Abstract: Methods and engineered hosts are disclosed that convert a lignocellulosic xylose-containing biomass source into xylonic acid and/or xylonate, which can be further processed into other useful derivatives. In particular, an exemplary engineered Bacidiomycetes, e.g., R. toruloides, host produces/expresses one or more fungal enzymes that convert xylose into xylonic acid/xylonate. Methods of using such hosts to consume pretreated lignocellulosic biomass in combination with certain native promoters and heterologous genes are also described herein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to bioactive compositions comprising at least one mastoparan peptide and a carrier and/or adjuvant, or at least one modified mastoparan peptide and use of such bioactive compositions to protect plants from infection by pests or pathogens. More specifically, the disclosure provides a method for treating and/or ameliorating a pest and/or pathogen in a Citrus or Solanaceae plant or plant part in need thereof, the method comprising treating the plant or plant part with an effective amount of a bioactive composition comprising at least one mastoparan peptide and a carrier and/or adjuvant, or at least one modified mastoparan peptide to treat and/or ameliorate the pest and/or pathogen in the Citrus or Solanaceae plant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to genetically engineered host cells and methods of producing a lipid-derived compound by employing such host cells. In particular embodiments, the host cell includes a first mutant gene encoding a cytoplasmic tRNA thiolation protein. Optionally, the host cell can include other mutant genes for decreasing fatty alcohol catabolism, decreasing re-importation of secreted fatty alcohol, or displaying other useful characteristics, as described herein.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for increasing the production of one or more cellulases from a fungal host cell. The disclosure is based, on the surprising discovery that mis-expression of the transcriptional regulator clr-2 in a filamentous fungal cell was able to induce expression of cellulase genes under non-inducing or starvation conditions, resulting in increased secretion of cellulases from the cell. Advantageously, mis-expression of the transcription factor clr-2 in a filamentous fungal cell cultured in the absence of cellulose or cellobiose results in increased secretion of cellulases.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for increasing the production of one or more cellulases from a fungal host cell. The disclosure is based, on the surprising discovery that mis-expression of the transcriptional regulator clr-2 in a filamentous fungal cell was able to induce expression of cellulase genes under non-inducing or starvation conditions, resulting in increased secretion of cellulases from the cell. Advantageously, mis-expression of the transcription factor clr-2 in a filamentous fungal cell cultured in the absence of cellulose or cellobiose results in increased secretion of cellulases.