Transformants Patents (Class 435/257.2)
  • Patent number: 8759058
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hydrogen production for use in fuel cells, foodstuffs and chemical production, and more particularly, to biologically and photosynthetically produced hydrogen. Specifically, disclosed is a method for producing bacteria and green alga that can produce hydrogen in quantities that exceed four hundred percent of the hydrogen produced by green alga in nature; thus, producing organisms which can serve as hydrogen generators for fuel cells, chemical production and numerous other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Plummer, Mark Plummer
  • Patent number: 8759067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to potato virus NIa protease variants or fragments thereof, polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen Chi, Michael Hunter, Ronald Swanson
  • Publication number: 20140170732
    Abstract: From a bacterial strain isolated from an environmental sample, after enrichment in medium containing 1-butanol as the carbon source, a new enzyme with butanol dehydrogenase activity was identified. The enzyme can convert butyraldehyde to 1-butanol, isobutyraldehyde to isobutanol, as well as 2-butanone to 2-butanol and thus is useful for biosynthesis of butanol in recombinant microbial hosts producing these substrates. The encoding gene, named sadB, was isolated from the strain identified as an isolate of Achromobacter xylosoxidans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BUTAMAX ADVANCED BIOFUELS LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Bramucci, Andrew C. Eliot, Lori Ann Maggio-Hall, Charles E. Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140173777
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of elevating lipid content in vegetative (non-seed) plant or algae cells, plant tissues, or whole plants by genetically modifying the plant or algae to express a lipid droplet-associated protein or polypeptide (such as fat-specific protein 27) of mammalian origin. Also provided are genetically-modified plant or algae cells, plant tissues, or whole plants with elevated cellular lipid content, expressing a lipid droplet-associated protein or polypeptide (such as fat-specific protein 27) of mammalian (e.g. human) origin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS, BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vishwajeet PURI, Kent CHAPMAN, Christopher JAMES
  • Patent number: 8753837
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photobiological ethanol production and harvesting technology using greenhouse distillation systems with designer photosynthetic organisms, such as designer transgenic oxyphotobacteria. The designer oxyphotobacteria are created such that the endogenous photobiological regulation mechanism is tamed, and the reducing power (NADPH) and energy (ATP) acquired from the photosynthetic process are used for synthesis of ethanol (CH3CH2OH) directly from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The designer use of a pair of NADPH-dependent vs. NAD-dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases in the pathway designs offers a special cyclic “transhydrogenase” redox-shuttle function to convert NADPH to NADH for enhanced photobiological ethanol production. Through combined use of a designer photosynthetic organism with a greenhouse distillation system, the waste solar heat associated with the photobiological ethanol-production process is utilized in harvesting the produced ethanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: James Weifu Lee
  • Publication number: 20140162329
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) genes comprising Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domains. The present invention also provides for recombinant cells, such as algae, transformed with acyltransferase genes, such as DGAT, comprising PH domains, and methods of using such recombinant cells to produce increased triglyceride levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Jennifer Coppersmith, Rekha Seshadri, Toby Howard Richardson
  • Publication number: 20140162330
    Abstract: Described herein are engineered microalgae that exhibit enhanced lipid production during exponential growth. Such engineered microalgae are useful, for example, for the production of biofuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: J. CRAIG VENTER INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Andrew Allen, Christopher Lee Dupont
  • Publication number: 20140162322
    Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, compositions and methods for the biological production of pentose sugars, such as 2-methylerythritol (2-ME), 1-deoxyxylulose (1-DX), and monoacetylated-2-C-methylerythritols, using recombinant cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: DANISCO US INC.
    Inventors: Joseph C. MCAULIFFE, Rachel E. MUIR
  • Publication number: 20140154762
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a genetically enhanced cyanobacterium producing a first chemical compound comprising: a genetically enhanced genome with a first gene inactivation in a first essential or conditionally essential gene of the cyanobacterium, and a first extrachromosomal plasmid harboring the first essential or conditionally essential gene and at least one first production gene for production of the first chemical compound, wherein the cyanobacterium lacks a functional gene conferring biocide resistance. These cyanobacteria can produce a first valuable chemical compound in long-term cultures without the need to employ genes conferring biocide resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: ALGENOL BIOFUELS INC.
