Abstract: Provided are recombinant constructs comprising DNA sequences encoding enzymes effective in altering the biosynthesis and accumulation of sterol compounds and tocopherols in transgenic plants. Also provided are methods of using such constructs to produce transgenic plants, seeds of which contain elevated levels of sitostanol and/or sitostanol esters, and ?-tocopherol, as well as reduced levels of campesterol and campestanol and their corresponding esters. These seeds also contain the novel sterol brassicastanol. Oil obtained from seeds of such transgenic plants is also provided. This oil can be used to prepare food and pharmaceutical compositions effective in lowering the level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol in blood serum. In addition, novel DNA sequences encoding plant steroid 5?-reductases are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are constructs comprising sequences encoding 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase and at least one other sterol synthesis pathway enzyme. Also disclosed are methods for using such constructs to alter sterol production and content in cells, plants, seeds and storage organs of plants. Also provided are oils and compositions containing altered sterol levels produced by use of the disclosed constructs. Novel nucleotide sequences useful in the alteration of sterol production are also provided. Also provided are cells, plants, seeds and storage organs of plants comprising sequences encoding 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase, at least one other sterol synthesis pathway enzyme and at least one tocopherol synthesis enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides and includes nucleic acids, proteins and antibodies associated with novel genes in the MEP pathway. The invention further encompasses methods utilizing such molecules, for example in gene isolation, gene analysis and the production of transgenic plants. The present invention also includes transgenic plants modified to express proteins associated with the MEP pathway.

Abstract: Disclosed are constructs comprising sequences encoding 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase and at least one other sterol synthesis pathway enzyme. Also disclosed are methods for using such constructs to alter sterol production and content in cells, plants, seeds and storage organs of plants. Also provided are oils and compositions containing altered sterol levels produced by use of the disclosed constructs. Novel nucleotide sequences useful in the alteration of sterol production are also provided. Also provided are cells, plants, seeds and storage organs of plants comprising sequences encoding 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase, at least one other sterol synthesis pathway enzyme and at least one tocopherol synthesis enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are zinc finger proteins that bind to target sites in a plant gamma-tocopherol methyl transferase (GMT) gene; compositions comprising these GMT-targeted zinc finger proteins and methods of making and using such zinc finger proteins. Also disclosed are methods for modulating the alpha-tocopherol content in various plant organs, particularly seeds, in transgenic plants.

Abstract: Disclosed are constructs comprising sequences encoding 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase and at least one other sterol synthesis pathway enzyme. Also disclosed are methods for using such constructs to alter sterol production and content in cells, plants, seeds and storage organs of plants. Also provided are oils and compositions containing altered sterol levels produced by use of the disclosed constructs. Novel nucleotide sequences useful in the alteration of sterol production are also provided. Also provided are cells, plants, seeds and storage organs of plants comprising sequences encoding 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase, at least one other sterol synthesis pathway enzyme and at least one tocopherol synthesis enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides and includes nucleic acids, proteins and antibodies associated with novel genes in the MEP pathway. The invention further encompasses methods utilizing such molecules, for example in gene isolation, gene analysis and the production of transgenic plants. The present invention also includes transgenic plants modified to express proteins associated with the MEP pathway.