Abstract: The invention is directed to methods involved in the production of flavonoids, anthocyanins and other organic compounds. The invention provides cells engineered for the production of flavonoids, anthocyanins and other organic compounds, where the engineered cells include one or more genetic modifications that increase flavonoid production by increasing metabolic flux to flavonoid precursors and/or reducing carbon losses resulting from the production of byproducts.

Abstract: Geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) is a key intermediate molecule in the bioproduction of thousands of natural products. Currently, natural products are either cultivated from plants, synthesized via complex chemical synthesis strategies, or through cell-based factories also known as biofoundries. However, in order to replicate the process in a cell free environment, numerous enzymes and cofactors must be utilized making this approach costly and unviable. In order to make this process viable, a new approach was needed that uses fewer enzymes and co-factors. As described herein, the present invention demonstrates that it is possible to create GPP from glycerol through a short and concise biosynthetic pathway outside of the cell.

Abstract: Glycerol is a byproduct of biodiesel and bioethanol production and its conversion to value-added chemicals is a promising avenue for realization of the biorefinery concept Conversion of glycerol to pyruvate through glycerate yields pyruvate, is a common intermediate of many high-value natural products. The present invention aims at improving the specific activity of a naturally occurring enzyme toward conversion of glycerate to pyruvate (TvDHT). The present invention features compositions of isolated dehydratase enzyme (DHT) polypeptide composition, in particular the DHT polypeptide composition comprising a single point mutation that increases the specific activity of the enzyme as compared to wild type.