Abstract: This invention discloses the development of a novel platform for recombinant production of bioactive glycoproteins and cancer specific vaccines in plants. Plants and plant cell cultures have been humanized with respect to human mucin-type protein O-glycosylation. A panel of plant cell factories for production of recombinant glycoproteins with designed human O-glycosylation, including an improved cancer vaccine candidate, has been developed. The platform provides basis for i) production of an essentially unlimited array of O-glycosylated human glycoprotein therapeutics, such as human interferon ?2B and podoplanin, and ii) for further engineering of additional cancer specific O-glycans on glycoproteins of therapeutical value. Currently, mammalian cells are required for human O-glycosylation, but plants offer a unique cell platform for engineering O-glycosylation since they do not perform human type O-glycosylation.

Abstract: Plant metabolism and alkaloid levels can be regulated by transcription factors that regulate the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a transcription factor that negatively regulates alkaloid biosynthesis, such as nicotine biosynthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic plants transformed with exogenous nucleic acid encoding a Dunaliella plasma membrane (PM)-ATPase. The transgenic plant has increased tolerance to salt as compared to a corresponding non-transgenic plant. The present invention also provides nucleic acids encoding a chimeric PM-ATPase, which comprise a first portion encoding a plant PM-ATPase or a fragment thereof, and a second portion encoding a Dunaliella PM-ATPase or a fragment thereof. The present invention also discloses a method of producing a transgenic plant having an increased tolerance to salt as compared to a corresponding non-transgenic plant, a method of modifying a plant capacity to survive salt shock, and a method of modifying plant recovery after exposure to salt stress, by introducing into one or more cells of a plant an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a Dunaliella PM-ATPase.

Abstract: The present invention features Nicotiana nucleic acid sequences such as sequences encoding constitutive, or ethylene or senescence induced polypeptides, in particular cytochrome p450 enzymes, in Nicotiana plants and methods for using these nucleic acid sequences and plants to alter desirable traits, for example by using breeding protocols.

Abstract: Plant metabolism and alkaloid levels can be regulated by transcription factors that regulate the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway.

Abstract: A method of introducing a molecule of interest into a plant cell having a cell wall includes interacting a gamma-zein peptide with a molecule of interest to form a gamma-zein linked structure. The gamma-zein linked structure is then placed in contact with the plant cell having a cell wall, and allowing uptake of the gamma-zein linked structure into the plant cell. Alternatively, a gene of interest can be expressed in a plant cell having an intact cell wall by interacting a gamma-zein peptide with the gene of interest to form a gamma-zein linked gene structure, allowing uptake of the gamma-zein linked gene structure into the plant cell, and expressing the gene of interest in the plant cell and its progeny.

Abstract: Methods for introducing a functionalized linear nucleic acid cassette molecule of interest into a plant cell comprising a cell wall include use of nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the cell comprising a cell wall is a cultured plant cell. Methods include genetically or otherwise modifying plant cells and for treating or preventing disease in any plant, especially crop plants. Transgenic plants include a nucleic acid molecule of interest produced by regeneration of whole plants from plant cells transformed with functionalized linear nucleic acid cassette molecules.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for the propagation or cultivation of cells including preparing a cell culture substrate, wherein the cell culture substrate includes a substrate and a layer formed by surface modification. The layer includes a polymer containing an amino group. The polymer is produced by reacting a polymer represented by formula (II): with a polymer having at least one amino group, —NH2, capable of forming a Schiff base in a monomer of formula (II), thereby forming a polymer layer constituting the layer formed by surface modification. “n” in Formula (II) is 0 or a positive integer, and m is a positive integer. n and m represent the degree of polymerization. Formula (II) is formed by chemical vapor deposition of formyl[2.2]paracyclophane. The methods further include providing cells in a medium; inoculating the cells onto the cell culture substrate; and culturing the cells, wherein the cells adhere to the cell culture substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing leafy biomass from undifferentiated plant cells, the method comprising providing undifferentiated plant cells, contacting them with an agent that promotes differentiation of the cells into leafy tissue and growing the cells in a temporary liquid immersion culture system. This method of the invention may be used to produce polypeptides, and natural medicinal products, and can be used to capture carbon dioxide. A method of producing a polypeptide in plant cells in vitro comprising: providing undifferentiated plant cells containing chloroplasts that carry a transgenic nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide, wherein the plant cells display homoplastomy; and propagating the cells according to the above method to produce leafy biomass containing the polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing the efficiency of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of host cells such as plant cells. Plant expression constructs comprising a gene encoding a VIP2 or VIP2-like polypeptide are provided, as well as methods for utilizing such constructs to enhance Agrobacterium-mediated transformation efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates “disarmed” strain variants of Agrobacterium strain K599 (NCPPB 2659), “disarmed” plasmid variants of the Ri-plasmid pRi2659, and derivatives thereof, and methods employing these strains and plasmids in plant transformation.

