Abstract: A programmable cell-lysis system and related compositions and methods are described, which facilitate expression and harvest of recombinant proteins from host cells. The programmable cell-lysis system comprises a host cell comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a cell lysis promoting polypeptide or peptide operably linked to an inducible promoter. The cell lysis systems can be configured to produce various heterologous polypeptides for different applications.

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.