    Inventors: Ulf DUEHRING, James LEE, Kerstin BAIER
  • Publication number: 20140154806
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel promoter and terminator sequences for use in gene expression in eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells. The invention further provides expression cassettes comprising a promoter, as described herein, operably linked to a gene. The invention further provides expression vectors and host eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells, for expressing a protein encoded by the gene; and methods for stably transforming eukaryotic algae such as Tetraselmis with transgenes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Jane C. Schneider, Soyan Lieberman, Bo Liu, Eric R. Moellering, John H. Verruto, Amanda Skaggs
  • Publication number: 20140154707
    Abstract: Transformed Phaeodactylum tricornutum including a nucleic acid sequence operatively linked to a promoter, wherein the nucleic acid sequence encodes an N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I and/or an ?-Mannosidase II and wherein at least one ?-N-acetylglucosaminidase of the transformed Phaeodactylum tricornutum has been inactivated. A method for producing a glycosylated polypeptide includes the steps of (i) culturing a transformed P. tricornutum as defined previously and (ii) purifying the polypeptide that is expressed and glycosylated in the transformed P. Tricornutum. The use of such a transformed P. tricornutum for producing a glycosylated polypeptide is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE DE ROUEN, L'INSTITUT FRANCAIS DE RECHERCHE POUR L'EXPLOITATION DE LA MER (IFREMER), ALGENICS
    Inventors: Muriel Bardor, Romain Louvet, Bruno Saint-Jean, Carole Burel, Berangere Baiet, Jean-Paul Cadoret, Patrice Lerouge, Remy Michel, Aude Carlier
  • Publication number: 20140154732
    Abstract: The invention provides method and compositions to minimize the chlorophyll antenna size of photosynthesis by decreasing TLA1 gene expression, thereby improving solar conversion efficiencies and photosynthetic productivity in plants, e.g., green microalgae, under bright sunlight conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Anastasios MELIS, Mautusi MITRA
  • Publication number: 20140154740
    Abstract: The present invention provides Nannochloropsis consensus Kozak sequences for use in protein expression in eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells. The invention further provides expression constructs, expression cassettes, cloning or expression vectors and host eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells, and methods for expressing proteins of interest which take advantage of the consensus Kozak sequences as described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Peter DeHoff, Leah Soriaga
  • Publication number: 20140157459
    Abstract: Involved is pesticidal gene and use thereof, the nucleotide sequence of the pesticidal gene comprises: (a) a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 3; or (b) a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; or (c) an isocoding sequence of (a) or (b) which is not the nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID: 22 or SEQ ID NO: 26; or (d) a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes with the nucleotide sequence as shown in (a), (b) or (c) under stringency conditions and encodes a protein having pesticidal activity. The pesticidal gene of present application is particularly suitable for expression in monocotyledonae and notably increases the expression level, stability and virulence of pesticidal protein Vip3A. At the same time, in present application, Sesamia inferens is controlled by the Vip3A protein having pesticidal activity against Sesamia inferens, which is produced in the plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicants: Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co., Ltd., Beijing Green Agrosino Plant Protection Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co., Ltd. , Biotech Center
    Inventors: Chao HAN, Jie Pang, Derong Ding, Yuejing Kang, Lijun Wang, Yanlong Liang, Yanhua Liu, Yingjia Qian, Qiumei Yang, Kangle Tian, Xiaona Zhao
  • Patent number: 8735134
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions of variant polypeptides having isoprene synthase activity with improved solubility. In particular, the present invention provides isoprene synthase variant for increased isoprene production in recombinant host cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Danisco US Inc., The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Christopher L. Rife, Derek H. Wells
  • Patent number: 8735110
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains capable of producing in high yield and preparation methods thereof. The strains anchor an expression vector carrying either or both of a nucleotide sequence coding for acetyl-CoA carboxylase carboxytransferase subunit alpha of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a nucleotide sequence coding for malonyl-CoA-[acyl-carrier-protein] transacylase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and/or a nucleotide sequence coding for acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterase of Streptococcus pyogenes. The recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains are genetically stable and have high lipid or fatty acid contents, thus being applicable to the mass production of fatty acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Sogang University
    Inventors: Jin-Won Lee, Sun-Hee Lee, Eun-Young Jeon
  • Patent number: 8728789
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing 3?-phosphoadenosine 5?-phosphosulfate (PAPS), the method including subjecting ATP to sulfation and phosphorylation by use of adenosine 5?-triphosphate sulfurylase (ATPS) and adenosine 5?-phosphosulfate kinase (APSK), wherein an adenosine 5?-triphosphate (ATP) supply/regeneration system including adenosine 5?-monophosphate (AMP), polyphosphate, polyphosphate-driven nucleoside 5?-diphosphate kinase (PNDK), and polyphosphate:AMP phosphotransferase (PAP), or an adenosine 5?-triphosphate (ATP) supply/regeneration system including adenosine 5?-monophosphate (AMP), polyphosphate, polyphosphate-driven nucleoside 5?-diphosphate kinase (PNDK), and adenylate kinase (ADK) is employed instead of ATP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Yamasa Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Ishige, Toshitada Noguchi
