Abstract: Compositions of peptides and surface-active agents are described, as are methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions are capable of affecting metabolic rates in biological systems, and to accelerate nutrient uptake without a concomitant increase in biofilm production.

Abstract: The invention relates to sesquiterpene synthases and methods for their production and use. Particularly, the invention provides nucleic acids comprising the nucleotide sequence of citrus valencene synthase (CVS) which codes for at least one CVS. The invention further provides nucleic acids comprising the nucleotide sequence coding for amino acid residues forming the tier 1 and tier 2 domains of CVS. The invention also provides for methods of making and using the nucleic acids and amino acids of the current invention.

Abstract: An industrial method of reprocessing a mixture of by-products produced during biodiesel production containing a glycerol fraction and degumming residue as well as a feed additive, which may be obtained by this method.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, including vaccines, and methods for vaccinating an animal against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and for treating or preventing hepatitis C viral infection in an animal. The invention includes a variety of novel HCV fusion proteins that can be used directly as a vaccine or in conjunction with a yeast-based vaccine vehicle to elicit an immune response against HCV in an animal. The invention also includes the use of the HCV fusion gene and protein described herein in any diagnostic or therapeutic protocol for the detection and/or treatment or prevention of HCV infection.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells using a feedback-resistant mevalonate kinase polypeptide, such as an archaeal mevalonate kinase polypeptide. The resulting isoprene compositions may have increased yields and/or purity of isoprene.

Abstract: A system for the high-throughput screening of mechanical properties of cells and/or particles is provided. In certain embodiments the system comprises a first structure comprising a plurality of sample receiving wells; a second structure comprising a plurality of exit ports; a porous structure disposed between said plurality of sample receiving wells and said plurality of exit ports and in communication with said plurality of sample receiving wells and in communication with said plurality of exit ports, and said first structure, said second structure and said porous structure are sealed or configured such that when sufficient pressure is applied to sample receiving wells in said first structure said cells or particles migrate through the porous structure into said exit ports, and wherein the mean or the median pore size of said porous structure is smaller than the mean or median cross-section of a cell or particle that is to be screened.

Abstract: Provided is a fusion protein, which comprises human fibroblast growth factor 21 and glucagon-like-peptide-1 or its analogs. Also provided is the medicament composition comprising the fusion protein, which can be used for treating or preventing obesity, diabetes, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia etc.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a growth hormone secretagogue that is excellent in effect of promoting secretion of a growth hormone and is orally available. The growth hormone secretagogue of the present invention contains one or more selected from the group consisting of S-adenosylmethionine and/or a salt thereof, a Siberian larch extract, an olive extract, and a stilbene-based compound as an active ingredient. S-adenosylmethionine and/or the salt thereof may be a form itself of chemically synthesized S-adenosylmethionine and/or the salt thereof, or may be a microbial cell or a culture containing S-adenosylmethionine and/or the salt thereof. The stilbene-based compound may be an extract extracted from a Vitaceae plant or a Gnetaceae plant. The olive extract may be an extract separated from a fruit of olive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a nutritional, therapeutic or organoleptic product by growing non-recombinant yeast under aerobic conditions, in a medium that includes crude glycerol, as one possible carbon source to produce a yeast product. The yeast product can be processed to obtain such nutritional, therapeutic or organoleptic products as yeast paste, yeast metabolites, carbohydrates, proteins, functional proteins, nucleotides, yeast autolysates, yeast extract, yeast cell walls, beta-glucans, mannans or a product derived from a mineralized yeast product.

Abstract: A method of propagating, concentrating and delivering yeast is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of producing and inoculating a bag, propagating yeast within the bag, and concentrating the yeast in a section of the bag that is the removed from the remainder of the bag while not exposing any portion of the yeast therein to an external environment. In order to remove the bag, which contains the most concentrated slurry of yeast, a smaller bag is heat-sealed off of the larger bag, thereby creating a separate bag for the living sediment, which is still the bag in which the sediment was propagated. In a preferred embodiment, the method is specific to the alcoholic beverage industry. The method is also applicable to other industries that grow and transport yeast, bacteria, molds and other microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the viscosity of a microorganism-containing suspension or concentrate and a method for obtaining a microorganism concentrate, wherein a monosaccharide and/or disaccharide and/or sugar alcohol is added to said microorganism-containing suspension or concentrate.

