Abstract: The present invention relates to variants having alpha-amylaseactivity and polynucleotides encoding the variants. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the variants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction and optimization of synthetic genes from the Zymomonas mobilis L-asparaginase gene, the method for cloning same and expression thereof in Escherichia coli. The purpose of the production of said enzyme is for producing high levels of a novel L-asparaginase that can be used in L-asparaginase-based pharmaceutical compositions for treating cancer, tumours and diseases involving cell proliferation, as well as for other medical applications.

Abstract: Genetically engineered cells and methods are presented that allow for the production of various value products from CO2. Contemplated cells have a CBB cycle that is genetically modified such that two molecules of CO2 fixed in the CBB cycle can be withdrawn from the modified CBB cycle as a single C2 compound. In contemplated aspects a CBB cycle includes an enzymatic activity that generates the single C2 compound from a compound of the CBB cycle, while further modifications to the CBB cycle will not introduce additional recombinant enzymatic activity/activities outside the already existing catalytic activities in the CBB cycle.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically engineered microorganisms and methods for producing chorismate-derived products, such as para-hydroxybenzoic acid, salicylate, 2-aminobenzoate, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate, and 4-hydroxycyclohexane carboxylic acid. Typically, the microorganism comprises at least one of (a) an exogenous chorismate pyruvate lyase, (b) an exogenous isochorismate synthase, (c) an exogenous isochorismate pyruvate lyase, and (d) a prephenate synthase comprising a disruptive mutation.

Abstract: PmxA synthetase involved in polymyxin E synthesis, comprising four adenylation sites, characterized in that the second adenylation site has at least 90% identity with the peptide sequence SEQ ID NO 1: VTEAEKADLLGRFNDTTTEFPRGKTLIQLFEEQVERIPDAAAITLNEQE LTYRELNERVNRLARTLRSHGISKGRLVAILAERSIEMVVGMLAAHKAG AAYVPIDPEYPEERIRFLIEDSGGQVMLTQSRLRERLAGSDPVILLDDE SFYHEDGTNLNTGIEATDLACVIYTSGTTGKPKGNPVSHRNIVRVVQNT NYIDITERDHVLQLSSYSFDGATFDIFGALTNGARLVLVPYETLLEIGR LADLIQRERISVMFITTAFFNILVDVNVDCLRDVRAILFGGERVSVGHV RKALAHIGPGRLNHVYGPTESTVYTTYLPVDFVDELAVTVPIGRPISNT TVYIVDSRNKLLPIGVAGELCVGGEGLVRGYNNRPELTAEKFVDNPFVP GERMYRTGDLAKWLPDGTIEYVGRTDDQVKIRGFRIELGEIEAQLQKVE GIRKTTVFARENASGEKQLCAYYEADCELPAAELKSVLSKELPAYMIPA YLIQLERLPLTTNGKVDRRSLPAPEESLQPGGG, the underlined amino acids DGFFLGVVYK being conserved and forming a binding pocket specific for a leucine, isoleucine or valine residue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an L-amino acid such as a branched-chain L-amino acid by fermentation using a bacterium of the family Enterobacteriaceae, particularly a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia, which has been modified to attenuate expression of the gshA gene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a porous membrane having an immobilized enzyme wherein the enzyme is immobilized within pores which are three-dimensionally connected to each other. The porous membrane having the immobilized enzyme is three-dimensionally crosslinked in a molecular level wherein nanopores of 5 to 100 nm are interconnected, so that the immobilized enzyme may be in contact with a reactant in all directions, and the reaction solution may be easily diffused, thereby proceeding with the catalytic reaction fast and conveniently without deterioration of material transport.

Abstract: Methods and systems for purifying cells and/or viruses are provided. The sample is added to a well disposed in a medium. A potential is applied across the medium to cause the contaminants to enter one or more walls of the well, and retain the cells and/or viruses in the well. The cells and/or viruses can be removed from the well, and optionally adhered or fixed to a surface, or detected. In one embodiment, the cells and/or viruses may be retained in the well by embedding in the medium. The medium including the embedded cells and/or viruses may be excised or otherwise removed and transferred to a glass slide or other solid surface.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to the extraction of nucleic acid from solid materials. Provided are useful compositions, methods and kits for obtaining nucleic acids from a solid biological sample or an adhesive material having a biological material adherent or embedded within the adhesive substrate. The extracted nucleic acid can be used in downstream applications such as genotyping, detection, quantification, and identification of the source of the biological material.

