Abstract: Provided are a variant of 5?-inosinic acid dehydrogenase, a microorganism including the same, and a method of preparing 5?-inosinic acid using the same.

Abstract: A bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, which has an ability to produce an amino acid such as L-cysteine and has been modified to have specific mutation in the yeas gene, is cultured in a medium, and the L-amino acid is collected from the medium.

Abstract: 5?-guanylic acid (GMP) is produced efficiently by allowing a microorganism to react with xanthylic acid (XMP), wherein said microorganism is able to convert xanthylic acid into 5?-guanylic acid and has been modified so that the nagD gene does not function normally and 5?-guanylic acid synthetase activity is enhanced.

Abstract: A process for making the compound of Formula I utilizes the starting compound, together with sulfilimine and sulfoxide process steps later on.

Abstract: Methods for producing purine nucleosides, and purine nucleotides, such as inosine and 5?-inosinic acid are provided which include using a bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus or to the genus Escherichia wherein the purine nucleoside productivity of said bacterium is enhanced by increasing an activity of the YdhL protein. Also disclosed is the amino acid sequence of the YdhL protein from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and the gene encoding it.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a separation membrane module using water vapor includes: a liquid supplying step of supplying a liquid having a boiling point of 80° C. or higher at atmospheric pressure to a secondary side of the separation membrane module such that a filling ratio of the liquid in a space surrounded by a filtration portion of a separation membrane is 70% or more, the filtration portion being used for filtration; a liquid sealing step of isolating the secondary side of the separation membrane module such that the filling ratio of the liquid supplied to the secondary side in the liquid supplying step is 70% or more; and a sterilization step of sterilizing the separation membrane module by supplying water vapor to a primary side of the separation membrane module while the secondary side of the separation membrane module is isolated.

Abstract: A method of producing a sugar liquid using a cellulose-containing biomass as a raw material includes (a) hydrolyzing a cellulose-containing biomass to produce an aqueous sugar solution and (b) filtering the obtained aqueous sugar solution through a reverse osmosis membrane to collect a purified sugar liquid from a feed side, while removing fermentation-inhibiting substances from a permeate side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of use of glycosyltransferases and related compounds. The invention exploits the reversibility of glycosyltransferases to generate new sugars, unnatural biomolecules and numerous one-pot reactions for generation of new biomolecules having varied backbones such as enediynes, vancomycins, bleomycins, anthracyclines, macrolides, pluramycins, aureolic acids, indolocarbazoles, aminglycosides, glycopeptides, polyenes, coumarins, benzoisochromanequinones, calicheamicins, erythromycin, avermectins, ivermectins, angucyclines, cardiac glycosides, steroids or flavinoids. In preferred embodiments, the invention specifically relates to biosynthesis of anticancer (the enediyne calicheamicin, CLM), anthelmintic agents (the macrolides avermectin, ivermectin and erythromycin) and antibiotic (the glycopeptide vancomycin, VCM) natural product-based drugs developed by reversible, bidirectional glycosyltransferase-catalyzed reactions.

Abstract: A process for the fermentative production of at least one organic compound having at least 3 C atoms or having at least 2 C atoms and at least one 1 N atom, comprising the following steps: a1) milling a starch feedstock, thus obtaining a millbase which comprises at least part of the nonstarchy solid constituents of the starch feedstock; a2) suspending the millbase in an aqueous liquid and hydrolysis of the starch portion in the millbase by enzymatic liquefaction and, if appropriate, subsequent saccharification, whereby a first liquid (1) which comprises mono- or oligosaccharides is obtained; and b) addition of the liquid (1) which comprises mono- or oligosaccharides together with metabolizable mono-, di- or oligosaccharides or together with a composition which comprises metabolizable mono-, di- or oligosaccharide in a concentration of at least 50% by weight and which is essentially free from solids which are insoluble in water to a fermentation medium comprising a microorganism which is capable of overproduc

