Abstract: This disclosure provides a structurally related family of gelation promoting decarboxylase homologs for use in commercial food products and cosmetics. GPDH proteins are expressed intracellularly in trace amounts in plants, animals, and eukaryotic microbes, where they play a catalytic role in the mevalonate pathway. Members of the GPDH family are structurally related by a series of closely conserved amino acid sequence motifs. The ability of GPDHs to promote gelation when used as an ingredient in commercial products was previously unknown. In contrast to most commonly used plant proteins and plant protein isolates, the combination of low gelation onset temperature (~50° C.) and a remarkably low critical gelation concentration (4%) makes the GPDH proteins of this disclosure particularly well suited as a functional protein replacement in foods and personal care products.

Abstract: This disclosure provides materials and methods for improving the nutritional value of food products by increasing the content of chelated iron. Heme binding proteins (designated as PX90 proteins) that have not previously been used as food additives are manufactured by recombinant expression, and then included in food products during manufacture or preparation. PX90 proteins may also impart a meat-like flavor or aroma, either coincidentally or by design. Subcategories of PX90 proteins are structurally related to THAP4-like heme-binding beta-barrel domain containing proteins, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), DyP-type peroxidase, ferritins, and hemopexins. The bioavailable iron in nutritional supplements and food products of this disclosure is especially beneficial for consumers who have manifestations of iron deficiency, low blood hematocrit, anemia, and other hematological abnormalities.