Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering NT activity, nitrogen utilization and/or uptake in plants. The invention relates to a method for the production of plants with maintained or increased yield under low or normal nitrogen fertility. The invention provides isolated nitrate transporter (NT) nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants. Plants transformed with nucleotide sequences encoding the NT enzyme show improved properties, for example, increased yield.

Abstract: A composition of variant biocatalysts, specifically variants of D-amino acid oxidases, with improved biocatalytic activity towards D-amino acid substrates such as, but not limited to, D-tert-leucine, D-norvaline, D-2-aminobutyrate, D-alanine, D-isoleucine, D-valine, D-methionine, D-hydroxyadamantlyglycine, D-penicillamine, or D-norleucine is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of preparing enantioselective amino acids using variant D-amino acid oxidases of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide with HMG-CoA reductase activity, to its polynucleotide congener and to a method for the production of a statin comprising over expression of said polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to seven allergens of Aspergillus versicolor which are suitable for specific diagnostics of this mold which predominantly pollutes the interior. The invention is also directed to an immunological method of detecting a sensitization to A. versicolor, especially an allergy, wherein one or more of the above-mentioned seven allergens found are employed as diagnostic markers. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition which includes one or more of these seven allergens as active substance, and to the use of one or more of these seven allergens for the desensitization to A. versicolor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, which has an activity of hydroxylating a compound represented by the formula (I-a): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or an alkali metal, and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a ring-closed lactone form thereof; a DNA encoding the protein; and a recombinant DNA comprising the DNA.

Abstract: A selection method for barley lipoxygenase-1 deficient barley, comprising a step of distinguishing the barley lipoxygenase-1 deficient barley by whether or not the guanine at the splicing donor site of the 5th intron of the barley lipoxygenase-1 gene is mutated to a different base; and a method for production of malt alcoholic beverages using a material for malt alcoholic beverages derived from barley obtained by the selection method.

Abstract: The invention relates a novel hybrid carbonic anhydrase catalyst with the potential to contribute significantly to meeting targeted reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least a portion of a cellulose binding domain (CBD) of a protein is fused to another protein, carbonic anhydrase, (CA) to create a new multi-functional protein which can bind tightly to cellulose while maintaining its native catalytic ability to process CO2. The resulting CA-CBD hybrid polypeptide can be immobilized to a cellulose support and used to cost-effectively capture CO2 from gas streams and other CO2-rich environs.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a recombinant fission yeast strain useful for the improved production of human cytochrome P450s. The improvement in the cytochrome P450 rate is achieved by a coexpression of a functional human electron transfer chain e.g. CPR (cytochrome P450 reductase). The invention further relates to uses of the recombinant fission yeast and particularly the use of the recombinant fission yeast in methods to generate cytochrome P450 dependent metabolites.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide DNA encoding novel NADH oxidase from a microorganism belonging to the genus Brevibacterium having excellent pH stability and thermostability. The present invention relates to DNA encoding NADH oxidase from a microorganism belonging to the genus Brevibacterium that is the following (a) or (b): (a) NADH oxidase comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; or (b) NADH oxidase comprising an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18 by deletion, substitution, or addition of 1 or more amino acid(s) and having NADH oxidase activity.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to isolated leucoanthocyanidin reductase LAR polypeptides of the Reductase-Epimerase-Dehydrogenase (RED) protein family, and nucleic acid molecules encoding same and their use in regulating the biosynthesis and accumulation of proanthocyanidins in plants. The invention is further directed to isolated nucleic acid molecules of plants which encode leucoanthocyanidin reductases of the RED protein family. The isolated polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules of the present invention are useful for modifying the pasture quality of legumes, and, in particular, for producing bloat-safe forage crops. or crops having enhanced nutritional value, enhanced disease resistance or pest resistance, or enhanced malting qualities.

Abstract: Stable and active arabinitol dehydrogenases (LAD) from Neurospora crassa and mutants thereof are disclosed. Arabinitol dehydrogenases are useful in the production of xylitol and ethanol from an arabinose containing substrate. Recombinant and heterologously expressed arabinitol dehydrogenases are useful in converting biomass into biofuels and other industrial food products.

Abstract: Described herein are recombinant yeast cells that express a cytochrome C gene the expression of which causes the recombinant yeast cells to (i) grow faster than wild type yeast cells of the same species when cultured on glucose medium, and (ii) accumulate high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid precursor molecules or target gene expression products when grown on oleic acid.

