Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving the introduction of DNA into bacterial host cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of mycolic acids and to the use thereof for the screening of antibiotics, especially antimycobacterials. The invention more particularly relates to the Pks13 protein which catalyzes Claisen condensation or malonic condensation in mycolates between an acyl-CoA molecule or an acyl-AMP molecule and an acylmalonyl-CoA molecule to form an intermediate ?-cEto acyl or ?-cEto ester.

Abstract: Isolated and/or recombinant enzymes that include surface binding domains, surfaces with active enzymes bound to them and methods of coupling enzymes to surfaces are provided. Enzymes can include large and/or multiple surface coupling domains for surface coupling.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing components of protein biosynthetic machinery that include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases, which incorporate redox active amino acids into proteins are provided. Methods for identifying these orthogonal pairs are also provided along with methods of producing proteins with redox active amino acids using these orthogonal pairs.

Abstract: A sequencing methodology is disclosed that allows a single DNA or RNA molecule or portion thereof to be sequenced directly and in substantially real time. The methodology involves engineering a polymerase and/or dNTPs with atomic and/or molecular tags that have a detectable property that is monitored by a detection system.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for nucleotide incorporation reactions. The systems comprise polymerases having altered nucleotide incorporation kinetics and are linked to an energy transfer donor moiety, and nucleotide molecules linked with at least one energy transfer acceptor moiety. The donor and acceptor moieties undergo energy transfer when the polymerase and nucleotide are proximal to each other during nucleotide binding and/or nucleotide incorporation. As the donor and acceptor moieties undergo energy transfer, they generate an energy transfer signal which can be associated with nucleotide binding or incorporation. Detecting a time sequence of the generated signals, or the change in the signals, can be used to determine the order of the incorporated nucleotides, and can therefore be used to deduce the sequence of the target molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the storage carbohydrate content of sugarcane plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to bacteria that have increased levels of protein secretion due to genetic modification, to nucleotide sequences and gene structures containing at least one gene coding for a SecA protein having increased levels of protein secretion, to a SecA having increased levels of protein secretion, and to a method for producing desired proteins using the inventive bacteria. The invention also relates to nucleic acids coding for a SecA protein having increased levels of protein secretion, containing a SecA gene sequence or allele, a SecA homologue or derivative, or nucleotide sequences hybridising therewith and comprising at least one mutation. Surprisingly, just one mutation in a nucleotide of a SecA gene leads to increased levels of protein secretion or to protein secretion for the first time.

Abstract: A method for the in situ production of an emulsifier in a foodstuff, wherein a lipid acyltransferase is added to the foodstuff. Preferably the emulsifier is produced without an increase or without a substantial increase in the free fatty acid content of the foodstuff. Preferably, the lipid acyltransferase is one which is capable of transferring an acyl group from a lipid to one or more of the following acyl acceptors: a sterol, a stanol, a carbohydrate, a protein or a sub-unit thereof, glycerol. Preferably, in addition to an emulsifier one or more of a stanol ester or a stanol ester or a protein ester or a carbohydrate ester or a diglyceride or a monoglyceride may be produced. One or more of these may function as an addition emulsifier.

