Abstract: Disclosed are methods for modification of fatty acid composition and/or seed oil content in plants. In particular are methods to over-express acyl-CoA binding proteins (ACBPs) within the cells of developing seeds are provided. Over-expressing ACBPs under the control of a seed preferred promoter increases polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels as compared to wild-type controls.

Abstract: Methods for the production of an apolipoprotein in plants are described. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for the expression of apolipoprotein in plants comprising: (a) providing a chimeric nucleic acid construct comprising in the 5? to 3? direction of transcription as operably linked components: (i) a nucleic acid sequence capable of controlling expression in plant cells; and (ii) a nucleic acid sequence encoding an apolipoprotein polypeptide; (b) introducing the chimeric nucleic acid construct into a plant cell; and growing the plant cell into a mature plant capable of setting seed wherein the seed expresses apolipoprotein.

Abstract: Methods for the production of an apolipoprotein in plants are described. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for the expression of apolipoprotein in plants comprising: (a) providing a chimeric nucleic acid construct comprising in the 5? to 3? direction of transcription as operably linked components: (i) a nucleic acid sequence capable of controlling expression in plant cells; and (ii) a nucleic acid sequence encoding an apolipoprotein polypeptide; (b) introducing the chimeric nucleic acid construct into a plant cell; and growing the plant cell into a mature plant capable of setting seed wherein the seed expresses apolipoprotein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a class of genes called oil body protein genes that have unique features. The discovery of these features allowed the invention of methods for the production of recombinant proteins wherein a protein of interest can be easily separated from other host cell components. The invention is further exemplified by methods for exploitation of the unique characteristics of the oil body proteins and oil body genes for expression of polypeptides of interest in many organisms, particularly plant seeds. Said polypeptides may include but are not limited to: seed storage proteins, enzymes, bioactive peptides, antibodies and the like. The invention can also be modified to recover recombinant polypeptides fused to oil body proteins from non-plant host cells. Additionally the invention provides a method of using recombinant proteins associated with seed oil bodies released during seed germination for expression of polypeptides that afford protection to seedlings from pathogens.

Abstract: Novel methods for the expression of non-native genes in flax seeds and the seeds of other plant species are provided. The methods involve the use of seed-specific promoters obtained from flax. Additionally provided are novel flax seed-specific promoters, chimeric nucleic acid constructs comprising novel flax seed-specific promoters, transgenic plant cells, transgenic plants and transgenic plant seeds containing novel flax seed-specific promoters. The promoters and methods are useful, for example, for altering the seed oil and protein composition in flax seed or other plant seeds.

Abstract: Commercial production of human insulin can be effected via transgenic expression in plant seeds. Thus, levels of insulin accumulation exceeding 0.1% of total cellular protein can be achieved recombinantly, through expression of the insulin with a single-chain antibody as a fusion partner. Production in seeds offers flexibility in storage and shipment of insulin as a raw material, and insulin retains its activity upon extraction from stored seed. Further, the amount of biomass subjected to extraction is limited, due to the relatively low water content of plant seeds.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel emulsion formulations which comprise oil bodies. The invention also provides a method for preparing the emulsions and the use of the emulsions in a variety of products including food products, personal care products and pharmaceutical products. In a preferred embodiment the emulsions comprise thioredoxin and/or thioredoxin reductase.

Abstract: Commercial production of human insulin can be affected via transgenic expression in plant seeds. Thus, levels of insulin accumulation exceeding 0.1% of total cellular protein can be achieved recombinantly, through expression of the insulin with a single-chain antibody as a fusion partner. Production in seeds offers flexibility in storage and shipment of insulin as a raw material, and insulin retains its activity upon extraction from stored seed. Further, the amount of biomass subjected to extraction is limited, due to the relatively low water content of plant seeds.

Abstract: An improved method for recovering recombinantly produced polypeptides is described. The method involves expressing the recombinant polypeptide as a fusion protein with a pro-peptide. The pro-peptide-polypeptide fusion protein can be cleaved and the recombinant polypeptide released under the appropriate conditions.

