Abstract: The present invention is concerned with means and methods for allowing tissue specific and, in particular, seed specific expression of genes. The present invention, accordingly, relates to a polynucleotide comprising an expression control sequence which allows seed specific expression of a nucleic acid of interest being operatively linked thereto. Moreover, the present invention contemplates vectors, host cells, non-human transgenic organisms comprising the aforementioned polynucleotide as well as methods and uses of such a polynucleotide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing eicosapentanoic acid, docosapentanoic acid and/or docohexanoic acid in transgenic plants. According to said method, the plant is provided with at least one nucleic acid sequence coding for a polypeptide with a ?6 desaturase activity, at least one nucleic acid sequence coding for a polypeptide with a ?6 elongase activity, at least one nucleic acid sequence coding for a polypeptide with a ?5 desaturase activity, and at least one nucleic acid sequence coding for a polypeptide with a ?5 elongase activity, the nucleic acid sequence coding for a polypeptide with a ?5 elongase activity being modified in relation to the nucleic acid sequence in the organism from which the sequence originates, such that it is adapted to the codon use in at least one type of plant. For the production of docosahexanoic acid, at least one nucleic acid sequence coding for a polypeptide with a ?4 desaturase activity is also introduced into the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding an omega 3 (?-3) desaturase from Pythium irregulare with specificity to long chain polyunsaturated omega 6 (?-6) fatty acids as well as a vector containing said polynucleotide, and a host cell containing the vector or the polynucleotide. Moreover, the present invention pertains to a polypeptide encoded by the said polynucleotide, antibodies against the polypeptide as well as a method for the manufacture of the polypeptide. Further, encompassed by the present invention are transgenic non-human organisms. Finally, the present invention relates to methods for the manufacture of compounds and oil- fatty acid- or lipid-containing compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing arachidonic acid and/or eicosapentaenoic acid in useful transgenic plants, according to which nucleic acids, which encode polypeptides with ?-6-desaturase activity, ?-6-elongase activity or ?-5-desaturase activity, are introduced into the plants. As an added advantage, a gene that encodes a ?-3-desaturase is expressed in the useful plants. In an additional embodiment of the method, additional nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides involved in the biosynthesis of the fatty acid or lipid metabolism, can be expressed in the plants. Particularly advantageous nucleic acid sequences are those that encode ?-8-desaturase activity, ?-12-desaturase activity, ?-15-desaturase activity, ?-4-desaturase activity, ?-9-elongase activity and/or ?-5-elongase activity. The invention also relates to the use of the oils, lipids and/or fatty acids that have been produced by said method in animal feed or foodstuffs, cosmetics or pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the seed of transgenic plants for introducing, into the organism, nucleic acids which encode polypeptides with ?3-desaturase, ?12-desaturase, ?6-desaturase, ?6-elongase, ?5-desaturase, ?5-elongase and/or ?4-desaturase activity, preferably polypeptides with ?6-desaturase, ?6-elongase and ?5-desaturase activity. The nucleic acid sequences are the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199 and SEQ ID NO: 201. These nucleic acid sequences can advantageously be expressed in the organism, if appropriate together with further nucleic acid sequences which encode polypeptides of the biosynthesis of the fatty acid or lipid metabolism. Especially advantageous are nucleic acid sequences which encode a ?6-desaturase, a ?5-desaturase, ?4-desaturase, ?12-desaturase and/or ?6-elongase activity.

Abstract: Plant stresses such as pest infestations, disease, drought, flood, and excessive temperatures can lead to significant losses of crops each year. There is a continuing need to develop novel plant varieties that are less susceptible to damage or loss by such stresses. The present invention provides for the isolation, characterization and use of an entirely novel class of plant genes, generally designated ROB5. Transgenic plants expressing ROB5 can show a dramatic improvement in their capacity to tolerate a variety of stress conditions. Moreover, ROB5 expression can further lead to marked increases in plant growth rates and plant vigor. The present invention encompasses all such ROB5 genes and peptides encoded thereby, plants expressing corresponding ROB5 constructs, and plant products thereof.

Abstract: Plant stresses such as pest infestations, disease, drought, flood, and excessive temperatures can lead to significant losses of crops each year. There is a continuing need to develop novel plant varieties that are less susceptible to damage or loss by such stresses. The present invention provides for the isolation, characterization and use of an entirely novel class of plant genes, generally designated ROB5. Transgenic plants expressing ROB5 can show a dramatic improvement in their capacity to tolerate a variety of stress conditions. Moreover, ROB5 expression can further lead to marked increases in plant growth rates and plant vigor. The present invention encompasses all such ROB5 genes and peptides encoded thereby, plants expressing corresponding ROB5 constructs, and plant products thereof.