  • Patent number: 8728761
    Abstract: Transformed microalgae capable of expressing glycosylated polypeptides and methods for producing said transformed microalgae and producing glycosylated polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: Institut Francais de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique—CNRS, Universite de Rouen
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Cadoret, Aude Carlier, Patrice Lerouge, Muriel Bardor, Carole Burel, Florian Maury
  • Publication number: 20140134723
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding, cells and organisms comprising novel DNA-binding domains, including TALE DNA-binding domains. Also disclosed are methods of using these novel DNA-binding domains for modulation of gene expression and/or genomic editing of endogenous cellular sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Gregory, Jeffrey C. Miller, David Paschon, Edward J. Rebar, Siyuan Tan, Fyodor Urnov, Lei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140134687
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to microorganisms (e.g., non-naturally occurring microorganisms) that comprise one or more polynucleotides coding for enzymes in a pathway that catalyze a conversion of a carbon source (e.g., a fermentable carbon source) to butadiene and succinate and the use of such microorganisms for the production of butadiene and succinate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Braskem S/A AP 09
    Inventors: Mateus Schreiner Garcez Lopes, Avram Michael Slovic
  • Publication number: 20140134685
    Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant cell having a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide which is a lipase having at least 40% amino acid sequence identity to a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO:1, and methods of using the recombinant cell to produce triacylglycerols or to increase oil production by the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Christoph Benning, Xiaobo Li, Bensheng Liu, Min-Hao Kuo, Barbara Sears
  • Publication number: 20140134740
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding, cells and organisms comprising novel DNA-binding domains, including TALE DNA-binding domains. Also disclosed are methods of using these novel DNA-binding domains for modulation of gene expression and/or genomic editing of endogenous cellular sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Gregory, Jeffrey C. Miller, David Paschon, Edward J. Rebar, Siyuan Tan, Fyodor Urnov, Lei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8722359
    Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary genes, constructs and methods for the formation of triacylglycerols (TAGs). The exemplary genes include a phosphatic acid phosphohydrolase (PA Hydrolase) gene, a diacylglycerol o-acyltransferase (DAGAT2A) gene, and a phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (LROI) gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Aurora Algae, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Kilian, Bertrand Vick
  • Publication number: 20140127254
    Abstract: Delivery systems and methods are provided for delivering a biologically active protein to a host animal. The systems and methods provided include obtaining an algal cell transformed by an expression vector, the expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the biologically active protein, operably linked to a promoter. In one illustrated embodiment, the biologically active protein is an antigenic epitope and upon administration to the animal the algal cell induces an immune response in the host animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicants: The Ohio State University, Solarvest BioEnergy Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Sayre, Richard E. Wagner, Surasak Siripornadulsil, Carlos Farias
  • Patent number: 8709766
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to novel polynucleotide sequences for use in Nannochloropsis gaditana. The novel polynucleotide sequences include control sequences and coding sequences. Also disclosed are novel gene expression constructs wherein N. gaditana promoters/control regions are operatively linked to N. gaditana or non-N. gaditana coding sequences. These novel polynucleotide sequences and expression constructs can be introduced into N. gaditana and can recombine into the N. gaditana genome. Expression from these polynucleotide sequences and expression constructs can enhance N. gaditana biomass and/or lipid biosynthesis. Also disclosed are methods for modifying N. gaditana, for example by stably transforming N. gaditana with nucleic acid sequences, growing the modified N. gaditana, and obtaining biomass and biofuels from the modified N. gaditana.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventors: Randor Radakovits, Robert Jinkerson, Matthew Posewitz
  • Patent number: 8709765
    Abstract: Exemplary methods for increasing TAG production in an algal cell during imbalanced growth conditions are provided. Some methods comprise knocking out an AOX gene, wherein the AOX gene produces an amino acid sequence having substantial similarity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NO. 2. In further methods, the algal cell may be of genus Nannochloropsis. The AOX gene may be replaced by a construct having a nucleotide sequence having substantial similarity to SEQ ID. NOS. 3 through 5 (inclusive), wherein each of the sequences are next to or in close proximity to one another in a linear fashion. In some methods, the AOX gene may be replaced via homologous recombination. As a result, lipid production by the selected recombinant algal cell may be increased over that produced by a wild-type algal cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Aurora Algae, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Bailey, Bertrand Vick, Jeff Moseley
  • Publication number: 20140113342
    Abstract: Cyanobacterial host cells are modified to produce 1,2-propanediol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Algenol Biofuels Inc.
