Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods and compositions for reducing turf thatch and/or preventing turf thatch buildup. The compositions include isolated fungal laccase enzymes, such as laccase enzymes from white rot fungi. Methods of reducing and/or preventing turf thatch buildup include applying compositions including isolated fungal laccase enzymes to turfgrass.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered proline hydroxylase polypeptides for the production of hydroxylated compounds, polynucleotides encoding the engineered proline hydroxylases, host cells capable of expressing the engineered proline hydroxylases, and methods of using the engineered proline hydroxylases to prepare compounds useful in the production of active pharmaceutical agents. The present disclosure provides engineered proline hydroxylase biocatalysts, polynucleotides encoding the biocatalysts. methods of their preparation, and processes for preparing hydroxylated compounds using these engineered biocatalysts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing the existence or risk of hyperthyroidism in a feline comprising measuring the level of expression of one or more biomarkers selected from the group consisting of e.g., IYD, TG, SLC5A5, NIS, TPO, TSHR, DUOX1, DUOX2 (ThOX), TGFB1, CSTD, DCN and SEPP1 and the expression products thereof, in a biological sample from the feline, wherein elevated expression of the one or more biomarkers in the sample relative to a control value for expression in a sample from a normal feline or feline population, or a baseline value from the feline, indicates the existence or risk of hyperthyroidism; a method of treating a feline so diagnosed; and compositions, reagents and kits for carrying out the specified methods.

Abstract: Provided are methods of increasing nitrogen use efficiency, fertilizer use efficiency, yield, growth rate, vigor, biomass, oil content and/or abiotic stress tolerance of a plant by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2506, 2512, 2442, 2496, 2446, 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 16-19, 21-60, 63-128, 130-137, 270-287, 289-293, 295-306, 308-362, 364-666, 671, 673-1333, 2414-2441, 2443-2445, 2447-2455, 2458-2495, 2497-2505, 2507-2511, 2513-2521 or 2522; and of increasing nitrogen use efficiency, fertilizer use efficiency and/or oil content of a plant by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 14, 15, 288, 294, 2398-2412 or 2413.

Abstract: Luciferases which are different from those known heretofore have been desired. A luciferase mutant comprising an amino acid sequence in which at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of valine at the position of 44, alanine at the position of 54 and tyrosine at the position of 138 is substituted with other amino acid(s) in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

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: Novel mutations in cytochrome P450C17 (CYP17) and cytochrome b5 (CYB5) affecting 16-androstene steroid synthesis are disclosed. The novel mutations result in alterations in production of critical intermediaries in the synthesis of 16-androstene steroids. Altering the activity of these enzymes may be useful in enhancing reducing androstenone synthesis and reducing boar taint. The identification of these novel mutations also allows for the development of transgenic pigs bearing mutations in these enzymes or for genetic screening to identify pigs on the basis of their CYP17 and/or CYB5 genotype. Pigs having these mutations may be selected and bred to produce pigs that have a lower incidence of boar taint.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding the yeast NDI1 protein of SEQ ID NO: 542 or a functional variant thereof is described. The nucleic acid sequence comprises at least 50 codons which are codon optimised compared with the sequence of yeast NDI1 gene of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated, genetically modified, living non-mammal organism, having increased HMG-CoA-reductase activity compared to the wild type, and having reduced C24-methyltransferase and/or delta22-desaturase activity compared to the wild type. The invention is characterized in that the organism has increased dehydrocholesterol-delta70-reductase activity compared to the wild type. The invention further relates to different uses of such an organism, to a test kit comprising such an organism, and to a membrane extract of such an organism.

