Abstract: The object is to provide a technique for modifying a bacterium belonging to the genus Kocuria through genetic engineering for industrially effectively utilizing the bacterium belonging to the genus Kocuria. The above object can be achieved by providing a cyclic plasmid, which has a replication region comprising the base sequence of a DNA-binding protein-like protein gene, the base sequence of a replicase-like protein gene, and the base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:45, and is autonomously replicable in bacteria. As an example of the aforesaid plasmid, a plasmid containing a base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:3 or 4 which originates in Kocuria sp. MBE131 strain (FERM P-21885) can be cited.

Abstract: The present invention provides use of a plant gene JAZ5a for improving drought-resistance of a plant. It further provides a method for improving the drought-resistance of a plant, comprising enhancing the expression or activity of Jaz5A in said plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of modifying gene expression and to synthetic genes for modifying endogenous gene expression in a cell, tissue or organ of a transgenic organism, in particular a transgenic animal or plant. More particularly, the present invention utilizes recombinant DNA technology to post-transcriptionally modify or modulate the expression of a target gene in a cell, tissue organ or whole organism, thereby producing novel phenotypes. Novel synthetic genes and genetic constructs which are capable of repressing delaying or otherwise reducing the expression of an endogenous gene or target gene in an organism when introduced thereto are also provided.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a herbicide resistant N2-fixing microorganism and to a method for enhancing N2 fixation by the herbicide resistant rhizobia in symbiosis with herbicide resistant or tolerant leguminous plants treated with herbicide. At least one preferred embodiment comprises mutant rhizobia strains selected based on tolerance of the broad spectrum glyphosate weed control agent, originally Roundup®. Preferred embodiments can be expected to outcompete both indigenous soil rhizobia and/or commercial rhizobia that are not resistant to the herbicide.

Abstract: The present invention relates a recombinant Clostridium expressing one or more heterologous Wood-Ljungdahl (WL) genes. In particular, the recombinant Clostridium produces a metabolite at an increased level. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a metabolite by the recombinant Clostridium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for improving the efficiency of Agrobacterium- and Rhizobium-mediated plant cell transformation by use of additional transformation enhancer sequences, such as overdrive or TSS sequences, operably linked to a T-DNA border sequence on a recombinant construct that comprises T-DNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant genetic engineering. More specifically, the present invention relates to seed specific gene expression during a defined period of embryogenesis. The present invention provides promoters capable of transcribing heterologous nucleic acid sequences in seeds, and methods of modifying, producing, and using the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for reacting a carboxylic acid ester of the formula (I) R1-A-COOR2 ??(I), wherein R1 is hydrogen, —CH2OH, —CHO, —COOR3, —CH2SH, —CH2OR3 or —CH2NH2, R2 is an alkyl group,R3 is hydrogen or an alkyl group, and A is a substituted, unsubstituted, linear, branched and/or cyclic alkylene, alkenylene, arylene or aralkylene radical having at least 4 carbons,in the presence of a cell. The process comprises a) contacting the cell with said carboxylic acid ester in an aqueous solution,wherein the cell is a recombinant cell which has reduced activity of a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 2 or a variant thereof over the wild-type cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum histidine decarboxylase-2 (SlHD-2) gene-derived fruit-specific expression promoter, to a 5? untranslated region (5?-UTR), to a (5?UTR), —specific expression vector comprising same, to a method for the fruit-specific expression of an exotic gene using the expression vector, to a plant transformed with the expression vector, and to a seed thereof. According to the present invention, a gene introduced from a transformed plant can be specifically expressed fruit tissue as compared to the widely used conventional Cauliflower mosaic virus-derived CaMV 35S promoter which induces the expression of an exotic gene in the whole tissue. Further, the present invention can be valuably used in the development of a transformed plant, which seeks to produce valuable substances from fruit.

