Laura Sheard

Title: Laura Sheard: Innovator in Targeted Protein Degradation

Introduction

Laura Sheard is a prominent inventor based in Seattle, WA. She has made significant contributions to the field of protein degradation, particularly through her innovative methods and compositions. Her work has implications for various applications in biotechnology and molecular biology.

Latest Patents

Laura Sheard holds a patent for "Methods and compositions for targeted protein degradation." This patent describes how coronatine enhances the binding of the JAZ1 degron to the F-box protein COI1. The analysis of the JAZ1 degron sequence has led to the identification of specific peptide sequences that bind COI1 with high affinity in the presence of coronatine. Crystal structure analysis has shown that coronatine and JA-Ile enhance the interaction between COI1 and JAZ1 by binding to a specific pocket on COI1. The attachment of JAZ1 peptide tags to a target protein in a non-plant cell expressing COI1 results in the degradation of the target protein upon the addition of a molecule that binds to the coronatine/JA-Ile binding pocket on COI1. This patent provides compositions, methods, and kits for targeted protein degradation.

Career Highlights

Laura is affiliated with the University of Washington, where she continues her research and development in the field of protein degradation. Her work is recognized for its potential to advance scientific understanding and practical applications in biotechnology.

Collaborations

Laura has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Ning Zheng and Ran Brosh, Sr. These collaborations have further enriched her research and contributed to the advancement of her innovative work.

Conclusion

Laura Sheard is a trailblazer in the field of targeted protein degradation, with her patent showcasing her innovative approach to biotechnology. Her contributions are paving the way for future advancements in the field.