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel strains of Streptomyces microflavus and methods of their use for controlling diseases or pests of a plant. The invention also relates to a fermentation broth obtained by cultivating a gougerotin producing Streptomyces strain, wherein the fermentation broth contains at least about 1 g/L gougerotin. The invention also relates to a method of producing a fermentation broth of a gougerotin producing Streptomyces strain, wherein the fermentation broth contains at least about 1 g/L gougerotin, the method comprising cultivating the Streptomyces strain in a culture medium containing a digestible carbon source and a digestible nitrogen source under aerobic conditions, wherein the culture medium contains an amino acid at a concentration effective to achieve a gougerotin concentration of at least 1 g/L.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and broad-spectrum vaccines containing newly identified isolates of canine distemper virus (CDV) collected from a geographic area are provided. The newly identified isolates exhibit attributes of both European wildlife lineage CDV and one or both of Arctic and American-2 lineage CDV. Therefore, the vaccines are broadly protective against infection with European wildlife lineage CDV and either Arctic lineage CDV or American-2 lineage CDV, or both Arctic and American-2 lineage CDV.

Abstract: A microorganism of the genus Corynebacterium having the ability to produce inosine in which the inosine catabolic pathway is blocked and that has a leaky adenine auxotrophic phenotype and further has a leaky guanine auxotrophic phenotype and a method of producing inosine, the method including culturing the microorganism of the genus Corynebacterium are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-continuous or continuous process for the regioselective enzymatic hydrolysis of alcohol groups protected e.g. as esters or amino-acid esters or phosphate groups. The process of the present invention is useful for instance for the selective enzymatic hydrolysis of pyranosides or furanosides having more than one hydrolysable groups.

Abstract: This application provides a process for preparing enantiomerically pure ?-D-dioxolane nucleosides. In particular, a new synthesis of (?)-DAPD, suitable for large scale development, is described. In one embodiment the invention provides a process for preparing a substantially pure ?-D- or ?-L-1,3-dioxolane nucleosides comprising a) preparing or obtaining an esterified 2,2-dialkoxy ethanol; b) cyclizing the esterified 2,2-dialkoxy ethanol with glycolic acid to obtain a 1,3-dioxolane lactone; c) resolving the 1,3-dioxolane lactone to obtain a substantially pure D- or L-lactone; d) selectively reducing and activating the D- or L-chiral lactone to obtain a substantially pure D- or L-1,3-dioxolane; e) coupling the D- or L-1,3-dioxolane to an activated and/or protected purine or pyrimidine base; and f) optionally purifying the nucleoside to obtain a substantially pure protected ?-D- or ?-L-1,3-dioxolane nucleoside.

Abstract: This invention is metabolically engineer bacterial strains that provide increased intracellular NADPH availability for the purpose of increasing the yield and productivity of NADPH-dependent compounds. In the invention, native NAD-dependent GAPDH is replaced with NADP-dependent GAPDH plus overexpressed NADK. Uses for the bacteria are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing Saccharomyces strains that are capable of growth on xylose as a sole carbon source at a desired growth rate, (such as at least one generation per 48 hours), strains made by such methods, and Saccharomyces strains that grow at a growth rate of at least one generation per 48 hours using xylose as a sole carbon source for growth made by non-recombinant methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of an aqueous glucose solution from maize or maize kernels. The invention also relates to a glucose solution obtainable by this process, and to its use for the production of organic compounds. The process according to the invention comprises: a) fractionating dry milling of maize kernels, where the maize kernels are separated into a maize-starch-comprising endosperm fraction and a high-oil germ fraction and, if appropriate, a bran fraction; b) enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification of the maize starch in an aqueous suspension of the endosperm fraction, which gives an aqueous glucose solution comprising maize gluten; and c) depletion of the maize gluten and, if appropriate, any bran present from the aqueous glucose solution.

