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 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 triphasic bioreactor and process for physico-chemically treating a gas includes a reaction chamber and its use with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. An enzymatic formulation for catalysis of the reaction CO2+H2O??HCO3?+H+ includes an aqueous medium, support particles in suspension in the aqueous medium and carbonic anhydrase supported by the support particles and present in an amount sufficient to catalyze the reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of microbial infections and for the enhancement of resistance to infection. The invention comprises administration of an effective amount of a protein isolated from bacterial lysate compositions for the treatment of pathological conditions of microbial infections. The present invention can also be used to enhance the immune system to prevent infections by the administration of an effective amount of the compositions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a DOI synthase having properties such as stability to heat and pH, which are superior to those of conventional enzymes, and a method for producing DOI using the above-mentioned enzyme. The present invention provides a 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose synthase having the properties described in the following (1), (2), (4), (6) and (7), and also having the properties described in the following (3) and/or (5): (1) action: the enzyme has a function to convert glucose-6-phosphate to 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose; (2) optimum pH range: pH 7.0 to 7.7; (3) stable pH range: pH 6.0 to 8.0; (4) optimum temperature range: 55° C. to 70° C.; (5) stable temperature range: 20° C. to 46° C.; (6) coenzyme used: NAD+; and (7) molecular weight: 39,000 to 42,000.

Abstract: A composition having an agent adapted to affect a multimeric protein by binding to a binding site of the multimeric protein and thereby affecting an equilibrium of units, wherein the multimeric protein has an assembly having a plurality of said units, wherein each of the units has a first complementary surface and a second complementary surface and wherein the first complementary surface of one unit is associated with the second complementary surface of another unit, provided that the assembly is at least one of different quaternary isoforms on a condition that in the multimeric protein (1) a structure of each of the units determines a structure of the different quaternary isoforms, (2) the units are in the equilibrium and (3) the structure of the different quaternary isoforms influences a function of the multimeric protein.

Abstract: A method is described for releasing a soluble or membrane associated intracellular protein of interest (POI) comprising the steps of: providing a cell comprising a soluble or membrane associated intracellular POI; contacting the cell with a membrane extracting composition; and causing the POI to be released from the cell under conditions sufficient for the specific release of the POI and in a soluble form.

Abstract: Oxalate decarboxylase crystals, including stabilized crystals, such as cross-linked crystals of oxalate decarboxylase, are disclosed. Methods to treat a disorder associated with elevated oxalate concentration using oxalate decarboxylase crystals are also disclosed. Additionally disclosed are methods of producing protein crystals.

Abstract: Genetically modified microorganisms that produce itaconic acid at high yields and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a hyaluronic acid, comprising: (a) cultivating a Bacillus host cell under conditions suitable for production of the hyaluronic acid, wherein the Bacillus host cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising a hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence operably linked to a promoter sequence foreign to the hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence; and (b) recovering the hyaluronic acid from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a hyaluronan synthase operon comprising a hyaluronan synthase gene and a UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase gene, and optionally one or more genes selected from the group consisting of a UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase gene, and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant CyaA/E570Q+K860 polypeptides suitable for use as proteinaceous vectors for delivering one or more molecules of interest into a cell, in particular into a cell expressing the COM receptor. The invention further relates to polypeptide derivatives suitable for eliciting an immune response in a host. The invention is more particularly directed to polypeptides derived from an adenylate cyclase protein (CyaA) either under the form of a toxin or of a toxoid, which are mutant polypeptides. Said mutant polypeptides are capable of retaining the binding activity of native CyaA to a target cell and preferably of also retaining the translocating activity of native CyaA through its N-terminal domain into target cells and furthermore have a pore-forming activity which is reduced or suppressed as compared to that of the native CyaA toxin.

Abstract: This invention relates to the nucleotide sequence of coryneform bacteria coding for proteins which are involved in L-serine metabolism with reduced and switched off L-serine dehydratase activity. The invention also relates to microorganisms used in methods for producing L-serine.

