Curtis L Atkin

Title: Innovations of Inventor Curtis L Atkin in Mycoplasma Research

Introduction

Curtis L Atkin, an inventor based in Salt Lake City, UT, is recognized for his significant contributions to the field of microbiology and immunology. With a portfolio of six patents, Atkin has focused on the study of Mycoplasma arthritidis and its implications for autoimmune diseases.

Latest Patents

Among Atkin's latest patents includes a method of purifying Mycoplasma arthritidis T-cell mitogen, which is vital for understanding its biological properties. The patent details how a preparation of Mycoplasma arthritidis mitogen (MAM) is purified to achieve electrophoretic and sequence homogeneity. This meticulous process led to the determination of the N-terminal 54 amino acids of MAM. Atkin’s research includes the creation of a synthetic peptide that inhibits MAM-induced cell proliferation in vitro. The sequencing efforts resulted in the revelation of a 1107 bp DNA fragment that contains the MAM gene, discovered to produce a biologically active protein that shares homologies with various superantigens and retrovirus proteins. This discovery holds potential for developing strategies for blocking or immunizing against autoimmune diseases.

Another important patent involves the molecular cloning of the gene encoding the superantigen Mycoplasma arthritidis T-cell mitogen. Atkin employed site-directed mutagenesis to modify UGA codons in the gene so that it can be expressed in standard expression systems, yielding biologically active recombinant MAM proteins. He also outlined a method for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis utilizing recombinant MAM protein through an ELISA assay.

Career Highlights

Curtis L Atkin is associated with the University of Utah Research Foundation, where he has dedicated his efforts to advancing the understanding of mycoplasmal infections and autoimmune responses. His innovative approaches in molecular genetics and immunology have paved the way for new diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Atkin has worked alongside notable colleagues, including Robert L Stephen and Barry C Cole. These collaborations have been instrumental in enhancing the research outcomes and expanding the impact of their findings in the field.

Conclusion

Curtis L Atkin exemplifies the role of inventors in the realm of scientific research and innovation. His work on Mycoplasma arthritidis has not only contributed to the understanding of this pathogen but also provided invaluable insights into potential treatments for autoimmune diseases. His patents continue to influence the research landscape and demonstrate the importance of innovation in biomedical sciences.