Abstract: By reacting inosinic acid (IMP) with a bacterium which has been modified so that IMP dehydrogenase activity and 5?-guanylic acid (GMP) synthetase activity are enhanced, GMP is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant expression vector comprising: a) the sequence encoding a purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNPase, E. C. 2.4.2.1), b) the sequence encoding a uridine phosphorylase (UPase, E. C. 2.4.2.3), c) or both; each of the sequences operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the production of said phosphorylases in a suitable expression host; said sequences originating from the Archaea Thermoprotei class, characterized in that the PNPase is from Sulfolobus solfataricus (SEQ ID NO. 7) and the UPase is from Aeropyrum pernix (SEQ ID NO. 8). In addition, the present invention relates to A transglycosylation method between a sugar-donating nucleoside and an acceptor base in the presence of phosphate ions, characterised in that said method comprises the use of a uridine phosphorylase (UPase) of Aeropyrum pernix (NC_000854.2), a purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PN-Pase) of Sulfolobus solfataricus (NC_002754.1), or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Novel organisms, including DNA construct host cell combinations, are disclosed. The organisms comprise a transcription unit (e.g. operon) comprising DNA sequences encoding for enzymes which promote the supply of single carbon units for the conversion of dUMP to dTMP. Examples include: dihydrofolate reductase genes e.g. T4 frd; Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase genes e.g. glyA; 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase genes e.g. serA; and THF synthase genes e.g. ADE3. The organisms are used in a biological method of producing thymidine with significantly reduced levels of uridine.

Abstract: A method for producing cladribine (2-chloro-2? deoxyadenosine) comprising the steps of: a) reaction of 2-deoxyuridine with 2-chloroadenine, in the presence of uridine phosphorylase (UPase) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNPase) in an aqueous reaction medium possibly containing up to 40% v/v of an aprotic dipolar solvent, to obtain cladribine dissolved in said reaction medium; b) isolation of the cladribine by precipitation by means of concentration and alkalinisation of the reaction medium up to pH 11.5-12.5.

Abstract: An exemplary measuring apparatus includes a base, a table, a light blocking piece, a sensor, a luminance meter, a drive assembly, and a controller. The table defines a first elongated slot. A light guide plate is arranged on the table with a central portion of a bottom surface thereof exposed to the first elongated slot. The light blocking piece is attached to the central portion of the bottom surface and exposed to the first elongated slot. The sensor is configured for sensing light and generating a sensing signal. The luminance meter is configured for measuring luminance of the back-light source module. The drive assembly is configured for moving the table to align the light blocking piece with the sensor. The controller is configured for switching off the drive assembly when the light is blocked by the light blocking piece from reaching the sensor.

Abstract: 5?-guanylic acid (GMP) is produced efficiently by allowing a microorganism to react with xanthylic acid (XMP), wherein said microorganism is able to convert xanthylic acid into 5?-guanylic acid and has been modified so that the nagD gene does not function normally and 5?-guanylic acid synthetase activity is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an aqueous glucose solution from the starch components of Triticeae grains, for example from rye, triticale or in particular wheat grains. The invention also relates to a glucose-based fermentation method for manufacturing organic compounds in which the glucose manufactured for fermentation is produced from the starch components of Triticeae grains by way of a method according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to coryneform bacteria which, instead of the singular copy of an open reading frame (ORF), gene or allele naturally present at the particular desired site (locus), have at least two copies of the open reading frame (ORF), gene or allele in question, preferably in tandem arrangement, and optionally at least a third copy of the open reading frame (ORF), gene or allele in question at a further gene site, and processes for the preparation of chemical compounds by fermentation of these bacteria.

Abstract: The disclosed nucleic acid primer sets, used in combination with quantitative amplification (PCR) of tissue cDNA, can indicate the presence of specific proteases in a tissue sample. Specifically, the present invention relates to expression of PUMP-1 protease (matrix metalloprotease 7). The detected proteases are themselves specifically over-expressed in certain cancers, and their presence may serve for early detection of associated ovarian and other malignancies, and for the design of interactive therapies for cancer treatment.

Abstract: This application provides a process for preparing enantiomerically pure ?-D-dioxolane nucleosides. In particular, a new synthesis of (?)-DAPD, suitable for large scale development, is described. In one embodiment the invention provides a process for preparing a substantially pure ?-D- or ?-L-1,3-dioxolane nucleosides comprising a) preparing or obtaining an esterified 2,2-dialkoxy ethanol; b) cyclizing the esterified 2,2-dialkoxy ethanol with glycolic acid to obtain a 1,3-dioxolane lactone; c) resolving the 1,3-dioxolane lactone to obtain a substantially pure D- or L-lactone; d) selectively reducing and activating the D- or L-chiral lactone to obtain a substantially pure D- or L-1,3-dioxolane; e) coupling the D- or L-1,3-dioxolane to an activated and/or protected purine or pyrimidine base; and f) optionally purifying the nucleoside to obtain a substantially pure protected ?-D- or ?-L-1,3-dioxolane nucleoside.

Abstract: Novel strains of genetically modified prokaryotic micro-organisms capable of expressing polypeptides having the enzyme activity of the enzymes uridine phosphorylase (UdP) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) are described; the strains in question can be used, both in the form of whole cells and in the form of crude or purified extracts, to catalyse transglycosylation reactions between a donor nucleoside and an acceptor base with particularly high yields. The associated plasmid vectors are also described.

Abstract: A microorganism which has a gene encoding an enzyme in which feedback inhibition is desensitized by substitution of one or two amino acids in PRPP amidotransferase encoded by purF of Escherichia coli, a gene encoding a protein which is an inactivated repressor of purine nucleotide biosynthesis encoded by purR, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated purine nucleoside phosphorylase encoded by deoD, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated succinyl-AMP synthase encoded by purA, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated 6-phosphogluconate dehydrase encoded by edd, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated phosphoglucose isomerase encoded by pgi and like is bred and a purine nucleoside is produced by culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: The invention relates to coryneform bacteria which have, in addition to at least one copy, present at the natural site (locus), of an open reading frame (ORF), gene or allele which codes for the synthesis of a protein or an RNA, in each case a second, optionally third or fourth copy of this open reading frame (ORF), gene or allele at in each case a second, optionally third or fourth site in a form integrated into the chromosome and processes for the preparation of chemical compounds by fermentation of these bacteria.

Abstract: There is provided a process for manufacture of optically-active, 2-(acyloxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolanes of Formula I comprising a preparation of a racemic compound and an enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution of the enantiomers. The invention may further provide for the esterification and racemization of the by-product of the enzymatic reaction. In this manner, 2(R)-(benzoyloxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolane is prepared as a useful intermediate for manufacture of the anti-HIV drug Apricitabine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for artificial in vivo evolution of proteins, said method making it possible to bring about the evolution of a protein X by complementation of a relative protein Y, X and Y both belonging to the same class of enzyme commission (EC) nomenclature or belonging to related classes. The mutants D133E and R104Q of desoxycytidine kinase (DCK) were obtained; both of said mutations result in acquisition of thymidine kinase activity by DCK.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a useful substance by use of a microorganism that lacks in their chromosomal DNA all or part of a gene encoding a protein having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a gene encoding a protein having 80% or more, preferably 90% or more, more preferably 95% or more, even more preferably 97% or more, still more preferably 98% or more, and yet more preferably 99% or more homology with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a cytosine nucleoside compound from pentose-1-phosphate and cytosine or a derivative thereof using a nucleoside phosphorylase reactive to cytosine or a bacterium having the enzyme activity. The invention also provides a method for specifically reducing an activity to degrade the substrates or the product, resulting in efficient production of the cytosine nucleoside compound. According to the invention, little by-product is produced in producing cytonucleocide compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of use of glycosyltransferases and related novel compounds. The invention exploits the reversibility of glycosyltransferases to generate new sugars, unnatural biomolecules and numerous one-pot reactions for generation of new biomolecules having varied backbones such as enediynes, vancomycins, bleomycins, anthracyclines, macrolides, pluramycins, aureolic acids, indolocarbazoles, aminglycosides, glycopeptides, polyenes, coumarins, benzoisochromanequinones, calicheamicins, erythromycin, avermectins, ivermectins, angucyclines, cardiac glycosides, steroids or flavinoids. In preferred embodiments, the invention specifically relates to biosynthesis of anticancer (the enediyne calicheamicin, CLM), anthelmintic agents (the macrolides avermectin, ivermectin and erythromycin) and antibiotic (the glycopeptide vancomycin, VCM) natural product-based drugs developed by reversible, bidirectional glycosyltransferase-catalyzed reactions.