Abstract: A new strain Bacillus sp. P203 (Bacillus plakortiensis) is disclosed. Isolated mature functional polypeptide which is obtainable from the bacterium strain Bacillus sp. P203 deposited under accession number DSM 17419 are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved hydroxynitrile lyase characterized by having a mutation of substitution of at least one amino acid residue in the amino acid sequence of a wild-type hydroxynitrile lyase with another amino acid and by its hydroxynitrile lyase activity per transformant being higher than the hydroxynitrile lyase activity per transformant into which the wild-type hydroxynitrile lyase gene is introduced; and a method for producing a hydroxynitrile lyase, comprising expressing the improved hydroxynitrile lyase in a host and recovering the improved hydroxynitrile lyase from the resultant culture.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel tyrosinase protein and methods of use thereof. Specifically, the invention provides tyrosinase derived peptides and polynucleotides, and their ability to elicit an immune response and treat a melanoma.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel enzymes and novel methods for producing the same. More specifically this invention relates to a variety of fungal enzymes. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such enzymes, compositions, recombinant and genetically modified host cells, and methods of use are described. The invention also relates to a method to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material and novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass. The invention also relates to methods to use the novel enzymes and compositions of such enzymes in a variety of other processes, including washing of clothing, detergent processes, deinking and biobleaching of paper and pulp, and treatment of waste streams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for production of an enzyme product having a plurality of enzyme activities obtained by fermentation of an Aspergillus strain.

Abstract: An improved hydroxynitrile lyase characterized by having a mutation of substitution of at least one amino acid residue in the amino acid sequence of a wild-type hydroxynitrile lyase with another amino acid and by its hydroxynitrile lyase activity per transformant being higher than the hydroxynitrile lyase activity per transformant into which the wild-type hydroxynitrile lyase gene is introduced; and a method for producing a hydroxynitrile lyase, comprising expressing the improved hydroxynitrile lyase in a host and recovering the improved hydroxynitrile lyase from the resultant culture.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel enzymes and novel methods for producing the same. More specifically this invention relates to a variety of fungal enzymes. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such enzymes, compositions, recombinant and genetically modified host cells, and methods of use are described. The invention also relates to a method to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material and novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass. The invention also relates to methods to use the novel enzymes and compositions of such enzymes in a variety of other processes, including washing of clothing, detergent processes, deinking and biobleaching of paper and pulp, and treatment of waste streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel halohydrin dehalogenase polypeptides and the polynucleotides that encode them. These polypeptides are useful in the production of 4-substituted-3-butyric acid derivatives and vicinal cyano, hydroxyl substituted carboxylic acid esters. The invention also provides related vectors, host cells and methods.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance to and improving nitrogen utilization of bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a polypeptide that confers resistance or tolerance to herbicidal glutamine synthetase inhibitors are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated polynucleotides corresponding to herbicidal glutamine synthetase inhibitor-resistant polynucleotides are provided. Additionally, polypeptides corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated polynucleotides comprising a variant of SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the variant polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide that is resistant to inhibition by herbicidal glutamine synthetase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ?-class carbonic anhydrase polypeptides having improved properties including increased thermostability and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides formulations and uses of the polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and host cells capable of expressing them.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ?-class carbonic anhydrase polypeptides having improved properties including increased thermostability and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides formulations and uses of the polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and host cells capable of expressing them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a hyaluronic acid, comprising: (a) cultivating a Bacillus host cell under conditions suitable for production of the hyaluronic acid, wherein the Bacillus host cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising a hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence operably linked to a promoter sequence foreign to the hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence; and (b) recovering the hyaluronic acid from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a hyaluronan synthase operon comprising a hyaluronan synthase gene and a UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase gene, and optionally one or more genes selected from the group consisting of a UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase gene, and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase gene.

Abstract: A method for producing a plant with increased yield as compared to a corresponding wild type plant whereby the method comprises at least the following step: increasing or generating in a plant or a part thereof one or more activities selected from the group consisting of 17.6 kDa class I heat shock protein, 26.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having tyrosinase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of quinic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing quinic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme as well as conversion of quinic acid to hydroquinone are also provided.

