Abstract: The present invention relates to alpha-amylase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence exhibiting at least about 90% sequence identity with the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. Said polypeptides preferably degrade the peptidoglycan of Gram-negative bacteria, in particular of Pseudomonas and/or Campylobacter bacteria. In addition, the present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, vectors comprising such nucleic acids, and corresponding host cells. Finally, the present invention relates to compositions comprising such polypeptides, nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods comprising genes and peptides associated with cyclic peptides and cyclic peptide production in mushrooms. In particular, the present invention relates to using genes and proteins from Galerina species encoding peptides specifically relating to amatoxins in addition to proteins involved with processing cyclic peptide toxins. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention also relates to methods for making small peptides and small cyclic peptides including peptides similar to amanitin. Further, the present inventions relate to providing kits for making small peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved variant of a D-psicose 3-epimerase and its uses.

Abstract: A medium for culturing Euglena includes a cell membrane-permeable electron mediator that includes a biocompatible moiety and a redox-active moiety. A method for culturing Euglena includes culturing Euglena in a medium including a cell membrane-permeable electron mediator that includes a biocompatible moiety and a redox-active moiety. The medium is placed in a fermenter system that includes a device for extracting electrons from the medium. A method for reducing photoinhibition in Euglena includes electrochemically culturing Euglena in a medium including a cell membrane-permeable electron mediator that includes a biocompatible moiety and a redox-active moiety. The medium is placed in a fermenter system that includes a device for extracting electrons from the medium.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for isolating nucleic acids by size from a sample comprising nucleic acids of different sizes using an anion exchange matrix, wherein nucleic acids of a preselected size or a preselected size range are isolated by varying the pH value during elution and/or binding.

Abstract: Collection devices and kits for biological sample collection include a biologic sample collection device having a hydrophilic swab matrix that includes a modified polycaprolactone (PCL). Methods of production and use thereof are also described herein. The biologic sample collection devices, kits and methods described herein are used to collect a biologic sample (e.g., blood, buccal cells, etc.) and to enable extraction of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) from that biologic sample so that the nucleic acids can be analyzed (e.g., sequencing and subsequent analyses of DNA).

Abstract: A method for nucleic acid isolation comprising: receiving a binding moiety solution within a process chamber; mixing the binding moiety solution with a biological sample, within the process chamber, in order to produce a moiety-sample mixture; incubating the moiety-sample mixture during a time window, thereby producing a solution comprising a set of moiety-bound nucleic acid particles and a waste volume; separating the set of moiety-bound nucleic acid particles from the waste volume; washing the set of moiety-bound nucleic acid particles; and releasing a nucleic acid sample from the set of moiety-bound nucleic acid particles. The method preferably utilizes a binding moiety comprising at least one of poly(allylamine) and polypropylenimine tetramine dendrimer, both of which reversibly bind and unbind to nucleic acids based upon environmental pH.

Abstract: A method of directed evolution screening includes selecting a protein expression platform for an evolution target, expressing a key rupture gene configured to trigger droplet rupture, developing gene regulatory circuits to control expression of the key rupture gene as a function of performance of the evolution target, encapsulating expression components in droplets, and triggering droplet rupture by expressing a rupture agent from the key rupture gene.