Abstract: The invention features isolated cytochrome P450 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules, as well as expression vectors and transgenic plants containing these molecules. In addition, the invention features uses of such molecules in methods of increasing the level of resistance against a disease caused by a plant pathogen in a transgenic plant, in methods for producing altered compounds, for example, hydroxylated compounds, and in methods of producing isoprenoid compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the expression of recombinant ?-glucosidase variants, as well as their use in the production of fermentable sugars from cellulosic biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the screening, identification and/or application of microorganisms of use in imparting beneficial properties to plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the RumC1, RumC2 and RumC3 peptides with antimicrobial activity, and also to the genes encoding these peptides and isolated from Ruminococcus gnavus E1.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel 7?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mutants, to the sequences which encode these enzyme mutants, to processes for the preparation of the enzyme mutants and to their use in enzymatic reactions of cholic acid compounds, in particular in the preparation of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCS). The invention also relates to novel processes for the synthesis of UDCS using the enzyme mutants; and to the preparation of UDCS using recombinant, multiply-modified microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Rhizobium sp. KB10 strain having properties of promoting growth of Botryococcus braunii, which is an alga capable of producing biodiesel, and also enhancing production performance of biodiesel. Mores specifically, it relates to novel Rhizobium sp. KB10 strain which has properties of promoting growth of Botryococcus braunii used for biodiesel production and also enhancing content of C18 (i.e., oleate) corresponding to high quality biodiesel component as much as 900%. By using root colonizing bacteria like Rhizobium, it is possible to promote effectively the slow cell growth of Botryococcus braunii and increase as much as possible the oleate amount, which is a high quality biodiesel component. Further, by carrying out mixture culture using such bacteria, problems associated with contamination by other microorganisms during a process of producing biodiesel by culture in an outside environment can be dramatically solved.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising, or consisting of, a polynucleotide sequence encoding an oligopeptide capable of inducing post-mating depression of receptivity to mating in female insects, wherein said oligopeptide is resistant to proteolytic degradation, is provided for expression in sterile transgenic male insects useful in the control of insect populations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotransformation of furanic compounds. More particular the present invention relates to novel genetically modified cells with improved characteristics for biocatalytic transformation of furanic compounds and a vector suitable for the genetic modification of a host cell. Further aspects of the invention are aimed at processes for biotransformation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-carboxylic acid (HMF-acid) and its precursors with the use of the cell according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of managing fertilizer and irrigation inputs for a crop, the method comprising obtaining management data for the crop, the management data including a planting date for the crop; obtaining weather data representative of the geographic area of the crop; obtaining soil description data representative of the geographic area of the crop; calculating an emergence date at least partly from the planting date; calculating a plurality of nitrogen deficit values at least partly from the emergence date and the soil description data, the nitrogen deficit values associated with respective dates each later than the emergence date; calculating a plurality of water deficit values at least partly from the emergence date and the weather data, the water deficit values associated with respective dates each later than the emergence date; and presenting on a display a schedule of recommended nitrogen application values, irrigation values and application dates, the schedule calculated at least partly

Abstract: The invention relates to a new resistance gene, Rpi-edn2 and functional homologues or functional fragments thereof isolated from S. x edinense. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of said resistance gene, for example the use of said resistance gene in a method to increase or confer at least partial resistance in a plant to an oomycete infection. The invention provides an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding one of the amino acid sequences of FIG. 4 or a functional fragment or a functional homologue thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a 4-hydroxybutyrate pathway and being capable of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, wherein the microbial organism comprises one or more genetic modifications. The invention additionally provides methods of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate or related products using the microbial organisms.

Abstract: As a technique for increasing the output of a microbial fuel cell, a microbial fuel cell including a polyol such as glycerol as a fuel and using a microbe in which an enzyme that catalyzes a redox reaction has been introduced by genetic recombination on the side of a negative electrode is provided. By this microbial fuel cell, the velocity of the reaction can be increased to thereby give a high output by retaining a microbe in which an enzyme that catalyzes a redox reaction such as diaphorase has been introduced by genetic recombination on the side of the negative electrode.

