Patents Issued in March 1, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180057798
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel pyruvate dehydrogenase variant, a polynucleotide encoding the pyruvate dehydrogenase variant, a microorganism of the genus Corynebacterium producing L-amino acid, which includes the pyruvate dehydrogenase variant, and a method for producing an L-amino acid using the microorganism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Lan HUH, Jun Ok MOON, Hyun Won BAE, Hyung Joon KIM, Sung Ki SONG
  • Publication number: 20180057799
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a Streptomyces sp. strain and a method for preparing a sulfide oxidase preparation from the same. This strain is a Streptomyces sp. strain DS021-Z5D2 which is a mutant having a high yield of sulfide oxidase obtained by taking a Streptomyces sp. strain DS021 as a starting strain and performing strain mutation by means of compound mutation of ultraviolet light and diethyl sulfate, and the preservation number is CGMCC No. 12808. This strain has the advantages of quick growth speed, high enzymatic productivity and the like. When this strain is fermented by a high-density fermentation method, this strain can produce sulfide oxidase preparations at a high yield. This strain has the advantages of inexpensive and easily-available culture substrates, high enzymatic productivity, short fermentation period, low production and use cost, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: XINGSHE LUAN
  • Publication number: 20180057800
    Abstract: This disclosure provides Chlamydomonas violaxanthin de-epoxidase (CVDE) gene, polypeptides, and variants thereof as well as host cells that are genetically modified to express a CVDE polypeptide or variant. The disclosure additionally provides methods of producing such a genetically modified host cell and methods of using the cells , e.g., to increase zeaxanthin production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Krishna K. Niyogi, Zhirong Li, Rachel Dent, Graham Peers
  • Publication number: 20180057801
    Abstract: A bioluminescent protein is provided that includes a substituted luciferase polypeptide having amino acid substitutions at positions 21 and 166, and with one or more additional amino acid substitutions at positions 3, 16, 20, 29, 30, 71, 87, 114, and 144, compared to the parent polypeptide. Also provided is a luciferin that has a selenium-containing group at position C8 of an imidazopyrazine backbone, and methods of making the luciferin. In addition, nucleic acids encoding the bioluminescent protein, cells expressing the bioluminescent protein, and reactions between the bioluminescent protein and luciferin substrates are also provided. Fusions between the substituted luciferase polypeptide and a fluorescent protein are also provided for bioluminescence resonance energy transfer based reporters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Huiwang Ai, Hsien-Wei Yeh
  • Publication number: 20180057802
    Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant strain, construction method thereof and a method for producing acid phosphatase using the recombinant strain. In the invention, the phosphatase gene is obtained from Pseudomonas aeruginosa by a molecular biology method, the constructed expression plasmid is transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3). The purified enzyme and whole cells were used for the conversion of ascorbic acid to ascorbic acid-2-phosphate. Ascorbic acid-2-phosphate can be efficiently produced by controlling the ratio of substrates. When the conversion reaction is performed at pH4.5 under 40° C. for 8 h, the output of ascorbic acid-2-phosphate reaches 54.8 ?/L, the conversion is 42.9% and the space time yield is 6.9 g/L/h.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Liming LIU, Wei SONG, Jing WU, Kai ZHENG, Xiulai CHEN
  • Publication number: 20180057803
    Abstract: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Tim Hitchman, Christopher L.G. Dayton, Katie A. Kline, Jonathan Lyon, Mark A. Wall, Nelson R. Barton
  • Publication number: 20180057804
    Abstract: A mutant of EndoS2 includes one or more mutations in the sequence of a wild-type EndoS2 (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the one or more mutations are in a peptide region located within residues 133-143, residues 177-182, residues 184-189, residues 221-231, and/or residues 227-237, wherein the mutant of EndoS2 has a low hydrolyzing activity and a high tranglycosylation activity, as compared to those of the wild-type EndoS2. A method for preparing an engineered glycoprotein using the mutant of EndoS2 includes coupling an activated oligosaccharide to a glycoprotein acceptor. The activated oligosaccharide is a glycan oxazoline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicants: CHO Pharma Inc., Academia Sinica
    Inventors: Nan-Horng Lin, Lin-Ya Huang, Sachin S Shivatare, Li-Tzu Chen, Chi-Huey Wong, Chung-Yi Wu, Ting Cheng
  • Publication number: 20180057805
    Abstract: The present invention provides ionic liquid-tolerant cellulases and method of producing and using such cellulases. The cellulases of the invention are useful in saccharification reactions using ionic liquid treated biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: John Gladden, Joshua Park, Steven Singer, Blake Simmons, Ken Sale
  • Publication number: 20180057806
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to modified tryptophan synthase and more particularly to modified beta-subunits of tryptophan synthase. The disclosure further relates to cells expressing such modified subunits and methods of producing non-canonical amino acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: David K. Romney, Javier Murciano Calles, Jori E. Wehrmuller
