Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2000-2001
Title: Innovations of Yanxiang Zhao in Transcription Factor Research
Introduction
Yanxiang Zhao is a prominent inventor based in New York, NY (US), known for her significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. She holds three patents that focus on the development and application of constitutively active transcription factors. Her work has implications for understanding cellular processes and potential therapeutic interventions.
Latest Patents
One of her latest patents is titled "Constitutively active transcription factors and their uses for identifying modulators of activity including dysproliferative cellular changes." This invention is directed towards constitutively active Stat proteins and methods for their preparation. The modified Stat proteins contain at least one cysteine residue that can interact with a corresponding cysteine residue on another modified Stat protein to form a dimer. These proteins are capable of binding to DNA and activating transcription without the need for tyrosine phosphorylation. Cell lines expressing the modified Stat protein exhibit a transformed phenotype and can form tumors in nude mice. The patent also describes methods for utilizing these modified Stat proteins to identify agents that can modulate Stat protein dimerization, transcriptional activity, and cellular transformation both in vitro and in vivo.
Another notable patent is related to the "Crystal of the core portion of a signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) protein." This invention provides a crystal of the core portion of the STAT protein in dimeric form, complexed with an 18-mer duplex DNA that contains a binding site for the STAT dimer. The crystal is of sufficient quality for X-ray crystallographic studies, and the invention includes methods for preparing these crystals. Additionally, it discloses the three-dimensional structure of the crystal and methods for using this structural information in drug discovery and development.
Career Highlights
Yanxiang Zhao is affiliated with The Rockefeller University, where she conducts her research. Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of transcription factors and their roles in cellular processes.
Collaborations
She has collaborated with notable scientists, including James E. Darnell, Jr. and Xiaomin Chen, contributing to the advancement of research in her field.
Conclusion
Yanxiang Zhao's innovative research and patents in the area of transcription factors highlight her role as a leading inventor in molecular biology. Her contributions have the potential to impact drug discovery and therapeutic strategies significantly.