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: Expression of at least one plant oleosin gene in a microbial cell engineered to produce hydrophobic/lipophilic compounds significantly increases the overall titer of the compound. The hydrophobic nature of the oleosin core is believed to increase the microbial host cell's internal storage capacity for any hydrophobic/lipophilic compound. The method is exemplified using a bacterial host cell engineered to produce significant amount of various carotenoids.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the stacking of traits in a recombination proficient host using a phage transduction system. The method makes use of a nucleic acid integration cassette that has homology to a specific site on a host chromosome for the insertion of genetic elements and the stacking of traits. Repetition of the method results in the stacking of traits on a single genetic element.

Abstract: Expression of at least one plant oleosin gene in a microbial cell engineered to produce hydrophobic/lipophilic compounds significantly increases the overall titer of the compound. The hydrophobic nature of the oleosin core is believed to increase the microbial host cell's internal storage capacity for any hydrophobic/lipophilic compound. The method is exemplified using a bacterial host cell engineered to produce significant amount of various carotenoids.

Abstract: A method for the in vivo bioconversion of cyclic carotenes having a ?-ionone ring to the corresponding aryl carotene is provided. Gram negative host cells expressing a heterologous, codon-optimized gene encoding a carotene desaturase are grown in the presence of a suitable cyclic carotene substrate to effect the production of aromatic carotenoids.

Abstract: A method for the in vivo bioconversion of cyclic carotenes having a ?-ionone ring to the corresponding aryl carotene is provided. Gram negative host cells expressing a heterologous, codon-optimized gene encoding a carotene desaturase are grown in the presence of a suitable cyclic carotene substrate to effect the production of aromatic carotenoids.

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: The invention describes a method for the stacking of traits in a recombination proficient host using a phage transduction system. The method makes use of a nucleic acid integration cassette that has homology to a specific site on a host chromosome for the insertion of genetic elements and the stacking of traits. Repetition of the method results in the stacking of traits on a single genetic element.

Abstract: A method is provided for the integration of foreign genetic elements into a bacterial chromosome without the need of a cloning step. The method relies on the presence of the &lgr;-Red recombinase system in a recombination proficient bacterial host. At least two linear recombination elements or constructs are co-transformed into the recombination proficient host which are assembled in the correction orientation in the bacterial chromosome by homologous recombination. Selectable markers used for the selection of transformants are later excised by the action of a site-specific recombination.

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.