Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide polynucleotides encoding insect desiccation resistance proteins, and uses thereof cDNA libraries were produced from Polypedilum vanderplanki larvae in a desiccated state, a P. vanderplanki EST database was constructed, and genes encoding LEA proteins were isolated. This resulted in the successful isolation of three types of novel gene encoding LEA-like proteins (PvLEA1, PvLEA2, and PvLEA3.) When secondary structure predictions and motif searches were performed on the proteins deduced from each of the genes, all three proteins had ?-helix-rich structures and LEA_4 motifs, which are characteristic of LEA proteins. Moreover, the recombinant proteins synthesized from PvLEA1, 2 and 3 genes were heat soluble even when boiling, so that PvLEA1, 2 and 3 proteins have highly hydrophilic property as well as plant LEA proteins. Therefore, the three isolated genes were found to be novel P. vanderplanki-derived LEA genes.

Abstract: Methods for identifying animal species involving amplifying a DNA fragment by PCR using a DNA in a sample as a template and animal-specific DNA sequences as a primer pair, the animal-specific DNA sequences derived from a ATP synthase subunit 8 gene or a region proximal thereto of a mitochondrial genome; and detecting the amplified DNA fragment.

Abstract: The present inventors succeeded in isolating the rice field resistance gene pi21 by linkage analysis, and found that field resistance to blast in plants could be modified by introducing or controlling the expression of the gene. Thus, it became possible to efficiently confer plants with field resistance. It also became possible to select, at an early stage, rice plants having field resistance to blast. Moreover, by changing the tissue specificity of expression and the expression level of the gene involved in field resistance, varieties having resistance as well as high practical use can be grown.

Abstract: The present inventors succeeded in isolating the rice field resistance gene pi21 by linkage analysis, and found that field resistance to blast in plants could be modified by introducing or controlling the expression of the gene. Thus, it became possible to efficiently confer plants with field resistance. It also became possible to select, at an early stage, rice plants having field resistance to blast. Moreover, by changing the tissue specificity of expression and the expression level of the gene involved in field resistance, varieties having resistance as well as high practical use can be grown.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preventing or inhibiting infection with a plant-infecting microorganism and imparting resistivity to plants, a method for preparing plants having resistance to diseases caused by microorganisms such as plant pathogenic filamentous fungi, and a microbial pesticide formulation. The method for preventing or inhibiting infection of a host plant with plant-infecting microorganisms comprises degrading ?-1,3-glucan on cell walls of the microorganisms by ?-1,3-glucanase.

Abstract: The present invention provides oxygen partial pressure control apparatuses that can control the partial pressure of oxygen in atmospheric gases in processing apparatuses or the like to within the range of 0.2 to 10?30 atm, while maintaining low material and operational cost conditions.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a polynucleotide encoding a gene capable of regulating tillering and leaf morphology in a plant and a method of regulating the phenotype of a plant by using this polynucleotide. The above-described polynucleotide can regulate the number of leaves or roots per individual or leaf morphology (including the length, width and thickness of leaves). In an embodiment, the plant usable in the regulation of tillering and leaf morphology is a monocotyledon. In a preferred embodiment, the monocotyledon is a gramineae plant. In a still preferred embodiment, the gramineae plant is rice.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide polynucleotides encoding insect desiccation resistance proteins, and uses thereof cDNA libraries were produced from Polypedilum vanderplanki larvae in a desiccated state, a P. vanderplanki EST database was constructed, and genes encoding LEA proteins were isolated. This resulted in the successful isolation of three types of novel gene encoding LEA-like proteins (PvLEA1, PvLEA2, and PvLEA3.) When secondary structure predictions and motif searches were performed on the proteins deduced from each of the genes, all three proteins had ?-helix-rich structures and LEA_4 motifs, which are characteristic of LEA proteins. Moreover, the recombinant proteins synthesized from PvLEA1, 2 and 3 genes were heat soluble even when boiling, so that PvLEA1, 2 and 3 proteins have highly hydrophilic property as well as plant LEA proteins. Therefore, the three isolated genes were found to be novel P. vanderplanki-derived LEA genes.

Abstract: A biodegradable biopolymer material consists of silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm; silk fibroin from wild silkworm; a composite material comprising silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm and silk fibroin from wild silkworm; or a composite material comprising either silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm or silk fibroin from wild silkworm and at least one secondary substance selected from the group consisting of cellulose, chitin, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, keratin from wool and polyvinyl alcohol. The material may be prepared by, for instance, casting an aqueous solution of domesticated silkworm silk fibroin on the surface of a substrate and then cast drying the applied solution. The biodegradable biopolymer material is effectively used as, for instance, a metal ion-adsorbing material, a sustained release substrate for a useful substance such as a medicine, a biological cell-growth substrate and a biodegradable water-absorbing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic plant having increased seed size prepared via introduction of DNA encoding a protein consisting of a specific amino acid sequence derived from a plant, such as rice, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A three-step screening of selection for resistance against pathogenic bacteria infection, selection for resistance against pathogenic fungi infection, and selection for sensitivity to salicylic acid was carried out on Arabidopsis thaliana lines highly expressing rice full-length cDNA (rice-FOX Arabidopsis lines) which were prepared by using a FOX hunting system. As a result, one Arabidopsis thaliana line (line K15424) selected in all of the three types of screening was successfully selected. Line K15424 carries a rice full-length cDNA. Rice overexpressing AK070024 was produced, and resistance against rice bacterial leaf blight was assayed using the T1 generation. As a result, it was confirmed that AK070024-overexpressing rice is resistant against bacterial leaf blight and blast.