  • Publication number: 20180057807
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to genetically engineered bacteria strains with enhanced biofuel-producing capabilities from cellulosic substrates. The bacteria strains of the present disclosure comprise an inactivated Type I glutamine synthetase gene. The present disclosure is also directed to methods of producing biofuels from cellulosic biomass using the genetically engineered bacteria strains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas RYDZAK, Adam M. GUSS
  • Publication number: 20180057808
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to laboratory and bioinformatics methods for isolating, detecting, and characterizing microbes in biological samples using metagenomic approaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Tony L. Goldberg, Samuel D. Sibley
  • Publication number: 20180057809
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cartridge for purifying biological samples. The cartridge comprises a first chamber configured to receive and hold biological samples, and at least one second chamber configured to receive and hold a reagent solution. A first fluid flow control valve is fluidly connected to outlet ports of the first chamber and the at least one second chamber. Also, the first fluid flow control valve is fluidly connected to a matrix chamber and is configured to selectively route biological samples and reagent solution into the matrix chamber for purifying the biological samples. A binding matrix is configured in the matrix chamber for capturing the nucleic acids from the biological samples and the reagent solution. Further, a elute collection chamber is fluidly connected to the matrix chamber, wherein the elute collection chamber is configured to receive and hold purified biological sample from the matrix chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Manoj MULAKKAPURATH NARAYANAN, Chandrasekhar Bhaskaran NAIR
  • Publication number: 20180057810
    Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for altering expression of target gene sequences and related gene products. Provided are structural information on the Cas protein of the CRISPR-Cas system, use of this information in generating modified components of the CRISPR complex, vectors and vector systems which encode one or more components or modified components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors and components. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in eukaryotic cells and methods for utilizing the CRISPR-Cas system. In particular the present invention comprehends optimized functional CRISPR-Cas enzyme systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Feng Zhang, Silvana KONERMANN, Mark D. BRIGHAM, Alexandro TREVINO
  • Publication number: 20180057811
    Abstract: Provided herein is a new class of nucleic acid tagging molecules which are essentially free of homopolymer stretches. The tagging molecules can tag a plurality of individual target molecules for detection with a high degree of accuracy. The tagging molecules can be used to tag at least 105 or 106 individual target molecules. The tagged individual target molecules can be subjected to high throughput sequence analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Frank Bergmann, Bruno Frey, Dieter Heindl
  • Publication number: 20180057812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hepcidin antagonist for use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicants: INSERM (INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE), CENTRENATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE -CNRS, UNIVERSITE PARIS DESCARTES, UNIVERSITE PRIS DIDEROT- PARIS 7
    Inventors: Carole PEYSSONNAUX, Jacques MATHIEU, Sara ZUMERLE
  • Publication number: 20180057813
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the enhancement of nucleic acid delivery systems. The methods may employ treatment with a compound and/or an RNAi molecule in combination with a nucleic acid to improve nucleic acid uptake into a cell. In particular, the disclosed methods may be useful for improved gene therapy techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Assem G. Ziady, Matthew Siefert, Songbai Lin, Harrison Brown
  • Publication number: 20180057814
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for inhibiting the function of target nucleic acids by sequence specific binding. The compositions and methods can be used for inhibition of micro RNAs and other relatively short non-coding RNAs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher BURNETT, Nitin Puri, Susan Magdaleno, Alexander Vlassov
  • Publication number: 20180057815
    Abstract: Modification formats having modified nucleotides are provided for siRNA. Short interfering RNA having modification formats and modified nucleotides provided herein reduce off-target effects in RNA interference of endogenous genes. Further modification formatted siRNAs are demonstrated to be stabilized to nuclease-rich environments. Unexpectedly, increasing or maintaining strand bias, while necessary to maintain potency for endogenous RNA interference, is not sufficient for reducing off-target effects in cell biology assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Nitin PURI, Irudaya CHARLES, Susan Maylin MAGDALENO, Alexander VLASSOV, Christopher BURNETT
  • Publication number: 20180057816
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for inhibiting or treating metastasis based on discoveries regarding Kif19 and Cep192. Methods and compositions are provided for enhancing wound healing, treating fibrosis, reducing scarring and treating nerve pain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, INC.
