This inventor holds 3 USPTO granted patents. Top assignee: Washington State University. Active years: 1995-2000.
Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile
Location History:
- Pullman, WA (US) (1995)
- Seattle, WA (US) (1999 - 2000)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1995-2000
Title: The Innovative Contributions of Barry F. McGurl
Introduction
Barry F. McGurl is a prominent inventor based in Seattle, WA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of plant biology, particularly in understanding plant defense mechanisms. With a total of 3 patents, his work has paved the way for advancements in agricultural science.
Latest Patents
One of McGurl's latest patents involves the discovery of Systemin, an 18 amino acid peptide hormone that is the first polypeptide hormone identified in plants. This hormone plays a crucial role in inducing the expression of defense genes in plants that have been wounded mechanically or attacked by predators, including herbivores, insects, bacteria, and viruses. The precursor for Systemin is a 200 amino acid prosystemin molecule, which contains the Systemin peptide sequence near its carboxyl-terminus. McGurl's research includes cloning both a 951 bp cDNA for prosystemin and 4526 bp of genomic DNA, allowing for a detailed understanding of the gene's organization. His findings indicate that transgenic plants constructed with antisense prosystemin DNA do not mount a defensive response to wounding. Conversely, plants with an increased copy number of prosystemin genes show enhanced resistance to wounding, and insect larvae feeding on these transgenic plants exhibit decreased growth compared to those feeding on wild-type plants.
Career Highlights
Barry F. McGurl is affiliated with Washington State University, where he continues to conduct research and contribute to the scientific community. His innovative work has garnered attention and respect within the field of plant biology.
Collaborations
McGurl has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Gregory L. Pearce and Clarence A. Ryan, further enhancing the impact of his research through teamwork and shared expertise.
Conclusion
Barry F. McGurl's contributions to the understanding of plant defense mechanisms through his innovative research on Systemin highlight the importance of his work in the field of plant biology. His patents and collaborations continue to influence agricultural science and plant research.
Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile