Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant polynucleotide comprising a promoter sequence being an inducible promoter obtainable from apple. The promoter sequence is preferably activated in response to which agents are specific to ripening fruit and is most preferably the apple &bgr;-galactosidase (ABG1) promoter. Vectors form a further part of the invention. Also provided are host plant cells, plus methods of producing transgenic plants and fruit which incorporate antisense RNA capable of down-regulating genes involved in ripening or peptides or proteins improving fungal, insect, bacterial, viral, herbicidal, nematode, or arachnid resistance. Such transgenic plants and fruit have storage and pest-resistance properties superior to non-transgenic varieties.

Abstract: Novel human BUB genes and their encoded proteins are provided herein. The kinases encoded by the disclosed BUB1A and BUB1B genes play a pivotal role in mitotic checkpoint control. BUB3 is a substrate of these kinases, BUB genes and their encoded proteins provide valuable therapeutic targets for the design of anti-proliferative agents which inhibit the aberrant cellular proliferation observed in tumor cells.