Abstract: A new farnesene synthase was isolated from tomato. The farnesene synthase shows surprising properties with regard to the end products formed and its gene has, on a nucleotide level, low sequence identity with known farnesene synthase genes from other sources. The invention relates to isolated polynucleotides, polypeptides encoded by said polynucleotides, genetic constructs, vectors, hosts, in particular plants, harbouring such polynucleotides, polypeptides and genetic constructs, and seed derived from such plants.

Abstract: A mutated bacterial cell producing at least one heterologous polypeptide of interest, wherein said cell has a reduced expression-level of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 70% identical to the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, when compared with an otherwise isogenic but non-mutated cell; methods for producing said mutated cell; and methods for producing a polypeptide of interest using said mutated cell. SEQ ID NO: 2 represents a putative metalloprotease.

Abstract: The present invention provides proteins/genes, which are essential for survival, and consequently, for virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in vivo, and thus are ideal vaccine candidates for a vaccine preparation against pneumococcal infection. Further, also antibodies against said protein(s) are included in the invention.

Abstract: Methods and materials related to producing 3-HP as well as other organic compounds are disclosed. Specifically, isolated nucleic acids, polypeptides, host cells, and methods and materials for producing 3-HP and other organic compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing a plant with altered seed yield, the methods comprising transformation of a plant with a genetic construct including a polynucleotide encoding of a polypeptide with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a variant or fragment thereof. The method also provides isolated polypeptides, polynucleotides, constructs and vectors useful for producing a plant with altered seed yield. The method also provides plant cell and plants transformed to contain and express the polypeptides, polynucleotides and constructs. The invention also provides plants produced by methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on our discovery of compositions and methods that can be used to systemically deplete arginine and thereby treat arginine-dependent cancers. Our studies indicate that administering a composition that depletes arginine directly to the patient's small intestine will provide effective treatment for arginine-dependent cancers. Moreover, the methods can be carried out in such a way that various sources of arginine are restricted and side effects are minimized. For example, to deplete arginine, one can not only administer an arginine-depleting enzyme directly to the intestinal lumen but can also inhibit endogenous production of arginine, reduce arginine production by intestinal bacteria and limit arginine intake. To minimize side effects, one can inhibit protein breakdown, which may occur as a compensatory mechanism, provide systemic NO from a nitric oxide donor, provide a pressor peptide, and/or provide prostacycline or an analog thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD). More specifically, novel DNA and protein sequences relating to GAD. Additionally, the invention discloses a novel composition and related methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and the like, using viral and non-viral delivery systems that deliver therapeutic agents to specific regions of the brain. More specifically, using an adeno-associated viral vector to deliver a nucleotide sequence encoding a novel glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) to specific regions of the brain that are over stimulated or disinhibited in various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the polynucleotide sequence of a nontypeable stain of Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and uses thereof. The invention also relates to NTHi genes which are upregulated during or in response to NTHi infection of the middle ear and/or the nasopharynx.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polypeptides having pectate lyase (pectinase) activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as pectate lyases to catalyze the beta-elimination or hydrolysis of pectin and/or polygalacturonic acid, such as 1,4-linked alpha-D-galacturonic acid. The invention provides methods of treating fibers, fabrics or any pectate- or polygalacturonic acid-comprising material using one or more pectate lyases of the invention.

Abstract: Using site-directed mutagenesis to mutate the Xanthomonas campestris pectate lyase gene, variants of Xanthomonas campestris pectate lyase with improved thermostability and/or enzymatic activity have been expressed in Escherichia coli, and then isolated and purified. The mutant Xanthomonas campestris pectate lyases are more effective than the wild-type enzyme, also expressed in E. coli, in removing pectic compounds from natural hemp fiber.