Abstract: A modified luciferase protein which is a sensor for molecules including cAMP, cGMP, calcium, chelators thereof, kinases, or phosphatases is provided. Also provided is a circularly permuted anthozoan luciferase protein and a decapod crustacean luciferase protein, optionally containing one or more heterologous amino acid sequences, at least one of which directly or indirectly interacts with a molecule of interest. Further provided is a modified anthozoan luciferase protein and a decapod crustacean luciferase protein containing an insertion of one or more heterologous amino acid sequences, at least one of which directly or indirectly interacts with a molecule of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a mutated hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), to a chimeric gene which comprises this sequence as the coding sequence, and to its use for obtaining plants which are resistant to HPPD inhibitor herbicides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-microbial compositions that may advantageously be added to vase water of cut flowers in order to prevent microbial growth, especially in vase water containing added cut flower nutrients and/or water uptake stimulants. One aspect of the invention relates to the use of an EC 1.1.3 oxidoreductase as an antimicrobial additive for vase water of cut flowers. Another aspect of the invention concerns a method of putting cut flowers into vase water, said method comprising immersing the stems of one or more cut flowers into vase water and adding an antimicrobial composition containing an EC 1.1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a superoxide dismutase gene from Potentilla atrosanguinea, a construct containing the gene coding for superoxide dismutase and transformed E. coli producing the SOD protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new NOS variants or mutants which contain structural alterations in the site of Akt dependent phosphorylation. The altered NOS proteins or peptides, especially the human eNOS proteins or peptides, Akt proteins or polypeptides and their encoding nucleic acid molecules are useful as gene therapy agents for the treatment of diseases including post angioplasty restenosis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetes and diseases with defective angiogenesis. NOS proteins and peptides are also useful in methods of screening for agents which modulate NOS activity.

Abstract: The invention provides a calcium-binding photoprotein which has a high ability to bind to IgG and is capable of more sensitively detecting IgG. A fusion protein of the present invention composed of a ZZ domain having the ability to bind to the Fc region of IgG and the calcium-binding photoprotein apoaequorin is used for the detection and assay of calcium ions and the detection of IgG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteomic markers for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, compositions for detecting changes of these proteomic markers, kits for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, methods for detecting proteomic markers including these compositions, methods for screening drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma using these proteomic markers, and antibodies specific for these proteomic markers.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to enzymes, polynucleotides encoding the enzymes, the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides and more specifically to enzymes having transferase activity, e.g., transaminase activity, e.g., d-amino-acid transferase activity, and/or oxidoreductase activity, e.g., dehydrogenase activity, e.g., damino-acid dehydrogenase activity, and/or catalyze the transfer of a chemical group, catalyze transamination, catalyze the reaction: D-alanine+2-oxoglutarate<=>pyruvate+D-glutamate, and/or catalyze an oxidation-reduction reaction, catalyze the removal of hydrogen atoms, and/or catalyze the reaction: D-amino acid+H2O+acceptor<=>a 2-oxo acid+NH3+reduced acceptor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing renewable chemicals through the manufacture of novel triglyceride oils followed by chemical modification of the oils. Methods such as transesterification, hydrogenation, hydrocracking, deoxygenation, isomerization, interesterification, hydroxylation, hydrolysis and saponification are disclosed. Novel oils containing fatty acid chain lengths of C8, C10, C12 or C14 are also disclosed and are useful as feedstocks in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, method of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chirally pure compounds, and the chirally pure compounds prepared therewith.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mammalian artificial chromosome vector, which retains a human chromosome 7 fragment comprising human cytochrome P450 genes and is transmittable to progeny, wherein the human chromosome 7 fragment retains a region of approximately 1 Mb±500 Kb in size comprising at least a human CYP3A gene cluster, which region is located between chromosome markers AC004922 and AC073842, and to a non-human mammalian animal retaining the vector.

