Abstract: The present invention refers to method for producing a transgenic plant with increased herbicide tolerance or resistance as compared to a corresponding non-transformed wild type plant, comprising transforming a plant cell or a plant cell nucleus or a plant tissue with a nucleic acid molecule encoding an Alopecurus cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, as well as to the nucleic acid, and plants with increased herbicide tolerance or resistance comprising the nucleic acid of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for converting a substrate of formula (III) and/or (IV) into a product of formula (I) or (II) comprising the following reactions: a) oxidation of at least one terminal C-atom, b) dehydratation, c) decarboxylation and d) reduction and/or amination. At least step b is enzyme-catalyzed. In a preferred embodiment, all reactions are enzymatically catalyzed. The enzymes catalyzing the reactions are selected from oxidoreductases, decarboxylases, dehydratases and/or aminotransferases. The process may be performed in a cell-free in vitro production system or in an improved fermentative production system.

Abstract: An isolated recombinant luciferase having luciferase activity. The recombinant luciferase has an amino acid sequence which differs from the wild-type luciferase from Photinus pyralis, Luciola mingrelica, Luciola cruciata, Luciola lateralis, Hotaria parvula, Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus, Lampyris noctiluca, Pyrocoelia miyako or Photinus pennsylvanica. In the sequence of the recombinant luciferase, the amino acid residue corresponding to phenylalanine 295 in Photinus pyralis wild-type luciferase or to leucine 297 in Luciola mingrelica, Luciola cruciata or Luciola lateralis wild-type luciferases, is mutated compared to the corresponding amino acid which appears in the corresponding wild-type luciferase sequence. The recombinant luciferase has increased thermostability compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase.

Abstract: An isolated recombinant luciferase having luciferase activity. The recombinant luciferase has an amino acid sequence which differs from the wild-type luciferase from Phtotinus pyralis, Luciola mingrelica, Luciola cruciata, Luciola lateralis, Hotaria parvula, Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus, Lampyris noctiluca, Pyrocoelia miyako or Photinus pennsylvanica. In the seguence of the recombinant luciferase, the amino acid residue corresponding to phenylalanine 295 in Photinus pyralis wild-type luciferase or to leucine 297 in Luciola mingrelica, Luciola cruciata or Luciola lateralis wild-type luciferases, is mutated compared to the corresponding amino acid which appears in the corresponding wild-type luciferase sequence. The recombinant luciferase has increased thermostability compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems for overproducing ligninolytic enzymes from the basidiomycetous fungus are described herein. As described, the method can include incubating a fungal strain of Cerrena unicolor IBB 303 in a fermentation system having growth medium which includes lignocellulosic material and then cultivating the fungal strain in the fermentation system under conditions wherein the fungus expresses the ligninolytic enzymes. In some cases, the lignocellulosic material is mandarin peel, ethanol production residue, walnut pericarp, wheat bran, wheat straw, or banana peel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. 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.

Abstract: A Heike firefly luciferase having excellent thermostability and storage stability and a process for its production, wherein the amino acid corresponding to position 287 of Heike firefly luciferase is alanine.

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: Provided is a novel immunity-inducing agent useful as a therapeutic and/or prophylactic agent for cancer. The immunity-inducing agent comprises as an effective ingredient(s) at least one polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity selected from the polypeptides (a), (b) and (c) below, and/or a recombinant vector(s) that comprise(s) a polynucleotide(s) encoding the at least one polypeptide, which recombinant vector(s) is/are capable of expressing the polypeptide(s) in vivo: (a) a polypeptide composed of not less than 7 consecutive amino acids in any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs:4, 2, 22 and 24 in SEQUENCE LISTING; (b) a polypeptide having a sequence identity of not less than 90% to the polypeptide (a) and composed of not less than 7 amino acids; and (c) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide (a) or (b) as a partial sequence thereof.

