Abstract: The invention provides a nucleotide sequence of bovine epidermal growth factor (bEGF) and the deduced amino acid sequence of the encoded protein. The invention further provides the nucleotide sequence of mature bEGF and the deduced mature bEGF protein. The invention extends to homologous nucleic acids, proteins, and fragments functionally equivalent to the nucleotide sequence of the bEGF gene and bEGF protein, respectively. Bovine EGF may be expressed in microorganisms such as E. coli or P. pastoris, and plant hosts, such as potato. Activity of recombinant bEGF may be confirmed using a cell proliferation/DNA synthesis assay. Bovine EGF demonstrates utility in livestock and dairy productions as a supplement in farm animal feed to promote growth; to prevent or treat intestinal infections; to stimulate precocious maturation of gut cells to secrete an appropriate spectrum of digestive enzymes; and to increase nutrient absorption.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a regulatory region obtained from a wheat aleurone gene LtpW1. This regulatory region, truncated derivatives, mutations, or deletions of this regulatory region, can be used to express heterologous genes of interest within aleurone cells of a plant. Furthermore, this invention is directed to a truncated LtpW1 regulatory region that exhibits constitutive activity with both monocot and dicot plants. This invention is also directed to vectors comprising these regulatory regions operatively linked with a heterologous gene of interest, as well as plant cell cultures and transgenic plants comprising these vectors. A method for the preparation of a plant using the regulatory regions of this invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel seed coat specific peroxidase genomic sequence is characterized and presented. The seed coat peroxidase is translated as a 352 amino acid precursor protein of 38 kDa comprising a 26 amino acid signal sequence which when cleaved results in a 35 kDa protein. Probes derived from the cDNA, or genomic DNA can be used to detect polymorphisms that distinguish EpEp and epep genotypes. The regulatory region of the seed coat specific gene may be used to control expression of genes of interest such as genes encoding herbicide resistance, biological control of insects or pathogens, viral coat proteins to protect against viral infections, proteins of commercial interest, or proteins that alter the nutritive value, taste, or processing of seeds.

Abstract: Fusarium graminearum is a plant pathogen, attacking a wide range of plant species including corn (ear and stalk rot), barley, and wheat (head blight). Fusarium epidemics result in millions of dollars of losses in crop revenues. Fusarium graminearum infection in the cereals reduces both grain yield and quality. Mycotoxins are produced by many fungal Fusarium species and thus the grain becomes contaminated with these mycotoxins, such as the trichothecenes. The major trichothecene produced by F. graminearum is deoxynivalenol (abbreviated as DON, also known as vomitoxin). Trichothecenes are potent protein synthesis inhibitors and are quite toxic to humans and livestock. A yeast gene has been identified which confers upon yeast tolerant of the trichothecene, trichodermin. A corresponding plant gene has been prepared, which has been used to transform plants. These transformed plants have an increased resistance to Fusarium infestation.

Abstract: Methods for sequential saponification and quantitative isomerization of glyceride oils containing interrupted double bond systems, with alkali in a polyether alcohol solvent to yield soaps with conjugated double bond systems are disclosed. The novel properties of the polyether alcohols allow the removal of water added with the alkali by boiling. The preferred embodiment uses a vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid such as sunflower or safflower oil, potassium hydroxide, phosphoric acid to neutralize the soaps. The reaction forms equal quantities of 9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid and 10E,12Z-octadecadienoic acids.

Abstract: Posttranslational modification of histones, in particular acetylation and deacetylation are involved in the regulation of gene expression. Histone deacetylases remove acetyl groups from histone proteins. The present invention is directed to a method of regulating gene expression in a transgenic plant comprising, introducing into a plant a first chimeric nucleotide sequence comprising a first regulatory element in operative association with a coding sequence of interest, and an upstream activating sequence, and a second chimeric nucleotide sequence comprising a second regulatory element in operative association with a nucleotide sequence encoding histone deaceytlase and a nucleotide sequence encoding a DNA binding protein, and growing the transgenic plant.

Abstract: Novel lines of Brassica juncea yield an edible oil that has properties similar to canola oil. More specifically, the oil has an oleic acid content of at least 55% by weight, a linoleic acid content of less than 25% by weight, a linolenic acid content of less than 14% by weight, a erucic acid content of less than 1% by weight, a palmitic acid content of less than 6% by weight, a stearic acid content of less than 2.5% by weight, and a total saturated acid content of less than 7.1% by weight. The novel lines of B. juncea plant have a lineage that includes both lines J90-3450 and J90-4316, these being known lines of B. juncea, and may be formed by conventional cross fertilization or other means. The novel lines can be grown in harsher environments than conventional canola species and are high-yielding and disease-resistant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to translational regulatory elements that mediate the amount of protein produced within a host capable of expressing a construct comprising one or more translational regulatory elements in operative association with a gene of interest. These translational regulatory elements were derived from T1275 (tCUP) and exhibit a high degree of similarity with members of the RENT family of repetitive elements. Translational regulatory elements are disclosed that either increase or decrease he amount of protein produced within the host organism. These translational elements are operative in a wide range of hosts including plant, animals, yeast, fungi and bacteria. Analogs, derivatives and fragments of these translational elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating polycystic kidney disease is described. The method involves administering soyasaponin Bb to an animal in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides plant selection strategies to identify and select plants cells, tissue or entire plants which comprise a coding region of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides the nucleotide sequence of a novel &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase gene denoted as cbeg1 of the soil-borne fungus Coniothyrium minitans. The deduced amino acid sequence of the encoded &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase enzyme, denoted Cbeg1, is also provided. Encoded &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase Cbeg1 is specific for the substrate laminarin, in that results showed no activity with other substrates tested, such as carboxymethylcellulose, barley &bgr;-glucan, lichenan, oat spelt xylan and birchwood xylan. The pH and temperature optima for &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase Cbeg1 are 6.0 and 57° C., respectively. Cbeg1 contains 784 amino acids, and has a predicted isoelectric point (pI) of 6.0 and molecular weight of 83,646 Daltons. The invention further provides vectors and cells comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding the cbeg1 gene, and methods for producing &bgr;-(1,3) exoglucanase Cbeg1.