Abstract: Proteases encompassing an amino acid sequence, which are at least 70% identical to the amino acid sequence specified in SEQ ID NO. 1 over the entire length thereof and which, in the listing according to SEQ ID NO. 1, have the amino acid substitution I21V in combination with at least one further amino acid substitution, the further amino acid substitution being selected from the group consisting of Q12L, M122L, N177V, A222S, V228I and T247N, and agents encompassing such proteases, exhibit very good cleaning performance on egg-containing stains.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of bacterial species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The insecticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing lepidopteran, coleopteran, dipteran, fungal, hemipteran, and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a novel mutant yeast strain, particularly a Yarrowia lipolytica strain, capable of accumulate a large quantity of lipids. The said strain does not express the GUT2 gene. According to one variant, the invention relates to mutant yeast strains, particularly Yarrowia lipolytica strains, which do not express the GUT2 gene and which furthermore do not carry out the ?-oxidation of lipids. Preferably, the mutant strains which do not express the GUT2 gene and which furthermore do not carry out ?-oxidation of lipids do not express the POX 2 through POX 5 genes, most preferably the POX 1 through 6 genes. The subject of the invention is also a method for producing the strains according to the invention and the use of the said strains in the production of lipids.

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: Methods of preserving the life span of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in agricultural pesticide formulations using vegetable oils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combinatorial variants of a parent glucoamylase that have altered properties for reducing the synthesis of condensation products during hydrolysis of starch. Accordingly the variants of a parent glucoamylase are suitable such as for use within brewing and glucose syrup production. Also disclosed are DNA constructs encoding the variants and methods of producing the glucoamylase variants in host cells.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a mutant Agrobacterium tumefaciens that is functionally deleted for the atu1060 gene that codes for the cyclic di-GMP synthase Atu1060, as well as methods for its use in transforming plants with desired transgenes. Such bacteria are more virulent than currently used strains of A. tumefaciens, and thus can be used to transform a wider variety of plants, such as plants that are traditionally recalcitrant to such transformation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods including organisms genetically engineered to make useful products when grown on glucose as a carbon source. The organisms are genetically engineered to produce various useful products such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) monomers, polymers, and copolymers, diols, alcohols, and other useful chemicals.

Abstract: Fusion protein with directioning of vaccinal antigens toward antigen-presenting cells and the applications thereof. This invention relates to a gene construct that comprises, operatively bound, at least one nucleotide sequence (A) that encodes a polypeptide with SEQ ID NO: 1, which has a region that recognizes the ? chain of the class-II DR antigen present on the surface of antigen-presenting cells; and one nucleotide sequence (B) that encodes a vaccinal antigen of interest. Moreover, this invention relates to recombinant vectors useful for the expression of the gene construct of the invention, transgenic cells and plants transformed or transfected with said vectors, fusion proteins encoded by the gene construct of the invention and vaccines that comprise said fusion proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion polynucleotides for biosynthesis of beta-carotene and a method for producing beta-carotene using the same. More particularly, it relates to fusion polynucleotides encoding phytoene synthase, connective sequences of FMDV-derived 2A sequence or internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and carotene desaturase, and a method for producing beta-carotenes using the same. Fusion polynucleotides and the recombinant vector using the same of the present invention have the effect of expression both phytoene synthase gene and carotene desaturase gene stably within cell transformants. Accordingly, fusion polynucleotides of the present invention can be used to regulate the biosynthetic metabolism of plant producing beta-carotene. Furthermore, it can be applied to effectively increase the content of beta-carotene, a useful metabolite.

Abstract: The invention relates to identifying and evaluating target coding and non-coding sequences for control of plant parasitic nematodes by inhibiting one or more biological functions, and their use. The invention provides methods and compositions for identification of such sequences and for the control of a plant-parasitic nematode population. By feeding one or more recombinant double stranded RNA molecules provided by the invention to the nematode, a reduction in disease may be obtained through suppression of nematode gene expression. The invention is also directed to methods for making transgenic plants that express the double stranded RNA molecules, and the plant cells and plants obtained thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of plant improvement, with the identification of the ZmPPR6 gene that is involved in development of the seed.