Abstract: Non-naturally occurring tRNASec and methods of using them for recombinant expression of proteins engineered to include one or more selenocysteine residues are disclosed. The non-naturally occurring tRNASec can be used for recombinant manufacture of selenocysteine containing polypeptides encoded by mRNA without the requirement of an SECIS element. In some embodiments, selenocysteine containing polypeptides are manufactured by co-expressing a non-naturally occurring tRNASec a recombinant expression system, such as E. coli, with SerRS, EF-Tu, SelA, or PSTK and SepSecS, and an mRNA with at least one codon that recognizes the anticodon of the non-naturally occurring tRNASec.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to graphene derivatives, as well as related devices including graphene derivatives and methods of using graphene derivatives.

Abstract: Described herein is a rapid coupled enzymatic assay to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds in samples. The method uses a detection composition that includes: a buffered solution comprising NADH; naphthalene dioxygenase, naphthalene 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydronaphthalene dehydrogenase, and 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene dioxygenase. The presence of PAH is determined by noting a color change of the detection composition, either visually or spectrophotometrically.

Abstract: Recombinant processes are provided whereby additional genes are introduced into E. coli which have been genetically engineered to produce PHA so that the improved strains produce PHA homopolymers and copolymers directly from diols. In preferred embodiments, PHAs containing 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers are produced directly from 1,4-butanediol; PHAs containing 5-hydroxyvalerate are produced from 1,5-pentanediol; PHAs containing 6-hydroxyhexanoate (6HH) are produced from 1,6-hexanediol; PHAs containing 3-hydroxypropionate are produced from 1,3-propanediol; PHAs containing 2-hydroxypropionate (lactate) are produced from 1,2-propanediol (propylene glycol); PHAs containing 2-hydroxyethanoate (glycolate) are produced from 1,2-ethanediol (ethylene glycol). Genes encoding these same enzyme activities can be introduced or their expression amplified in wild type PHA producers to improve the production of PHA homopolymers and copolymers directly from diol and other alcohol feedstocks.

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: Identification of new FAD2 mutants which result in plants with a more desirable oleic acid composition than in known plants. For the first time, this patent disclosure provides a complete characterization of the genome of a given germplasm of Brassica napus, and reports that there are, in fact, four FAD2 genes in any given genotype, and that in any given germplasm, one or more of the genes are active, thereby reducing the total percentage of oleic acid achievable in the total fatty acids produced in that germplasm. Armed with this knowledge, the inventors herein have produced a novel series of modifications in the genome of various Brassica napus germplasms and provide a germplasm with a compromised and/or totally inactive set of FAD2 genes.

Abstract: A polynucleotide encoding a biosensor polypeptide comprising a modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase and a linker linking the C-terminal portion of the thermostable luciferase to the N-terminal portion of the thermostable luciferase. The modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase is modified relative to a parental circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase. The linker contains a sensor region capable of interacting with a target molecule in a cell. The modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase has an enhanced response after interaction of the biosensor with the target molecule relative to the parental circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase in the presence of the target molecule. Alternatively, the modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase has an enhanced response after interaction of the biosensor with the target molecule relative to the modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase in the absence of the target molecule.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the invention relate generally to a system and methods for the treatment of gaseous emissions comprising methane and one or more non-methane compounds that can influence the metabolism of methane-oxidizing microorganisms. In several embodiments, there is provided a system and methods for the treatment of methane emissions through the use of methanotrophic microorganisms to generate functionally consistent and harvestable products. Certain embodiments of the invention are particularly advantageous because they reduce environmentally-destructive methane emissions and produce harvestable end-products.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to polypeptides having colanic acid-degrading activity and methods of using the same. Polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides are also described. The polypeptides may be used, for example, in processes for degrading colanic acid, processes for the removal of endotoxins from biological samples, and processes for purifying plasmid DNA.