Abstract: A microorganism which has a gene encoding an enzyme in which feedback inhibition is desensitized by substitution of one or two amino acids in PRPP amidotransferase encoded by purF of Escherichia coli, a gene encoding a protein which is an inactivated repressor of purine nucleotide biosynthesis encoded by purR, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated purine nucleoside phosphorylase encoded by deoD, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated succinyl-AMP synthase encoded by purA, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated 6-phosphogluconate dehydrase encoded by edd, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated phosphoglucose isomerase encoded by pgi and like is bred and a purine nucleoside is produced by culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: A microorganism which has a gene encoding an enzyme in which feedback inhibition is desensitized by substitution of one or two amino acids in PRPP amidotransferase encoded by purF of Escherichia coli, a gene encoding a protein which is an inactivated repressor of purine nucleotide biosynthesis encoded by purR, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated purine nucleoside phosphorylase encoded by deoD, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated succinyl-AMP synthase encoded by purA, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated 6-phosphogluconate dehydrase encoded by edd, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated phosphoglucose isomerase encoded by pgi and like is bred and a purine nucleoside is produced by culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for constructing recombinant translationally coupled operons, a method for producing useful metabolites using the bacterium containing the coupled operons, and a method for monitoring gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of at least one nonvolatile microbial metabolite in solid form by sugar-based microbial fermentation, in which process a microorganism strain which produces the desired metabolites is grown using a sugar-containing liquid medium with a monosaccharide content of more than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid medium, and the volatile constituents of the fermentation liquor are subsequently largely removed, the sugar-containing liquid medium being prepared by: a1) milling selected starch feedstock from cereal grains; and a2) liquefying the millbase in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one starch-liquefying enzyme, followed by saccharification using at least one saccharifying enzyme, where, for liquefaction purposes, at least a portion of the millbase is liquefied by continuous or batchwise addition to the aqueous liquid.

Abstract: Nucleoside 5?-phosphate ester is produced by culturing a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia having an ability to produce nucleoside 5?-phosphate ester, in which ushA gene and aphA gene do not function normally, in a medium to produce and accumulate nucleoside 5?-phosphate ester in the medium, and collecting the nucleoside 5?-phosphate ester from the medium.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for decreasing blood glucose levels in an animal or for preventing or delaying the onset of a rise in blood glucose levels in an animal, comprising administering to the animal an antisense inhibitor of PTP1B expression in combination with at least one glucose-lowering drug. The present invention is also directed to compositions and methods for improving insulin sensitivity in an animal or for preventing or delaying the onset of insulin resistance in an animal. Also provided are compositions and methods for treating or preventing a metabolic condition in an animal. The metabolic condition may be, e.g., diabetes or obesity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of at least one microbial metabolite having at least 3 carbon atoms or at least 2 carbon atoms and at least 1 nitrogen atom by means of sugar-based microbial fermentation, comprising: a) the preparation of a sugar-containing liquid medium with a monosaccharide content of more than 20% by weight from a starch feedstock, the sugar-containing liquid medium also comprising non-starchy solid constituents of the starch feedstock; b) the fermentation of the sugar-containing liquid medium for the production of the metabolite(s); and c) depletion or isolation of at least one metabolite from the fermentation liquor, wherein a microorganism strain which produces the desired metabolite(s) is cultivated with the sugar-containing liquid medium, said liquid medium being obtained by: a1) milling the starch feedstock; and a2) liquefying the millbase in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one starch-liquefying enzyme, followed by saccharification using at lea

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyribonucleoside ladder copolymer molecule of general formula (I)

Abstract: Compounds having structure (1) wherein R1 is —H a protecting group, a linker or a binding partner; and R2 and R34 are as defined in the specification. The invention also provides intermediates and methods make the structure (1) compounds, as well as methods to use the compounds as labels in diagnostic assays and to enhance binding to complementary bases.

