Title: The Innovations of Shawn O'Connell
Introduction
Shawn O'Connell is a notable inventor based in the United States, recognized for his contributions to the field of taste perception and receptor biology. His work primarily focuses on the identification and characterization of taste receptors, which play a crucial role in how mammals perceive flavors.
Latest Patents
Shawn O'Connell has developed several significant patents, including "T1R Taste Receptors And Genes Encoding Same." This patent describes newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors and the genes and cDNA encoding these receptors. The invention outlines methods for isolating these genes and expressing the receptors, as well as techniques for representing taste perception in mammals. Additionally, it includes methods for generating novel molecules that elicit specific taste perceptions and for stimulating or blocking taste perception in mammals.
Another important patent is "T1R Hetero-Oligomeric Taste Receptors And Cell Lines That Express Said Receptors And Use Thereof For Identification Of Taste Compounds." This invention reveals that T1R receptors can assemble to form functional taste receptors. It highlights the co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3, which responds to umami taste stimuli, and T1R2 and T1R3, which responds to sweet taste stimuli. The patent also discusses the use of these hetero-oligomeric taste receptors in assays to identify compounds that respond to specific taste stimuli.
Career Highlights
Shawn O'Connell has made significant strides in the field of taste receptor research during his career. His work at Senomyx, Inc. has positioned him as a key figure in the exploration of taste perception and its underlying biological mechanisms. His innovative approaches have contributed to a deeper understanding of how taste receptors function and interact with various compounds.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Shawn O'Connell has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Jon Elliot Adler and Xiaodong Li. These collaborations have further enhanced the research and development of taste receptor technologies.
Conclusion
Shawn O'Connell's contributions to the field of taste receptor research have paved the way for advancements in understanding taste perception. His innovative patents and collaborative efforts continue to influence the scientific community and the food industry.