Patents Issued in January 19, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170015968
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward membrane biofilm reactors primarily comprising microorganisms that produce chemical fuel products or precursors thereof. Reactors of the present disclosure can primarily comprise acetogens, a methanotrophs, and/or Methanosarcina acetivorans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Prathap Parameswaran, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Sudeep Popat, Bruce Rittmann, Cesar Torres
  • Publication number: 20170015969
    Abstract: A compressible biomass carrier for use in fluid treatment systems is disclosed. The biomass carrier includes an extruded circumferential mesh-like structure and elongated elements positioned in a space confined by the circumferential mesh-like structure and at least some of the elongated elements are joined to an inner portion of the mesh-like structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Nir ASSULIN
  • Publication number: 20170015970
    Abstract: A centrifuge layering insert configured for insertion into a centrifuge tube includes a tube having a first open end and a second open end. The centrifuge layering insert also includes a casing having an outer wall, an inner wall, a first open end, and a second substantially closed end. The casing forms an annular space around the tube between the tube first end and the tube second end. The tube has at least a portion of the length extending beyond the first open end of the casing in a direction opposite the second open end of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Naida M. Loskutoff
  • Publication number: 20170015971
    Abstract: An electrochemical measurement device includes: a base; a specimen placement portion disposed on the base, for placing a biological specimen; a first electrode disposed on the base and surrounding the specimen placement portion; and a first insulating layer covering the first electrode. The first insulating layer has a plurality of openings, and the first electrode has a plurality of first electrode exposed portions which are portions of the first electrode that are exposed from the openings of the first insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Atsushi SHUNORI, Masahiro YASUMI, Makoto TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20170015972
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an integrated system, apparatus and method that allows for the continuous culturing of microorganisms under high pressure conditions and at a wide range of temperatures. More specifically, the system is configured to be gas tight and operate under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. The system is also configured to permit periodic sampling of the incubated organisms under such conditions with minimal physical/chemical disturbance inside the reactor and minimal impacts of shear forces on the collected biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: Carnegie Institute of Washington
    Inventor: Dionysis Ioannis Foustoukos
  • Publication number: 20170015973
    Abstract: Provided is a kit and method for preparing a collagen hydrogel media matrix. The kit includes a collagen, a cell growth medium, a serum supplement, an organic chemical buffering agent, and an aqueous base. The method includes the steps of preparing a first mixture comprising a cell growth medium, a serum supplement, and an organic buffering agent, preparing a second mixture comprising a collagen and an aqueous base, testing the pH of the second mixture by adding additional aqueous base and combining the first and second mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Albert J. Banes
  • Publication number: 20170015974
    Abstract: The present invention provides biomatrix scaffolds, a tissue extract enriched for extracellular matrix components and bound growth factors, cytokines and hormones, and methods of making and using same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Yunfang WANG, Lola Cynthia McAdams REID, Mitsuo YAMAUCHI, Cai-Bin CUI, Andrew Zhuang WANG, Michael Edward WERNER
  • Publication number: 20170015975
    Abstract: A nanocomposition for modulating cell behaviors and methods of uses thereof. The nanocomposition comprises a nanostructure comprising at least one nanoparticle and at least one cell-modulating agent operably linked to the nanostructure. The cell-modulating agent can interact with a molecule on the surface of a cell, wherein the interaction between the cell-modulating agent and the molecule modulates a behavior of the cell, or purify and concentrate a cell population.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Aihua FU, Hua ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20170015976
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with a tumor using genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells, wherein each genetically modified mesenchymal stem cell contains an exogenous nucleic acid comprising (i) a cytotoxic protein-encoding region operably linked to (ii) a promoter or promoter/enhancer combination, whereby the cytotoxic protein is selectively expressed when the genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells come into proximity with the tumor's stromal tissue. This invention further provides genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells for use in this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Peter J. NELSON