Abstract: Compositions that include particle suspensions where such particle suspensions have characteristics for use in a variety of applications including, for example, flow restriction, reagent delivery, and use in microfluidic systems. In some compositions provided, the particle suspension include deformable particles and in particular compositions the deformable particles are beads or gel beads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing highly active silica magnetic nanoparticles, highly active silica magnetic nanoparticles prepared by the method, and a method of isolating nucleic acid using the highly active silica magnetic nanoparticles. The highly active silica magnetic nanoparticles prepared according to the present invention contain magnetic nanoparticles completely coated with silica, can be used as a reagent for isolating biomaterials, particularly, nucleic acids, and can isolate and purify nucleic acid in a high yield.

Abstract: The present invention is partly based on the discovery that adverse factors can prevent an effective extraction of nucleic acids from a biological sample and that novel and unexpected agents and steps may be used to mitigate or remove the adverse factors, thereby dramatically improving the quality of the extracted nucleic acids. As such, one aspect of this invention is a novel method for extracting high quality nucleic acids from a biological sample. The high quality extractions obtained by the novel methods described herein are characterized by high yield and high integrity, making the extracted nucleic acids useful for various applications in which high quality nucleic acid extractions are preferred, e.g., a diagnosis, prognosis or therapy evaluation for a medical condition.

Abstract: Strategies, systems, methods, reagents, and kits for phage-assisted continuous evolution are provided herein. These include strategies, systems, methods, reagents, and kits allowing for stringency modulation to evolve weakly active or inactive biomolecule variants, negative selection of undesired properties, and/or positive selection of desired properties.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods for producing natural products in microorganisms that are otherwise unexpressed, poorly expressed or poorly transcribed. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides compositions and methods for activating a silent gene or gene cluster with a bacteriophage and/or Streptomyces Antibiotic Regulatory Protein (SARP) transcription factor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for generating a pool of oligonucleotides. The invention finds use in preparing a population or subpopulations of oligonucleotides in solution. The pool of oligonucleotides finds use in a variety of nucleic acid detection and/or amplification assays.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides modified nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids, and methods of using them.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of transthyretin. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding transthyretin. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of transthyretin expression and for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with expression of transthyretin are provided.

Abstract: A method of treating a bipolar disorder in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprising administering to the subject sa therapeutically effective amount of a miR-135, a precursor thereof or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said miR-135 or said precursor thereof, thereby treating the bipolar disorder. Methods of diagnosing a mood disorder in a human subject and of monitoring treatment of an anti-depressant drug or a medicament for the treatment of a mood disorder are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotides useful for inhibiting or reducing bacterial biofilms.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating cardiomyopathy using RNA interference are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to the use of oligonucleotides for treatment of cardiomyopathy, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that silence expression of disease-causing mutant alleles, such as the myosin MYL2 allele encoding human regulatory light chain (hRLC)-N47K and the MYH7 allele encoding human myosin heavy chain (hMHC)-R403Q while retaining expression of the corresponding wild-type allele.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antisense compounds and methods for decreasing STAT3 mRNA and protein expression. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate hyperproliferative diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolated compounds including a nucleic acid sequence capable of hybridizing to an RNA sequence 10 to 270 nucleobases downstream of the transcription start site of a mammalian microRNA-379 transcript; method of treating diabetic nephropathy in a subject with the compounds; and method of inhibiting expression of a mammalian microRNA-379 megacluster with the compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules containing a loop sequence designed to circumvent exportin-5 mediated export, and methods using these novel molecules.