Abstract: A method of producing ?-santalene by contacting at least one polypeptide with farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP). This method may be carried out in vitro or in vivo to produce ?-santalene, a very useful compound in the fields of perfumery and flavoring. The present invention also provides the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide useful in the method of the invention. A nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide of the invention and an expression vector containing the nucleic acid are also disclosed, along with a non-human host organism or a cell transformed to be used in the method of producing ?-santalene.

Abstract: 4-(Indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate, which is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of monatin, may be synthesized from indole pyruvic acid and pyruvic acid (and/or oxalacetic acid) by using a novel aldolase derived from the genus Pseudomonas, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, or Xanthomonas.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a substance which can be used as an active ingredient for improving neuropathic pain having a novel mechanism of action different from those of currently available agents and, therefore, provide an improving agent for neuropathic pain which rarely interacts with currently available agents and also does not have adverse reactions similar to those of currently available agents. An improving agent for neuropathic pain due to a hyperalgesic response of the present invention as a means for resolution is characterized by comprising, as an active ingredient, a lyase (an elimination enzyme) which has an activity of degrading a chondroitin sulfate chain of a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, and is typified by chondroitinase ABC which selectively removes chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate of a proteoglycan.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating plant development are provided. Nucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences encoding ACC Synthase 3 (ACS3) proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in a variety of methods including modulating development, modulating response to stress, and modulating stress tolerance of a plant. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacteria that hyperproduces amylase enzyme and protease enzyme. The strain is also suitable for producing lipase for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils. The strain also has excellent fungicidal and/or fungistatic qualities. The strain of the present disclosure and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, and among other things, baking applications.

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: Described are polynucleotides encoding a caryophyllene synthase. Also described are recombinant nucleic acid molecules and vectors comprising said polynucleotide as well as to host cells genetically engineered with said polynucleotides. Further described are caryophyllene synthase polypeptides encoded by said polynucleotides as well as binding molecules specifically recognizing said polypeptide. Additionally, described are transgenic plant cells, plant tissues and plants genetically engineered with the caryophyllene synthase-encoding polynucleotide, corresponding methods for the production of said transgenic plant cells, plant tissues and plants and corresponding uses and methods using said polynucleotide for establishing or enhancing resistance against a herbivore, preferably a root-damaging insect in plants, particularly resistance against the corn rootworm in maize plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for using positively and negatively selectable genes in a filamentous fungal cell to delete, disrupt, or insert a gene in a filamentous fungal cell.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing isobutanol. In an embodiment, the method includes providing a microorganism transformed with an isobutanol producing pathway containing at least one exogenous gene. The microorganism is selected to produce isobutanol from a carbon source at a yield of at least 10 percent theoretical. The method includes cultivating the microorganism in a culture medium containing a feedstock providing the carbon source, until isobutanol is produced. The method includes recovering the isobutanol. In one embodiment, the microorganism is a yeast with a Crabtree-negative phenotype. In another embodiment, the microorganism is a yeast microorganism with a Crabtree-positive phenotype. There is disclosed a microorganism for producing isobutanol. In an embodiment, the microorganism includes an isobutanol producing pathway containing at least one exogenous gene, and is selected to produce a recoverable quantity of isobutanol from a carbon source at a yield of at least 10 percent theoretical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid fragments encoding amino acid sequences for organic acid biosynthetic enzymes in plants, and the use thereof for the modification of, for example, organic acid biosynthesis and secretion in plants. In particularly preferred embodiments, the invention relates to the combinatorial expression of citrate synthase (CS) and/or malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and/or phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) in plants to modify, for example, organic acid synthesis and secretion.

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: 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 homologues 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: Nucleic acid sequences coding for the chondroitinase ABC gene and isolated chondroitinase ABE protein produced in a host cell transformed with a nucleic acid vector directing the expression of a nucleotide sequence coding for chondroitinase ABE protein described. Chondroitinase ABC prepared by chemical synthesis also described. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies which are specifically reactive with chondroitinase ABC protein are disclosed. The isolated chondroitinase ABC can be used in methods of treating intervertebral disc replacement, promoting neurite regeneration, and detecting galactosaminoglycans.