Abstract: A biosensor for use in detecting the presence of diseases, the biosensor comprising a detector for detecting a presence of at least one marker indicative of a specific disease. A method of determining efficacy of a pharmaceutical for treating a disease or staging disease by administering a pharmaceutical to a sample containing markers for a disease, detecting the amount of at least one marker of the disease in the sample, and analyzing the amount of the marker in the sample, whereby the amount of marker correlates to pharmaceutical efficacy or disease stage. Markers for gynecological disease. An immune-imaging agent comprising labeled antibodies, whereby the labeled antibodies are isolated and reactive to proteins overexpressed in vivo. Informatics software for analyzing the arrays, the software including analyzing means for analyzing the arrays.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to treatments involving glutaredoxins. In one aspect, systems and methods of the invention can be used to treat a subject having an oxidative stress condition, for example, airway inflammation or asthma. In some embodiments, a glutaredoxin may be used to treat a subject. Also provided in certain aspects of the present invention are kits for therapies involving glutaredoxins, methods for promoting such therapies, and the like.

Abstract: Yeast cell belonging to the genus Saccharomyces having introduced into its genome at least one xylA gene and at least one of each of araA, araB and araD genes and that is capable of consuming a mixed sugar mixture comprising glucose, xylose and arabinose, wherein the cell co-consumes glucose and arabinose, has genetic variations obtained during adaptive evolution and has a specific xylose consumption rate in the presence of glucose that is 0.25 g xylose/h, g DM or more.

Abstract: Novel laccases from Cerrena sp. WR1 and Lentinus sp. and uses thereof.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding cytochrome P450 variants are provided. The cytochrome P450 variants of have a higher alkane-oxidation capability, alkene-oxidation capability, and/or a higher organic-solvent resistance than the corresponding wild-type or parent cytochrome P450 enzyme. A preferred wild-type cytochrome P450 is cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants include those having an improved capability to hydroxylate alkanes and epoxidate alkenes comprising less than 8 carbons, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to V78A, H236Q, and E252G of cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants also include those having an improved hydroxylation activity in solutions comprising co-solvents such as DMSO and THF, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to T235A, R471A, E494K, and S1024E of cytochrome P450 BM-3.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to luciferase derived from Malaysian Luciola firefly, the luciferase having a maximum luminescent wavelength of 580 nm at pH 8, or the luciferase indicating 23.3 times or more of luminescent intensity in comparison to that of Rhodamine 6G.

Abstract: This invention relates to modulators of NADPH oxidase as a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of hearing loss and/or phantom hearing. Such modulators preferably act by inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity, wherein the NADPH oxidase comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 1, 3 or 5, or (ii) is encoded by a nucleic acid comprising or consisting of the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 23 or 24, or (iii) is a fragment of the protein according to (i) or (ii) and exhibits NADPH oxidase activity, or (iv) has a sequence at least 75% identical with the protein according to (i) or (ii) or with the fragment according to (iii) and exhibits NADPH oxidase activity. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, medical uses and diagnostic uses of compounds of the invention.

Abstract: The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method and a kit for easily performing a color reaction for coloration of bright green to blue colors by using tyrosinase. The above-mentioned problem was solved by providing a coloration method comprising the steps of: (a) mixing peptide and tyrosinase; (b) incubating the mixture; and (d) cryopreserving the incubated mixture; and by providing a kit for performing a color reaction, comprising: (i) peptide; and (ii) tyrosinase.

Abstract: 5-methylpyrimidine oxygenases and their use in the modification of nucleic acids are described.

Abstract: The present invention to relates mutant human cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) proteins, and fusion proteins comprising said mutant CYP2B6 proteins. In particular, fusion proteins comprising mutant CYP2B6 and NAPDH-cytochrome P450 reductase are provided. The invention also relates to methods of treatment of cancer and the use of said proteins and fusion proteins in the treatment of cancer, in particular via virus-directed enzyme prodrug therapy.

Abstract: The present compositions, methods, and systems, relating to variant laccase enzymes that demonstrate increased expression and/or activity compared to a reference parental laccase enzyme. The variant enzymes include mutations that affect glycosylation, surface charge, or surface hydrophobicity, resulting in improved enzyme expression and/or enzyme activity.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for selectively altering and detecting modified cytosine residues are provided.

Abstract: The invention features ABC1 nucleic acids and polypeptides for the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal cholesterol regulation. The invention also features methods for identifying compounds for modulating cholesterol levels in an animal (e.g., a human).