Abstract: RNA interference (RNAi) triggers and RNAi trigger conjugates for inhibiting the expression of Hif2? (EPAS1) gene are described. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more Hif2? RNAi triggers optionally with one or more additional therapeutics are also described. Delivery of the described Hif2? RNAi triggers to tumor cells in vivo provides for inhibition of Hif2? gene expression and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Ribozymes exhibiting tRNA synthetase activity and substrate specificity, as well as methods for engineering and producing the same, are disclosed. The ribozymes of the present disclosure comprise a T-box RNA module fused with a flexizyme module. The flexizyme module provides high promiscuity with respect to amino acid substrates and the T-box module provides tRNA substrate specificity. Systems are also described for aminoacylation of suppressor tRNAs with unnatural amino acids (uAAs), such systems comprising the ribozyme previously mentioned, suppressor tRNA, and the desired uAAs. Methods for incorporating a uAA into a growing polypeptide chain using the ribozyme hereof are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a 2?-modified RNA agent comprising at least one RNA strand containing a 2?-O substituent having an alkyne functional group attaching to the O atom at the 2?-position on one or more ribose rings, wherein the 2?-O substituent is located at one or more of positions 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 16, from 5?-end of the RNA strand. This invention also relates to a 2?-modified RNA agent comprising at least one RNA strand containing a 2?-O substituent having a triazole functional group attaching to the O atom at the 2?-position on one or more ribose rings, wherein the 2?-O substituent is located at one or more of positions 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 16, from 5?-end of the RNA strand.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleosides of formula (1) and oligonucleotides comprising at least on nucleoside of formula (2): Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of inhibiting the expression of a gene in cell, the method comprising (a) contacting an oligonucleotide of the invention with the cell; and (b) maintaining the cell from step (a) for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA of the target gene.

Abstract: A novel class of pharmaceuticals which comprises a Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) which can be used in antisense therapy. These novel oligonucleotides have improved antisense properties. The novel oligonucleotides are composed of at least one LNA selected from beta-D-thio/amino-LNA or alpha-L-oxy/thio/amino-LNA. The oligonucleotides comprising LNA may also include DNA and/or RNA nucleotides.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for detecting the presence or absence of a microorganism in a sample comprising contacting the sample with an aptamer capable of binding to a cell-surface protein of the microorganism to form a complex, contacting the mixture with a second aptamer capable of binding to the first cell-surface protein or a second cell-surface protein of the microorganism; and performing an assay to detect the second aptamer, wherein detecting the second aptamer indicates that the microorganism is present in the sample, and wherein not detecting the second aptamer indicates that the microorganism is absent from the sample.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a B cell specific aptamer-siRNA chimera is provided. The B cell specific aptamer-siRNA chimera may include an RNA aptamer that binds BAFF-R and an siRNA molecule conjugated to the RNA aptamer via a nucleotide linker. In another embodiment, a B cell specific RNA aptamer is provided. The RNA aptamer may be a molecule that binds to BAFF-R that has the sequence SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO:38 or SEQ ID NO:39. In some embodiments, the RNA aptamer is conjugated, via a nucleotide linker, to an siRNA molecule that suppresses expression of one or more target oncogenes in one or more B cells. In one aspect, the one or more target oncogenes are selected from Bcl6, Bcl2, STAT3, Cyclin D1, Cyclin E2 and c-myc. In another embodiment, methods for treating a B cell malignancy in a cancer patient are provided. Such methods may include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic composition, the therapeutic composition comprising a B cell specific RNA aptamer that binds BAFF-R.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a covalently closed DNA construct, a pharmaceutical composition and a vaccine and their use for the modulation of the immune system. It provides a DNA construct for immunomodulation comprising a specific DNA sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to oligonucleotides including at least one lipophilic substituted nucleotide analog and a pyrimidine-purine dinucleotide. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing viral genome amounts in a target cell are provided. In the subject methods, the activity of a miRNA is inhibited in a manner sufficient to reduce the amount of viral genome in the target cell, e.g., by introducing a miRNA inhibitory agent in the target cell. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and systems for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications, including the treatment of subjects suffering from a viral mediated disease condition, e.g., an HCV mediated disease condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of the PCSK9 gene (PCSK9 gene), comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-25 nucleotides in length, and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of the PCSK9 gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and method for treating diseases caused by PCSK9 gene expression.

Abstract: From experiments using colitis model mice, the present inventors discovered that siRNAs that suppress the CHST15 gene expression have a therapeutic effect against Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Specifically, the present inventors discovered that the siRNAs which suppress the CHST15 gene expression can serve as an agent for promoting mucosal healing, in particular, an agent for treating Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and thereby completed the present invention.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desaturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase, ketoacyl-CoA reductase, hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase, and/or enoyl-CoA reductase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type.