Abstract: Methods of inducing systemic acquired resistance to infection in a plant are provided. The methods comprise applying a composition comprising a Bacillus control agent to said plant wherein said plant is capable of producing defense proteins. Also provided are, methods for controlling one or more plant diseases, methods for preventing plant virus transmission, methods for preventing and/or treating soil-borne plant pathogens using the Bacillus control agent of the present invention, and methods of generating bacterial spores. In addition, synergistic biocontrol combinations and methods of using the same are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides regulatory polynucleotide molecules isolated from a 16S rDNA for enhanced expression of heterologous genes. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells containing the regulatory polynucleotide sequences, and methods for preparing and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for improving the efficiency of Agrobacterium- and Rhizobium-mediated plant cell transformation by use of additional transformation enhancer sequences, such as overdrive or TSS sequences, operably linked to a T-DNA border sequence on a recombinant construct that comprises T-DNA.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising a 1,4-butanediol (BDO), 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine pathway comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a BDO, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce BDO, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine and further optimized for expression of BDO. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce BDO, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to materials, systems, organisms, and methods for enhancing abiotic stress tolerance (e.g., cold, salinity, drought, wind), increasing biomass, and/or altering lignin composition in plants. For example, enhancing abiotic stress tolerance may be achieved using a plant-specific family of transcription factors is APETALA2 (AP2), that includes c-repeat binding factor (e.g., CBF1, CBF3) and AP37 nucleic acids and/or polypeptides. In some embodiments, increasing biomass may be achieved by altering expression of gibberellin oxidases (e.g., GA3ox3/GA2ox4) nucleic acids and/or polypeptides. Altering lignin composition may be achieved by suppression of stem-thickening in pith (e.g., STP1) nucleic acids and/or polypeptides.

Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a variant of the Thermotoga maritima C277T acetyl xylan esterase is provided having an improved specific activity when producing peroxycarboxylic acids in the presence of an anionic surfactant. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for Rhizobia-mediated genetic transformation of plant cells, including soybean, canola, corn, and cotton cells. These include both VirD2-dependent and VirD2-independent methods. Bacterial species utilized include strains of Rhizobium sp., Sinorhizobium sp., and Mesorhizobium sp. Vectors for use in such transformation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a variant of the Thermotoga maritima C277T acetyl xylan esterase is provided having an improved specific activity when producing peroxycarboxylic acids in the presence of an anionic surfactant. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.

Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a variant of the Thermotoga maritima C277T acetyl xylan esterase is provided having an improved specific activity when producing peroxycarboxylic acids in the presence of an anionic surfactant. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.

Abstract: Provided are a plant stress tolerance related protein TaDREB4B and encoding gene and use thereof. The TaDREB4B protein has the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO. 1, which can be expressed under induction by drought, high salt, high temperature, low temperature, pathogenic bacteria, ABA, ethylene, JA and SA, and can specially regulate the transcriptional expression of gene comprising the DRE/CRT cis element (core sequence: CCGAC), thereby enhancing the drought resistance, salt tolerance, high temperature tolerance and resistance to pathogenic bacteria of powdery mildew of plant.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms containing caprolactone pathways having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a butadiene pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce caprolactone. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce caprolactone by culturing a non-naturally occurring microbial organism containing caprolactone pathways as described herein under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce caprolactone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing monoterpenes, particularly tricyclene, by culturing microbial organisms that express a terpene synthase and optionally a prenyl transferase.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-EGFL7 antibodies, and compositions comprising and methods of using these antibodies.

Abstract: The invention features isolated cytochrome P450 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules, as well as expression vectors and transgenic plants containing these molecules. In addition, the invention features uses of such molecules in methods of increasing the level of resistance against a disease caused by a plant pathogen in a transgenic plant, in methods for producing altered compounds, for example, hydroxylated compounds, and in methods of producing isoprenoid compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms containing an alkene pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an alkene pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to convert an alcohol to an alkene. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce an alkene, by culturing a non-naturally occurring microbial organism containing an alkene pathway as described herein under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce an alkene.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA construct, recombinant vectors and host cells comprising the dimers of DNA A and DNA B of Mungbean Yellow Mosaic India Virus (MYMIV) in a single Ti plasmid are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates “disarmed” strain variants of Agrobacterium strain K599 (NCPPB 2659), “disarmed” plasmid variants of the Ri-plasmid pRi2659, and derivatives thereof, and methods employing these strains and plasmids in plant transformation.