Abstract: A method of conducting and on-line transaction. A user at a PC (302) of a first location completes a profile information sheet and transmits it across a secure network (2708) to a central registration server (2704) at a second location also disposed on the network (306). The central registration server (2704) transmits a unique bar code and associated unique ID back to the user PC (302) at the first location, in response to the user sending the completed profile information sheet to the registration server (2704). When the user accesses a vendor server (2700) disposed on the network (306) for the purchase of products and/or services, the user transmits the bar code to the vendor server (2700) when prompted to complete a vendor payment form. The vendor server (2700) sends the bar code to the central registration server (2704) where the bar code is matched to the user profile information. The profile information is returned to the vendor server (2700) and automatically inserted into the vendor payment form.

Abstract: Provided are methods for introducing a sequence specific nuclease into a plant cell comprising a cell wall. Methods are provided for genetically or otherwise modifying plants and for treating or preventing disease in plant cells comprising a cell wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of introducing a gene into plant material via Agrobacterium. A method of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: 1) pressurizing a plant material, and then 2) infecting the plant material with an Agrobacterium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel perfusion bioreactor allowing continuous medium feed and extraction of metabolites or other desired products from cells. The invention is useful for plant cell cultures but may also be used for mammalian cell cultures, insect cell cultures and bacterial cell cultures. The design of the reactor includes sedimentation columns mounted inside the bioreactor to separate single cells and cell aggregates from the culture medium at a very low shear stress. The operating conditions allow a stable cell/medium separation by maintaining the medium upward velocity equal to or slightly lower than the cell sedimentation velocity.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to transgenic plants, including transgenic tobacco plants and derivative seeds, genetically modified to impede the transport of Cadmium (Cd) from the root system to aerial portions of transgenic plants by reducing the expression levels of HMA-related transporters. Various embodiments are directed to transgenic tobacco plants genetically modified to stably express a RNAi construct encoding RNAi polynucleotides that enable the degradation of endogenous NtHMA RNA variants. Reduced expression of NtHMA transporters in transgenic plants results in substantially reduced content of Cadmium (Cd) in the leaf lamina. Various consumable products that are substantially free or substantially reduced in Cd content can be produced by incorporating leaves derived from transgenic tobacco plants modified to reduce the expression of NtHMA transporters.

Abstract: A method of detecting an etching end-point includes the steps of: forming a mask on a pattern area of an etching object; forming an etching indicator on an etching area of the etching object, which is not covered by the mask; etching the etching object using the mask; and evaluating the size of a remaining object covered by the mask using the etching indicator.

Abstract: The invention features sporamin promoters, including the promoter of the Ipomoea batatas sporamin A gene. The promoter directs gene expression in tubers and responds in aerial structures to wounding, pathogens, and other environmental insults.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming trench isolation regions. In one implementation, a masking material is formed over a semiconductor substrate. The masking material comprises at least one of tungsten, titanium nitride and amorphous carbon. An opening is formed through the masking material and into the semiconductor substrate effective to form an isolation trench within semiconductive material of the semiconductor substrate. A trench isolation material is formed within the isolation trench and over the masking material outside of the trench effective to overfill the isolation trench. The trench isolation material is polished at least to an outermost surface of the at least one of tungsten, titanium nitride and amorphous carbon of the masking material. The at least one of tungsten, titanium nitride and amorphous carbon is/are etched from the substrate. Other implementations and aspects are contemplated.

Abstract: A selection method for selecting from a population of cells one or more selectable genetically transformed cells is described. The population of cells comprises selectable genetically transformed cells and possible non-transformed cells. Each of the selectable genetically transformed cells comprises a first expressable nucleotide sequence encoding a first expression product; and optionally a second expressable nucleotide sequence encoding a second expression product and/or a third expressable nucleotide sequence encoding a third expression product. A component is utilisable by the selectable genetically transformed cells by action of the first expressable nucleotide sequence or the first expression product and optionally by action of the optional second expressable nucleotide sequence or the optional second expression product and/or by, action of the optional third expressable nucleotide sequence or the optional Third expression product.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a modified Agrobacterium to deliver proteins directly to plant cells. Proteins of interest are delivered to the plant host in the form of a fusion protein with the Agrobacterium virulence protein VirF. Nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion proteins of VirF and a protein of interest are provided. Also provided are bacteria modified to comprise such fusion proteins of VirF and a protein of interest. Methods of introducing such fusion proteins into a plant host are provided. The invention finds use in facilitating plant transformation and particularly in the bio-engineering of desirable traits into crop plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for transforming plants cells by introducing a heterologous gene into competent plant cells with a gene for tolerance to HPPD inhibitors as a selection marker wherein a step for bleaching the competent plant cells is carried out prior to transforming the cells by introducing a suitable amount of HPPD inhibitor into the cell culture medium. The invention also provides methods for preparing transgenic plants comprising a heterologous gene.

