Ken Winter

Title: Ken Winter: Innovator in Eukaryotic Gene Research

Introduction

Ken Winter is a notable inventor based in Sunshine Canyon, Boulder, CO (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the identification of eukaryotic growth-related genes. With a total of 2 patents, his work has advanced our understanding of genetic regulation in eukaryotic organisms.

Latest Patents

Ken Winter's latest patents focus on the identification of eukaryotic growth-related genes and promoter isolation. One of his key inventions includes a polynucleotide encoding chitin synthase (CHS1), an enzyme that is essential for cell wall synthesis and yeast cell growth. Additionally, he has described a maltose responsive promoter (MRP) that was isolated using a promoter library. This invention provides a vector for the isolation of a eukaryotic regulatory polynucleotide, which is crucial for identifying promoter regions. The method involves complementing the growth of an auxotrophic host cell containing the vector, which includes a promoter region operably linked to a promoterless auxotrophic gene. The vector is introduced into the host cell chromosome through targeted integration, and a library of host cells with the integrated vector is also provided.

Career Highlights

Ken Winter has been associated with Millennium Pharmaceuticals Limited, where he has contributed to various innovative projects. His work has been instrumental in advancing the field of genetic research and biotechnology.

Collaborations

Ken has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Yigal Koltin and Perry Riggle, enhancing the impact of his research through teamwork and shared expertise.

Conclusion

Ken Winter's contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in eukaryotic gene research, have been significant. His innovative patents and collaborations reflect his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and technology.