Helene Laparra

Title: Helene Laparra: Innovator in Plant Biotechnology

Introduction

Helene Laparra is a notable inventor based in Neuchatel, Switzerland. She has made significant contributions to the field of plant biotechnology, particularly in the area of protein expression and flowering time regulation in plants. With a total of 2 patents, her work has the potential to impact agricultural practices and enhance crop production.

Latest Patents

One of Helene's latest patents focuses on "Plants with shortened time to flowering." This invention describes a mutant, non-naturally occurring or transgenic plant that exhibits reduced expression of the gene encoding Terminal Flower 1 (TFL1). The patent outlines the characteristics of the TFL1 gene and its variants, emphasizing the reduced expression or activity compared to control plants. Another significant patent relates to "Protein expression in plants," which addresses the large-scale production of recombinant polypeptides in whole plants. This invention utilizes a preselected combination of varieties and strains to enable the economical production of heterologous polypeptides in a short timeframe.

Career Highlights

Helene Laparra is currently employed at Philip Morris Products S.A. Her work at this company has allowed her to explore innovative solutions in plant biotechnology. Her research has contributed to advancements in the field, particularly in enhancing the efficiency of protein production in plants.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Helene has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Lucien Bovet and Simon Goepfert. These collaborations have fostered a productive environment for innovation and research in plant biotechnology.

Conclusion

Helene Laparra's contributions to plant biotechnology through her patents and research are noteworthy. Her work not only advances scientific understanding but also holds promise for practical applications in agriculture.