Patricia Ann Owens Merlo

Title: Patricia Ann Owens Merlo: Innovator in Plant Functional Genomics

Introduction

Patricia Ann Owens Merlo is a distinguished inventor based in Carmel, IN (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of plant functional genomics, with a focus on enhancing gene expression in plants. Her innovative work has led to the development of valuable technologies that can improve agricultural practices.

Latest Patents

Patricia holds 2 patents, including her latest inventions: the "Sugarcane bacilliform viral (SCBV) enhancer and its use in plant functional genomics." This patent describes the identification of a new enhancer sequence that has significant utility in plant functional genomics. The SCBV transcriptional enhancer has been shown to increase the rate of transcription from gene promoters, particularly in activation tagging experiments. A remarkable ten-fold increase in transcription was observed when a 4× array of the SCBV enhancer was placed upstream of a truncated form of the maize alcohol dehydrogenase minimal promoter. The patent also details methods of using the SCBV transcriptional enhancer, as well as chimeric transcription regulatory regions, constructs, cells, tissues, and organisms that incorporate one or more copies of the enhancer.

Career Highlights

Patricia is currently employed at Dow Agrosciences LLC, where she continues to advance her research in plant genomics. Her work has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions for enhancing crop productivity and resilience.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Patricia has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Cory M Larsen and Ronnie Hampton, Jr. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and expertise in the field of plant sciences.

Conclusion

Patricia Ann Owens Merlo is a pioneering inventor whose work in plant functional genomics has the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices. Her contributions, particularly through her patents, highlight the importance of innovation in addressing global food security challenges.