Abstract: The disclosed invention provides methods and compositions for increasing terpenoid production, such as sesquiterpenoids, such as farnesene, in plant cells.

Abstract: Described is a method for generating conjugated dienes through a biological process. More specifically, the application describes a method for producing conjugated dienes (for example butadiene, isoprene or dimethylbutadiene) from light alkenols via enzymatic dehydration, in particular by making use of an alkenol dehydratase.

Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently produce alkanes, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of alkanes and related molecules. Other materials, methods, and compositions are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for enzyme replacement therapy using chemically modified species of human cystathionine ?-synthase (CBS) to treat homocystinuria and other related diseases and disorders.

Abstract: A mutant lysine decarboxylase is produced by replacing at least one of the amino-acids in the amino acid sequence shown in sequence ID No. 4 of the sequence listing with another amino-acid.

Abstract: Systems, compounds and methods for the conversion of C1 carbon compounds to higher carbon compounds useful for the generation of commodity compounds.

Abstract: Described is a method for generating isoprenol through a biological process. More specifically, described is a method for producing isoprenol from mevalonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of Caminibacter carbonic anhydrase in CO2 extraction, e.g., from flue gas, natural gas, biogas or ambient air. The Caminibacter carbonic anhydrases are especially well suited for these purpose due to their extreme thermostability.

Abstract: A potent complement regulator is disclosed. The complement regulator comprises a complement regulatory region connected by a flexible linker to a multifunctional binding region that enables binding to C3b activation/inactivation products and/or oxidation end products, as well as to polyanionic surface markers on host cells. An embodiment of the invention utilizes factor H SCRs 1-4 as the complement regulatory region and factor H SCRs 19 and 20 as the multi-functional binding region, linked together by a poly-Gly linker at least 12 residues in length. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the complement regulator and methods of using the complement regulator are also disclosed.

Abstract: Human cystathionine ?-synthase variants are disclosed, as well as a method to produce recombinant human cystathionine ?-synthase and variants thereof. More particularly, the role of both the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of human CBS has been studied, and a variety of truncation mutants and modified CBS homologs are described. In addition, a method to express and purify recombinant human cystathionine ?-synthase (CBS) and variants thereof which have only one or two additional amino acid residues at the N-terminus are described.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mutant, non-naturally occurring or transgenic plant cell comprising: (i) a polynucleotide comprising, consisting or consisting essentially of a sequence encoding a threonine synthase and having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3 or at least 87% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:4, or SEQ ID NO:5; (ii) a polypeptide encoded by any one of said polynucleotides set forth in (i); or (iii) a polypeptide having at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7 or SEQ ID NO:8; or (iv) a construct, vector or expression vector comprising the polynucleotide as set forth in (i).

Abstract: A method of improving the folding of an enzyme comprising a thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) binding domain, the method comprising: providing a nucleic acid encoding the enzyme comprising a TPP binding domain, in which one or more of the TPP binding domains in the enzyme monomer are replaced with a TPP binding domain from a thermostable TPP-binding protein, and expressing the nucleic acid under conditions that allow expression and folding of the enzyme. The enzyme may be pyruvate decarboxylase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pectate lyase variants exhibiting alterations relative to a parent enzyme exhibiting pectate lyase activity as its major enzymatic activity; to a method of producing such enzymes; and to methods for using such enzymes in the textile, detergent and cellulose fiber processing industries. Compared to the parent enzyme, the pectate lyase variants of the present invention exhibit improved stability in detergents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated, recombinant or synthetic polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide with protoilludene synthase activity and comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of a) SEQ ID Nos. 1 or 14 of the attached sequence listing; b) a nucleic acid sequence complementary to SEQ ID Nos. 1 or 14; c) nucleic acid sequences which hybridize under stringent conditions to the nucleic acid sequences defined in a) and b) or their complementary strands, as well as to the polypeptide encoded by the isolated polynucleotide, as well as a method for the production of melleolides employing the polynucleotide or polypeptide of the invention.

