Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for producing heterologous protein with improved yield and/or quality. A library of randomized ribosomal binding site sequences is provided for the identification of a translation initiation region sequence optimal for expression of the heterologous protein. Also provided are novel ribosomal binding site sequences, and vectors and host cells having those sequences. The library of randomized sequences is useful for screening for improved expression of any protein of interest, including therapeutic proteins, hormones, a growth factors, extracellular receptors or ligands, proteases, kinases, blood proteins, chemokines, cytokines, antibodies and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides an array for rapidly identifying a host cell population capable of producing heterologous protein with improved yield and/or quality. The array comprises one or more host cell populations that have been genetically modified to increase the expression of one or more target genes involved in protein production, decrease the expression of one or more target genes involved in protein degradation, or both. One or more of the strains in the array may express the heterologous protein of interest in a periplasm compartment, or may secrete the heterologous protein extracellularly through an outer cell wall. The strain arrays are useful for screening for improved expression of any protein of interest, including therapeutic proteins, hormones, a growth factors, extracellular receptors or ligands, proteases, kinases, blood proteins, chemokines, cytokines, antibodies and the like.

Abstract: Increasing the molecular length of xanthan polymer makes a higher viscosity xanthan composition. Xanthan with higher specific viscosity characteristics provides more viscosity at equivalent concentration in food, industrial and oilfield applications. Methods for increasing the viscosity of xanthan include inducing particular key genes and increasing copy number of particular key genes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improving expression and/or secretion of protein or polypeptide of interest in a host cell are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a bacterial secretion signal peptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in vector constructs or expression systems for transformation and expression of a protein or polypeptide of interest in a host cell. The compositions of the invention are useful for increasing accumulation of properly processed proteins in the periplasmic space of a host cell, or for increasing secretion of properly processed proteins from the host cell. In particular, isolated secretion signal peptide-encoding nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the nucleic acid molecules are encompassed.

Abstract: Increasing the molecular length of xanthan polymer makes a higher viscosity xanthan composition. Xanthan with higher specific viscosity characteristics provides more viscosity at equivalent concentration in food, industrial and oilfield applications. Methods for increasing the viscosity of xanthan include inducing particular key genes and increasing copy number of particular key genes.