Abstract: The invention provides tomato polynucleotides which, when transformed into a plant, confer on the plant resistance to Verticillium species. The polynucleotides of the invention are useful for producing transgenic plants that are resistant to Verticillium species.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding Brassica napus diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase (DGAT) are provided. Also provided are the encoded DGAT polypeptides, transgenic plants which express DGAT, and methods for making such plants. The DGAT-encoding polynucleotides are useful for increasing triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis, seed oil content, and oil quality in plants.

Abstract: The invention can be summarized as follows. Several silk-specific genes were isolated from corn silk. The specificity of their expression was determined by Northern analysis. A regulatory region was obtained from the silk gene, C3, and found to direct silk, and pistil, expression in transient assays and transgenic plants, in both monocot and dicot plants. The regulatory region of a silk gene may be used to drive the expression of a gene of interest within pistil or silk-tissues for a range of utilities including pathogen resistance or female sterility.

Abstract: A biocontrol agent and a method of use thereof for controlling diseases caused by fungal pathogens in plants. In one aspect of the invention, novel strains of Gliocladium roseum exhibiting antagonistic effects against plant pathogens are used as biocontrol agents. Most preferably, a novel strain Gliocladium roseum ACM941 (ATCC #74447) is used in a treatment effective against fungal pathogens of plants. The biocontrol agent of the present invention may be used in the treatment of seeds, soil or plants to effectively protect against plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens. The biocontrol agent is particularly effective against fungal infections of pea, bean, canola, wheat, barley, beet, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, canola, califlower, cucumber, egg plant, pepper, tomato, marigold and other horticultural and ornamental plants, caused by Alternaria alternata, Aphanomyces euteiches, Ascochyta spp., Bipolaris sorokiniana, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. pisi, Fusarium solani f.sp.

Abstract: The present biotechnological approach for the production of polyhydroxyalkanotes (PHAs) uses microbial systems. The high production costs makes them substantially more expensive than synthetic plastics. Engineering a novel pathway in eucaryotic cell systems is a beneficial alternative to the production of PHAs in bacteria. This pathway will initially produce free (C8) fatty acids from the fatty acid synthetic pathway through the action of thioesterase, that will then add a CoA moiety to the free fatty acid through the action of an acyl-CoA synthetase, that will produce 3-ketoacyl-CoAs from the acyl-CoA through the action of a thiolase, that will produce R-(−)-OH-acyl-CoAs from the 3-keto acid CoAs through the action of a dehydrogenase isoform from yeasts. These R-(−)-3-OH-acyl-CoAs will finally be used as substrate for the PHA synthase reaction.

Abstract: A method for carrying out sequential reactions, e.g., sequential biochemical reactions, and a rotary thermocycling apparatus especially adapted for conducting such reactions, for example, polymerase chain reactions, are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of stations, e.g., four stations, for receiving biochemical samples in flat-bottomed containers. Heating means are provided to independently control the temperature of each station, transport means are provided to move the containers from one station to another in a predetermined sequence, and at least one station has a spray unit to spray liquid reagents into a container at that station. The method includes sequentially cycling a sample through predetermined temperature changes and spraying the sample with at least one reagent.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of perennial Monarda spp. or Bee-Balm plant is provided that exhibits a dense dwarf stature. The blossoms exhibit an attractive light pink coloration (as illustrated). Dense dark green and glossy foliage is formed that contrasts well with the blossom coloration. The new variety can be distinguished from the ‘Petite Delight’ variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,784) by its generally smaller blossom size, smaller foliage, and slightly smaller and more compact growth habit. The winter hardiness is good.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of shrub rose plant of relatively small stature is provided which forms in clusters attractive semi-double slightly concave yellow-orange blossoms that display a strong fragrance. The blossoming occurs substantially continuously over a long duration. An open and erect growth habit is exhibited. The foliage is glossy dark green and contrasts nicely with the yellow range blossoms. The plant propagates well by the use of softwood cuttings and possesses good winter hardiness. Good disease resistance particularly to blackspot is exhibited. It is particularly well suited for growing as an individual plant or as a mass planting to create ornamentation in the landscape.