Abstract: A method of producing patchoulol and 7-epi-?-selinene by contacting at least one polypeptide with farnesyl phyrophosphate (fpp). The method may be carried out in vitro or in vivo to produce patchoulol and 7-epi-?-selinene, compounds which can be useful in the field of perfumery.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a 7-epizingiberene synthase, a chimeric gene comprising said nucleic acid molecule, vectors comprising the same, as well as isolated 7-epizingiberene synthase proteins themselves. In addition, transgenic plants and plant cells comprising a gene encoding a 7-epizingiberene synthase, optionally integrated in its genome, and methods for making such plants and cells, are provided. Especially Solanaceae plants and plant parts (seeds, fruit, leaves, etc.) with enhanced insect pest resistance are provided.

Abstract: The present invention features peptides, compositions, and related methods for treating gastrointestinal disorders and conditions, including but not limited to, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastrointestinal motility disorders, functional gastrointestinal disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenogastric reflux, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, functional heartburn, dyspepsia, visceral pain, gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (or colonic pseudo-obstruction), disorders and conditions associated with constipation, and other conditions and disorders are described herein. using peptides and other agents that activate the guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) receptor.

Abstract: A nitrile hydratase variant of the present invention comprises substitution of at least one amino acid with another amino acid to improve two or more properties of nitrile hydratase by substitution of one amino acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides autonomous replication sequences (ARSs) isolated from Nannochloropsis that support the replication of episomal DNA molecules (EDMs) in eukaryotic cells. The ARSs and EDMs provided herein can be used for expressing genes in organisms including algae and heterokonts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel valencene synthase, to a nucleic acid encoding such valencene synthase, to a host cell comprising said encoding nucleic acid sequence and to a method for preparing valencene, comprising converting farnesyl diphosphate to valencene in the presence of a valencene synthase according to the invention.

Abstract: Methods for the fermentive production of four carbon alcohols are provided. Specifically, butanol, preferably 2-butanol is produced by the fermentive growth of a recombinant bacteria expressing a 2-butanol biosynthetic pathway. The recombinant microorganisms and methods of the invention can also be adapted to produce 2-butanone, an intermediate in the 2-butanol biosynthetic pathways disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to host cells that produce compounds that are characterized as benzylisoquinolines, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof. The host cells comprise one, two or more heterologous coding sequences wherein each of the heterologous coding sequences encodes an enzyme involved in the metabolic pathway of a benzylisoquinoline, or its precursors or intermediates from a starting compound. The invention also relates to methods of producing the benzylisoquinoline, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof by culturing the host cells under culture conditions that promote expression of the enzymes that produce the benzylisoquinoline or precursors or intermediates thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions related to the engineering of a protein with L-cyst(e)ine degrading enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-?-lyase comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading L-cyst(e)ine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with L-cyst(e)ine using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to the engineering of an improved protein with methionine-?-lyase enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-?-lyase (CGL) comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading methionine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with methionine depletion using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon synthase gene encoding protein having excellent capacity to synthesize a hydrocarbon such as alkane and novel functions is provided. The gene encodes a protein comprising an amino acid sequence comprising a motif sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and having activity of synthesizing a hydrocarbon with a carbon number one less than that of an aldehyde compound from the aldehyde compound.

Abstract: Methods for the fermentive production of four carbon alcohols are provided. Specifically, butanol, preferably 2-butanol is produced by the fermentive growth of a recombinant bacteria expressing a 2-butanol biosynthetic pathway. The recombinant microorganisms and methods of the invention can also be adapted to produce 2-butanone, an intermediate in the 2-butanol biosynthetic pathways disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides means useful for establishing an excellent isoprene monomer production system. Specifically, the present invention provides a polynucleotide of the following (a), (b), or (c): (a) a polynucleotide comprising (i) the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1, or (ii) the nucleotide sequence consisting of the nucleotide residues at positions 133 to 1785 in the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1; (b) a polynucleotide that comprises a nucleotide sequence having 90% or more identity to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; or (c) a polynucleotide that hybridizes under a stringent condition with a polynucleotide consisting of a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; and the like.

Abstract: Fatty acid 13-hydroperoxide lyase proteins which have been modified with respect to a previously described guava 13-hydroperoxide lyase and the nucleic acid sequences encoding these proteins. Also, recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing the modified 13-hydroperoxide lyases and methods of using such lyases in the field of organic synthesis.