    Inventor: David Sharp
  • Publication number: 20180057817
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to particles conjugated to therapeutic nucleic acids. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a sequence that catalytically cleaves RNA, e.g., DNAzyme or RNAzyme. In certain embodiments, the particles contain nucleic acids with both DNAzyme and/or RNAzyme and siRNA sequences. The cleaving nucleic acids optionally comprise a sequence functioning to hybridize to a target of interest and/or the particles are further conjugated to a targeting moiety. In certain embodiments, conjugated particles are used in the treatment or prevention of cancer or viral infections or bacterial infections. In certain embodiments, conjugated particles are used in detecting metal ions and other small molecule analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Yehl, Salaita Khalid
  • Publication number: 20180057818
    Abstract: Provided are novel methods and compositions for the modulation of thermogenesis. Such methods are particularly advantageous in that they allow for the reduction of body fat in a subject without the subject having to adjust their caloric intake through dieting, modify their physical activity or undergo bariatric surgery. Accordingly, the methods of the invention are particularly useful for treating or preventing obesity. Also provided are methods of screening for novel agents that modulate the activity of thermogenic regulators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Marc Thibonnier
  • Publication number: 20180057819
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic compound comprising: an agent that inhibits the activity of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of HIC1, FOXS1, CREB5, IRF7, POU2F2, STAT4, TCF4, and/or an agent that enhances the activity of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of MAF, MEOX2, SIX2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Claire Dugast-Darzacq, Maïté Noizet, Xavier Darzacq
  • Publication number: 20180057820
    Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating diseases or disorders associated with pathological calcification or pathological ossification. In certain embodiments, the diseases or disorders are selected from the group consisting of Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI), Idiopathic Infantile Arterial Calcification (IIAC), Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL), hypophosphatemic rickets, osteoarthritis, calcification of atherosclerotic plaques, PXE, hereditary and non-hereditary forms of osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, hardening of the arteries occurring with aging, calciphylaxis resulting from end stage renal disease and progeria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Demetrios BRADDOCK, Ronald ALBRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20180057821
    Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating diseases or disorders associated with pathological calcification or pathological ossification. In certain embodiments, the diseases or disorders are selected from the group consisting of Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI), Idiopathic Infantile Arterial Calcification (IIAC), Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL), hypophosphatemic rickets, osteoarthritis, calcification of atherosclerotic plaques, PXE, hereditary and non-hereditary forms of osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, hardening of the arteries occurring with aging, calciphylaxis resulting from end stage renal disease and progeria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Demetrios BRADDOCK, Ronald ALBRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20180057822
    Abstract: Control Devices are disclosed including RNA destabilizing elements (RDE), RNA control devices, and destabilizing elements (DE) combined with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) or other transgenes in eukaryotic cells. Multicistronic vectors are also disclosed for use in engineering host eukaryotic cells with the CARs and transgenes under the control of the control devices. These control devices can be used to optimize expression of CARs in the eukaryotic cells so that, for example, effector function is optimized. CARs and transgene payloads can also be engineered into eukaryotic cells so that the transgene payload is expressed and delivered after stimulation of the CAR on the eukaryotic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Chimera Bioengineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Wang, Gusti Zeiner
  • Publication number: 20180057823
    Abstract: An expression vector for expressing a target polypeptide in a prokaryotic cell is provided. The vector comprises a promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding the target polypeptide operably linked to a eukaryotic secretion leader sequence, the eukaryotic secretion leader sequence encoding a signal peptide sequence selected from the group consisting of: a) MLKRSSWLATLGLLTVASVSTIVYA; b) MKKATFITCLLAVLLVSNPIWNA; c) MKVSAAALAVILIATALCAPASA; d) MKVSTAFLCLLLTVSAFSAQVLA; and e) MKCLLLALGLALACAAQA. Processes for expressing polypeptides and prokaryotic microorganisms comprising such vectors are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies UK Limited
    Inventors: Bhupendra Vallabh Kara, Christopher David John Lennon
  • Publication number: 20180057824
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered Vibrio sp. organisms. The organisms can be engineered to have an altered Chromosome II so that the altered Chromosome II can be used in Vibrio sp. and other organisms for the cloning or amplification of nucleic acid molecules and for the expression and production of proteins and peptides in a Vibrio sp. organism. One or more genetic elements have been deleted from Chromosome II and/or relocated from Chromosome II to Chromosome I. The engineered Vibrio sp. organisms of the invention can also have signal sequences fused to proteins or peptides to be secreted from the cell. In some embodiments the engineered Vibrio sp. organisms can have sequences that enable them to retain viability after incubation at low temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew T Weinstock, Christopher M. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20180057825