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: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing ethanol from polysaccharide alginate contained in a large amounts in brown algae, using the alginate assimilation capacity of the Sphingomonas sp. strain A1 and the strong ethanol production capacity of bacteria such as Zymomonas mobilis. Specifically, a method for producing ethanol using alginate as a raw material comprises causing genes encoding proteins and enzymes involved in Sphingomonas sp. strain A1-derived alginate assimilation and genes encoding enzymes involved in ethanol production to co-exist in a single microorganism and then culturing the microorganism in a medium containing alginate.

Abstract: Networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) decorated with Au-coated Pd (Au/Pd) nanocubes are employed as electrochemical biosensors that exhibit excellent sensitivity (2.6 mA mM?1 cm?2) and a low estimated detection limit (2.3 nM) at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 (S/N=3) in the amperometric sensing of hydrogen peroxide. Biofunctionalization of the Au/Pd nanocube-SWCNT biosensor is demonstrated with the selective immobilization of fluorescently labeled streptavidin on the nanocube surfaces via thiol linking. Similarly, glucose oxidase (GOx) is linked to the surface of the nanocubes for amperometric glucose sensing. The exhibited glucose detection limit of 1.3_M (S/N=3) and linear range spanning from 10 ?M to 50 mM substantially surpass other CNT-based biosensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bilirubin oxidase from Magnaporthe oryzae, to the method of preparation thereof as well as use thereof notably for assay of bilirubin and for the application of enzymatic biofuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for controlling undesired vegetation at a plant cultivation site, the method comprising the steps of providing, at said site, a plant that comprises at least one nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a wild-type or a mutated protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) which is resistant or tolerant to a benzoxazinone-derivative herbicide by applying to said site an effective amount of said herbicide. The invention further refers to plants comprising wild-type or mutated PPO enzymes, and methods of obtaining such plants.

Abstract: Exemplary methods for increasing TAG production in an algal cell during imbalanced growth conditions are provided. Some methods comprise knocking out an AOX gene, wherein the AOX gene produces an amino acid sequence having substantial similarity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NO. 2. In further methods, the algal cell may be of genus Nannochloropsis. The AOX gene may be replaced by a construct having a nucleotide sequence having substantial similarity to SEQ ID. NOS. 3 through 5 (inclusive), wherein each of the sequences are next to or in close proximity to one another in a linear fashion. In some methods, the AOX gene may be replaced via homologous recombination. As a result, lipid production by the selected recombinant algal cell may be increased over that produced by a wild-type algal cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the microbial production of polyhydroxyalkanoic acids, or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), from substrates which cannot be used as a source of carbon and/or energy for microbial growth or PHA synthesis and which have microbial and environmental toxicity. According to one embodiment of the invention, a process for the production of PHA is provided wherein an enzyme such as methane monooxygenase is used to convert volatile organic compounds into PHA through the use of microorganisms that are unable to use volatile organic compounds as a source of carbon for growth or PHA production.

Abstract: Genetically engineered organisms for production of PHA copolymers containing 2-hydroxyacid monomers and the methods of making and using thereof have been developed. The copolymers containing 2-hydroxyacid monomers can be synthesized via biosynthesis by the action of a PHA polymerase in a living cell. By changing the genetic background of the cells, one can control specific metabolic pathways allowing control of the level of glycolic acid co-monomer in the PHA polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a ketoreductase mutant which can be used for an efficient production of daunorubicin derivatives, a DNA encoding the mutant, a transformant prepared by introducing the DNA thereinto to produce a daunorubicin derivative, and a process of producing a daunorubicin derivative using the transformant. The ketoreductase mutant has an amino acid sequence in which one amino acid residue or two or more amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of amino acids located at positions corresponding to the 42nd, 149th, 153rd, 270th, and 306th amino acids in the amino acid sequence of a ketoreductase (EvaE) from a chlororemomycin-producing bacterium (Amycolatopsis orientalis) are substituted with another amino acid residues.

