Abstract: The invention relates to norcoclaurine synthases and substrate binding sites having one or more site-specific mutation which increase the activity, when compared to the wild type synthase, of the condensation of 4-HPAA and dopamine to (S)-norcoclaurine and/or 3,4-DhPAA and dopamine to (S)-norlaudanosoline. The inventors both identified specific mutations corresponding to at position 73, 75, 77, 82, 99, 114, 141, 142, 147, 152, 174 and/or 178 in the count according to SEQ ID No: 1, and sites corresponding to the binding domains defined in SEQ ID NO: 4 and 5, where the mutated increase of the activity may be positioned within these norcoclaurine synthases. These domains are conserved regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant microorganisms and methods for producing steviol glycosides and steviol glycoside precursors.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant microorganisms and methods for producing steviol glycosides, glycosides of steviol precursors, and steviol glycoside precursors.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant microorganisms and methods for producing steviol glycosides and steviol glycoside precursors.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant microorganisms and methods for producing steviol glycosides, glycosides of steviol precursors, and steviol glycoside precursors.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing melanin and melanin precursors, derivatives, and intermediates. In particular, recombinant microorganisms are disclosed that express tyrosinases to produce 5,6-DHI and express UGT polypeptides capable of either in vivo or in vitro glycosylation of melanin precursors, derivatives, and intermediates. Glycosylated 5,6-DHI is produced both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing glycosylated nootkatol. In particular, a recombinant host comprising a gene encoding a UDP-glycosyltransferase polypeptide capable of glycosylating nootkatol is disclosed. Glycosylation of nootkatol detoxifies nootkatol, allowing for greater production of (glycosylated-)nootkatol, a precursor of nootkatone, and therefore greater production of nootkatone. The invention also relates to methods of converting non-toxic, glycosylated nootkatol produced by a recombinant host to nootkatol, wherein the nootkatol can subsequently be converted to large quantities of nootkatone to be used in flavorings, perfumes, and/or insect repellents.