    Abstract: A wheat variety designated W080329C1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W080329C1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W080329C1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W080329C1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by backcrossing, mutagenesis or transformation of variety W080329C1 are disclosed. Methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W080329C1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM JOSEPH LASKAR, KYLE JAY LIVELY, GREGORY CHARLES MARSHALL, JAMES JOSEPH UPHAUS
  • Publication number: 20180057826
    Abstract: A wheat variety designated W080148I1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W080148I1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W080148I1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W080148I1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by backcrossing, mutagenesis or transformation of variety W080148I1 are disclosed. Methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W080148I1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM JOSEPH LASKAR, KYLE JAY LIVELY, GREGORY CHARLES MARSHALL
  • Publication number: 20180057827
    Abstract: A wheat variety designated W080366A1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W080366A1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W080366A1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W080366A1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by backcrossing, mutagenesis or transformation of variety W080366A1 are disclosed. Methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W080366A1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: ROBERT LEWIS CLARKSON, WILLIAM JOSEPH LASKAR, KYLE JAY LIVELY, GREGORY CHARLES MARSHALL
  • Publication number: 20180057828
    Abstract: A wheat variety designated W070474I1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W070474I1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W070474I1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W070474I1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by backcrossing, mutagenesis or transformation of variety W070474I1 are disclosed. Methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W070474I1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM JOSEPH LASKAR, KYLE JAY LIVELY, GREGORY CHARLES MARSHALL, SAMUEL ABRAHAM TRAGESSER, JAMES JOSEPH UPHAUS
  • Publication number: 20180057829
    Abstract: A wheat variety designated W070287J1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W070287J1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W070287J1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W070287J1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by backcrossing, mutagenesis or transformation of variety W070287J1 are disclosed. Methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W070287J1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: ROBERT LEWIS CLARKSON, WILLIAM JOSEPH LASKAR, KYLE JAY LIVELY, GREGORY CHARLES MARSHALL
  • Publication number: 20180057830
    Abstract: A wheat variety designated A060013G1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety A060013G1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety A060013G1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety A060013G1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by backcrossing, mutagenesis or transformation of variety A060013G1 are disclosed. Methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety A060013G1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM JOSEPH LASKAR, KYLE JAY LIVELY, GREGORY CHARLES MARSHALL
  • Publication number: 20180057831
    Abstract: A method of producing faster flowering times in corn and sorghum plants is presented herein. Corn and sorghum plants comprising a non-native flowering gene that flower faster by at least three developmental leaves than control plants are also presented herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Michael E. Fromm
  • Publication number: 20180057832
    Abstract: The invention relates to gene expression regulatory sequences from soybean, specifically to promoters of U6 small nuclear RNA genes, and fragments thereof, and their use in promoting the expression of one or more heterologous nucleic acid fragments in a 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventor: ZHONGSEN LI
  • Publication number: 20180057833
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel DNA molecules and constructs, including their nucleotide sequences, useful for modulating gene expression in plants and plant cells. The invention also provides transgenic plants, plant cells, plant parts, seeds, and commodity products comprising the DNA molecules operably linked to heterologous transcribable polynucleotides, along with methods of their use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Stanislaw Flasinski
  • Publication number: 20180057834
    Abstract: This disclosure provides genetically modified plants having desirable levels of sugar release, cellulose content and reduction of recalcitrance; methods of genetically modifying plants to modulate sugar release, cellulose and lignin contents; and uses of such plants. The inventors have determined that genetic modification of PdDUF266A from Populus, encoded by locus Potri.011G009500 resulted in transgenic Populus trees with changes in lignin and cellulose content as well as altered sugar release phenotypes. Plants with altered sugar release, cellulose and lignin content, based on modulation of the expression or activity of the PdDUF266A gene, have diverse uses including pulp and paper production, and biofuel and bioproducts production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jin-Gui Chen, Sara Jawdy, Xiaohan Yang, Gerald A. Tuskan, Yongil Yang, Lee E. Gunter
  • Publication number: 20180057835
    Abstract: Provided are isolated polynucleotides, polypeptides encoded thereby, nucleic acid constructs comprising same, plant cells and plants comprising same and methods of generating plants with increased yield, biomass, growth rate, vigor, oil content, fiber yield, fiber quality, abiotic stress tolerance, and/or nitrogen use efficiency, wherein the polynucleotides encode polypeptides at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 574-930, 6266-10549 or 10550, such as the polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOs:1-573, and 931-6265.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Evogene Ltd.