Abstract: Described are novel Kluyveromyces marxianus strains NRRL Y-50798 and Y-50799, that were obtained by UV-C irradiation of wild-type K. marxianus NRRL Y-1109 cultures. The UV-C-mutagenized strains were incubated under anaerobic conditions on xylose or glucose medium for a period of 5 months at 46° C. before being selected. These mutagenized strains have potential application in large-scale industrial conversion of lignocellulosic sugars to fuel ethanol given their ability to ferment at temperatures at 46° C. and above.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the use of oil-containing materials as feedstocks for the production the bioproducts by biofermentation. In one preferred embodiment, surfactants are not used in compositions and the methods of the invention. In one preferred embodiment the oil-containing feedstocks are the by-products of other industrial processes including microbial, plant and animal oil processing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to isolated microorganisms, as well as biomasses, cultures, microbial oils, and compositions thereof. The invention also provides methods of producing the microbial oils and methods of using the isolated microorganisms, biomasses, and microbial oils.

Abstract: An industrial method of reprocessing degumming residue from the initial purification of natural fats as well as a feed additive, which may be produced using the said method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of artificially repressing gene expression, which is simpler to design than conventional methods (the RNAi, ribozyme and antisense methods) and which allows for easier confirmation of the effect. A method of inhibiting the translation reaction of a target gene, comprising cutting out a part of the poly(A) tail and/or 3?-terminal sequence of the target mRNA is provided.

Abstract: Some aspects of this invention relate to methods useful for the conversion of a carbon source to a biofuel or biofuel precursor using engineered microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to the discovery of a key regulator of lipid metabolism in microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to engineered microbes for biofuel or biofuel precursor production.

Abstract: Provided are isolated high affinity entities which comprise an antigen binding domain which specifically binds a soluble T-cell receptor ligand comprising a two-domain beta1-alpha1 of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, wherein said antigen binding domain does not bind a complex comprising a four-domain alpha1-beta1/alpha2-beta2 MHC class II. Also provided are methods and kits using same for detecting and sequestering soluble two-domain T cell receptor ligands in a sample.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the production of ethanol from lignocellulosic starting materials are provided herein. Embodiments provide yeast cells of the genus H. polymorpha with one or more modifications, including, for example, an inactive acid trehalase gene, overexpression of xylulokinase, and/or overexpression of heat-shock protein 104.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing Saccharomyces strains that are capable of growth on xylose as a sole carbon source at a desired growth rate (such as at least one generation per 48 hours), strains made by such methods, and Saccharomyces strains that grow at a growth rate of at least one generation per 48 hours using xylose as a sole carbon source for growth made by non-recombinant methods.

Abstract: The invention is directed to isolated microorganisms, as well as biomasses, cultures, microbial oils, and compositions thereof. The invention also provides methods of producing the microbial oils and methods of using the isolated microorganisms, biomasses, and microbial oils.

Abstract: Surfactant-containing compositions are described which include a protein component that has the effect of improving the surface-active properties of the surfactants contained in the compositions. The surfactant-containing compositions having the protein component demonstrate significantly lower critical micelle concentrations (CMC), reduced surface tensions, and reduced interfacial tensions than do comparable compositions having no protein component. In addition, the surfactant-containing compositions having the protein component has the effect of converting greasy waste contaminants to surface active materials.

Abstract: Biocontrol agents are provided, which protect plant and plant material from pests and pathogens, and promote the growth of plants. Also provided are compositions comprising the same, methods for protecting plant and plant material and promoting growth in plants, and uses of said biocontrol agent in the preparation of a pesticidal composition and a growth-promoting composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are uses of immunotherapeutic compositions in combination with Standard of Care (SOC), or interferon therapy combined with anti-viral therapy, for the improved treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and related conditions, including liver function. The compositions, kits and uses of the invention, as compared to the use of SOC therapy alone: improves the rate of early response to therapy as measured by early virologic markers (e.g., RVR and EVR), enlarges the pool of patients who will have sustained responses to therapy over the long term, offers shortened courses of therapy for certain patients, enables “rescue” of patients who are non-responders or intolerant to SOC therapy, improves liver function and/or reduces liver damage in patients, and enables the personalization of HCV therapy for a patient, which can result in dose sparing, improved patient compliance, reduced side effects, and improved long term therapeutic outcomes.

Abstract: Provided herein are a recombinant vector and microorganism including the isolated SNR84 gene, and a method of increasing volumetric productivity of biofuel from a galactose-containing carbon source using the isolated SNR84 gene, the recombinant vector or the recombinant microorganism. Also disclosed herein is a method of screening yeast for genes associated with increased galactose catabolism when the genes are overexpressed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel flavor compound-producing yeast strain and methods of using the strain to produce flavor compounds.