Abstract: Methods to modulate oleosin expression levels in plants are provided. Specifically, methods for preparing seed derived products from seed, in which the composition of seed storage reserves, notably the seed lipid and protein contents, have been altered. In particular the present invention provides methods for preparing seed derived products from seed, in which the seed reserves have been altered by modulation of oleosin gene expression and more particularly the suppression of oleosin gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing epidermal growth factors in plants and transgenic plant seeds containing epidermal growth factors. The method provides an economical way to produce epidermal growth factors.

Abstract: Novel methods for the expression of non-native genes in flax seeds and the seeds of other plant species are provided. The methods involve the use of seed-specific promoters obtained from flax. Additionally provided are novel flax seed-specific promoters, chimeric nucleic acid constructs comprising novel flax seed-specific promoters, transgenic plant cells, transgenic plants and transgenic plant seeds containing novel flax seed-specific promoters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a class of genes called oil body protein genes that have unique features. The discovery of these features allowed the invention of methods for the production of recombinant proteins wherein a protein of interest can be easily separated from other host cell components. The invention is further exemplified by methods for exploitation of the unique characteristics of the oil body proteins and oil body genes for expression of polypeptides of interest in many organisms, particularly plant seeds. Said polypeptides may include but are not limited to: seed storage proteins, enzymes, bioactive peptides, antibodies and the like. The invention can also be modified to recover recombinant polypeptides fused to oil body proteins from non-plant host cells. Additionally the invention provides a method of using recombinant proteins associated with seed oil bodies released during seed germination for expression of polypeptides that afford protection to seedlings from pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel adjuvants which comprise oil bodies. The invention also provides vaccine formulations comprising oil bodies and an antigen and methods for preparing the vaccines and the use of the vaccines to elicit an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a class of genes called oil body protein genes that have unique features. The discovery of these features allowed the invention of methods for the production of recombinant proteins wherein a protein of interest can be easily separated from other host cell components. The invention is further exemplified by methods for exploitation of the unique characteristics of the oil body proteins and oil body genes for expression of polypeptides of interest in many organisms, particularly plant seeds. Said polypeptides may include but are not limited to: seed storage proteins, enzymes, bioactive peptides, antibodies and the like. The invention can also be modified to recover recombinant polypeptides fused to oil body proteins from non-plant host cells. Additionally the invention provides a method of using recombinant proteins associated with seed oil bodies released during seed germination for expression of polypeptides that afford protection to seedlings from pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a class of genes called oil body protein genes that have unique features. The discovery of these features allowed the invention of methods for the production of recombinant proteins wherein a protein of interest can be easily separated from other host cell components. The invention is further exemplified by methods for exploitation of the unique characteristics of the oil body proteins and oil body genes for expression of polypeptides of interest in many organisms, particularly plant seeds. Said polypeptides include thioredoxin and/or thioredoxin reductase. The invention can also be modified to recover recombinant polypeptides fused to oil body proteins from non-plant host cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of oil bodies as a vaccine adjuvant and delivery system for administration of vaccines by parenteral, mucosal (oral, nasal, pulmonary) and transdermal routes. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of eliciting an immune response in an animal by administering oil body-antigen complexes to said mammal. Finally, the present invention relates to methods of preparing oil body-antigen complexes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing epidermal growth factors in plants and transgenic plant seeds containing epidermal growth factors. The method provides an economical way to produce epidermal growth factors.

Abstract: An improved method for recovering recombinantly produced polypeptides is described. The method involves expressing the recombinant polypeptide as a fusion protein with a pro-peptide. The pro-peptide-polypeptide fusion protein can be cleaved and the recombinant polypeptide released under the appropriate conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel emulsion formulations which comprise oil bodies. The invention also provides a method for preparing the emulsions and the use of the emulsions in products for topical application to the skin. The products are very mild to the skin and may be easily formulated into a wide variety of personal care and dermatological products.