Abstract: A nanoparticle, which has a metal oxide core and a cerium shell is provided. The weight ratio of the cerium within the shell to the metal oxide in the core is at least 1%. Additionally a method for delivering a ligand into a cell with the nanoparticle is provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, methods and kits for modulating expression of target genes, particularly of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP1 and TIMP2, respectively). The compositions, methods and kits may include nucleic acid molecules (for example, short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA) or short hairpin RNA (shRNA)) that modulate a gene encoding TIMP1 and TIMP2, for example, the gene encoding human TIMP1 and TIMP2. The composition and methods disclosed herein may also be used in treating conditions and disorders associated with TIMP1 and TIMP2 including fibrotic diseases and disorders including liver fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, peritoneal fibrosis and kidney fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to small interfering RNA molecules (siRNA) targeted against nucleic acid sequence that encodes huntingtin or ataxin-1, and methods of using these siRNA molecules.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selective partial or complete eradication of senescent cells in a mammal are provided. The involves inhibition of the expression of genes that are identified as being related to a senescent phenotype. The inhibition is produced using methods which include but are not necessarily limited to pharmacological inhibition, or inhibition by using RNAi-mediated approaches. As a consequence of selectively targeting senescent cells, prolonging or restoring healthy physiological conditions in a mammal can be achieved, and age related conditions can be treated or prevented, and undesirable accumulated senescent cells can be reduced or eradicated from a variety of tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting and tracking a target molecule using a nanoparticle wherein the nanoparticle comprises a polynucleotide that can specifically associate with the target molecule, and wherein the association results in a change in a detectable marker that can be measured after association with the target molecule.

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a diverse and abundant class of ˜22-nucleotide (nt) endogenous regulatory RNAs that play a variety of roles in animal cells by controlling gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Increased miR-181a expression in mature T cells is shown to cause a marked increase in T cell activation and augments T cell sensitivity to peptide antigens. Moreover, T cell blasts with higher miR-181a expression become reactive to antagonists. The effects of miR-181a on antigen discrimination are in part achieved by dampening the expression of multiple negative regulators in the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway, including PTPN22 and the dual specificity phosphatases DUSP5 and DUSP6. This results in a reduction in the TCR signaling threshold, thus quantitatively and qualitatively enhancing T cell sensitivity to antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Discs large homolog (DLG), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Discs large homolog (DLG). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of DLG.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the inactivation of viral infectivity in a cell-free environment as well as the preparation of a pharmaceutical agent and a method therefore. According to the invention the use of a sequence of oligodeoxynucleotides or oligoribonucleotides or a chimera or a combination thereof capable of binding to conserved regions of viral RNA for the inactivation of viral infectivity outside in a cell-free environment is intended. Furthermore said sequences are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical agent for the inactivation of viral infectivity.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides according to the following Formula I are provided herein: 5?-Xa-Q-Yb-3? wherein X and Y are each independently selected from the group consisting of a lipid and a polyethylene glycol; Q is a quadruplex-forming guanine-rich promoter gene oligonucleotide (GPGO); a is 0 or 1; and b is 0 or 1, wherein the sum of a+b=1 or 2. Also provided are compositions including Formula I oligonucleotides and methods of their use in inhibiting cell growth, treating cancer, and treating tumors.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for reducing MYC target RNA and protein levels via use of dsRNAs, e.g., Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) agents.

Abstract: A method and compound for treating skeletal muscle mass deficiency in a human subject are disclosed. The composition is an oligomer of morpholino subunits and phosphorus-containing intersubunit linkages joining a morpholino nitrogen of one subunit to a 5? exocyclic carbon of an adjacent subunit, contains between 10-40 nucleotide bases, has a base sequence effective to hybridize to an expression-sensitive region of processed or preprocessed human myostatin RNA transcript, identified, in its processed form, by SEQ ID NO:6, and is capable of uptake by target muscle cells in the subject. In practicing the method, the compound is administered in an amount and at a dosage schedule to produce an overall reduction in the level of serum myostatin measured in the patient, and preferably to bring the myostatin level within the a range determined for normal, healthy individuals.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for inhibiting DNA synthesis in a cell using RNA. Inhibition of DNA synthesis by RNA can be used, for example, in analytical methods, as a research tool to affect cells under study, to synchronize cell cycle in a cell culture, and to inhibit cell growth. For example, inhibition of DNA synthesis in cancer cells can be used to inhibit cancer cells and treat cancer. The RNA can be any RNA, such as whole cell RNA, whole cell mRNA, whole cell ribosomal RNA, whole cell transfer RNA, synthetic RNA, recombinant RNA, modified RNA, or a combination. The composition can comprise RNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or RNA, a targeting molecule, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The targeting molecule can be a tumor-targeting peptide.