    Inventors: Karl ZIEGLER, Christian WEISSERT, Ulf DUEHRING, Jonathan Wong CHIN, Matthew Alexander ANDERSON, Jianping CUI, Matt SPIEKER
  • Publication number: 20140113335
    Abstract: This invention provides novel variant cellulolytic enzymes having improved activity and/or stability. In certain embodiments the variant cellulotyic enzymes comprise a glycoside hydrolase with or comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to one or more of residues F64, A226, and/or E246 in Thermobifida fusca Cel9A enzyme. In certain embodiments the glycoside hydrolase is a variant of a family 9 glycoside hydrolase. In certain embodiments the glycoside hydrolase is a variant of a theme B family 9 glycoside hydrolase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Robert Blazej, Nicholas Toriello, Charles Emrich, Richard N. Cohen, Nitzan Koppel
  • Publication number: 20140113352
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the expression of recombinant ?-glucosidase variants, as well as their use in the production of fermentable sugars from cellulosic biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Codexis, Inc.
    Inventors: Dipnath Baidyaroy, Louis Clark, Lisa M. Newman
  • Publication number: 20140113015
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel strain of Schizochytrium sp. that can produce large quantities of squalene, the methods for the production of lipid compounds of interest using said strain and the products and compositions prepared with said strain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ROQUETTE FRERES
    Inventors: Bernard Pora, Jie Zhou, Sophie Defretin, Xavier Vandewalle
  • Publication number: 20140107377
    Abstract: This invention relates to microorganisms that convert a carbon source to acrylate or other desirable products using propionyl-CoA as an intermediate. The invention provides genetically engineered microorganisms that carry out the conversion, as well as methods for producing acrylate by culturing the microorganisms. Also provided are microorganisms and methods for converting propionyl-CoA and propionate to 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA, 3-hydroxypropionate (3-HP) and poly-3-hydroxypropionate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
    Inventors: Jun Xu, Phillip Richard Green, Charles Winston Saunders, Juan Estaban Velasquez
  • Publication number: 20140106424
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing ethanol wherein the amount of CO2 by-product is reduced during the fermentation process. The invention includes the use of oxidized lignin during the fermentation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Athena Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Marrs, Brian M. Swalla
  • Publication number: 20140106416
    Abstract: Disclosed are the uses of specific genes of the mevalonate and isoprenoid biosynthetic pathways, and of inactive gene sites (the pseudogene) to (1) enhance biosynthesis of isopentenyl diphosphate, dimethylallyl diphosphate and isoprenoid pathway derived products in the plastids of transgenic plants and microalgae, (2) create novel antibiotic resistant transgenic plants and microalgae, and (3) create a novel selection system and/or targeting sites for mediating the insertion of genetic material into plant and microalgae plastids. The specific polynucleotides to be used, solely or in any combination thereof, are publicly available from GeneBank and contain open reading frames having sequences that upon expression will produce active proteins with the following enzyme activities: (a) acetoacetyl CoA thiolase (EC 2.3.1.9), (b) 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) synthase (EC 4.1.3.5), (c) HMG-CoA reductase (EC 1.1.1.34), (d) mevalonate kinase (EC 2.7.1.36), (e) phosphomevalonate kinase (EC 2.7.4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicants: Danisco US Inc., Kuehnle Agrosystems Company LLC
    Inventors: Frederick M. Hahn, Adelheid R. Kuehnle
  • Publication number: 20140106417
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) genes, including novel genes encoding localization peptides. The present invention also provides recombinant cells, such as algae, transformed with DGAT genes and methods of using such recombinant cells to produce triglyceride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Jane C Schneider, Eric Moellering, Erik Holtzapple, Soyan Lieberman, Gena Roy
  • Patent number: 8691540
    Abstract: From a bacterial strain isolated from an environmental sample, after enrichment in medium containing 1-butanol as the carbon source, a new enzyme with butanol dehydrogenase activity was identified. The enzyme can convert butyraldehyde to 1-butanol, isobutyraldehyde to isobutanol, as well as 2-butanone to 2-butanol and thus is useful for biosynthesis of butanol in recombinant microbial hosts producing these substrates. The encoding gene, named sadB, was isolated from the strain identified as an isolate of Achromobacter xylosoxidans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Bramucci, Andrew C. Eliot, Lori Ann Maggio-Hall, Charles E. Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140093910
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a delta-5 desaturase-defective gene and uses of the gene and/or the mutant in algal transformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Bengurion University of the Negev Research and Development Authority
    Inventors: Inna Khozin-Goldberg, Zvi Hacohen, Sammy Boussiba, Avigad Vonshak, Umidjon Iskandrov
  • Publication number: 20140094417
