Masashi Urabe

Title: Masashi Urabe: Innovator in Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors

Introduction

Masashi Urabe is a notable inventor based in Tochigi, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the production of adeno-associated viral vectors. His innovative work has implications for gene therapy and other medical applications.

Latest Patents

Masashi Urabe holds a patent for "AAV vectors produced in insect cells." This invention relates to the production of adeno-associated viral vectors in insect cells. The insect cells utilized in this process contain a first nucleotide sequence encoding the adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid proteins, with a non-ATG, suboptimal initiation codon for the translation of the AAV VP1 capsid protein. Additionally, the insect cells comprise a second nucleotide sequence with at least one AAV inverted terminal repeat (ITR) nucleotide sequence, a third nucleotide sequence with a Rep52 or Rep40 coding sequence, and a fourth nucleotide sequence with a Rep78 or Rep68 coding sequence. This invention also enhances the infectivity of the viral particles by altering the ratio of the viral capsid proteins.

Career Highlights

Masashi Urabe is associated with Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics B.V., where he continues to advance his research and development efforts. His work has positioned him as a key figure in the field of gene therapy, contributing to the understanding and application of viral vectors.

Collaborations

He has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Keiya Ozawa and Saskia Jacoba Petronella Haast. These collaborations have further enriched his research and expanded the impact of his inventions.

Conclusion

Masashi Urabe's contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly through his patent on AAV vectors, highlight his role as an innovator in the production of viral vectors. His work continues to influence advancements in gene therapy and related medical fields.