Abstract: Silkworms which have (i) a DNA encoding a transcriptional regulator operably linked downstream of a promoter of a DNA encoding a protein specifically expressed in the silk gland and (ii) a DNA encoding TRACP5 operably linked downstream of a target promoter of the transcriptional regulator were produced. The result showed that active TRACP5b was produced from the silkworms. This means that TRACP5 produced from the silk gland of the silkworms undergoes processing in the silk gland that is similar to the processing taking place at bone resorption sites.

Abstract: A biodegradable biopolymer material consists of silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm; silk fibroin from wild silkworm; a composite material comprising silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm and silk fibroin from wild silkworm; or a composite material comprising either silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm or silk fibroin from wild silkworm and at least one secondary substance selected from the group consisting of cellulose, chitin, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, keratin from wool and polyvinyl alcohol. The material may be prepared by, for instance, casting an aqueous solution of domesticated silkworm silk fibroin on the surface of a substrate and then cast drying the applied solution. The biodegradable biopolymer material is effectively used as, for instance, a metal ion-adsorbing material, a sustained release substrate for a useful substance such as a medicine, a biological cell-growth substrate and a biodegradable water-absorbing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides the chromosomal location and structure of a gene involved in the determination of row type and panicle morphology of barley. The present inventors have found that the row type and panicle morphology of barley can be altered by introducing the Vrs1 gene provided by the present invention into barley and regulating its expression. Furthermore, the present inventors found the possibility of enhancing the resistance of barley to Fusarium head blight. Thus, barley having phenotypes suitable for the intended purpose can be created by efficiently altering the row type and panicle morphology of barley.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide polynucleotides encoding insect desiccation resistance proteins, and uses thereof. cDNA libraries were produced from Polypedilum vanderplanki larvae in a desiccated state, a P. vanderplanki EST database was constructed, and genes encoding LEA proteins were isolated. This resulted in the successful isolation of three types of novel gene encoding LEA-like proteins. When secondary structure predictions and motif searches were performed on the proteins deduced from each of the genes, all three proteins had ?-helix-rich structures and LEA_4 motifs, which are characteristic of LEA proteins. Moreover, the recombinant proteins synthesized from these genes were heat soluble even when boiling, so that these proteins have hydrophilic properties as high as plant LEA proteins. Therefore, the three isolated genes were found to be novel P. vanderplanki-derived LEA genes.

Abstract: The present inventors identified a novel rice glutelin gene, GluD-1, which is expressed specifically in seeds. The promoter of the GluD-1 gene was confirmed to induce seed-specific gene expression, and to induce expression of downstream genes specifically in the endosperm during the early stage of seed maturation process. More specifically, the GluD-1 promoter can induce strong expression of an exogenous gene in sites including the endosperm.

Abstract: The present inventors succeeded in isolating the rice field resistance gene pi21 by linkage analysis, and found that field resistance to blast in plants could be modified by introducing or controlling the expression of the gene. Thus, it became possible to efficiently confer plants with field resistance. It also became possible to select, at an early stage, rice plants having field resistance to blast. Moreover, by changing the tissue specificity of expression and the expression level of the gene involved in field resistance, varieties having resistance as well as high practical use can be grown.

Abstract: To provide an emulsifier for cosmetic use which not only has an improved emulsifying power and feel during use, but wherein the emulsifier itself has a skin cell growth-promoting property. The emulsifier contains an aqueous solution of silk protein composed mainly of amorphous silk fibroin, wherein the aqueous solution of silk protein composed mainly of amorphous silk fibroin is an aqueous solution of silk protein obtained by dissolving unscoured, partially scoured or scoured spun silkworm fibers (cocoon filaments) with a neutral salt and then dialyzing the solution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to identify genes involved in the growth of a plant and provide a transformed plant the growth of which is promoted utilizing the genes.

Abstract: The present inventors produced transgenic silkworms which comprise a promoter of a DNA encoding a protein specifically expressed in the silk gland and a DNA encoding a recombinant antibody whose expression is regulated directly or indirectly by the promoter, and which secrete the recombinant antibody into the silk gland. The recombinant antibodies produced from the silk gland of the transgenic silkworms were confirmed to be active.