    Abstract: The invention provides a Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) comprising an amino acid sequence having a substitution of one or more B-cell and/or T-cell epitopes. The invention further provides related chimeric molecules, as well as related nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions. Methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal, methods of inhibiting the growth of a target cell, methods of producing the PE, and methods of producing the chimeric molecule are further provided by the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: The United States of America,as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Servic
    Inventors: Ira H. Pastan, Ronit Mazor, Masanori Onda, Aaron Vassall, Richard Beers, Jaime Eberle, Wenhai Liu
  • Publication number: 20140093454
    Abstract: Isolated human monoclonal antibodies which bind to and inhibit human CD20, and related antibody-based compositions and molecules, are disclosed. The human antibodies can be produced by a transfectoma or in a non-human transgenic animal, e.g., a transgenic mouse, capable of producing multiple isotypes of human monoclonal antibodies by undergoing V-D-J recombination and isotype switching. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the human antibodies, non-human transgenic animals and hybridomas which produce the human antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the human antibodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: GENMAB A/S
    Inventors: Jessica Teeling, Sigrid Ruuls, Martin Glennie, Jan G.J. van de Winkel, Paul Parren, Jørgen Petersen, Ole Baadsgaard, Haichun Huang
  • Publication number: 20140093923
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into hydrocarbons, e.g., n-alkanes and n-alkenes, wherein the n-alkanes are secreted into the culture medium via recombinantly expressed transporter proteins. In particular, the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules is contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: JOULE UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Nikos B. Reppas, Kevin Smith, Carolyn Lawrence
  • Patent number: 8685681
    Abstract: Acyltransferases are provided, suitable for use in the manufacture of microbial oils enriched in omega fatty acids in oleaginous yeast (e.g., Yarrowia lipolytica). Specifically, genes encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) have been isolated from Y. lipolytica and Mortierella alpina. These genes encode enzymes that participate in the terminal step in oil biosynthesis in yeast. Each is expected to play a key role in altering the quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids produced in oils of oleaginous yeasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Narendra S. Yadav, Zhixiong Xue, Hongxiang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140090112
    Abstract: A method of gene editing or gene stacking within a FAD2 loci by cleaving, in a site directed manner, a location in a FAD2 gene in a cell, to generate a break in the FAD2 gene and then ligating into the break a nucleic acid molecule associated with one or more traits of interest is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Noel Cogan, John Forster, Matthew Hayden, Tim Sawbridge, German Spangenberg, Steven R. Webb, Manju Gupta, William Michael Ainley, Matthew J. Henry, Jeffrey C. Miller, Dmitry Y. Guschin
  • Patent number: 8679802
    Abstract: The present invention provides novels genes encoding methyl butenol (MBO) synthase, methy butenol synthases and their use in methyl butenol production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Dennis Gray, Thomas D. Sharkey
  • Publication number: 20140080757
    Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of obesity and excess weight, diabetes, and other associated metabolic disorders. In particular, the invention provides novel glucagon analogue peptides effective in such methods. The peptides may mediate their effect by having increased selectivity for the GLP-1 receptor as compared to human glucagon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicants: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Zealand Pharma A/S
    Inventors: Jakob Lind TOLBORG, Keld Fosgerau, Pia Nørregaard, Rasmus Just, Ditte Riber, Dieter Wolfgang Hamprecht, Robert Augustin, Leo Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140082761
    Abstract: The present invention describes an approach to increase plant growth and production. The invention describes methods for the use of functional sulfinoalanine decarboxylase (SAD) or the promiscuous enzyme activity of SAD in plants or algal cells. Transgenic plants will have increased plant growth, biomass, yield, and/or tolerance to biotic and/or abiotic stresses and could be used as a pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or as a supplement in animal feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: PLANT SENSORY SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Frank J. Turano, Kathleen A. Turano
  • Publication number: 20140073019
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotransformation of furanic compounds. More particular the present invention relates to novel genetically modified cells with improved characteristics for biocatalytic transformation of furanic compounds and a vector suitable for the genetic modification of a host cell. Further aspects of the invention are aimed at processes for biotransformation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-carboxylic acid (HMF-acid) and its precursors with the use of the cell according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: PURAC BIOCHEM B.V.
