, Calif., has filed for a US patent on behalf of clients entitled, “Determination of a general three-dimensional status of a cell by multiple gene expression analysis on microarrays.” The filing covers a tool for the easy interpretation of the changes occurring in a cell, being a three-dimensional complex and control system, by analyzing a limited number of data obtained by quantifying the intensity of the signals present on spots distributed in a two-dimensional surface. These signal intensities are related to the level of genes or gene products present in the cells, and after processing and data analysis provide an absolute or relative quantification of these genes and gene products present in the analyzed cell, tissue, or organisms.