Abstract: The rate of porphyrin biosynthesis in mammals is controlled by the activity of the pyridoxal 5?-phosphate-dependent enzyme 5-aminolevulinate synthase. Assuming the turnover in this enzyme is controlled by conformational dynamics at a highly conserved active site loop, a variant library was constructed by targeting imperfectly conserved non-catalytic loop residues and the effects on product and porphyrin production were examined. Functional loop variants of the enzyme were tested for porphyrin fluorescence, which varied widely and thus facilitated identification of clones encoding unusually active enzyme variants. Nine loop variants leading to high in vivo porphyrin production were purified and characterized kinetically. Steady-state catalytic efficiencies for the two substrates were increased by up to one hundred-fold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polynucleotide sequence of a novel acylglycerol acyltransferase-like protein MGAT-X1. The invention also provides the human MGAT-X1 associated with the dermatological diseases, urological diseases, muscle-skeleton disorders, hematological diseases, cancer, reproduction disorders, neurological diseases, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases or gastroenterological diseases. The invention also provides assays for the identification of compounds useful for the modulation of dermatological diseases, urological diseases, muscle-skeleton disorders, hematological diseases, cancer, reproduction disorders, neurological diseases, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases or gastroenterological diseases for treating of such diseases associated with expression of the MGAT-X1. The invention also features compounds which bind to and/or activate or inhibit the activity of MGAT-X1 as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to enzymes in Trypanosoma brucei, and in particular, protein arginine methyltransferases. A unique, highly active recombinant arginine methyltransferase capable of monomethylation of peptides and proteins is described.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for making and using an isolated cyanobacterium that includes a portion of an exogenous bacterial cellulose operon sufficient to express bacterial cellulose, whereby the cyanobacterium produces extracellular glucose. The compositions and methods of the present invention may be used as a new global crop for the manufacture of cellulose, CO2 fixation, for the production of alternative sources of conventional cellulose as well as a biofuel and precursors thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compounds and compositions of Formulas I and II, as well as methods of using them. The compounds can be used, for example, to quantify an amount of double stranded DNA in a sample subjected to nucleic acid amplification, or for real time monitoring of a nucleic acid amplification reaction. The compounds can be provided in a kit, for example, with other reagents and instructions for using the compounds and reagents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for engineering proteins to optimize their performance under certain environmental conditions of interest. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for engineering enzymes to optimize their catalytic activity under particular environmental conditions. In some preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods for engineering enzymes to optimize their catalytic activity and/or stability under adverse environmental conditions. In some preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods for engineering enzymes to optimize their storage stability, particularly under adverse environmental conditions. In some preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods for altering the net surface charge and/or surface charge distribution of enzymes (e.g., metalloproteases) to obtain enzyme variants that demonstrate improved performance and/or stability in detergent formulations as compared to the starting or parent enzyme.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for producing a protein of interest that is typically not amenable to expression in soluble form in in vitro expression systems. In some aspects, the invention provides methods of synthesizing proteins using in vitro protein synthesis systems that include a scaffold protein such as apolipoprotein or an amphipathic alpha helix containing (“AAHC”) protein, in which higher yields of soluble protein are produced than in the absence of the scaffold protein. The scaffold proteins may be provided in an in vitro protein synthesis system associated with lipid or not associated with lipid. The scaffold protein may be provided as a protein per se or may be encoded by a nucleic acid template and co-expressed with the protein of interest. The invention also provides compositions and kits for synthesis of proteins in soluble form, in which the compositions and kits include cell extracts for protein expression and isolation.

Abstract: Devices, compositions, and methods are described which provide a tubular nanostructure targeted to a lipid bilayer membrane. The targeted tubular nanostructure can have a surface region configured to pass through a lipid bilayer membrane of a cell, a hydrophobic surface region flanked by two hydrophilic surface regions configured to form a pore in a lipid bilayer membrane of a cellular organelle, and at least one ligand configured to bind one or more cognates on the lipid bilayer membrane of the cellular organelle. The target cell can be, for example, a tumor cell, an infected cell, or a diseased cell in a subject. The tubular nanostructure can form a pore in the lipid bilayer membrane of the cellular organelle, e.g., mitochondria, which can permit transit or translocation of at least one compound across the membrane and cause cell death of the target cell.

Abstract: This invention provides purified PKB Ser 473 kinase and methods of purifying it. The methods involve the use of several sequential steps, including subcellular fractionation to isolate a plasma membrane fraction and the use of gel filtration or chromatography that separates molecules according to their size or affinity.

Abstract: A DNA encoding a phosphinothricin acetyltransferase protein obtained from Streptomyces sp. AB3534 strain is described which imparts a resistance to herbicides, particularly the herbicide phosphinothricin (PPT). Plants having a herbicide resistance are constructed by transforming a plant cell with DNA encoding the phosphinothricin acetyltransferase protein and then regenerating the transformed plant cell into a plant. A recombinant protein having the herbicide-resistant activity is also described.

Abstract: In this application is described isolated, recombinant CapD and recombinant PghP for use in digesting capsule comprising polyglutamate polymers and for treatment of infections caused by bacilli having a polyglutamate capsule, such as anthrax.