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: From a bacterial strain isolated from an environmental sample, after enrichment in medium containing 1-butanol as the carbon source, a new enzyme with butanol dehydrogenase activity was identified. The enzyme can convert butyraldehyde to 1-butanol, isobutyraldehyde to isobutanol, as well as 2-butanone to 2-butanol and thus is useful for biosynthesis of butanol in recombinant microbial hosts producing these substrates. The encoding gene, named sadB, was isolated from the strain identified as an isolate of Achromobacter xylosoxidans.

Abstract: The present invention provides a phenylpyruvate reductase for efficiently obtaining highly pure, optically active 3-phenyllactate and 4-hydroxyphenyllactate; a gene coding for the same; and a method for manufacturing optically active 3-phenyllactate and 4-hydroxyphenyllactate employing the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a general approach to engineering existing protein-protein interactions through domain addition and evolution. The disclosure teaches the creation of novel fusion proteins that include knottin peptides where a portion of the knottin peptide is replaced with a sequence that has been created for binding to a particular target. Such fusion proteins can also be bispecific or multi specific in that they can bind to and/or inhibit two or more receptors or receptor ligands. Knottins may be fused with an existing ligand (or receptor) as a general platform for increasing the affinity of a ligand-receptor interaction or for creating a multi specific protein. In addition, the fusion proteins may comprise a knottin peptide fused to another protein where the other protein facilitates proper expression and folding of the knottin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery system that comprises a conjugate that facilitates the delivery of a compound such as a biologically-active macromolecule, a nucleic acid or a peptide in particular, into a cell. The present invention also relates to said conjugate for delivery of a compound, such as a biologically-active macromolecule, a nucleic acid or a peptide, into a cell. The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said conjugate and to its use. The present invention also relates to a method of delivering a compound to a cell or an organism, preferably a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides oxygen-resistant iron-hydrogenases ([Fe]-hydrogenases) for use in the production of H2. Methods used in the design and engineering of the oxygen-resistant [Fe]-hydrogenases are disclosed, as are the methods of transforming and culturing appropriate host cells with the oxygen-resistant [Fe]-hydrogenases. Finally, the invention provides methods for utilizing the transformed, oxygen insensitive, host cells in the bulk production of H2 in a light catalyzed reaction having water as the reactant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the isolation, purification, and characterization of a diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), and genes encoding DGAT2, from algae. DGAT2 can incorporate very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in to triacylglycerol more efficiently than DGAT1. The disclosure concerns methods of regulating seed oil content, fatty acid synthesis and fatty acid composition using the DGAT2 gene and to tissues and plants transformed with the gene. The disclosure also relates to transgenic plants, plant tissues and plant seeds having a genome containing an introduced DNA sequence of the disclosure, and a method of producing such plants and plant seeds.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17-containing multimeric or heterodimer cytokine receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the multimeric or heterodimeric cytokine receptor, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides orthogonal translation systems for the production of polypeptides comprising unnatural amino acids in methylotrophic yeast such as Pichia pastoris. Methods for producing polypeptides comprising unnatural amino acids in methylotrophic yeast such as Pichia pastoris are also provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to develop a means capable of maintaining the enzymatic activity of a microorganism even in a dry state. Provided is a method for producing a dry microbial cell powder maintaining an enzyme titer, characterized by comprising adding a carbohydrate to a liquid of microbial cells having an enzymatic activity and then drying the liquid. Also provided is a dry microbial cell powder obtained by the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying substances capable of influencing the activity of a target molecule affecting cellular proliferation.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of biotechnology, in particular, this pertains to polynucleotide sequences encoding membrane bound O-acyltransferase genes and the use of these acyltransferases for altering fatty acid profiles in oilseed plants. Methods for increasing elongation and desaturation conversion efficiencies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of hydrothermally treating stillage by heating stillage to 200 degrees F. to 350 degrees F., altering physicochemical properties of the stillage, enabling facile separation of the stillage, and creating unique product fractions. A method of performing ethanol fermentation by treating stillage to enable facile separation by heating the stillage to a temperature of 200 degrees F. to 350 degrees F., and separating the treated stillage to recover a high protein solids fraction, a stickwater fraction, and an oil fraction. A method of improving fermentation by heating stillage to a temperature of 200° F. to 350° F. resulting in hydrothermally treated stillage, using all or a portion of the hydrothermally treated stillage as a component of a media, and using the media for a process including fermentation and biomass production. Oil, stickwater, high protein solids fraction, high protein meal, metabolites, biomass, and media obtained from the methods above.

