Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1993
Title: Gretchen Kirchner: Innovator in Bacterial Luciferase Reporting Systems
Introduction
Gretchen Kirchner is a notable inventor based in Jeffersonville, IN (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology, particularly in the development of innovative reporter systems for gene expression analysis.
Latest Patents
Gretchen Kirchner holds a patent for a fusion reporter gene for bacterial luciferase. This invention includes novel fusion reporter genes, fusion reporter proteins, and an improved reporter system for measuring the relative activity of a promoter sequence. The luxAB fusion gene, derived from the fusion of a luxA gene and a luxB gene from Vibrio harveyi, serves as a particularly useful reporter gene. The gene products of the luxA and luxB genes are the α- and β-subunits, respectively, of a bacterial luciferase. The fusion protein encoded by a luxAB fusion gene is a single active protein that exhibits luciferase activity. This reporter system allows for immediate and quantitative assessment of gene expression through real-time light measurements using intact cells, making it advantageous for assays in various cell types, including bacterial and yeast cells.
Career Highlights
Gretchen Kirchner is currently employed at Eli Lilly and Company, where she continues to advance her research and innovations in the field. Her work has the potential to significantly impact gene expression studies and related applications.
Collaborations
Gretchen has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Gary David Gustafson and Thomas D Ingolia, contributing to a dynamic research environment that fosters innovation.
Conclusion
Gretchen Kirchner's contributions to the field of molecular biology through her patented innovations exemplify the importance of creativity and collaboration in scientific research. Her work continues to pave the way for advancements in gene expression analysis.