Abstract: The invention relates to sesquiterpene synthases and methods of their production and use. In one embodiment, the invention provides nucleic acids comprising a nucleotide sequence as described herein that encodes for at least one sesquiterpene synthases. In a further embodiment, the invention also provides for sesquiterpene synthases and methods of making and using these enzymes. For example, sesquiterpene synthases of the invention may be used to convert farnesyl-pyrophosphate to various oxygenated and aliphatic sesquiterpenes including valencene, bicyclo-germacrene, cubebol and delta-cadinene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene encoding glycogen branching enzyme and use thereof, in particular, a yeast for practical use with superior resistance property to dryness and/or low-temperature storage, alcoholic beverages produced with said yeast, and a method for producing said beverages. More particularly, the present invention relates to a yeast, whose resistance property to dryness and/or resistance property to low-temperature storage is enhanced by amplifying expression level of GLC3 gene encoding a glycogen branching enzyme Glc3p in brewer's yeast, especially non-ScGLC3 gene specific to a lager brewing yeast and to a method for producing alcoholic beverages with said yeast, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated cellulose synthase nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering cellulose synthase levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants comprising said nucleic acids.

Abstract: Methods of using beta-alanine/pyruvate aminotransferase to produce 3-hydroxypropionic acid and derivatives thereof, from beta-alanine, are disclosed. Cells and recombinant nucleic acids that can be used to practice the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for increasing the amount of trans-1,4-polyisoprene contained in a plant, and a method for effectively producing trans-1,4-polyisoprene using a plant are provided. A long-chain trans-prenyl diphosphate synthase gene that comprises DNA having at least one base sequence selected from the group consisting of a base sequence from positions 88 to 1134 of the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a complementary sequence thereof, a base sequence from positions 42 to 1088 of the base sequence of SEQ D NO: 3 or a complementary sequence thereof, and a base sequence from positions 91 to 1140 of the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 or a complementary sequence thereof are disclosed; as well as a plant transformed with an expression vector containing the gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to poly-sialyltransferse polypeptides with enhanced solubility and activity and methods of using the poly-sialyltransferases for production of poly-sialylated end products, e.g., oligosaccharides, glycoproteins and glycolipids.

Abstract: Bryophyte plants and bryophyte plant cells comprising dysfunctional fucT and xylT genes and an introduced glycosyltransferase gene, methods for the production of glycosylated proteins therewith, vectors and uses thereof.

Abstract: Novel strains of genetically modified prokaryotic micro-organisms capable of expressing polypeptides having the enzyme activity of the enzymes uridine phosphorylase (UdP) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) are described; the strains in question can be used, both in the form of whole cells and in the form of crude or purified extracts, to catalyse transglycosylation reactions between a donor nucleoside and an acceptor base with particularly high yields. The associated plasmid vectors are also described.

Abstract: Aggregation is a major cause of the misbehavior of proteins. A system for modifying a protein to create a more stable variant is provided. The method involves identifying non-conserved hydrophobic amino acid residues on the surface of a protein, suitable for mutating to more hydrophilic residues (e.g., charged amino acids). Any number of residues on the surface may be changed to create a variant that is more soluble, resistant to aggregation, has a greater ability to re-fold, and/or is more stable under a variety of conditions. The invention also provides GFP, streptavidin, and GST variants with an increased theoretical net charge created by the inventive technology. Kits are also provided for carrying out such modifications on any protein of interest.

Abstract: Provided herein are metabolically-modified microorganisms useful for producing biofuels. More specifically, provided herein are methods of producing high alcohols including isobutanol, 1-butanol, 1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-phenylethanol from a suitable substrate.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery, identification and characterization of nucleotides that encode novel substrate-targeting subunits of ubiquitin ligases. The invention encompasses nucleotides encoding novel substrate-targeting subunits of ubiquitin ligases: FBP1, FBP2, FBP3, FBP4, FBP5, FBP6, FBP7, FBP8, FBP9, FBP10, FBP11, FBP12, FBP13, FBP14, FBP15, FBP16, FBP17, FBP18, FBP19, FBP20, FBP21, FBP22, FBP23, FBP24, and FBP25, transgenic mice, knock-out mice, host cell expression systems and proteins encoded by the nucleotides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-component inhibitors of nucleic acid polymerases, methods of making, and methods of using same. One component of the multi-component inhibitor is a molecule that binds to a polymerase (i.e., a polymerase-binding molecule (PBM)), but does not thereby substantially inhibit its polymerase activity. Another component is a molecule or complex of molecules that binds to a PBM (i.e., a PBM-binding molecule). The combination of the PBM and PBM-binding molecule/complex substantially inhibits polymerase activity.