  • Publication number: 20170015977
    Abstract: A highly safe procedure for the preparation of purified stem cell fractions of lipid origin is herein described, in which the use of a specially designed single collecting device, reduces the number of passages and manipulations undergone by stem cell-containing material, reducing to a minimum the risks of contamination, material loss, and inadvertent exchange of samples, and further simplifying the interface and cooperation between personnel recovering the raw material and those expert in stem cell isolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Gianni Soldati, Tiziano Tallone
  • Publication number: 20170015978
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel 7?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mutants, to the sequences which encode these enzyme mutants, to processes for the preparation of the enzyme mutants and to their use in enzymatic reactions of cholic acid compounds, in particular in the preparation of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCS). The invention also relates to novel processes for the synthesis of UDCS using the enzyme mutants; and to the preparation of UDCS using recombinant, multiply-modified microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Dirk Weuster-Botz, Michael Braun, Arno Aigner, Boqiao Sun, Christina Kantzow, Sven Bresch, Daniel Bakonyi, Werner Hummel
  • Publication number: 20170015979
    Abstract: TETX, a tetracycline degrading enzyme, is provided as a selection marker for eukaryotic cells. Polynucleotide molecules containing tetx and DNA constructs comprising a tetx under the control of a eukaryotic promoter are provided. Additionally, DNA constructs that contain a gene of interest and a tetx, each under the control of an appropriate promoter are provided. Further, methods of expressing tetx in a eukaryotic cell are provided, the method comprising introducing a vector comprising tetx into eukaryotic cells, culturing the eukaryotic cells in the presence of tetracycline, and identifying and isolating the cell that expresses tetx. Furthermore, a method is provided for expressing a gene of interest encoding a protein of interest in a eukaryotic cell by culturing a cell containing a vector comprising a gene of interest and a tetx, each under the control of an appropriate promoter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Guy A. Cardineau, Sergio Ángel García Echaurri
  • Publication number: 20170015980
    Abstract: Mutants of bacteriophage phi29 DNA polymerase with increased protein stability and increased half-life, compared to wild type DNA polymerase. The disclosed mutants are more stable in reaction mixtures with or without DNA. The inventive phi29 DNA polymerase mutants generate more amplification product. The inventive phi29 DNA polymerase mutants amplify genomic DNA with less bias compared to wild type DNA polymerase. Selected mutations increase the affinity of polymerase for DNA template.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics UAB
    Inventors: Remigijus Skirgaila, Tadas Povilaitis
  • Publication number: 20170015981
    Abstract: A modified Bacillus cereus phospholipase C enzyme is provided, as well as a method of using the modified phospholipase C enzyme in a method of treating vegetable oil. In certain embodiments, this method may comprise combining a vegetable oil with an modified phospholipase C enzyme comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 85% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the amino acid residue at position 66 is a Trp (W) or Tyr (Y), and maintaining the combination under conditions suitable for the modified phospholipase C enzyme to catalyze the hydrolysis of phospholipids in the oil to produce diacylglycerol and a water soluble phosphate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: Keclon SA
    Inventors: Maria Eugenia Castelli, Hugo Menzella, Salvador Peiru, Leandro Vetcher
  • Publication number: 20170015982
    Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides with lipase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides, and methods of using the polypeptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Ming Li, tianqi Sun, Xianshi Jiang, Lone Baunsgaard, Carsten Hoerslev Hansen, Kim Borch, Han Bucong
  • Publication number: 20170015983
    Abstract: The present invention relates in part to nucleic acids encoding proteins, therapeutics comprising nucleic acids encoding proteins, methods for inducing cells to express proteins using nucleic acids, methods, kits and devices for transfecting, gene editing, and reprogramming cells, and cells, organisms, and therapeutics produced using these methods, kits, and devices. Methods and products for altering the DNA sequence of a cell are described, as are methods and products for inducing cells to express proteins using synthetic RNA molecules. Therapeutics comprising nucleic acids encoding gene-editing proteins are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew Angel, Christopher Rohde
  • Publication number: 20170015984
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Hanne Risbjerg Soerensen, Christel Thea Joergensen, Lars Hylling Christensen, Christian Isak Joergensen, Carsten Hoerslev Hansen, Lene Venke Kofod
  • Publication number: 20170015985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having alpha-glucuronidase activity, catalytic domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides or catalytic domains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Johan Börjesson, Anders Viksø-Nielsen, Nikolaj Spodsberg, Kristian Krogh