Abstract: A group of bacterial dihydroxy-acid dehydratases having a [2Fe-2S] cluster was discovered. Bacterial [2Fe-2S] DHADs were expressed as heterologous proteins in bacteria and yeast cells, providing DHAD activity for conversion of 2,3-dihydroxyisovalerate to ?-ketoisovalerate or 2,3-dihydroxymethylvalerate to ?-ketomethylvalerate. Isobutanol and other compounds may be synthesized in pathways that include bacterial [2Fe-2S] DHAD activity.

Abstract: Provided herein are diterpene synthases (diTPS) and methods for producing diterpenoids. Also provided herein are nucleic acid sequences encoding diTPS, diTPS amino acid sequences, diTPS proteins, vectors, cells, transgenic organisms, uses, compositions, methods, processes, and kits thereof.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polypeptide which can be isolated from the Brassicaceae family and which has at least the activity of a hydroxynitrile lyase (HNL). The hydroxynitrile lyase of the invention is the first HNL from the Brassicaceae family. The plants (Arabidopsis) from which this enzyme or its gene is isolated is also described as non-cyanogenic. All HNL-containing plants described so far are cyanogenic plants and so it has until now been assumed that only cyanogenic plants contain hydroxynitrile lyases. Surprisingly, it transpires that a polypeptide (AtHNL) of the invention is (R)-selective. The amino acid sequence gives a theoretical molecular weight of 29.2 kDa for the AtHNL subunit. The calculated molecular mass of the protein of approximately 30 kDa can be confirmed by SDS gel electrophoresis.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for the reduction of oxalate in humans, and methods for the purification and isolation of recombinant oxalate reducing enzyme proteins. The invention provides methods and compositions for the delivery of oxalate-reducing enzymes in particle compositions. The compositions of the present invention are suitable in methods of treatment or prevention of oxalate-related conditions.

Abstract: A method, process, apparatus, use and formulation for dual biocatalytic conversion of CO2 containing gas into carbon containing bio-products by enzymatic hydration of CO2 into bicarbonate ions in the presence of carbonic anhydrase and metabolic conversion of the bicarbonate ions into carbon containing bio-products in a biological culture. The dual biocatalytic conversion may be relatively constant with controlling a feeding of the bicarbonate ions to the biological culture in accordance with demands of the biological culture by retaining over-production of bicarbonate ions and feeding part of the over-production to the biological culture in accordance with nutrient demands of the biological culture. Bicarbonate ions may also be reconverted to generate a pure CO2 gas stream. The CO2 containing gas may be derived from operations of a power plant which receives a carbon-containing fuel for combustion, and the biological culture may be an algae culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated process, which comprises a single cell oil production process, and a pulp and/or paper industry process. The process comprises that in the single cell oil production process is used a microorganism capable of producing lipids or lipids and enzymes when cultivated on a medium comprising organic material from pulp and/or paper industry. Lipids or lipids and enzymes are produced by said microorganisms in the single cell oil production process and/or in a process connected into it. The present invention relates also to use of lipids produced in the process as biofuel or as a component of biofuel or as a starting material for biofuel production and use of enzymes produced in the lipid production process in pulp and/or paper industry or in other applications as an enzyme preparation or as a source of enzymes.

Abstract: Methods and constructs are provided for controlling processes in live animals, plants or microbes via genetically engineered near-infrared light-activated or light-inactivated proteins including chimeras including the photosensory modules of bacteriohytochromes and output modules that possess enzymatic activity and/or ability to bind to DNA, RNA, protein, or small molecules. DNA encoding these proteins are introduced as genes into live animals, plants or microbes, where their activities can be turned on by near-infrared light, controlled by the intensity of light, and turned off by near-infrared light of a different wavelength than the activating light. These proteins can regulate diverse cellular processes with high spatial and temporal precision, in a nontoxic manner, often using external light sources.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides useful in ameliorating GAD-associated autoimmune disease as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the peptides are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are valencene synthase polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding the valencene synthases, host cells containing the nucleic acids and methods for producing products whose production is catalyzed by the polypeptides. Also provided are methods for producing valencene and nootkatone.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one isoprene synthase enzyme with improved catalytic activity and/or solubility. In particular, the present invention provides variant plant isoprene synthases for increased isoprene production in microbial host cells. Biosynthetically produced isoprene of the present invention finds use in the manufacture of rubber and elastomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to cells, nucleic acids, and enzymes, the use thereof for producing sophorolipids, and methods for producing sophorolipids.

Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into compounds such as esters and fatty acids. In certain embodiments, the compounds produced are secreted into the medium used to culture the organisms.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compositions capable of use in the treatment of spinal cord injuries and related disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), and in particular, compositions including proteoglycan degrading molecules and compositions capable of blocking and/or over coming the activity of neuronal growth inhibitory molecules, as well as fusion proteins which includes a proteoglycan degrading domain and a domain capable of blocking and or over coming the activity of neuronal growth inhibitory molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to sesquiterpene synthases and methods for their production and use. Particularly, the invention provides nucleic acids comprising the nucleotide sequence of citrus valencene synthase (CVS) which codes for at least one CVS. The invention further provides nucleic acids comprising the nucleotide sequence coding for amino acid residues forming the tier 1 and tier 2 domains of CVS. The invention also provides for methods of making and using the nucleic acids and amino acids of the current invention.

Abstract: Plants of the Cucurbitaceae family and seeds of such plants with an androecious phenotype, whereas this sexual type is not natural in the plants, and the use of the plants and of the plant seeds of the invention. Moreover, the nucleic acid sequence responsible for androecy in the plants of the invention and on the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid sequence. Finally, methods of identifying the plants and the seeds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various open reading frames from a strain of E. coli responsible for neonatal meningitis (MNEC), and a subset of these that is of particular interest for preparing compositions for immunising against MNEC infections.

Abstract: A microorganism genetically modified for the bioproduction of 1,3-propanediol from sucrose, wherein the microorganism includes: a two-step metabolic pathway for the production of 1,3-propanediol, including a first step of decarboxylation of 4-hydroxy-2-ketobutyrate with an enzyme having a 2-keto acid decarboxylase activity, and a second step of reduction of the obtained 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde with an enzyme having hydroxy aldehyde reductase activity, and genes enabling the microorganism to utilize sucrose as sole carbon source. A method for the biological preparation of 1,3-propanediol by fermentation, including cultivating said microorganism genetically modified, wherein the culture is performed in an appropriate medium including a source of sucrose, and recovering the 1,3-propanediol being produced.

Abstract: Provided are labdenediol diphosphate synthase polypeptides, sclareol synthase polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding the labdenediol diphosphate synthase polypeptides and sclareol synthase polypeptides, and methods of using the labdenediol diphosphate synthase polypeptides, sclareol synthase polypeptides. Also provided are methods for producing labdenediol diphosphate, sclareol and (?)-ambroxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified ethylenediamine-N,N?-disuccinate:ethylenediamine lyase. The present invention also provides a protein that comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1; or a protein that comprises an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 by deletion, substitution, or addition of one or more amino acid residues, and has an ethylenediamine-N,N?-disuccinate:ethylenediamine lyase activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery of a novel Chondroitinase Glycoproteins (CHASEGPs), methods of manufacture, and potential uses in conditions where removal of chondroitin sulfates may be of therapeutic benefit. Chondroitinase Glycoproteins require both a substantial portion of the catalytic domain of the CHASEGP polypeptide and asparagine-linked glycosylation for optimal chondroitinase activity. The invention also includes carboxy-terminal deletion variants of CHASEGP that result in secreted variants of the protein to facilitate manufacture of a recombinant CHASEGP. Further described are suitable formulations of a substantially purified recombinant CHASEGP glycoprotein derived from a eukaryotic cell that generate the proper glycosylation required for its optimal activity. CHASEGP is useful for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans under clinical conditions where their removal is of therapeutic value.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid aptamers binding specifically to factor H, to a method for obtaining same, and to the uses thereof, in particular for the purposes of purifying factor H.