Abstract: A microorganism which has a gene encoding an enzyme in which feedback inhibition is desensitized by substitution of one or two amino acids in PRPP amidotransferase encoded by purF of Escherichia coli, a gene encoding a protein which is an inactivated repressor of purine nucleotide biosynthesis encoded by purR, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated purine nucleoside phosphorylase encoded by deoD, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated succinyl-AMP synthase encoded by purA, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated 6-phosphogluconate dehydrase encoded by edd, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated phosphoglucose isomerase encoded by pgi and like is bred and a purine nucleoside is produced by culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase genes. A nucleic acid comprising the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 36 or 37 or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to polymerases for efficient and controlled sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a polymerase enzyme including at least one mutation that enhances ability of the polymerase as compared to a wild-type polymerase to incorporate a nucleotide into a nascent strand of DNA or cDNA including at least one modified nucleotide.

Abstract: [Problems] To achieve a high-speed PCR which can be completed in a period of several minutes and thus can be used for a new application. [Means for Solving Problems] A method for practicing a high-speed PCR under a temperature change of 10° C./sec or more, characterized in that use is made of a heat-resistant DNA polymerase exhibiting a speed of synthesizing a deoxyribonucleic acid of 100 base/sec or higher, and a reagent kit for a high-speed PCR, or use in the method.

Abstract: Modulation of cytochrome c acetylation, e.g., with a SIR polypeptide, enables interventions that modulate lifespan regulation and cell proliferation, e.g., by modulating apoptosis and/or mitochondrial function such as respiration.

Abstract: The presently claimed and disclosed invention relates, in general, to dual action heparin synthases and, more particularly, to dual action heparin synthases obtained from Pasteurella multocida. The presently claimed and disclosed invention also relates to heparosan, heparin and heparin-like molecules provided by recombinant techniques and methods of using such molecules and also the identification or prediction of heparin synthases or component single action enzymes. The presently claimed and disclosed invention also relates to methods, and molecules produced according to such methods, for using the presently claimed and disclosed heparosan and/or heparin synthase for polymer grafting and the production of non-naturally occurring chimeric polymers incorporating stretches of one or more acidic GAG molecules, such as heparin, chondroitin, hyaluronan, and/or heparosan.

Abstract: The unique function of the gene egghead as a GDP-mannose: Glc?1-Cer ?1,4 mannosyltransferase is disclosed. The invention discloses isolated DNA molecules and DNA constructs encoding fragments of egghead and derivatives thereof by way of amino acid deletions, substitutions or insertions exhibiting egghead activity, as well as cloning and expression vectors including such DNA, cells transfected with vectors, and recombinant methods for providing egghead protein. Further, the invention discloses methods of obtaining ?1,4-mannosylated glycosphingolipids by use of an enzymatically active egghead protein or by using cells stably transfected with a vector including DNA encoding an enzymatically active egghead protein as an expression system for recombinant production of such glycosphingolipids. Also a method for changing, altering or blocking the glycosphingolipid synthesis of cells by stably or transiently transfection with a vector including DNA encoding enzymatically active egghead protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mutant-type acetyltransferase Mpr1: which comprises an amino acid sequence of a yeast wild-type Mpr1 represented by SEQ ID NO:1, wherein at least one amino acid at positions 63 to 65 and 117 of the amino acid sequence is substituted and said mutant-type acetyltransferase Mpr1 exhibits a higher antioxidant capacity than the wild-type Mpr1. The mutant-type acetyltransferase Mpr1 of the present invention exhibits a higher resistance to oxidative stress compared to the wild-type Mpr1. The present invention further provides a gene encoding the mutant-type Mpr1, a vector comprising the gene and a yeast transformed with the gene.