Abstract: Stably immunized cells and methods of making stably immunized cells are provided. Methods of altering the microbiota of an ecological environment are provided. Methods of modifying target chromosomes are provided. Methods of delivering genetic material to target cells are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to gene expression regulatory sequences from soybean, specifically to the promoter of a soybean ATP sulfurylase (ATPS) and fragments thereof and their use in promoting the expression of one or more heterologous nucleic acid fragments in a tissue-independent or constitutive manner in plants. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the recombinant construct with the promoter, and methods for preparing and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions are expression cassettes comprising nucleotide sequences for promoter regions isolated from wheat. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the regulatory sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises transforming a plant cell to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence operably linked to one or more of the regulatory sequences of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant from the transformed plant cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant cells, particularly recombinant plant cells, which are capable of producing dihydrosterculic acid and/or derivatives thereof. The present invention also relates to methods of producing oil comprising dihydrosterculic acid and/or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Transgenic oilseeds having increased total fatty acid content of at least 10% and altered fatty acid profiles when compared to the total fatty acid content of null segregant oilseeds are described. Novel DGAT genes are used to achieve the increase in seed storage lipids.

Abstract: Provided are method of increasing oil content, growth rate, biomass, yield and/or vigor of a plant. The methods are effected by upregulating in the plant an expression level of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90% homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 199, 166-198, 200-221, 229-307, 311-330, 351-353, 355-361, 363-364, 366-368, 218, 222-228, 308-310, 350, 354, 362, 365, 523-649, 786-920, 1047 and 1048. Also provided are polynucleotides, nucleic acid constructs, polypeptides and transgenic plants expressing same which can be used to increase oil content, growth rate, biomass, yield and/or vigor of a plant and produce oil.

Abstract: Plants having one or more enhanced yield-related traits and a method for making the same are provided. It relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing various economically important yield-related traits in plants. More specifically, a method for enhancing one or more yield-related traits in plants by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a POI (Protein Of Interest) polypeptide is provided. Plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a POI polypeptide are also provided, which plants have one or more enhanced yield-related traits compared with control plants. Hitherto unknown POI-encoding nucleic acids and constructs comprising the same useful in performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polynucleotides which comprise a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide which exhibits at least 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 333, and nucleic acid constructs, plants and methods of using same for increasing a yield, biomass, growth rate, vigor, oil content, abiotic stress tolerance, and/or nitrogen use efficiency of a plant.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to compositions and methods for providing stress tolerant transgenic plants comprising a RING domain zinc-finger motif transcription factor protein. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods comprising a RING-H2 domain transcription factor protein for providing drought and salt tolerant plants, in particular comprising a recombinant XERICO gene and protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying, selecting and/or producing a maize plant or maize plant part having increased yield under non-drought conditions, increased yield stability under drought conditions, and/or increased drought tolerance. A maize plant or maize plant part, including any progeny and/or seeds derived from a maize plant or germplasm identified, selected and/or produced by any of the methods of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns nucleic acid molecules and methods of use thereof for control of insect pests through RNA interference-mediated inhibition of target coding and transcribed non-coding sequences in insect pests, including coleopteran and/or hemipteran pests. The disclosure also concerns methods for making transgenic plants that express nucleic acid molecules useful for the control of insect pests, and the plant cells and plants obtained thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transgenic corn event MON89034, and cells, seeds, and plants comprising DNA diagnostic for the corn event. The invention also provides compositions comprising nucleotide sequences that are diagnostic for said corn event in a sample, methods for detecting the presence of said corn event nucleotide sequences in a sample, probes and primers for use in detecting nucleotide sequences that are diagnostic for the presence of said corn event in a sample, growing the seeds of such corn event into corn plants, and breeding to produce corn plants comprising DNA diagnostic for the corn event.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides TC-83 VEE-derived replicons, alphaviral replicon particles and immunogenic compositions containing TC-83 alphaviral replicon particles which direct the expression of at least one antigen when introduced into a suitable host cell. The TC-83 VEE-derived ARPs described herein are improved in that they are subject to a lower vector-specific immune response than prior art ARPs.

Abstract: A method for isomerizing a double bond is provided. A substrate is exposed to an isomerase enzyme, wherein the isomerase enzyme comprises a redox-regulated ligand switch and heme b cofactor. A reducing agent is added which changes iron (III) to iron (II). The enzyme isomerizes double bonds in the iron (II) state but not in the iron (III) state. In one embodiment, the enzyme is homologous with 15-cis-?-carotene isomerase (Z-ISO).