Aid to genetic sequencing leads to patent for Cypress man

A man from Cypress has received a U.S. patent for a new invention that could lead to improvements in genetic sequencing.

The patent describes new types of nucleotides (the molecules that make up DNA and RNA) and related products as well as how to deploy them in sequencing techniques. The inventors write that these methods will be useful in the detection of the rare but deadly genetic traits that can lead to inheritable disease.

The team named by the patent consists of Weidong Wu of Houston, Vladislav A. Litosh of Cypress, Brian P. Stupi of Houston and Michael L. Metzker of the River Oaks area of Houston. Its official number is 7,893,227. The patent was originally filed on Dec. 5, 2006, and approved on Feb. 22 of this year. Legal representation in the process was provided by Houston-based international law firm Fulbright & Jaworski LLP; the firm's offices are located at 1301 McKinney St., Suite 5100.

The patent's owner is listed as LaserGen Inc., whose offices can be found at 8052 El Rio Street in Houston. The company specializes in diagnostic genetic sequencing products designed to help manage common diseases.