Abstract: This invention relates to agents and conjugates that can be used to detect and isolate target components from complex mixtures such as nucleic acids from biological samples, cells from bodily fluids, and nascent proteins from translation reactions. Agents comprise a detectable moiety bound to a photoreactive moiety. Conjugates comprise agents coupled to substrates by covalent bounds which can be selectively cleaved with the administration of electromagnetic radiation. Targets substances labeled with detectable molecules can be easily identified and separated from a heterologous mixture of substances. Exposure of the conjugate to radiation releases the target in a functional form and completely unaltered. Using photocleavable molecular precursors as the conjugates; label can be incorporated into macromolecules, the nascent macromolecules isolated and the label completely removed.

Abstract: This invention provides a salutaridinol 7-O-acetyltransferase protein, a salutaridinol 7-O-acetyltransferase gene, and a sequence which is complementary thereto. This invention further provides a method for the production of thebaine comprising the steps of (i) contacting in vitro a protein having salutaridinol 7-O-acetyltransferase activity with salutaridinol and acetyl coenzyme A at pH 8 to 9, and (ii) recovering the thebaine thus produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing various economically important yield-related traits in plants. More specifically, the present invention concerns a method for enhancing yield-related traits in plants grown under nutrient deficient conditions, comprising modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a GGAT polypeptide. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a GGAT, which plants have enhanced yield-related traits relative to control plants.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides having a lignocellulolytic activity, e.g., a glycosyl hydrolase, a cellulase, an endoglucanase, a cellobiohydrolase, a beta-glucosidase, a xylanase, a mannanse, a xylosidase (e.g., a ?-xylosidase), an arabinofuranosidase, and/or a glucose oxidase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides polypeptides that can enzymatically process (hydrolyze) sugarcane bagasse, i.e., for sugarcane bagasse degradation, or for biomass processing, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one embodiment, the invention provides thermostable and thermotolerant forms of polypeptides of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to covalent modification of proteins through their conjugation with other proteins. More particularly, the invention relates to the modulation of such conjugation involving the protein NEDD8. The invention provides compositions and methods for detecting and/or modulating the activation and/or conjugation of NEDD8, as well as compositions and methods for discovering molecules which are useful in detecting and/or modulating the activation and/or conjugation of NEDD8. The present invention arises from the purification and charactization of novel NEDD8 activating and conjugating enzymes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a farnesyltransferase subunit. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the farnesyltransferase subunit, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the farnesyltransferase subunit in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: It is a subject of this invention to isolate a gene group of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of vitamin E of Para rubber tree, and to determine the base sequence of each gene. According to this invention, genes encoding enzymes involved in the vitamin E biosynthesis were isolated from Para rubber tree and the base sequences of these genes were determined. Since vitamin E is an antioxidant existing in nature, it is expected that transformation of a plant by using the genes obtained in the invention would result in an increase in the vitamin E content of the plant and, in its turn, contribute to the prevention of rubber from aging.

Abstract: The inventors have developed a method of modifying the amino acid sequence of a CGTase to obtain variants. The variants may form linear oligosaccharides as an initial product by starch hydrolysis and a reduced amount of cyclodextrin and may be useful for anti-staling in baked products. The method is based on a comparison of three-dimensional (3D) structures of the CGTase with the structure of a maltogenic alpha-amylase where one or both models includes a substrate. The invention also provides novel CGTase variants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of amplifying target nucleic acid sequences (e.g., DNA or RNA), particularly from a very small amount of starting material, such as a single cell. These methods involve targeting the amplification of specific sequence(s) by use of sequence-specific primers and random primers for whole genome amplification using multiple displacement amplification. Generally, the provided methods are referred to herein as “target-oriented” whole genome amplification. Starting material for target-oriented whole genome amplification can be any sample containing DNA or RNA, however, the technique is particularly suitable for very small amounts of starting material, such as a few cells, a single cell, or a single nucleus. The methods provide amplified nucleic acid (including the target sequence of interest) that can subsequently be analyzed.