Abstract: Technologies for manufacturing an engineered biological system include determining a plurality of functions to be performed by the engineered biological system while in a corresponding state. The engineered biological system is to transition between states based on the presence of a corresponding transition trigger defined by a biological key associated with each state. A state machine mapping is generated for the manufacture of the engineered biological system. The engineered biological system is verified and subsequently activated in a host. An engineered biological system and associated method for performing a biological function are also disclosed.

Abstract: Alkynyl-derivatized cap analogs, alkynyl-modified capped RNA, 1,4-disubstituted triazole-derivatized capped RNA, methods of preparation, methods of isolation, and uses thereof are provided. The “click” modification facilitates detection and isolation of capped RNAs and the 1,4-disubstituted triazole derivatives formed by the “click” reaction are useful for producing RNA transcripts and encoded protein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a recombinant microorganism having enhanced 2,3-butanediol producing ability, wherein a pathway for converting pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, a pathway for converting pyruvate to formic acid, or a pathway for converting pyruvate to lactate is inhibited in a microorganism having acetyl-CoA and lactate biosynthetic pathways.

Abstract: A method for producing an expression product of an exogenous gene in a yeast, including using at least one yeast gene terminator regions selected based on expression intensity data related to the expression intensity of yeast gene terminator regions to cause expression of a gene in a yeast.

Abstract: A method for producing a useful protein using a plant of the present invention comprises the steps of: cultivating the plant (cultivation step); infecting the cultivated plant with Agrobacterium having a polynucleotide encoding the useful protein (infection step); and allowing the infected plant to express the useful protein (expression step); wherein, in at least part of the cultivation step, the plant is cultivated under lighting conditions where the ratio of the light energy within the wavelength region of 600 rim to 700 nm to the light energy within the wavelength region of 400 nm to 800 nm is not less than 50%.

Abstract: A formulation is provided for application to a host plant to reduce, inhibit or impair one or more of growth and development of the host plant. A method of inhibiting growth plant growth and development is also provided as a means of controlling weedy species. The method comprises: selecting a suitable gene for growth suppression in a target plant; identifying an at least one target site accessible to base pairing in the suitable gene; identifying an at least one divergent site in the at least one target site; designing a construct complementary to the at least one divergent site; adding an at least one RNAi inducer to the construct; and delivering the construct to the target plant.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a number of sequences involved in axillary bud growth in tobacco, methods of using such sequences, tobacco plants carrying modifications to such sequences or transgenes of such sequences, and tobacco products made from tobacco leaf harvested from such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide sequence capable of efficiently modifying the expression of one or more genes of interest in leaves, in particular in plants of the Glycine genus, and the tools to obtain genetically-modified plants using this sequence and the use thereof. The usage possibilities of the invention are broad, prominently, the creation of new plant varieties resistant to diseases and leaf-attacking pests, expression of transgenes that increase the photosynthetic efficiency of the plant, guiding the expression of proteins of interest as antibodies and drugs that may easily be isolated from leaves.

Abstract: A DNA having an anther-specific promoter activity, wherein the DNA is selected from the group consisting of the following (a) to (d): (a) a DNA containing a base sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 7; (b) a DNA containing a base sequence having a sequence identity of 85% or higher with a base sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 7; (c) a DNA containing a base sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 7 in which the base sequence undergoes at least one of substitution, deletion, insertion, and addition of one or several bases; and (d) a DNA containing a base sequence which hybridizes with a DNA consisting of a base sequence complementary to a base sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 7 under a stringent condition.

