Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising 1,4-butanediol (14-BDO) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) pathways comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 14-BDO and GBL pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce 14-BDO and GBL. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce 14-BDO and GBL.

Abstract: Described herein are microorganisms that produce methionine and related products from endogenous genes in a transsulfuration pathway, as well as from exogenous genes providing a direct sulfhydrylation pathway. Novel genes that are useful for methionine and SAMe production are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising a 1,4-butanediol (BDO), 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine pathway comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a BDO, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce BDO, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine and further optimized for expression of BDO. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce BDO, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine.

Abstract: Improved enzyme systems, recombinant cells, and processes employing the same to produce biosynthetic D-1,2,4-butanetriol; D-1,2,4-butanetriol prepared thereby and derivatives thereof; D-1,2,4-butanetriol trinitrate prepared therefrom; and enzymes and genes useful in the enzyme systems and recombinant cells.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising a 1,4-butanediol (BDO) pathway comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a BDO pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce BDO and further optimized for expression of BDO. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce BDO.

Abstract: The invention provides for isomerase (e.g., racemase) and epimerase polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using such isomerase (e.g., racemase) and epimerase nucleic acids and polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides for aminotransferase and oxidoreductase polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using such aminotransferase and oxidoreductase nucleic acids and polypeptides.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring microbial organism has at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a MEK pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce MEK. The MEK pathway includes an enzyme selected from an acetoacetyl-CoA dehydrogenase (bifunctional), an acetoacetyl-CoA aldehyde dehydrogenase, a 3-oxobutyraldehyde reductase, a 3-oxobutanol dehydratase, an MEK oxidoreductase, a 3-oxobutyraldehyde aminotransferase, a 4-aminobutan-2-one deaminase, a 2-amino-4-ketopentanoate (AKP) thiolase, an AKP aminotransferase, a 2,4-dioxopentanoate decarboxylase, an AKP deaminase, an acetylacrylate decarboxylase, an AKP decarboxylase, a glutamate dehydrogenase, a 3-oxobutyraldehyde oxidoreductase (aminating) and an AKP oxidoreductase (aminating). A 2-butanol pathway further includes an MEK reductase. A method for producing MEK or 2-butanol includes culturing these organisms under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce MEK or 2-butanol.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of ascertaining the inhibitory activity in a mammal of a candidate inhibitor of the hedgehog pathway. In certain embodiments, the candidate inhibitor is administered systemically. In certain embodiments, the mammal is a rodent or primate. In certain embodiments, the mammal is a mouse. In certain embodiments, the candidate inhibitor is a small molecule or natural product.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial biocatalyst including a microbial organism having a 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB) biosynthetic pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding 4-hydroxybutanoate dehydrogenase, succinyl-CoA synthetase, CoA-dependent succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, or ?-ketoglutarate decarboxylase, wherein the exogenous nucleic acid is expressed in sufficient amounts to produce monomeric 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB).

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods and systems for analyzing one or more cell characteristics including the steps of depositing one or more spots on a substrate that include one or more cells from a strain collection, contacting the one or more cells with one or more agents and evaluating optically effect of the agent on the one or more cells.