Abstract: The invention relates to a newly identified polynucleotide sequence comprising a gene that encodes a novel phospholipase isolated from Aspergillus niger. The invention features the full length nucleotide sequence of the novel gene, the cDNA sequence comprising the full length coding sequence of the novel phospholipase as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional protein and functional equivalents thereof. The invention also relates to methods of using these enzymes in industrial processes and methods of diagnosing fungal infections. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention and cells wherein a phospholipase according to the invention is genetically modified to enhance or reduce its activity and/or level of expression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a newly identified polynucleotide sequence comprising a gene that encodes a novel lipolytic enzyme from Aspergillus niger. The invention features the full length nucleotide sequence of the novel gene, the cDNA sequence comprising the full length coding sequence of the novel lipolytic enzyme as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional protein and functional equivalents thereof. The invention also relates to methods of using these enzymes in industrial processes and methods of diagnosing fungal infections. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention and cells wherein a lipolytic enzyme according to the invention is genetically modified to enhance its activity and/or level of expression.

Abstract: Microbial strains capable of producing enhanced levels of sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, phytosphingosine and/or derivatives thereof are disclosed. Additionally, there are disclosed methods based on mutagenesis, or other selection techniques, whereby such strains can be produced. As a preferred example thereof, mutant strains of Pichia are provided that are capable of producing about 50% or more of such compounds than wild type strains.

Abstract: Microbial strains capable of producing enhanced levels of sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, phytosphingosine and/or derivatives thereof are disclosed. Additionally, there are disclosed methods based on mutagenesis, or other selection techniques, whereby such strains can be produced. As a preferred example thereof, mutant strains of Pichia are provided that are capable of producing about 50% more of such compounds than wild type strains.

Abstract: The present invention provides Phaffia rhodozyma strains having increased levels of astaxantin and a low percentage of 3-hydroxy-3',4'-didehydro-.beta.,.psi.-caroten-4-one (HDCO). Such strains are obtained by a combination of mutagenesis and selection. The invention further provides a method for obtaining such strains. The invention also provides astaxanthin obtained from a mutagenized strain of Phaffia rhodozyma characterized in that it contains a decreased relative amount of HDCO.

Abstract: The present invention provides Phaffia rhodozyma strains having increased levels of astaxantin and a low percentage of 3-hydroxy-3',4'-didehydro-.beta.,.psi.-caroten-4-one (HDCO). Such strains are obtained by a combination of mutagenesis and selection. The invention further provides a method for obtaining such strains. The invention also provides astaxanthin obtained from a mutagenized strain of Phaffia rhodozyma characterized in that it contains a decreased relative amount of HDCO.