  • Publication number: 20170015986
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for constructing a filamentous fungal strain for production of multiple recombinant polypeptides having biological activity. The present invention also relates to methods for producing multiple recombinant polypeptides having biological activity in a filamentous fungal strain. The present invention also relates to filamentous fungal strains expressing multiple recombinant polypeptides having biological activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Debbie Yaver, Qiming Jin
  • Publication number: 20170015987
    Abstract: The technology relates in part to compositions comprising modified Caspase-9 polypeptides, compositions comprising nucleic acids coding for modified Caspase-9 polypeptides, chimeric modified Caspase-9 polypeptides, and methods of use thereof, including methods for cell therapy. Methods for cell therapy include modifying transfused cells to express an inducible modified Caspase-9 protein, with reduced basal activity in the absence of the inducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: David SPENCER, Wei-Chun Chang
  • Publication number: 20170015988
    Abstract: Provided herein are recombinant microorganisms having two or more copies of a nucleic acid sequence encoding xylose isomerase, wherein the nucleic acid encoding the xylose isomerase is an exogenous nucleic acid. Optionally, the recombinant microorganisms include at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding a xylulose kinase and/or at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding a xylose transporter. The provided recombinant microorganisms are capable of growing on xylose as a carbon source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: MARA Renewables Corporation
    Inventors: Alexandra Merkx-Jacques, David Woodhall, Mark Scaife, Roberto E. Armenta, Denise Muise, Holly Rasmussen, Jeremy Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20170015989
    Abstract: Fusion proteins having thermostable blunt-end ligase activity are provided. Blunt-end ligases are useful for DNA amplification, sequencing, production of recombinant DNA and recombinant fusion proteins, and other purposes. These thermostable blunt-end DNA ligases are useful in ligation schemes which include, e.g., an incubation at about 60-65° C. or higher, or as high as about 94° C., or at other temperatures. The ligases disclosed herein may enable high temperature blunt-end ligation without need for molecular crowding agents, and so may be useful for many nucleic acid ligation-amplification schemes, e.g., ones which operate at a uniform temperature (e.g., at about 60° C. or higher), including ones which require temperature cycling, e.g., from about 94° C. to about 60° C. (or higher) for one, two, three, or more cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Frederick Christians
  • Publication number: 20170015990
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a polyketide synthase (PKS) capable of synthesizing an even-chain or odd-chain diacid or lactam or diamine. The present invention also provides for a host cell comprising the PKS and when cultured produces the even-chain diacid, odd-chain diacid, or KAPA. The present invention also provides for a host cell comprising the PKS capable of synthesizing a pimelic acid or KAPA, and when cultured produces biotin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Fortman, Andrew Hagen, Leonard Katz, Jay D. Keasling, Sean Poust, Jingwei Zhang, Sergey Zotchev
  • Publication number: 20170015991
    Abstract: Novel hybrid polymers are disclosed that have a structure represented by the following formula I: wherein Abiotic oligomer, Polypeptide, X, Y, and R1 are as described herein. The methods to prepare the hybrid polymers via novel oxazolidinyl compounds are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Kent Kirshenbaum, Paul Levine, Timothy Craven
  • Publication number: 20170015992
    Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction method includes the following steps. Firstly, a mixture of a sample and a lysis buffer is provided. The pH of the lysis buffer is lower than 7. Then, the mixture of the sample and the lysis buffer is transferred to a nucleic acid catching chamber containing chitosan coating material, so that nucleic acid of the sample is bound to the chitosan coating material. Then, the chitosan coating material is washed with at least one wash buffer, thereby removing residual protein and cell debris. Then, the chitosan coating material is eluted with an elution buffer while heating the chitosan coating material, so that the nucleic acid is separated from the chitosan coating material. The pH of the elution buffer is higher than 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Revata Utama, Yong Zhang, Song Bin Huang, Wang Chu Chen
  • Publication number: 20170015993