Abstract: The Vrs1 gene was found to be highly expressed in the pistils of sterile lateral spikelets of two-row barley, showing that the VRS1 protein suppresses the fertility of florets in lateral spikelets. In addition, it was also found that the introduction of siRNA specific to the Vrs1 gene into two-row barley successfully restored the fertility of lateral spikelets and thus can increase the number of grains. The vrs1 gene derived from wheat was isolated for the first time, and the expression site of the gene was found to be specific to upper florets to be sterile in spikelets. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the introduction of siRNA specific to the wheat Vrs1 gene into wheat successfully increased the number of florets and the number of grains per spikelet, enabling provision of a method and an agent for increasing the number of grains per spikelet of wheat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an AhpF protein which has thioredoxin reductase, peroxidase, and chaperone activities and is derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a use therefor. By using a novel activity of the AhpF of Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to the present invention, it is possible to produce a plant having strong resistance to various environmental stresses such as oxidative stress or heat stress, thereby making it possible to contribute to increasing crop productivity and mass production of useful constituents. In addition, it is possible to prevent desertification and environmental pollution through the development of transformed plants having resistance to high temperatures and drying.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of bacterial species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The insecticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing lepidopteran, coleopteran, dipteran, fungal, hemipteran, and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicistronic expression vector for antibody expression, an animal cell transfected with the expression vector, and a method for producing an antibody including culturing the animal cell, in which the expression vector includes a first expression cassette including ‘promoter-UTR-intron-antibody light chain gene-polyA’ and a second expression cassette including ‘promoter-UTR-intron-antibody heavy chain gene-internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-amplification gene-polyA’. An expression vector capable of expressing a desired antibody with high efficiency can be constructed using the bicistronic expression vector including an intron for antibody expression according to the present invention, and the expression vector can produce the antibody by culturing the transfected animal cell with stability and high efficiency.

Abstract: Synthetic regulation of gene expression is provided. In some embodiments, synthetic regulatory constructs are provided. In some embodiments, a synthetic regulatory construct expresses a heterologous gene in a selected cell type. In some embodiments, methods of expressing a heterologous gene in a selected cell type are provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method for inserting a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a foreign peptide into a poxvirus genome, said method comprising: identifying in the poxvirus genome a poxvirus open reading frame wherein said open reading frame is characterised by an initial ATG start codon and wherein expression of said open reading frame is driven by an operably-linked poxvirus promoter located upstream of the open reading frame and wherein expression of said open reading frame provides a peptide that is non-essential to viability of the poxvirus; and inserting the nucleic acid sequence that encodes the foreign peptide at a position downstream of the poxvirus promoter; wherein following said insertion, (i) the nucleic acid that encodes the foreign peptide is operably-linked to the poxvirus promoter and expression of said nucleic acid is driven by said poxvirus promoter; and (ii) translation of the foreign peptide is initiated at an ATG start codon located at the same position as the ATG start codon of the poxvi

Abstract: The present inventors successfully introduced genes into stem cells of airway epithelial tissues using simian immunodeficiency virus vectors pseudotyped with F and HN, which are envelope glycoproteins of Sendai virus. Gene transfer into airway epithelial tissue stem cells using a vector of the present invention is useful for gene therapy of genetic respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Furthermore, it is possible to select respiratory organs such as the lungs as production tissues for providing proteins that are deficient due to genetic diseases.

Abstract: A molecular delivery system including a plurality of nanowires (e.g., Si NWs), each of the nanowires having a surface layer formed of a silicon-containing material and a covalently bound linker (e.g., silane linker) attached to the surface layer and optionally including a substrate to which the nanowires are adhered or a molecule to be delivered attached to the linker. Also disclosed is a method of delivering into a cell an exogenous molecule.