Abstract: Novel organisms, including DNA construct host cell combinations, are disclosed. The organisms comprise a transcription unit (e.g. operon) comprising DNA sequences encoding for enzymes which promote the supply of single carbon units for the conversion of dUMP to dTMP. Examples include: dihydrofolate reductase genes e.g. T4 frd; Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase genes e.g. glyA; 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase genes e.g. serA; and THF synthase genes e.g. ADE3. The organisms are used in a biological method of producing thymidine with significantly reduced levels of uridine.

Abstract: Herein described are prodrugs activated by RNA-dependent DNA-polymerases, such as telomerase and retroviral reverse transcriptases, their use for the treatment of haematological tumours and of blood and blood derivatives from patients affected by retroviral infections, and their use for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions, to be used for the treatment of solid tumours, of precancerous states and of diseases caused by infection with retroviruses.

Abstract: A process for the fermentative production of at least one organic compound having at least 3 C atoms or having at least 2 C atoms and at least one 1 N atom, comprising the following steps: a1) milling a starch feedstock, thus obtaining a millbase which comprises at least part of the nonstarchy solid constituents of the starch feedstock; a2) suspending the millbase in an aqueous liquid and hydrolysis of the starch portion in the millbase by enzymatic liquefaction and, if appropriate, subsequent saccharification, whereby a first liquid (1) which comprises mono- or oligosaccharides is obtained; and b) addition of the liquid (1) which comprises mono- or oligosaccharides together with metabolizable mono-, di- or oligosaccharides or together with a composition which comprises metabolizable mono-, di- or oligosaccharide in a concentration of at least 50% by weight and which is essentially free from solids which are insoluble in water to a fermentation medium comprising a microorganism which is capable of overproduc

Abstract: A microorganism which has a gene encoding an enzyme in which feedback inhibition is desensitized by substitution of one or two amino acids in PRPP amidotransferase encoded by purF of Escherichia coli, a gene encoding a protein which is an inactivated repressor of purine nucleotide biosynthesis encoded by purR, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated purine nucleoside phosphorylase encoded by deoD, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated succinyl-AMP synthase encoded by purA, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated 6-phosphogluconate dehydrase encoded by edd, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated phosphoglucose isomerase encoded by pgi and like is bred and a purine nucleoside is produced by culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: The inventive method for evaluating an X protein encoded by an Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum ) ntd gene in such a way that the characteristics thereof are modified consists a) in obtaining the Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum ) ntd gene mutants by random mutagenesis, b) in transforming cells containing a [P-] phenotype provided with vectors containing mutated nucleic acids obtained at the stage a) coding for the thus modified X* proteins, wherein P- means that said cells are auxotrophic for a substance P produced by the action of X on a natural substrate S, c) in culturing said cells in a medium comprising a substrate S*, wherein S* is an analog to the natural substrate S of the protein X and d) in selecting the cells [P-::X*] which survived at the stage c) and ijn which the proteins X* are capable of carrying out the biosynthesis of the product P based on the substrate S*. The mutated L.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of D-pantothenic acid and/or salts thereof or feedstuffs additives comprising these by fermentation of microorganisms of the Bacillus group, in particular those which already produce D-pantothenic acid, which comprises enhancing, in particular over-expressing, in the microorganisms one or more of the nucleotide sequence(s) which code(s) for the gene or ORF ybbT, ywkA, yjmC, ytsJ, mdh, cysK, iolJ, pdhD, yuiE, dhaS, adk, yusH, yqhJ, yqjK and yqhI.