    Abstract: A nucleic acid extracting device includes an upper module, a lower module, and a material for capturing nucleic acid. The lower module has a sample reservoir receiving a sample, an elution reservoir receiving an elution, and a nucleic acid capturing chamber with the material disposed therein. The upper module has a sample channel that communicates with the sample reservoir, and an elution channel that communicates with the elution reservoir. The nucleic acid capturing chamber communicates with the sample channel and the elution channel. When a sample enters the nucleic acid capturing chamber via the sample channel, a nucleic acid in the sample is absorbed by the material in the nucleic acid capturing chamber, and the elution enters the nucleic acid capturing chamber, via the elution channel, to wash the nucleic acid out of the nucleic acid capturing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: WANG-CHU CHEN, SONG-BIN HUANG
  • Publication number: 20170015994
    Abstract: Methods of transfecting cells in vivo, by administering an injectable pharmaceutical composition including a genome editing composition and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject by hydrodynamic injection into a vessel of the subject are disclosed. Typically, the pharmaceutical composition is administered in a volume and at rate of injection suitable to transfect target eukaryotic cells in the subject with an effective amount of the genome editing composition to alter the genome of the target cells. In preferred embodiments the subject is a mammal, such as rodent, or a primate such as a human. The methods can be used to treat one or more symptoms of a genetic disease or condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel G. Anderson, Hao Yin, Roman L. Bogorad, Tyler E. Jacks, Wen Xue
  • Publication number: 20170015995
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating splicing of SMN2 mRNA in a subject. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicants: Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
    Inventors: C. Frank Bennett, Gene Hung, Frank Rigo, Adrian R. Krainer, Yimin Hua, Marco A. Passini, Lamya Shihabuddin, Seng H. Cheng, Katherine W. Klinger
  • Publication number: 20170015996
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in various embodiments, to methods of treating cachexia (e.g., cancer cachexia) in a patient. The methods comprise administering at least one compound for inhibiting, in alternative embodiments, the expression or activity of a microRNA that is present in microvesicles secreted from cancer cells in the patient (e.g., a miR-21 gene product), the expression or activity of a Toll-like receptor (e.g., TLR7, TLR8), the expression or activity of a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the secretion of microvesicles from cancer cells, or the fusion of microvesicles from cancer cells with muscle cells or adipocytes. The present invention also relates, in certain embodiments, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least two compounds useful in the practice of the methods of the invention described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Carlo M. Croce, Denis C. Guttridge
  • Publication number: 20170015997
    Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, method and uses for modulating IAP activity or for the treatment of cancer. The compositions comprise dual-targeting antisense oligonucleotides (dASO) for administration to a cancer cell, wherein the cancer cell may be characterized by elevated expression of one of more of BIRC6, cIAP1 or survivin. The cancer may be selected from one or more of: prostate cancer; childhood de novo acute myeloid leukemia; colorectal cancer; neuroblastoma; melanoma; and non-small cell lung cancer. The prostate cancer may be castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Yuzhuo Wang, Hui Xue, Sze Ue Luk, Peter Wilhelm Gout, Martin E. Gleave, Colin C. Collins
  • Publication number: 20170015998
    Abstract: The instant invention provides for novel cationic lipids that can be used in combination with other lipid components such as cholesterol and PEG-lipids to form lipid nanoparticles with oligonucleotides. It is an object of the instant invention to provide a cationic lipid scaffold that demonstrates enhanced efficacy along with lower liver toxicity as a result of lower lipid levels in the liver. The present invention employs low molecular weight cationic lipids with one short lipid chain to enhance the efficiency and tolerability of in vivo delivery of siRNA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: SIRNA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: John A. BAWIEC, III, Zhengwu J. DENG
  • Publication number: 20170015999
    Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods for treating an ovarian cancer in a subject. More specifically, the disclosure provides microRNA (miRNA) inhibitor molecules that target to different miRNAs for treating different types of ovarian cancers in a subject. Furthermore, different modifications of miRNA inhibitor molecules as well as different derivatives of miRNA inhibitor molecules are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Noga Yerushalmi
  • Publication number: 20170016000
    Abstract: This invention encompasses compounds and compositions useful in methods for medical therapy, in general, for inhibiting Hepatitis B virus in a subject. The compounds have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands being 19-29 monomers in length, the monomers comprising UNA monomers and nucleic acid monomers, and the compounds are targeted to a sequence of an HBV genome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Pattraranee Limphong, Kiyoshi Tachikawa, Christine Esau, Padmanabh Chivukula
  • Publication number: 20170016001
