Abstract: Methods and compositions for the production of oil, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty acid hydroxylase, a desaturase enzyme, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel 7?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases which are obtainable from bacteria of the genus Collinsella, especially of the strain Collinsella aerofaciens, to the sequences encoding said enzymes, to methods for producing said enzymes and to their use in the enzymatic conversion of cholic acid compounds, and especially in the production of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCS). The invention also relates to novel methods for the synthesis UDCS.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of 7-dehydrocholesterol, 25-hydroxy-7-dehydrocholesterol, and 25-hydroxy ergosterol in yeast such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It also related to various enzymes catalyzing the reduction of the double bond at position 24 of lanosterol, dimethyl zymosterol, methyl zymosterol, zymosterol, cholesta-7, 24-dienol, or cholesta-5,7,24-trienol; or the hydroxylation at position 25 of ergosterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol, cholesta-8-enol, and cholesta-7-enol. It also relates to various nucleic acids encoding cholesterol C25-hydroxylases and sterol ?24-reductases and their use to produce and hydroxylate 7-dehydrocholesterol or ergosterol. It also relates to the yeast strains so produced, and methods of making these sterols comprising the steps of cultivation a transformed yeast cell, and harvesting the resulting sterol(s).

Abstract: A method of producing ?1,4-Tibolone (C21H26O2), 10?-Hydroxy-?4-tibolone (C21H28O3). 11?,15?-Dihydroxytibolone (C21H28O4) and 11?,15?-Dihydroxy-?5-tibolone (C21H28O4) by contacting tibolone and 3?,6?-Dihydroxytibolone (C21H32O3) by contacting 3?-hydroxytibolone with Cunninghamella elegans (ATCC 10028b) is reported.

Abstract: A new method of producing metabolites of tibolone comprising fermenting tibolone with Rhizopus stolonifer (ATCC 12938) resulting in the formation of ?4-Tibolone (C21H28O2), 6?-Hydroxytibolone, and 15?-Hydroxytibolone (C21H28O3) is reported.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified yeast strains autonomously producing, from a simple carbon source, steroids. The invention also relates to a method for producing steroids from such yeast strains.

Abstract: A method of producing ?1,4-Tibolone (C21H26O2), 10?-Hydroxy-?4-tibolone (C21H28O3). 11?,15?-Dihydroxytibolone (C21H28O4) and 11?,15?-Dihydroxy-?5-tibolone (C21H28O4) by contacting tibolone and 3?,6?-Dihydroxytibolone (C21H32O3) by contacting 3?-hydroxytibolone with Cunninghamella elegans (ATCC 10028b) is reported.

Abstract: Method of producing ?5-Tibolone (C21H28O2), 6?-Hydroxy-?4-tibolone (C21H28O3), 6?-Hydroxy-?4-tibolone (C21H28O3), 15?-Hydroxy-?4-tibolone (C21H28O3), 6?-Hydroxy-?1,4-tibolone (C21H28O3) and 6?-Methoxy-?4-tibolone (C22H30O3) contacting tibolone with Gibberella fujikuroi (ATCC 10704) is reported.

Abstract: Provided herein are steroidal compounds that are androsta-5,7-dienes or a pregna-5,7-dienes and ultraviolet B (UVB) conversion products thereof which includes pharmaceutical compositions of the steroidal compounds as shown in Tables 1 and 2. Also provided is a method for producing hydroxylated metabolites of cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol via the P450scc (CYP11A1) or CYP27B1 enzyme systems where the hydroxylase has an activity to hydroxylate position C20 of a secosteroid or its 5,7-dieneal precursor and the hydroxylated metabolites so produced. In addition, a method for inhibiting proliferation of either a normally or abnormally proliferating cell by contacting the cell with any of the compounds described herein. A related method is provided of treating a condition associated with the proliferating cell such as a cancer, a skin disorder, a defect in cell differentiation, cosmetic, prophylaxsis, or healthy cell maintenance.

Abstract: A sample carrier with a sample receiver for the sample liquid and with preferably several sample chambers which are connected thereto is proposed. In order to avoid refilling with sample liquid when it evaporates or is otherwise lost or used up, there is additionally a reservoir for sample liquid which is covered in the same way as the sample chambers and which has a connecting channel to the environment which can be closed by the sample liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified yeast strains autonomously producing, from a simple carbon source, steroids. The invention also relates to a method for producing steroids from such yeast strains.

Abstract: Regulation of expression of programmed cell death, including senescence, in plants is achieved by integration of a gene or gene fragment encoding senescence-induced deoxyhypusine synthase, senescence-induced elF-5A or both into the plant genome in antisense orientation. Plant genes encoding senescence-induced deoxyhypusine synthase and senescence-induced elF-5A are identified and the nucleotide sequences of each, alone and in combination are used to modify senescence in transgenic plants.