Abstract: Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.

Abstract: Methods of separating renewable materials, such as lipids, from microorganisms, such as oleaginous yeasts, may include conditioning cell walls of the microorganisms to form, open or enlarge pores, and removing at least a portion of the renewable material through the pores. These methods may result in delipidated microorganisms with cell walls that are substantially intact and with mesopores. These delipidated microorganisms may be used to produce biofuels.

Abstract: Described are novel S. stipitis strains that were obtained by UV-C irradiation of wild-type S. stipitis NRRL Y-7124 cultures, followed by 5-month anaerobic growth on xylose at 28° C. The UV-C-mutagenized strains were able to grow anaerobically on xylose or glucose medium with higher ethanol production than a Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain under comparable fermentation conditions. The mutagenized strains were identified by DNA fingerprinting to be unique strains closely related to wild-type Scheffersomyces stipitis. These mutagenized strains have potential application in large-scale industrial conversion of lignocellulosic sugars to fuel ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide (BIG1) and variants thereof capable of enhancing the rate of cell-division of a microorganism or plant cell, as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding said polypeptides, vectors comprising said nucleic acid molecules and host cells transformed or transfected with said vectors and expressing said polypeptides. The BIG1 polypeptide which has been identified in the marine centric diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana, variants thereof and nucleic acids encoding these may be used in methods of enhancing the rate of cell-division of microorganisms, plant cells or plants which produce useful sub stances or exhibit useful properties, to increase the yield thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for modulating the expression of a first gene in a cell wherein the first gene is one containing more than 36 CAG trinucleotide repeats and encoding a protein that form polyglutamine-mediated protein aggregation. Suppression of the first gene is achieved by reducing the expression of SPT4 gene or SUPT4H gene. It can also be achieved by inhibiting the formation of a Spt4/Spt5 complex or a Supt4h/Supt5h complex. Also provided is a method for identifying an agent useful for modulating the expression and aggregation of CAG-expanded gene product, or treating a polyglutamine disease such as Huntington's disease.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and genetically engineered cells useful for producing an altered N-glycosylation form of a target molecule. Also described are methods and molecules with altered N-glycosylation useful for treating a variety of disorders such as metabolic disorders.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism which is novel at the elemental composition level, and to provide a technique for providing such a microorganism. The present inventor has succeeded in causing a microorganism to efficiently contain a non-essential element by decreasing the content of an essential nutrient source for the microorganism, a C source, an N source, a P source, or an S source, and by adding an X compound containing the non-essential element as a constitutive element in a manner to make up for the decreased amount, and then culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fusion protein and a method for the generation of the fusion protein of the invention. Further, the invention relates to the use of the fusion protein of the invention for the generation of induced pluripotent cells. Moreover, the invention relates to a composition comprising at least one fusion protein of the invention.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of Saccharomyces cervisiae GP-01, and a method for producing Saccharomyces Cervisiae GP-01 which is ethanol-resistant and obtained by protoplast fusing Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (KCTC 7904) and Candida Ethanolica (KCTC 7181). Further, the present invention provides yeast containing the high content of organic bio-germanium (the yeast Ge-32K) and a method for producing the yeast Ge-32K, comprising adding the yeast GP-01 into a solution of sodium metagermanate (Na2GeO3) at the volume ratio of 1:0.5˜2; adding 0.1˜0.4 wt % of surfactant, instead of germanium dioxide as used in the prior arts; and cultivating an obtained broth. The obtained yeast Ge-32K contains the higher content of the organic bio-germanium than the conventional yeast as produced by using germanium dioxide.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a genetically modified thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism, wherein a first native gene is partially, substantially, or completely deleted, silenced, inactivated, or down-regulated, which first native gene encodes a first native enzyme involved in the metabolic production of an organic acid or a salt thereof, thereby increasing the native ability of said thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism to produce lactate or acetate as a fermentation product. In certain embodiments, the aforementioned microorganism further comprises a first non-native gene, which first non-native gene encodes a first non-native enzyme involved in the metabolic production of lactate or acetate. Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for converting lignocellulosic biomass to lactate or acetate, comprising contacting lignocellulosic biomass with a genetically modified thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of increasing lipid levels in an algal or yeast cell population, methods of producing saturated or monounsaturated triacylglycerols in an algal or yeast cell population, and methods of decreasing polyunsaturated triacylglycerol production in an algal or yeast cell population by contacting the cell population with a chemical compound that is capable of increasing lipid levels or altering the lipid composition in the cell population.