Karen W Shannon

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Karen W. Shannon

Introduction

Karen W. Shannon is a prominent inventor based in Los Gatos, California. She has made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology, particularly in the area of mRNA amplification and nucleic acid labeling. With a total of 9 patents to her name, her work has had a profound impact on gene expression analysis and related applications.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is titled "Method for linear mRNA amplification." This invention provides methods for linearly amplifying mRNA to produce antisense RNA. In this method, mRNA is converted to double-stranded cDNA using a promoter-primer that has a poly-dT primer site linked to a promoter sequence. The resulting double-stranded cDNA is recognized by an RNA polymerase, which is then transcribed into antisense RNA in the presence of a reverse transcriptase. This innovative approach finds utility in various applications where the preparation of linearly amplified amounts of antisense RNA is desired. Additionally, she has developed "Methods and kits for indirect labeling of nucleic acids." This patent outlines methods and kits for labeling nucleic acids, which involve generating an oligonucleotide tagged nucleic acid and contacting it with a labeled oligonucleotide complementary to the tag. These methods and kits are particularly suited for gene expression analysis applications.

Career Highlights

Karen W. Shannon is currently employed at Agilent Technologies, Inc., where she continues to advance her research and development efforts. Her work has not only contributed to the scientific community but has also enhanced the capabilities of the company in the field of biotechnology.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Karen has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Paul K. Wolber and Peter G. Webb. These collaborations have further enriched her research and have led to innovative solutions in her field.

Conclusion

Karen W. Shannon's contributions to molecular biology through her patents and research at Agilent Technologies, Inc. highlight her role as a leading inventor in the industry. Her innovative methods for mRNA amplification and nucleic acid labeling continue to influence gene expression analysis and related fields.