    Inventors: Nick Johannes Petrus Werckx, Tom Daniel Elink Schuurman, Sipko Maarten Kuijper, Harald Johan Ruijssenaars
  • Publication number: 20140073008
    Abstract: The invention in principle pertains to the field of recombinant manufacture of alkaloids and, in particular, cycloclavine. It provides polynucleotides for the gene cluster of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of cycloclavin as well as vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotides. Also provided are polypeptides encoded by the said polynucleotides which can be applied in a method for the manufacture of cycloclavine also encompassed by the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Hartwig Schroeder, Birgit Hoff
  • Publication number: 20140066606
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a transformed microalga producing a protein harboring a “high mannose” pattern of glycosylation in the plastid of the transformed microalga, wherein 1) the transformed microalga has a Chloroplast Endoplasmic Reticulum (CER); 2) the microalga has been transformed with a nucleic acid sequence operatively linked to a promoter, the nucleic acid sequence encoding an amino acid sequence including (i) an amino-terminal bipartite topogenic signal (BTS) sequence composed of at least a signal peptide followed by a transit peptide; and (ii) The sequence of the protein, 3) the xylosyltransferases and fucosyltransferases of the microalga have not been inactivated; 4) the N-acetylglycosyltransferase I of the microalga has not been inactivated, preferably the N-acetylglycosyltranferases II, III, IV, V and VI, mannosidase II and glycosyltransferases of the microalga have not been inactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ALGENICS
    Inventors: Aude Carlier, Remy Michel, Jean-Paul Cadoret, Alexandre Lejeune, Nathalie Dufourmantel
  • Publication number: 20140065678
    Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant expression of a variant form of a fungal C1 strain ?-glucosidase. The invention also relates to the generation of fermentable sugars from biomass and the production of biofuels by fermentation of the sugars using genetically modified organisms expressing the ?-glucosidase variant. The invention provides methods for producing a fermentable sugar, such as glucose, from cellobiose by contacting cellobiose with a recombinant ?-glucosidase variant protein, such as a variant protein secreted by a recombinant host cell into culture medium. Methods of the invention may be used for conversion of a biomass substrate to a fermentable sugar, and ultimately to ethanol or other biofuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Codexis, Inc.
    Inventors: Jie Yang, Xiyun Zhang, Attila Andor
  • Publication number: 20140068797
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a DNA-targeting RNA that comprises a targeting sequence and, together with a modifying polypeptide, provides for site-specific modification of a target DNA and/or a polypeptide associated with the target DNA. The present disclosure further provides site-specific modifying polypeptides. The present disclosure further provides methods of site-specific modification of a target DNA and/or a polypeptide associated with the target DNA The present disclosure provides methods of modulating transcription of a target nucleic acid in a target cell, generally involving contacting the target nucleic acid with an enzymatically inactive Cas9 polypeptide and a DNA-targeting RNA. Kits and compositions for carrying out the methods are also provided. The present disclosure provides genetically modified cells that produce Cas9; and Cas9 transgenic non-human multicellular organisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Jennifer A. Doudna, Martin Jinek, Emmanuelle Charpentier, Krzysztof Chylinski, James Harrison Doudna Cate, Wendell Lim, Lei Qi
  • Patent number: 8663958
    Abstract: The invention provides oxygen-resistant iron-hydrogenases ([Fe]-hydrogenases) for use in the production of H2. Methods used in the design and engineering of the oxygen-resistant [Fe]-hydrogenases are disclosed, as are the methods of transforming and culturing appropriate host cells with the oxygen-resistant [Fe]-hydrogenases. Finally, the invention provides methods for utilizing the transformed, oxygen insensitive, host cells in the bulk production of H2 in a light catalyzed reaction having water as the reactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Paul King, Maria Lucia Ghirardi, Michael Seibert