Abstract: Novel hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) polypeptides, variants and fragments thereof, as well as polynucleotides encoding the same, capable of conferring commercial levels of conferring HPPD herbicide resistance or tolerance to plants. Compositions include amino acid sequences, and variants and fragments thereof, for HPPD polypeptides, as well as polynucleotides encoding the same. Methods for the production and use of HPPD herbicide resistant plants that express these novel HPPD polypeptides, methods for selectively controlling weeds in a field at a crop locus, and methods for the assay, characterization, identification and selection of these novel HPPDs are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are polypeptides having hydrogenase activity. The polypeptide may be multimeric, and may have hydrogenase activity of at least 0.05 micromoles H2 produced min?1 mg protein?1. Also provided herein are polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, genetically modified microbes that include polynucleotides encoding one or more subunits of the multimeric polypeptide, and methods for making and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of luciferase peptides that are encoded by genes within the genome of Arachnocampa (Diptera) are disclosed. Specifically provided are functional ATP-dependent luciferases that catalyze luminescence reactions with emission spectra within the blue portion of the spectrum. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and active subsequences of the enzyme peptides, and methods of identifying modulators and substrates of the luciferase peptides. Methods of assays, including multiple reporter assays utilizing at least two ATP-dependent luciferases are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stimulation of the synthesis and of the activity of an isoform of lysyl oxidase, and more particularly of the LOXL (lysyl oxidase-like) isoform. The invention relates notably to a method of identifying an active principle which stimulates the formation of elastic fibers. The aim of the invention is mainly to provide such a method of identification so as to provide compositions which enable stimulating the formation of elastic fibers.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding delta-8 desaturases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these delta-8 desaturases in plants and oleaginous yeast.

Abstract: A DNA fragment containing a gene which encodes a specific gene regulatory region alone or the gene regulatory region together with a signal peptide; a recombinant vector containing the DNA fragment; a transformant containing the recombinant vector; and a method of producing a recombinant protein by using the transformant. According to the invention, it is possible to produce a protein in a large amount at a high efficiency regardless of the kind of the recombinant protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides genes encoding novel luciferases having at least the properties of: being capable of using coelenterazine as their luminescent substrates; and being capable of being recombinantly expressed in a mammal cell as a host and produced to be secreted to the outside of the host cell. Specifically, the gene encoding novel luciferases according to the present invention is a DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding any of the full-length amino acid sequences of two types of luciferase proteins, luciferase 1 and luciferase 2, from M. pacifica, and is, for example, a gene encoding the following full-length amino acid sequence of the luciferase 1.

Abstract: Multizymes (i.e., single polypeptides having at least two independent and separable enzymatic activities) are disclosed for a variety of applications beyond the synthesis of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods that are useful for the production of a compound.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding Thermotoga maritima mannitol dehydrogenase and the Thermotoga maritima mannitol dehydrogenase polypeptide are disclosed. Further provided are an electrochemical bioreactor system and a bioreactor electrode that can be used to convert glucose or fructose to mannitol.

Abstract: The invention concerns an isolated or purified polypeptide having an activity in the MTBE degradation path, and/or at least one of the catabolic intermediates of MTBE, preferably selected from the group consisting of tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), 2-methyl 1,2-propanediol (2-M1, 2-PD), hydroxyisobutyraldehyde, hydroxyiso-butyric acid (HIBA), said polypeptide being selected from the group consisting of: a) a polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8 or SEQ ID NO:10; b) a polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids having at least 70% identity, preferably 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98% or 99% with the sequence of amino acids of a polypeptide as defined in a); a polypeptide as defined in a) or b) whereof the sequence of amino acids comprises a substitution, deletion, insertion, addition or mutation of one or several amino acids over its entire length.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the identification of genes involved in the desaturation of polyunsaturated fatty acids at carbon 5 (i.e., “?5-desaturase”) and at carbon 6 (i.e., “?6-desaturase”) and to uses thereof. In particular, ?5-desaturase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of dihomo-?-linolenic acid (DGLA) to arachidonic acid (AA) and in the conversion of 20:4n-3 to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Delta-6 desaturase may be used, for example, in the conversion of linoleic (LA) to ?-linolenic acid (GLA). AA or polyunsaturated fatty acids produced therefrom may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.

Abstract: The present invention concerns multimeric oxidoreductase complexes which function in the enzymatic conversion of a carbon substrate, said complexes having a dehydrogenase subunit and a cytochrome C subunit. The invention further relates to polynucleotides coding for the multimeric complexes and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of immunogenic peptides comprising a T-cell epitope derived from a tumour-associated antigen and a redox motif such as C—(X)2-[CST] or [CST]-(X)2-C in the treatment of a tumour or in the treatment or prevention of a tumour relapse, and in the manufacture of medicaments therefore.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the identification of genes involved in the desaturation of polyunsaturated fatty acids at carbon 5 (i.e., “?5-desaturase”) and at carbon 6 (i.e., “?6-desaturase”) and to uses thereof. In particular, ?5-desaturase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of dihomo-?-linolenic acid (DGLA) to arachidonic acid (AA) and in the conversion of 20:4n-3 to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Delta-6 desaturase may be used, for example, in the conversion of linoleic (LA) to ?-linolenic acid (GLA). AA or polyunsaturated fatty acids produced therefrom may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of producing fatty alcohols from recombinant host cells comprising genes encoding heterologous fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) enzymes. The disclosure further relates to FAR enzymes and functional fragments thereof derived from marine bacterium and particularly marine gamma proteobacterium such as Marinobacter and Oceanobacter; polynucleotides encoding the FAR enzymes and vectors and host cells comprising the same.