Abstract: The present invention provides autonomous replication sequences (ARSs) isolated from Nannochloropsis that support the replication of episomal DNA molecules (EDMs) in eukaryotic cells. The ARSs and EDMs provided herein can be used for expressing genes in organisms including algae and heterokonts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for producing metabolites from omeprazole using bacterial cytochrome P450, and a composition therefor, and more specifically, to a composition and a kit for producing a 5?-hydroxyl product from omeprazole, containing bacterial cytochrome P450 BM3 (CYP102A1) or mutants thereof, and to a method for producing the same. The composition, the kit, and the method are capable of economically and highly efficiently mass-producing the 5?-hydroxyl product from the omeprazole, and thus will significantly contribute to development of a novel drug using metabolites from the omeprazole.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide enzymes associated with equol synthesis, genes coding such enzymes, and a process for producing equol and its intermediates using the enzymes and genes. The present invention provides a dihydrodaidzein synthesizing enzyme, tetrahydrodaidzein synthesizing enzyme, equol synthesizing enzyme, and genes coding these enzymes. The present invention also provides a process for synthesizing dihydrodaidzein, tetrahydrodaidzein, and/or equol using these enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple industrial process for producing an L- or D-optically active ?-methylcysteine derivative or its salt, which is a useful pharmaceutical intermediate, from readily available, inexpensive raw materials. In a process for producing an L- or D-optically active ?-methylcysteine derivative or its salt, a racemic N-carbamoyl-?-methylcysteine derivative or its salt is D-selectively cyclized with hydantoinase to produce a D-5-methyl-5-thiomethylhydantoin derivative or its salt and an N-carbamoyl-?-methyl-L-cysteine derivative or its salt, which are then subjected to deprotection of the amino group and the sulfur atom, and hydrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a protein having a fructosyl amino acid oxidase activity which protein is useful for measurement of a glycosylated protein (particularly, glycosylated hemoglobin); a modified protein thereof; and use of the protein or the modified protein. The protein of the present invention is, for example, a fructosyl valyl histidine oxidase derived from Phaeosphaeria nodorum, the fructosyl valyl histidine oxidase having excellent thermal stability and substrate specificity and also having a small Km value to fructosyl valyl histidine. This allows a glycosylated protein measuring reagent to be stored in a long time and measurement accuracy of the glycosylated protein measuring reagent to be improved.

Abstract: A target protein is prepared as soluble protein using a recombinant protein expression system. An expression vector is used that includes (1) an expression-inducible promoter sequence; (2) a first coding sequence including a polynucleotide coding for a polypeptide that is represented by the formula (Z)n; and (3) a second coding sequence that includes a polynucleotide that codes for a target protein. A method of producing the target protein is also used that includes expressing protein using this expression vector.

Abstract: The present invention refers to methods for selectively recognizing a base pair in a DNA sequence by a polypeptide, to modified polypeptides which specifically recognize one or more base pairs in a DNA sequence and, to DNA which is modified so that it can be specifically recognized by a polypeptide and to uses of the polypeptide and DNA in specific DNA targeting as well as to methods of modulating expression of target genes in a cell.

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: Described herein is a variant of wild type Gaussia luciferase that catalyzes glow-type emission kinetics suited for high-throughput functional screening applications. Polypeptides, functional fragments, variants, and nucleic acids that encode the enhanced luciferase are further described. One such polypeptide corresponds to wild type Gaussia luciferase with a substitution mutation of I for M at position 43 of the mature peptide. Methods of use, assay systems and kits that contain the polypeptides and/or nucleic acids are further described.

Abstract: Methods for producing biliverdin in a microorganism, methods for producing biliverdin from a non-animal source, cells for producing biliverdin and methods for producing cells for producing biliverdin are disclosed.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided encoding a thermostable cellulase and directing its increased expression are provided, and the use of the thermostable cellulase in hydraulic fracturing methods and the treatment of flowback fluids.

Abstract: Described herein are multimeric oxidoreductase complexes which function in the enzymatic conversion of a carbon substrate. The complexes comprise a dehydrogenase subunit and a cytochrome C subunit. Also described are polynucleotides coding for the multimeric complexes and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to host cells that produce compounds that are characterized as benzylisoquinolines, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof. The host cells comprise one, two or more heterologous coding sequences wherein each of the heterologous coding sequences encodes an enzyme involved in the metabolic pathway of a benzylisoquinoline, or its precursors or intermediates from a starting compound. The invention also relates to methods of producing the benzylisoquinoline, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof by culturing the host cells under culture conditions that promote expression of the enzymes that produce the benzylisoquinoline or precursors or intermediates thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enzyme that comprises or includes a sequence according to SEQ. ID No. 1 or SEQ. ID No. 2, to a method for the production thereof, and to the use thereof as a catalyst in the oxidative cleavage of vinyl aromatics.