    Abstract: The invention provides novel compositions for use in silencing K-Ras gene expression. More particularly, the invention provides novel asymmetrical interfering RNA molecules as inhibitors of K-Ras expression, and to pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof in the treatment of cancer or a related disorder in a mammal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: Boston Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Chiang Jia LI
  • Publication number: 20170016002
    Abstract: Methods of treating cancer using antisense oligonucleotides directed against DNA double-strand break repair proteins such as BRCA2 or RAD51 are provided. The antisense oligonucleotides can he used alone, in tandem or in combination with other cancer therapies, in particular with therapies that lead to DNA damage, inhibition of DNA repair or inhibition of DNA synthesis, such as radiation, platinum drugs, alkylating agents, PARP inhibitors, or inhibitors of thymidylate synthase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: Sarissa Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Vincent, Peter J. Ferguson, Mateusz Rytelewski
  • Publication number: 20170016003
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Krueppel-like factor 10 (KLF10) gene expression inhibitor promoting cartilage differentiation, and more specifically, to: a composition for promoting chondrocyte differentiation or treating cartilage diseases, containing a KLF10 gene expression inhibitor promoting cartilage differentiation and inhibiting the hypertrophy and dedifferentiation of chondrocytes; a cell therapeutic agent containing the composition; a method for promoting cartilage differentiation in bone marrow stem cells, comprising a step of expressing the composition in bone marrow stem cells; and a method for screening a chondrocyte differentiation promoter or a chondrocyte therapeutic agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: DONGGUK UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION F OUNDATION
    Inventors: Gun-Il IM, Jong-Min LEE
  • Publication number: 20170016004
    Abstract: Methods for screening to identify agents capable of modulating DDX5 polypeptide activity are encompassed herein as are methods for using such agents to treat subjects afflicted with TH17-mediated inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases including, without limitation, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis and methods for using such agents to treat subjects afflicted with cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Dan R. Littman, Wendy Huang
  • Publication number: 20170016005
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pharmaceutical composition for reducing scar formation in a subject in need thereof. The pharmaceutical composition includes a mixture of three nucleic acids and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A method for reducing scar formation in a subject in need thereof is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Niann-Tzyy DAI, YI-Wen WANG
  • Publication number: 20170016006
    Abstract: Engineered polypeptides useful in synthesizing acyl amino acids are provided. Also provided are methods of making acyl amino acids using engineered polypeptides. In certain embodiments, an acyl amino acid produced using compositions and/or methods of the present invention comprises cocoyl glutamate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin A. JARRELL, Prashanth VISHWANATH, Gabriel Oscar REZNIK
  • Publication number: 20170016007
    Abstract: One or more genes in a biosynthesis pathway for a vitamin or other essential nutrient which is needed for the survival of a microorganism can be used as an effective selective marker to identify cells transformed with an exogenous nucleic acid. The microorganism does not naturally contain or express the one or more gene. This permits genetic manipulations to be performed. It permits lower cost fermentations to be performed. It permits production of the essential nutrient for subsequent commodity use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Koepke, Bakir Al-Sinawi
  • Publication number: 20170016008
    Abstract: This invention relates to optimized heterologous production of properly folded and functional proteins. The present invention provides systems and methods involving determination of the optimal mRNA sequence, based on the underlying rates at which codons are translated and folding kinetic of nascent-protein, that maximizes co-translational protein folding of domains in order to maximize the proper folding and quality of the protein produced. The codon translation rates can be determined in a number of ways, including theoretical estimation and, preferably, through experimental data, such as ribosome profiling. The determination of an optimal mRNA sequence through the utilization of codon translation rates under a particular set of conditions allows for application of the method irrespective of the organism from which the protein in question was originally derived.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Ajeet K. Sharma, Edward P. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20170016009
    Abstract: A DNA molecule comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, a recombinant Pichia plasmid into which the DNA molecule is inserted, and a recombinant Pichia strain obtained by the transformation of the recombinant Pichia plasmid into a competent Pichia cell and efficiently expressing the PprI protein of Deinococcus radiodurans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Zhanshan YANG, Wei WU, Huiping QIAO, Ling WEN, Yi SHI, Lili REN, Dong YU
