Steve Kain

Title: Steve Kain: Innovator in Protein Engineering

Introduction

Steve Kain is a notable inventor based in Belmont, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of protein engineering, particularly through his work on rapidly degrading GFP-fusion proteins. With a total of 3 patents, Kain's innovations have advanced the understanding of gene expression and protein localization.

Latest Patents

One of Kain's latest patents focuses on rapidly degrading GFP-fusion proteins and methods of use. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is widely utilized as a reporter in determining gene expression and protein localization. This invention provides fusion proteins with a half-life of ten hours or less, with several embodiments having half-lives of four hours or less. These proteins are constructed by fusing C-terminal amino acids of the degradation domain of mouse ornithine decarboxylase (MODC), which contains a PEST sequence, to the C-terminal end of an enhanced variant of GFP (EGFP). The fluorescence intensity of the fusion protein in transfected cells is similar to that of EGFP, but the fusion protein, unlike EGFP, is unstable in the presence of cycloheximide. Specific mutations in the MODC region have resulted in mutants with varying half-lives, which are useful for a variety of purposes.

Career Highlights

Steve Kain is currently associated with Clontech Laboratories, Inc., where he continues to innovate in the field of biotechnology. His work has been instrumental in developing tools that enhance the study of cellular processes.

Collaborations

Kain collaborates with Xianqiang Li, contributing to advancements in protein research and development.

Conclusion

Steve Kain's contributions to the field of protein engineering through his patents and work at Clontech Laboratories, Inc. highlight his role as an influential inventor. His innovations in rapidly degrading GFP-fusion proteins are paving the way for new research possibilities in gene expression and protein localization.