Abstract: A unique carotenogenic biosynthetic gene cluster has been isolated from Panteoa agglomerans strain DC404, wherein the genetic organization of the cluster is crtE-idi-crtY-crtI-crtB-crtZ. The genes contained within this cluster encode geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) synthetase (CrtE), isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase (Idi), lycopene cyclase (CrtY), phytoene desaturase (CrtI), phytoene synthase (CrtB), and &bgr;-carotene hydroxylase (CrtZ). The gene cluster, genes and their products are useful for the conversion of farnesyl pyrophosphate to carotenoids. Vectors containing those DNA segments, host cells containing the vectors and methods for producing those enzymes by recombinant DNA technology in transformed host organisms are disclosed.

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from Pectobacterium cypripedii encoding geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) synthase (CrtE), phytoene synthase (CrtB), phytoene desaturase (Crtl), lycopene cyclase (CrtY), &bgr;-carotene hydroxylase (CrtZ), and zeaxanthin glucosyl transferase (CrtX) activity. The genes and their products are useful for the conversion of farnesyl pyrophosphate to carotenoids. Vectors containing those DNA segments, host cells containing the vectors and methods for producing those enzymes by recombinant DNA technology in transformed host organisms are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carotenoid overproducing bacteria The genes of the isoprenoid pathway in the bacterial hosts of the invention have been engineered such that certain genes are either up-regulated or down regulated resulting in the production of carotenoid compounds at a higher level than is found in the un-modified host. Genes that may be up-regulated include the dxs, idi, ispB, lytB and ygbBP genes. Additionally it has been found that a partial disruption of the yjeR gene has the effect of enhancing carotenoid production.

Abstract: Mutations in chromosomal genes have been identified that affect plasmid copy number in plasmids that are anti-sense RNA regulated such as the pMB1-derived and p15A-derived plasmids.

Abstract: A 10 kb gene cluster has been isolated from Rhodococcus ruber SC1 comprising genes encoding enzymes useful for the synthesis of dodecanoic diacid from cyclododecanone and other cyclic intermediates. The six specific open reading frames have been identified that are associated with dodecanoic diacid biosynthesis. In addition to the expected substrates the enzymes of the instant invention have moderate specificity for C11-C15 compounds.

Abstract: A gene cluster has been isolated from an Acinetobacter sp. that encodes the enzymes expected to convert cyclohexanol to adipic acid. The entire gene cluster has been cloned and all open reading frames have been sequenced. Cosmid clones have been identified containing the gene cluster. Demonstration of conversion of cyclohexanol to adipic acid has been made with the recombinant E. coli host strain containing the cosmids.

Abstract: Mutations in genes having no direct relationship to the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway have been found to increase carbon flux through that pathway. Complete disruption in the deaD, mreC, and yfhE genes were effective. Additionally where genes of the lower carotenoid pathway reside on a plasmid having either a p15A or pMB1 replicon, mutations in the thrS, rspA, rpoC, yjeR, and rhoL were found effective.

Abstract: A plasmid has been isolated from Rhodococcus erythropolis strain AN12 comprising a unique replication protein. The replication protein may be used in a variety of cloning and expression vectors and particularly in shuttle vectors for the expression of heterologous genes in Rhodococcus sp.

Abstract: A method for the production of carotenoid compounds is disclosed. The method relies on the use of microorganisms which metabolize single carbon substrates for the production of carotenoid compounds in high yields.

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from Methylomonas 16a sp. encoding the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway. The genes and gene products are the first isolated from a Methylomonas strain that is capable of utilizing single carbon (C1) substrates as energy sources. The genes and gene products of the present invention may be used in a variety of ways for the production of isoprenoid compounds in a variety of organisms.

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from Methylomonas 16a sp. encoding the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway. The genes and gene products are the first isolated from a Methylomonas strain that is capable of utilizing single carbon (C1) substrates as energy sources. The genes and gene products of the present invention may be used in a variety of ways for the production of isoprenoid compounds in a variety of organisms.

Abstract: A 10 kb gene cluster has been isolated from Rhodococcus ruber SC1 comprising genes encoding enzymes useful for the synthesis of dodecanoic diacid from cyclododecanone and other cyclic intermediates. The six specific open reading frames have been identified that are associated with dodecanoic diacid biosynthesis. In addition to the expected substrates the enzymes of the instant invention have moderate specificity for C11-C15 compounds.

Abstract: A 10 kb gene cluster has been isolated from Rhodococcus ruber SC1 comprising genes encoding enzymes useful for the synthesis of dodecanoic diacid from cyclododecanone and other cyclic intermediates. The six specific open reading frames have been identified that are associated with dodecanoic diacid biosynthesis. In addition to the expected substrates the enzymes of the instant invention have moderate specificity for C11-C15 compounds.

Abstract: Genes isolated from Methylomonas sp. 16a have been determined to play a role in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. Specifically, crtN2 gene has the ability to produce omega-aldehyde functional groups on carotenogenic substrates, while the ald gene produced omega carboxyl functional groups. These genes will be useful for production of high levels of functionalized carotenoid compounds, especially those produced in microorganisms which metabolize single carbon substrates.

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from Rhodococcus erythropolis AN12 strain encoding the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway. The genes and gene products are the first isolated from a Rhodococcus strain. The genes and gene products of the present invention may be used in a variety of ways for the production of isoprenoid compounds in a variety of organisms.

Abstract: A 10 kb gene cluster has been isolated from Rhodococcus ruber SC1 comprising genes encoding enzymes useful for the synthesis of dodecanoic diacid from cyclododecanone and other cyclic intermediates. The six specific open reading frames have been identified that are associated with dodecanoic diacid biosynthesis. In addition to the expected substrates the enzymes of the instant invention have moderate specificity for C11-C15 compounds.

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from Pantoea stewartii encoding geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) synthase (crtE), phytoene synthase (crtB), phytoene desaturase(crtI), lycopene cyclase(crtY), &bgr;-carotene hydroxylase(crtZ), and zeaxanthin glucosyl transferase (crtX) activity. The genes and their products are useful for the conversion of phytoene to the carotenoids. Vectors containing those DNA segments, host cells containing the vectors and methods for producing those enzymes and &bgr;-carotene by recombinant DNA technology in transformed host organisms are disclosed.

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from Rhodococcus and Deinococcus which encode a specific lycopene &bgr;-cyclase capable of converting acyclic carotenoids with at least one &psgr;-end group to the corresponding asymmetric carotenoid containing a single &bgr;-ionone ring end group. The genes are new. Transformed host cells expressing the present genes and methods for the bio-conversion of acylic carotenoid substrates to corresponding asymmetric carotenoid are also provided.

Abstract: A ketolase gene has been isolated from Rhodococcus erythropolis AN12 strain encoding a carotenoid modification enzyme of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. The gene and gene product are the first isolated from a Rhodococcus strain. Six conserved amino acid motifs have been identified as the characteristic of this type of ketolase enzymes. The gene and gene product of the present invention may be used in a variety of ways for the production of keto-carotenoid compounds in a variety of organisms.

Abstract: A gene cluster has been isolated from an Acinetobacter sp. that encodes the enzymes expected to convert cyclohexanol to adipic acid. The entire gene cluster has been cloned and all open reading frames have been sequenced. Cosmid clones have been identified containing the gene cluster. Demonstration of conversion of cyclohexanol to adipic acid has been made with the recombinant E. coli host strain containing the cosmids.