Abstract: The invention provides isolated Rad23 nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering Rad23 concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for introducing a DNA of interest into a genomic target site are provided. In particular, the methods and compositions involve the use of a combination of target sites for two site specific recombinases and expression of a chimeric recombinase with dual target site specificity. Thus, the compositions comprise novel site-specific recombinases with specificities to multiple target sites, and nucleotide sequences and expression cassettes encoding these recombinases or target sites. The methods involve transforming a eukaryotic cell having target sites for the novel recombinase with a DNA of interest that is flanked by corresponding target sites. Expression of the recombinase results in integration of the DNA of interest into the genome of the cell. The compositions and methods of the invention have use in the construction of stably transformed eukaryotic cells, and in particular, plant cells.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated maize Rad23 nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering maize Rad23 concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: Methods for the targeted integration of nucleotide sequences into a plant are provided. Transfer cassettes comprising nucleotide sequences of interest flanked by non-identical recombination sites are used to transform a plant comprising a target site. The target site contains at least a set of non-identical recombination sites corresponding to those on the transfer cassette. Exchange of the nucleotide sequences flanked by the recombination sites is effected by a recombinase.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence effectively expressing FLP recombinase in monocot plants, particularly in maize. Stable, transformed maize plants harboring a gene encoding FLP or harboring FRT nucleic acid sequences enable efficient site-directed recombination of nucleic acid sequences in a monocot's genome.

Abstract: Synthetic elements for enhancing expression of genes in plant cells are disclosed. These include a promoter with a "TATA to start" sequence containing 64% or greater GC content and an synthetic upstream element incorporating several OCS binding motifs and novel flanking sequences. Upstream activating regions (UARs) are also disclosed that can further increase the constitutive transcriptional activity when they are operably linked to said promoter and/or the synthetic upstream element. In particular, the nucleotide sequence of the UAR of the maize Ubi-1 gene is provided and its use in expression cassettes and vectors containing these promoter elements. Cells and plants transformed with these vectors are further provided. These include a transgenic sunflower expressing an exogenous oxalate oxidase gene at a high level under the transcriptional control of a recombinant promoter having at least one upstream activating region of the 35S CaMV promoter.

Abstract: A quantitative and functional DNA ligase assay is disclosed. The assay involves the disruption, using restriction enzymes, of a plasmid containing a reporter gene, followed by a ligation step performed in the presence of the biological sample being assayed for DNA ligase activity. The ligation reaction products are then subjected to a coupled transcription-translation reaction, and the extent of DNA ligation is then quantified.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence effectively expressing FLP recombinase in monocot plants, particularly in maize. Stable, transformed maize plants harboring a gene encoding FLP or harboring FRT nucleic acid sequences enable efficient site-directed recombination of nucleic acid sequences in a monocot's genome.