Abstract: CRISPR/CAS-related compositions and methods for altering a cell or treating a disease, for example, by gene conversion, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells wherein the cells in the stationary phase. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells and/or increased amount of isoprene. The invention also provides for systems that include a nonflammable concentration of isoprene in the gas phase. Additionally, the invention provides isoprene compositions, such as compositions with increased amount of isoprene or increased purity.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, there is provided herein a system and method wherein knowledge of the syngas fermentation is combined with standard instrumentation to provide a stable control of gas supply to automatically poise the fermentation to provide both high conversion of CO and H2, and high selectivity for production of ethanol. The control is based on an automatic feedback loop that corrects for operational imbalance and maintains a stable continuous fermentation required for commercial operation. In a further embodiment, feed of syngas to ethanol fermentation can be optimally controlled using the pH of the broth as the input variable for flow control of the gas. This concept will automatically maintain the correct supply of syngas to the fermentation, and provide stable operation at optimal rates.

Abstract: Continuous processes for the anaerobic bioconversion of syngas to oxygenated hydrocarbonaceous products, in particular lower alkanols, are disclosed in which nutrients, including micronutrients, and lower carboxylate anion are recovered from at least a portion of an aqueous distillation fraction from a distillation unit operation to recover lower alkanols by using a “tight” ultrafiltration membrane. At least about 75 percent of the water permeates the ultrafiltration membrane. The tight ultrafiltration membrane rejects sufficient components that are adverse to the microorganisms used in the bioconversion that continuous fermentation operations over long durations can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of biotransforming a carbohydrate of a raw material into a chemical, by cultivating Lactobacillus diolivorans in the presence of the raw material to produce a chemical substance, and isolating the chemical substance in the purified form, and the use of L. diolivorans in one of a series of biotransformation methods, wherein carbohydrates from at least two different carbohydrate sources of low purity are transformed into chemicals.

Abstract: This invention provides a way to deal with acetic acid derived from biomass, for fermentation of cellulosic sugars. In some variations, a process for producing ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass comprises: extracting hemicelluloses and acetic acid from lignocellulosic biomass; hydrolyzing the hemicelluloses, using an acid catalyst or enzymes, to generate hemicellulose monomers and more acetic acid; fermenting acetic acid to lipids using a suitable lipid-producing microorganism, thereby reducing acetic acid concentration; fermenting hemicellulose monomers to ethanol using a suitable ethanol-producing microorganism; and recovering the ethanol. The co-fermentation of acetic acid and sugars may be carried out in a single fermentor or in separate fermentors. The invention may be applied to fermentation products other than ethanol. In some embodiments, the fermentation product can act as an extraction solvent to extract lipids from the lipid-producing microorganism, such as a lipid-producing yeast.

Abstract: The invention relates to providing both fermentative and biotechnological methods for producing 3,4-methylized cinnamic acids, 3,4-methylized cinnamic acid esters, 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine, and 4-methylized cinnamic acid amides using a 4?-O-methyltransferase, optionally in combination with further enzymes, wherein the enzymes are selected by means of metabolic engineering and operation have been adapted by targeted optimization, and compositions obtained by means of the method. The invention further relates to vector systems, recombinant microorganisms or fungi, and specific nucleic acid segments and polypeptides.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of an amino acid dehydrogenase in combination with a cofactor regenerating system comprising a ketoreductase. In particular embodiments, the process can be used to prepare L-tert-leucine using a leucine dehydrogenase.

Abstract: Facile methods for high-yield furfural and HMF production from biomass sugars are described. The methods generally involve converting the biomass sugars in high yield to their ketose isomers, resulting in furan production under low temperature and pressure conditions with efficient recycling of the process streams.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a nucleic acid molecule isolated from a Papaver somniferum cultivar that produces the opiate alkaloid noscapine which comprises 10 genes involved in the biosynthesis of opiate alkaloids.

Abstract: The patent discloses herein a process for the chiral resolution of racemic cyclic and acyclic acetates to obtain (R)-alcohol. Further, it discloses the resolution of racemic cyclic and acyclic acetates to obtain enantiomerically pure (R)-(?)-alcohol as single enantiomer through fungal catalyzed deacylation in single fermentation, wherein fungal strains are F. proliferatum.