Abstract: A single-chain probe of the present invention for detecting a ligand, comprises: a ligand binding protein for binding the ligand; a recognition protein for recognizing that the ligand is bound by the ligand binding protein; and C- and N-terminal fragments, generated by dissecting an enzyme, between the ligand binding protein and the recognition protein, wherein a carboxy terminal end of the C-terminal fragment is located upstream of an amino terminal end of the N-terminal fragment, and the C- and N-terminal fragments vary the enzyme activity via complementation in case where the recognition protein recognizes that the ligand is bound by the ligand binding protein. This makes it possible to achieve detection of a target protein-specific ligand using the single chain with a high efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel fatty acid desaturases genes used for synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3 desaturases (FADS15). The present invention also provides nucleic acid sequence coding the above-described desaturases, expression vector of the above-described desaturases and recombinant microorganism expressing above-described desaturases.

Abstract: The present invention provides members that produce on a large scale a coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase which has excellent substrate-recognizing ability toward glucose while providing low action on maltose. The present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding a soluble coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase that catalyzes the oxidation of glucose in the presence of an electron acceptor and has an activity toward maltose of 5% or lower; a polypeptide encoded by the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide; a recombinant vector carrying the polynucleotide; a transformed cell produced using the recombinant vector; a method for producing a polypeptide comprising culturing the transformed cell and collecting from the cultivated products a polypeptide that links to FAD to exert the glucose dehydration activity; a method for determination of glucose using the polypeptide; a reagent composition for determination of glucose; and a biosensor.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for generating oxidoreductases for enantioselective reactions. Described herein are compositions and methods for generating neomorphic (R)-2-hydroxyacid dehydrogenases capable of enzymatically converting a 1-carboxy-2-ketoacid to a 1-carboxy-(R)-2-hydroxyacid, or the reverse reaction. Illustrative examples include (a) (R)-2-hydroxyadipate dehydrogenase and uses thereof for converting 2-oxoadipate to (R)-2-hydroxyadipate, or the reverse reaction; and (b) (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase and uses thereof for converting 2-oxoglutarate to (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate, or the reverse reaction. Also described herein are compositions and methods for generating non-natural microbial organisms to enzymatically convert 2-oxoadipate to (E)-2-hexenedioate or adipate, or to enzymatically convert 2-oxoglutarate to (E)-2-pentenedioate or glutarate, or the respective reverse reactions.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies immunologically specific for human ARL-1 (also referred to AKR1B10), a species of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily of proteins. The invention also provides methods of making and methods of using said antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation and characterization of a protein responsible for the reduction of uranium (VI) to uranium (IV). The present invention extends to the use of the isolated protein in the reduction of uranium (VI) to uranium (IV) and further extends to a process for the bioremediation, or at least partial remediation, of a site contaminated with a source of U (VI). According to a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides an isolated polypeptide derived from Thermus scotoductus strain SA-01 that is responsible for the reduction of uranium (VI), in a source of uranium (VI), to uranium (IV), wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1.

Abstract: An engineered strain of the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica capable of producing greater than 5.6% docosahexaenoic acid acid (DHA, an w-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid) in the total oil fraction is described. This strain comprises various chimeric genes expressing heterologous desaturases, elongases and acyltransferases and optionally comprises various native desaturase and acyltransferase knockouts to enable synthesis and high accumulation of DHA. Production host cells are claimed, as are methods for producing DHA within said host cells.

Abstract: A codon optimized and stabilized luciferase gene and a novel recombinant DNA characterized by incorporating this new gene coding for a novel luciferase into a vector DNA for improved activities in mammalian cells, are disclosed. This new luciferase exhibits long-wavelength light emission, as well as improved thermostability and higher expression levels in mammalian cell systems, compared to native luciferase. Assays using this new enzyme for measuring various biological metabolic functions are described.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to treatments involving glutaredoxins. In one aspect, systems and methods of the invention can be used to treat a subject having an oxidative stress condition, for example, airway inflammation or asthma. In some embodiments, a glutaredoxin may be used to treat a subject. Also provided in certain aspects of the present invention are kits for therapies involving glutaredoxins, methods for promoting such therapies, and the like.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a novel and useful luciferase. The luciferase according to the embodiments of the invention is derived from Lucidina accensa.