Abstract: Provided are compositions, systems, and methods that employ one or more fusion protein pairs, wherein each fusion protein within a fusion protein pair comprises a sequence-specific nucleic acid binding protein, such as sequence-specific Cas9 protein (e.g., a CRISPR), a sequence specific transcription activator-like enhancer (“TALE”) protein, a sequence specific homing endonuclease (“HE”; a/k/a meganuclease), a three prime exonuclease (“TREX”), and/or a sequence specific zinc finger (“ZF”) protein, which sequence-specific nucleic acid binding protein is operably linked to one half of a split-reporter molecule, such as a split-fluorescent reporter molecule, a split-luminescent reporter molecule, a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) reporter molecule, or a Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) reporter molecule.

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 chiral compounds.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell capable of efficiently producing scyllo-inositol from myo-inositol and a simple method of manufacturing scyllo-inositol using the cell. The above-mentioned object is achieved by a Bacillus subtilis cell, in which a function of a protein having a scyllo-inositol dehydrogenase activity is lost, and the manufacture of scyllo-inositol using the cell, based on a novel finding that the protein having a scyllo-inositol dehydrogenase activity and a protein having a 2-keto-myo-inositol ketoreductase function are present in Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract: The biosynthesis of fungal bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane indole alkaloids with a wide spectrum of biological activities have attracted increasing interest. Their intriguing mode of assembly has long been proposed to feature a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase, a presumed intramolecular Diels-Alderase, a variant number of prenyltransferases, and a series of oxidases responsible for the diverse tailoring modifications of their cyclodipeptide-based structural core. Until recently, the details of these biosynthetic pathways have remained largely unknown due to lack of information on the fungal derived biosynthetic gene clusters. Herein, we report a comparative analysis of four natural product metabolic systems of a select group of bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane indole alkaloids including (+)/(?)-notoamide, paraherquamide and malbrancheamide, in which we propose an enzyme for each step in the biosynthetic pathway based on deep annotation and on-going biochemical studies.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with test systems for determining the activity of neurotoxin polypeptides. Specifically, it relates to a polynucleotide encoding a single chain luciferase fusion polypeptide comprising: (i) a LuxB subunit, (ii) a linker comprising a neurotoxin cleavage site, and (iii) a LuxA subunit and a polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. Further provided in accordance with the invention are a vector and a host cell comprising the polynucleotide. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for determining a proteolytically active neurotoxin polypeptide in a sample and a kit for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cofactor regeneration systems, components and uses thereof and methods for generating and regenerating cofactors. The cofactor regeneration system comprises a first electron transfer component selected from a polypeptide comprising a NADH:acceptor oxido-reductase or NADPH:acceptor oxido-reductase, a second electron transfer component selected from a hydrogenase moiety and/or non-biological nanoparticles and an electronically conducting surface. The first and second electron transfer components are immobilised on the electrically conducting surface, and the first and second electron transfer components do not occur together in nature as an enzyme complex.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated laccase enzymes and nucleic acids encoding them. Also provided are mediators for laccase reactions. Also provided herein are methods for using laccases to oxidize lignins and other phenolic and aromatic compounds, such as for bio-bleaching and decolorization of wood pulp under high temperature and pH conditions to facilitate a substantial reduction in use of bleaching chemicals, as well as for treatment of fibers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a Gram negative bacterial cell that is transformed with a nucleic acid molecule that encodes a Gram positive twin-arginine translocase and including methods for the production of polypeptides.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.

Abstract: Methods for the evolution of NADPH specific ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes to acquire NADH specificity are provided. Specific mutant ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes isolated from Pseudomonas that have undergone co-factor switching to utilize NADH are described.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to fungal serine protease variants, which comprise an amino acid substitution of valine at position 208 of the parent Fusarium equiseti Fe_RF6318 serine protease, wherein the position of the substitution corresponds to the amino acid sequence of the mature Fe_RF6318 enzyme defined in SEQ ID NO:2. The variants have improved thermal stability and/or detergent stability compared to the parent Fe_RF6318 enzyme. Preferably the substitution is V208I and more preferably the variants comprise additional amino acid changes which further increase the stability. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding said protease variants as well as recombinant vectors and host cells for the production of the variants.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding multizymes (i.e., single polypeptides having at least two independent and separable enzymatic activities) along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these multizymes in plants and oleaginous yeast are disclosed.