  • Publication number: 20170016010
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for modifying a target site in the genome of a plant cell. Such modifications include integration of a transgene and mutations. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for identifying and enriching for cells which comprise a modified target site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: SYNGENTA PARTICIPATIONS AG
    Inventors: Zhongying Chen, Myoung Kim, Mary-Dell Chilton, Heng Zhong, Weining Gu, Yaping Jiang, Qiudeng Que
  • Publication number: 20170016011
    Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant DNA molecule encoding a fusion protein, comprising a first DNA sequence encoding a high-efficiency transit peptide operably linked to a second DNA sequence encoding a passenger protein, wherein the high-efficiency transit peptide is selected from the group consisting of transit peptides of the precursors of translocon at the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts 40 kD (prTic40), chaperonin 10-2 (prCpn10-2), Fibrillin 1B (prFibrillin), ATP sulfurylase 1 (prAPS1), ATP sulfurylase 3 (prAPS3), 5?-adenylylsulfate reductase 3 (prAPR3), stromal ascorbate peroxidase (prsAPX), prTic40-E2A (a prTic40 variant), prCpn10-1-?C7C37S (a chaperonin 10-1 variant), a functional fragment of any of the transit peptides and an equivalent thereof. And the present invention also provides a method of high efficiency delivery of a protein into plastids using the high-efficiency transit peptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: ACADEMIA SINICA
    Inventors: Hsou-Min Li, Chiung-Chih Chu
  • Publication number: 20170016012
    Abstract: Novel compositions for use to enhance weed control. Specifically, the present invention provides for methods and compositions that modulate protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase in weed species. The present invention also provides for combinations of compositions and methods that enhance weed control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Daniel ADER, John J. FINNESSY, Zhaolong LI, Mahak KAPOOR, Ronak Hasmukh SHAH, Nengbing TAO, Dafu WANG
  • Publication number: 20170016013
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of increasing nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in a transgenic plant comprising the introduction of a nucleic acid encoding a dep1 polypeptide into a plant to produce a transgenic plant that expresses the nucleic acid to produce the dep1 polypeptide, thereby resulting in an increased NUE as compared with a control plant. Also provided are methods of increasing NUE in a plant comprising reducing the amount and/or activity of a DEP1 polypeptide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Xiangdong Fu, Kun Wu, Qian Qian, Chengwei Zhang, Xueying Liu, Shuansuo Wang
  • Publication number: 20170016014
    Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic plants with improved growth and nitrogen use efficiency expressing nitrate transporter gene, methods of making such plants and methods for improving growth and nitrogen use efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Guohua Xu, Xiaorong Fan, Qirong Shen, Anthony Miller
  • Publication number: 20170016015
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in an organism by introducing, into the organism, nucleic acids which encode polypeptides with ?5-elongase activity. Advantageously, these nucleic acids can be expressed in the organism together with further nucleic acids which encode polypeptides of the biosynthesis of the fatty acid or lipid metabolism. Especially advantageous are nucleic acids which encode ?6-desaturases, ?5-desaturases, ?4-desaturases and/or ?6-elongases. These desaturases and elongases are advantageously derived from Thalassiosira, Euglena or Ostreococcus. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the production of oils and/or triacylglycerides with an elevated content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, and oils and/or triacylglycerides thus obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Thorsten Zank, Jörg Bauer, Petra Cirpus, Amine Abbadi, Ernst Heinz, Xiao Qiu, Patricia Vrinten, Petra Sperling, Frederic Domergue, Astrid Meyer, Jelena Kirsch
  • Publication number: 20170016016
    Abstract: We identified 17 transcription factor genes that regulate lipid production and activity in an organism. We subsequently detailed characterization of one of them (psr1). Constructs, methods and systems for enhancing or increasing lipid production in an organism are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Chia-Lin Wei, Chew Yee Ngan, Chee Hong Wong, Cindy Choi
  • Publication number: 20170016017
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for obtaining plants that exhibit useful traits by expression of a DNA methyltransferase fusion protein in progenitor plants. Methods for identifying genetic loci that provide for useful traits in plants and plants produced with those loci are also provided. In addition, plants that exhibit the useful traits, parts of the plants including seeds, and products of the plants are provided as well as methods of using the plants. Recombinant DNA vectors and transgenic plants comprising those vectors that express a DNA methyltransferase fusion protein are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Michael E Fromm