    Inventors: Limor PORATY-GAVRA, Ilya PANKRATOV, Hagai KARCHI
  • Publication number: 20180057836
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a nucleic acid sequence which confers expression of a phosphinothricin acetyltransferase and a 5-enolpyruvyl-3-phosphoshikimic acid synthase when introduced into a cell. These proteins may confer herbicide tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: SYNGENTA PARTICIPATIONS AG
    Inventors: Volker Mittendorf, John Hipskind, Kasi Azhakanandam
  • Publication number: 20180057837
    Abstract: The invention (embodiments) relates to the field of medicine, pharmacology, biotechnology, molecular biology, genetic engineering and can be used for analgesia. A plasmid DNA is given for transient expression in mammalian cells, represented by a skeleton that contains prokaryotic and eukaryotic elements and a polynucleotide encoding human alpha defensin HNP-1 or HNP-2 or HNP-3 (embodiments). A producer of such plasmid DNA is also given based on a bacterial cell (embodiments) and an analgesic agent for use in mammals, in particular, human, based on it (embodiments). The technical result from the use of embodiments of the invention is expressed in expanding the range of analgesic products, in an increase of the duration of analgesia, in an increase of the safety of analgesia, in simplification and cheapening of the production of the analgesic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Ilya Vladimirovich DUKHOVLINOV, Anton Iosifovich ORLOV
  • Publication number: 20180057838
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide artificial expression systems comprising the zinc-finger containing transcription factors and engineered promoters to modulate expression of genes of interest. Engineered zinc-finger transcription factors that interact with engineered promoters constitute synthetic and regulatable expression systems which facilitate the modulation of gene expression as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicants: TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY, THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ahmad S. Khalil, Divya Israni, Minhee Park, J. Keith Joung, Jeffry D. Sander
  • Publication number: 20180057839
    Abstract: The present invention relates to in vivo methods of delivering recombinant virions or viral vectors to a subject, including a human diagnosed with or suspected of having liver fibrosis. The disclosure also relates to methods in which recombinant virions, such as AAV virions, are introduced into the myofibroblasts of the liver and to deliver therapeutic nucleic acids, including those nucleic acids necessary to differentiate a myofibroblast into a hepatocyte, thereby not only improving liver function but also reducing collagen deposition and thus liver fibrosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Holger WILLENBRING, Laure DUMONT, Yann MALATO
  • Publication number: 20180057840
    Abstract: Disclosed are capsid-modified rAAV expression vectors, as well as infectious virions, compositions, and pharmaceutical formulations that include them. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and using novel capsid-protein-mutated rAAV vector constructs in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications including, inter alia, as delivery agents for diagnosis, treatment, or amelioration of one or more diseases, disorders, or dysfunctions of the mammalian vascular system, and complications from Type I diabetes. Also disclosed are methods for systemic and tissue-localized delivery of therapeutic rAAV-based gene expression cassettes to vascular endothelial cells, tissues, and organs, as well as use of the disclosed compositions in the manufacture of medicaments for a variety of in vitro and/or in vivo applications including the treatment of vasculitis, and complications arising from Type I diabetes, such as macular edema, nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Hauswirth, Sanford L. Boye, Daniel M. Lipinski, Michael E. Boulton, Shannon E. Boye
  • Publication number: 20180057841
    Abstract: A method of correcting singletons in a selected AAV sequence in order to increasing the packaging yield, transduction efficiency, and/or gene transfer efficiency of the selected AAV is provided. This method involves altering one or more singletons in the parental AAV capsid to conform the singleton to the amino acid in the corresponding position(s) of the aligned functional AAV capsid sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Luk VANDENBERGHE, Guangping GAO, James M. WILSON
