Company Filing History:
2 out of 88 
1 out of 1 Years Active: 2004-2007
Title: Innovations by Elizabeth Foster
Introduction
Elizabeth Foster is a notable inventor based in Nepean, Canada. She has made significant contributions to the field of plant biotechnology, holding a total of 3 patents. Her work focuses on the genetic modification of plants to enhance their traits and functionalities.
Latest Patents
One of her latest patents involves the development of cryptic regulatory elements obtained from plants. This innovation utilizes T-DNA tagging with a promoterless β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene, which generates transgenic plants that express GUS activity specifically in developing seed coats or constitutively. The cloning and deletion analysis of the GUS fusion revealed that the promoter responsible for seed coat specificity is located in the plant DNA proximal to the GUS gene. This discovery is crucial for controlling gene expression in developing seed coats.
Another significant patent by Foster focuses on the modification of pollen coat protein composition. This invention outlines a method for expressing a gene of interest within the extracellular domain of a floral cell. The method involves preparing a construct that includes a promoter sequence, a translated sequence of the protein, and a terminator sequence, followed by transforming a plant. The resulting plants exhibit proteins or peptides localized on the surface of floral cells, which can be utilized for various applications, including mediating plant sterility and altering pollen for insect consumption.
Career Highlights
Elizabeth Foster has worked with esteemed organizations, including Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Eastern Cereal & Oilseed Research Center. Her work in these institutions has contributed to advancements in agricultural research and biotechnology.
Collaborations
Foster has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Brian Miki and Jiro Hattori, enhancing her research through shared expertise and innovative ideas.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Foster's contributions to plant biotechnology through her patents and collaborations highlight her role as a leading inventor in her field. Her work continues to influence agricultural practices and genetic research, paving the way for future innovations.