Abstract: A modified Factor VIII cDNA is disclosed wherein the B-domain of the wild type factor cDNA has been deleted and a truncated Factor IX intron 1 has been inserted in two locations of the Factor VIII cDNA and as a promoter a cDNA is used which is suitable for the expression in hematopoietic cell lines and specifically in platelets.

Abstract: The subject invention is related to a method for recombinantly and transiently producing a polypeptide in a plant tissue, which includes providing a plant tissue sample in a bioreactor; adding to the plant tissue sample, a sample of Agrobacterium containing a nucleotide sequence encoding the polypeptide on the T-DNA, co-culturing the plant tissue sample with the Agrobacterium so that the nucleotide sequence is transferred to the plant, allowing the plant tissue to transiently express the polypeptide, and then separating the polypeptide from the mixture.

Abstract: The invention involves a method of identifying nucleic acid sequences encoding signal peptide-containing proteins. The method features chimeric constructs containing a KRE9 gene that lacks a signal sequence. Yeast containing chimeric KRE9 plasmid constructs that encode signal sequences are selected based on their ability to grow on media in which sucrose is the sole carbon source.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of 5-bromoindole-3-acetic acid (5-B-IAA) as an auxin affecting plant cell growth. The invention relates to the use of 5-B-IAA compositions to affect growth in monocotyledonous as well as in dicotyledonous plants. The invention also describes the use of 5-B-IAA in plant growth affecting compositions for the regeneration of both plant tissues and transgenic plant tissues. Further, the invention provides plant growth affecting compositions comprising 5-B-IAA alone or in a mixture comprising one or more additional plant growth regulators, such as cytokinin, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetic manipulations of eukaryotic organisms, with recombinant DNA comprising RNA virus derived sequences for protecting such organisms against RNA viruses or enabling inducible or tissue-specific production of foreign proteins/peptides or RNAs. One embodiment of the recombinant DNA according to the invention comprises recombinant DNA, comprising two, 12-250 base pair long, inverted repeat nucleotide sequences with therebetween at least one nucleotide sequence which is derived from RNA virus which for its replication is dependent upon a viral RNA/RNA polymerase, said RNA virus derived sequence comprising at least cis elements for replication but no gene that codes for viral RNA/RNA polymerase and no gene that codes for viral coat protein. The invention also relates to eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells or organisms which incorporate the recombinant DNA according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of 5-bromoindole-3-acetic acid (5-B-IAA) as an auxin affecting plant cell growth. The invention relates to the use of 5-B-IAA compositions to affect growth in monocotyledonous as well as in dicotyledonous plants. The invention also describes the use of 5-B-IAA in plant growth affecting compositions for the regeneration of both plant tissues and transgenic plant tissues. Further, the invention provides plant growth affecting compositions comprising 5-B-IAA alone or in a mixture comprising one or more additional plant growth regulators, such as cytokinin, etc.

Abstract: Provided are transgenic plants with resistance to viral infection polynucleotides and methods for conferring such resistance, and methods for producing the transgenic plants. Plants transformed with a nucleotide sequence encoding a P1 protein of potato virus Y result in plants having increased resistance to infection by potato virus Y.

Abstract: Derivatives of .alpha.-hordothionin made by position-specific substitution with methionine residues provide methionine enrichment in plants.

Abstract: Derivatives of .alpha.-hordothionin made by position-specific substitution with threonine residues provide threonine in plants.

Abstract: The polypeptide with the sequence (SEQ ID NO:1)Ala-Thr-Tyr-Asn-Gly-Lys-Cys-Tyr-Lys-Lys-Asp-Asn-Ile-Cys-Lys-Tyr-Lys-Ala-Gln -Ser-Gly-Lys-Thr-Ala-Ile-Cys-Lys-Cys-Tyr-Val-Lys-Lys-Cys-Pro-Arg-Asp-Gly-Al a-Lys-Cys-Glu-Phe-Asp-Ser-Tyr-Lys-Gly-Lys-Cys-Tyr-Cyscan be produced by the fermentation of Aspergillus giganteus and used as an antifungal agent.Expression of this polypeptide gene in plants strongly inhibits the growth of phytopathogenic fungi on the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates “disarmed” strain variants of Agrobacterium strain K599 (NCPPB 2659), “disarmed” plasmid variants of the Ri-plasmid pRi2659, and derivatives thereof, and methods employing these strains and plasmids in plant transformation.