Location History:
- Nepean, CA (2004)
- Ottawa, CA (2007)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2004-2007
Title: Peijun Zhang: Innovator in Plant Biotechnology
Introduction
Peijun Zhang is a notable inventor based in Ottawa, Canada. He has made significant contributions to the field of plant biotechnology, particularly in the area of regulatory elements that influence gene expression in plants. With a total of 2 patents, his work has implications for agricultural advancements and genetic engineering.
Latest Patents
Zhang's latest patents focus on cryptic regulatory elements obtained from plants. One of his inventions involves T-DNA tagging with a promoterless β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene, which generates transgenic plants that express GUS activity specifically in developing seed coats or constitutively. His cloning and deletion analysis revealed that the promoter responsible for seed coat specificity is located in the plant DNA proximal to the GUS gene. This discovery demonstrates that the seed coat-specificity of GUS expression results from T-DNA insertion next to a cryptic promoter, which can be utilized to control gene expression in developing seed coats.
Another significant patent pertains to translational regulatory elements that mediate protein production within a host. These elements, derived from T1275 (tCUP), exhibit a high degree of similarity with members of the RENT family of repetitive elements. The translational regulatory elements disclosed in this patent can either increase or decrease the amount of protein produced within various host organisms, including plants, animals, yeast, fungi, and bacteria. This versatility opens new avenues for genetic engineering and protein production.
Career Highlights
Peijun Zhang is affiliated with Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food. His work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of gene regulation in plants, contributing to the development of innovative agricultural solutions.
Collaborations
Zhang has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Brian Miki and Jiro Hattori. Their combined expertise has further enriched the research and development efforts in plant biotechnology.
Conclusion
Peijun Zhang's innovative work in plant biotechnology, particularly in the area of regulatory elements, showcases his commitment to advancing agricultural science. His patents reflect a deep understanding of gene expression and its applications, making him a significant figure in the field.