Abstract: Transacylase enzymes and the use of such enzymes to produce paclitaxel, related taxoids, as well as intermediates in the paclitaxel biosynthetic pathway are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding the transacylase enzymes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides nucleic acid molecules that each correspond to all or part of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule expressed in plant oil gland cells, such as oil gland secretory cells of essential oil plants. In another aspect, the present invention provides nucleic acid molecules that hybridize to one or more of the peppermint oil gland cDNAs disclosed herein (or to the complement of one or more of the peppermint oil gland cDNAs disclosed herein), under stringent conditions. In another aspect, the present invention provides replicable recombinant cloning vehicles comprising a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. In yet other aspects of the invention, modified host cells are provided that include a recombinant cloning vehicle and/or nucleic acid molecule of the present invention.

Abstract: Transacylase enzymes of Taxus cuspidata and the use of such enzymes to produce Taxol™, related taxoids, as well as intermediates in the Taxol™ biosynthetic pathway are disclosed. Examples of specific enzymes described herein include taxadienol 5-O-acetyl transacylase (TAX1) and 10-deacetylbaccatin III-10-O-acetyl transferase (TAX6). Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding the T. cuspidata transacylase enzymes.

Abstract: Transacylase enzymes and the use of such enzymes to produce paclitaxel and related taxoids, as well as intermediates in the paclitaxel biosynthetic pathway, are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding such transacylase enzymes such as (but without limitation) C-13 phenylpropanoid side chain-CoA acyltransferase and benzoyl-CoA:3′-N-debenzoyl-2′-deoxytaxol N-benzoyltransferase.

Abstract: The taxadiene synthase gene of Pacific yew has been cloned and its nucleic acid and polypeptide sequence is presented. Truncation or removal of the transit peptide increases expression of the cloned taxadiene synthase gene expression in E. coli cells.

Abstract: Transacylase enzymes and the use of such enzymes to produce paclitaxel and related taxoids, as well as intermediates in the paclitaxel biosynthetic pathway, are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding such transacylase enzymes such as (but without limitation) C-13 phenylpropanoid side chain-CoA acyltransferase and benzoyl-CoA:3′-N-debenzoyl-2′-deoxytaxol N-benzoyltransferase.

Abstract: Transacylase enzymes and the use of such enzymes to produce Taxol™, related taxoids, as well as intermediates in the Taxol™ biosynthetic pathway are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding the transacylase enzymes.

Abstract: Transacylase enzymes and the use of such enzymes to produce Taxol™, related taxoids, as well as intermediates in the Taxol™ biosynthetic pathway are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding the transacylase enzymes.

Abstract: A cDNA encoding geranyl diphosphate synthase large subunit from peppermint has been isolated and sequenced, and the corresponding amino acid sequence has been determined. Replicable recombinant cloning vehicles are provided which code for geranyl diphosphate synthase large subunit). In another aspect, modified host cells are provided that have been transformed, transfected, infected and/or injected with a recombinant cloning vehicle and/or DNA sequence encoding geranyl diphosphate synthase large subunit. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides isolated, recombinant geranyl diphosphate synthase protein comprising an isolated, recombinant geranyl diphosphate synthase large subunit protein and an isolated, recombinant geranyl diphosphate synthase small subunit protein. Thus, systems and methods are provided for the recombinant expression of geranyl diphosphate synthase.

Abstract: Transacylase enzymes and the use of such enzymes to produce Taxol™, related taxoids, as well as intermediates in the Taxol™ biosynthetic pathway are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding the transacylase enzymes.

Abstract: The taxadiene synthase gene of Pacific yew has been cloned and its nucleic acid and polypeptide sequence is presented. Truncation or removal of the transit peptide increases expression of the cloned taxadiene synthase gene expression in E. coli cells.

Abstract: The taxadiene synthase gene of Pacific yew has been cloned and its nucleic acid and polypeptide sequence is presented. Truncation or removal of the transit peptide increases expression of the cloned taxadiene synthase gene expression in E. coli cells.