Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1996
Title: The Innovations of Margaret Hsien-fen Kuh Lai
Introduction
Margaret Hsien-fen Kuh Lai is a notable inventor based in East Brunswick, NJ (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the area of genetic engineering. Her work has implications for the understanding and manipulation of sterol biosynthesis in yeast.
Latest Patents
Margaret holds a patent for a DNA sequence encoding sterol .DELTA.14 reductase. This invention involves isolating and cloning a gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is crucial for the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. The patent details the process of selecting strains that carry sequences on a 2.mu. based vector for resistance to morpholine fungicides, such as fenpropimorph. The research led to the identification of four distinct plasmid inserts that confer morpholine resistance, with one being characterized and sequenced. The isolated DNA sequence encodes a polypeptide that shows homology to the S. cerevisiae sterol C-24(28) reductase enzyme.
Career Highlights
Margaret is associated with the American Cyanamid Company, where she has contributed to various research projects. Her work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of sterol biosynthesis and its applications in biotechnology.
Collaborations
Margaret has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Donald R. Kirsch and Martin Bard. These collaborations have enriched her research and expanded the impact of her inventions.
Conclusion
Margaret Hsien-fen Kuh Lai's innovative work in genetic engineering and her patent on sterol .DELTA.14 reductase exemplify her contributions to biotechnology. Her research continues to influence the field and showcases the importance of genetic advancements in various applications.