  • Publication number: 20180057842
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vector comprising: a 5? nucleic acid that is homologous to a genomic sequence 5? of a stop codon of a constitutively expressed gene; an exogenous nucleic acid; a 3? nucleic acid that is homologous to a genomic sequence 3? of the stop codon of the constitutively expressed gene; a translation interruption-reinitiation signal operably linked to the 5? nucleic acid and the exogenous Targeting nucleic acid, wherein the translation interruption-reinitiation signal is capable of replacing the stop codon of the constitutively expressed gene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Ed STANLEY, Andrew ELEFANTY, David ELLIOTT, Tatiana LABONNE
  • Publication number: 20180057843
    Abstract: The document provides methods for biosynthesizing isobutene using one or more isolated enzymes such as one or more of an enoyl-CoA dehydratase, a 2-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase, an isovaleryl-CoA/acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and a mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase, or using recombinant host cells expressing one or more such enzymes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Adriana Leonora Botes, Alex Van Eck Conradie
  • Publication number: 20180057844
    Abstract: An inositol preparation method by enzymatic catalysis uses starch and cellulose or substrates thereof as substrates. Raw materials are converted to inositol by in vitro multi-enzyme reaction system in one pot. The yield from the substrate to inositol is significantly improved by process optimization and adding new enzymes. The new enzymes can promote the phosphorolysis of starch or cellulose and utilization of glucose, which is the final production after the phosphorolysis of starch and cellulose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yi-Heng Percival ZHANG, Chun YOU
  • Publication number: 20180057845
    Abstract: A biocatalytic method is provided for preparing p-vinyl phenols by a three-step, one-pot reaction according to the following reaction scheme: wherein the three steps include: (a) optionally substituted phenol (1) is bound to pyruvic acid (BTS) to form optionally substituted tyrosine (2) by the catalytic action of a tyrosine phenol-lyase (TPL) and in the presence of ammonium ions, (b) ammonia is eliminated from tyrosine (2) by the catalytic action of a tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) or a phenyl ammonia-lyase (PAL) to produce optionally substituted p-coumaric acid (3), and (c) p-coumaric acid (3) is subjected to a decarboxylation reaction by the catalytic action of a phenolic acid decarboxylase (PAD), to produce the desired, optionally substituted p-vinyl phenol (4); and (d) wherein the generated CO2 is removed from the reaction system to shift the chemical equilibrium of all three reaction steps (a), (b) and (c) towards the product side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Wolfgang KROUTIL, Eduardo BUSTO, Robert SIMON
  • Publication number: 20180057846
    Abstract: A foodstuff can include a free acid ?-hydroxybutyrate, and a base. The ?-hydroxybutyrate, and base, are present at a less than 1:1 molar equivalence. Ketone Ester may also be incorporated as a component of the foodstuff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: KetoneAid Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Borges LLosa, Stephen Zarpas
  • Publication number: 20180057847
    Abstract: Silicone oil is a reaction medium or separation medium, or both, for ester synthesis. Enzyme-catalyzed esterification is conducted in the silicone oil, with ester product soluble therein. Ester is separated from silicone by distillation. Esterification in silicone oil in conjunction with a simultaneous fermentation process, results in alcohol fermentation products flowing through the intervening silicone oil (serving as an oxygen barrier) to react with organic acid at an oil:aqueous interface, catalyzed by an enzyme (e.g., lipase, esterase). Ester solubility in silicone is leveraged for extraction, isolating catalyzed (metal, chemical or enzyme) ester reaction products from an original reaction (aqueous or organic) medium. Esters may be generated from alcohol fermented from organic matter of agricultural waste products, utilizing cheaply available silicone oil. Similarly, silicone oil may also be used to extract from a polar solvent (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: David Lee Bernick, Wade Morgan Dugdale, Stanislav Fridland