Abstract: To produce quinolinate effectively, a L-aspartate oxidase variant that the feedback regulation by nicotinic acid or NAD is released, and a microorganism including the L-aspartate oxidase variant are provided. Quinolinate may be effectively produced by culturing of the microorganism including the L-aspartate oxidase variant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-catalytic carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM) belonging to a new family of CBM's. A CBM of the invention was found attached to a glycosyl hydrolase family 61 (GH61) polypeptide and was shown to have little homology with known CBM's indicating that it is the first known member of a new family of CBM's. The present invention further relates to CBM's preferably exhibiting binding affinity for cellulose; to a method of producing such CBM's; and to methods for using such CBM's in the textile, detergent and cellulose fiber processing industries, for purification of polypeptides, immobilisation of active enzymes, baking, manufacturing of biofuel, modification of plant cell walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated process, which comprises a single cell oil production process, and a pulp and/or paper industry process. The process comprises that in the single cell oil production process is used a microorganism capable of producing lipids or lipids and enzymes when cultivated on a medium comprising organic material from pulp and/or paper industry. Lipids or lipids and enzymes are produced by said microorganisms in the single cell oil production process and/or in a process connected into it. The present invention relates also to use of lipids produced in the process as biofuel or as a component of biofuel or as a starting material for biofuel production and use of enzymes produced in the lipid production process in pulp and/or paper industry or in other applications as an enzyme preparation or as a source of enzymes.

Abstract: According to some aspects, the invention relates to methods and compositions for evaluation of hemodynamic responses (e.g., using molecular imaging) with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A process for the enantioselective enzymatic reduction of a keto compound of general formula I wherein R may represent any protective group for amino functions (tert. butyloxycarbonyl group (BOC), benzyloxycarbonyl group, 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl group) and X?—Cl, —CN, —OH, Br, F.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means and method useful for measurement of a total branched-chain amino acid concentration. Specifically, the present invention provides a modified enzyme in which at least one amino acid residue is mutated so as to improve a property of a leucine dehydrogenase which is associated with the measurement of the total branched-chain amino acids, such as, for example, substrate specificities of leucine dehydrogenase for total branched-chain amino acids, activity of leucine dehydrogenase for any branched-chain amino acids, and thermal stability of leucine dehydrogenase; and a method of analyzing the total branched-chain amino acids, comprising measuring the total branched-chain amino acids contained in a test sample using the modified enzyme.

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-position 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: The invention relates to the production of one or more terpenoids through microbial engineering, and relates to the manufacture of products comprising terpenoids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to GH61 polypeptide variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: This invention relates to modified hydroxylases. The invention further relates to cells expressing such modified hydroxylases and methods of producing hydroxylated alkanes by contacting a suitable substrate with such cells.

Abstract: The present invention answers the demands of power generating device and biosensor development and provides a flexible, free-standing type protein containing carbon nanotube film, and a sensor and power generating device each equipped with the carbon nanotube film as an electrode. According to the present invention a carbon nanotube free standing film is provided including a carbon nanotube aggregate formed by aggregating a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and a plurality of enzymes included between the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube film may include a different protein to the enzyme and may include a surfactant agent between the plurality of carbon nanotubes.

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

Abstract: This invention in biotechnology/bioinformatics claims artificial mutant polypeptides of an oxidoreductase wherein the wild-type (unmutated) oxidoreductase is human catalase (hcat), a superoxide dismutase isoenzyme of superoxide dismutase 2 (hsod2) or superoxide dismutase 3 (hsod3), or a human glutathione peroxidase isoenzyme of human glutathione peroxidase 1 isoform 1 (hgpx1-1), human glutathione peroxidase 1 isoform 2 (hgpx1-2), human glutathione peroxidase 2 (hgpx2), or human glutathione peroxidase 3 (hgpx3). Disclosed in the specification are the methods by which the monoatomic point mutant libraries have been constructed, and the claimed oxidoreductase polypeptides' encoding nucleic acids and recombinant cells thereof. The monoatomic point mutant method generates artificial polypeptides with altered function whilst limiting primary structural obfuscation. The claimed products have multiple potential industrial applications including as novel therapeutics and industrial catalysts.