Abstract: Cytochrome P450 BM-3 from Bacillus megaterium was engineered using a combination of directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis to hydroxylate linear alkanes regio- and enantioselectively using atmospheric dioxygen as an oxidant. Mutant 9-10A-A328V hydroxylates octane primarily at the 2-positio to form S-2-octanol (40% ee). Another mutant, 1-12G, hydroxylates alkanes larger than hexane primarily at the 2-position, but forms R-2-alcohols (40-55% ee). These biocatalysts are highly active for alkane substrates and support thousands of product turnovers. These regio- and enantio-selectivities are retained in whole-cell biotransformations with E. coli, where the engineered P450s can be expressed at high levels and the expensive cofactor is supplied endogenously.

Abstract: A composition having an agent adapted to affect a multimeric protein by binding to a binding site of the multimeric protein and thereby affecting an equilibrium of units, wherein the multimeric protein has an assembly having a plurality of said units, wherein each of the units has a first complementary surface and a second complementary surface and wherein the first complementary surface of one unit is associated with the second complementary surface of another unit, provided that the assembly is at least one of different quaternary isoforms on a condition that in the multimeric protein (1) a structure of each of the units determines a structure of the different quaternary isoforms, (2) the units are in the equilibrium and (3) the structure of the different quaternary isoforms influences a function of the multimeric protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using Monoamine Oxidase C (MAO-C), also known as renalase, as a therapeutic protein in its active and inactive forms. Administering inactive renalase protein to individuals with lower renalase levels can be used to provide them with an adequate pool of the protein that can be activated by the body as needed. Active renalase protein can be administered to individuals needing an immediate reduction of catecholamine levels. An inhibitor of renalase may be used to enhance adrenergic action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity to asymmetrically reduce (3S)-1-chloro-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4-phenyl-2-butanone to produce (2R,3S)-1-chloro-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4-phenyl-2-butanol isolated from a microorganism belonging to the genus Ogataea, a DNA encoding the polypeptide and a transformant that produces the polypeptide. The present invention moreover relates to a method of producing (2R,3S)-1-chloro-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4-phenyl-2-butanol utilizing the polypeptide or the transformant. Using the polypeptide or transformant of the present invention, optically active alcohols such as (2R,3S)-1-chloro-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4-phenyl-2-butanol and the like can be produced efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel proteins activating pro-phenoloxidase (pro-PO) system of Tenebrio molitor, genes encoding the same, methods of detecting bacterial infection in a sample using the proteins, and kits for detecting bacterial infection in a sample using the proteins. The present invention also provides a method of preparing a soluble linearized Lys-type pep-tidoglycan (SLPG), useful for a standard substance for the kit.

Abstract: The present invention provides Phenylalanine Hydroxylase (PAH) fusion proteins and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, as well as encoding polynucleotides and vectors, and methods for treating hyperphenylalaninemia, including PKU, by enzyme replacement therapy. The fusion proteins have phenylalanine hydroxylase activity when administered: and have an increased half-life or persistence in circulation, as compared to unfused counterparts. The PAH fusion proteins are suitable for enzyme replacement therapy in PKU patients by converting phenylalanine in the circulation to tyrosine, thereby controlling phenylalanine levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel hydrogenases isolated from novel hyperthermophilic strains belonging to Thermococcus spp., genes encoding the hydrogenases, and methods of producing hydrogen using strains having the genes. According to the hydrogen production methods of the invention, a large amount of hydrogen can be produced merely by culturing the strains in specific culture conditions. Thus, the methods of the invention have advantages in that they are more economic and efficient than existing hydrogen production methods and can produce hydrogen even at high temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating coronary disorders and preventing cardiac cell death that involve the use of biliverdin reductase (“BVR”) or BVR peptides to stabilize the expression and activity of intracellular HO-2 in cardiac cells. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for inducing cancer cell death in a patient having cancer that involve the use of inhibitory BVR peptides to destabilize intracellular HO-2 expression and activity, thereby augmenting cell death.

Abstract: The invention provides a biological method of producing isoprenoids.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems isolated from or derived from non-bacterial organisms, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.