Abstract: Soyasapogenol B is biosynthesized via two steps of hydroxylation reaction of its precursor ?-amyrin. However, the gene of the hydroxylase concerned in this reaction has not been revealed. Therefore, it was impossible to apply a genetic engineering technique on the hydroxylase. The present inventors reveals that a sequence which corresponds to a soybean-derived cytochrome P-450 gene CYP93E1 encodes an enzyme protein that carries out hydroxylation of the 24-position of an oleanane type triterpene, and also provides a method for applying said gene making use of a genetic engineering technique.

Abstract: Sixteen new and one known metabolites were obtained by incubation of tibolone and hydroxytibolones with various fungi. Their structures were elucidated by means of a homo and heteronuclear 2D NMR and by HREI-MS techniques. The relative stereochemistry was deduced by 2D NOESY experiment. These metabolites have shown promising inhibitory activities against ?-glucosidase enzyme. Seven metabolites exhibited potent inhibitory activity against the ?-glucosidase enzyme and were thus found useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and other diseases related to the activity of ?-glucosidase enzyme.

Abstract: A method of selective biooxidation to non activated carbon-hydrogen bonds of substances using a Geobacillus kaustophilus ‘Old Yellow Enzyme’ is provided”. It is shown that OYEs can be used to facilitate the biooxydation of substances, such as testosterone. It is also shown that OYE can introduce double bonds to form alpha, betaalpha, beta desaturated ketones. Furthermore, it is also shown that the use of OYEs allows for the production of oxidized substances in one step reactions, which are otherwise not accessible or only accessible after complex and inefficient multi-step reactions. In addition, the OYE used shows high stability (e.g. at high temperature, or in long lasting bioconversions). An exemplary embodiment is provided showing the use of an OYE to convert testosterone to 6?-hydroxytestosterone.

Abstract: A method for a chemoselective and regioselective enzyme mediated oxidation of carbon-hydrogen bonds of substrates using a Geobacillus kaustophilus ‘Old Yellow Enzyme’ is provided. It is shown that OYEs can be used to facilitate the bioxidation of substrates, such as testosterone. It is also shown that the use of OYEs allows for the production of oxidized substrates in one step reactions, which are otherwise not accessible or only accessible after complex and inefficient multi-step reactions. In addition, the OYE used shows high stability at high temperature. An exemplary embodiment is provided showing the use of an OYE to convert testosterone to 6?-hydroxytestosterone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of KshA protein or of KshB protein, encoded by nucleotides 499-1695 of SEQ ID NO:1 or by nucleotides 387-1427 of SEQ ID NO:2, respectively, and functional homologues thereof. The polynucleotides of the invention can be used to construct genetically modified microorganisms blocked in 3-ketosteroid 9?-hydroxylase activity, which are useful in the microbial degradation of steroids to accumulate certain steroid products.

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 concerns a novel method for producing hydroxylated and/or acetylated steroid comprising steps which consist in: culturing yeasts on a medium comprising at least a precursor of such hydroxylated and/or acetylated steroids; then isolating the hydroxylated and/or acetylated steroids from the medium after bioconversion. Said method is characterized in that said yeasts are yeasts transformed so as to express the product of Cyp7b gene. The invention also concerns the modified yeast strains.

Abstract: Reagents that regulate human steroid 5-alpha reductase and reagents which bind to human steroid 5-alpha reductase gene products can play a role in preventing, ameliorating, or correcting dysfunctions or diseases including, but not limited to, cancer, particularly prostate cancer or urological disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel process for the transformation of 17&agr;-hydroxy-6&agr;-methylpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione 17-acetate (I) to 11&bgr;,17&agr;,21-trihydroxy-6&agr;-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (VI)

Abstract: The invention relates to a fungal process to prepare 5-androsten-3&bgr;,7&agr;,15&agr;-triol-17-one and related analogues.

Abstract: An expression cassette, operable in a recombinant host, comprising a heterologous DNA coding sequence encoding a protein, which is functional, alone or in cooperation with one or more additional proteins of catalyzing an oxidation step in the biological pathway, for conversion of cholesterol into hydrocortisone, which step is selected from the group consisting of: the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone; the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone; the conversion of progesterone to 17&agr;-hydroxyprogesterone; the conversion of 17&agr;-hydroxyprogesterone to cortexolone; the conversion of cortexolone to hydrocortisone, and the corresponding control sequences effective in that host.

Abstract: A method of treating an individual to increase the individual's bone mineral density (BMD) is disclosed. The method includes co-administering a calcitonin-like agent and a DHEA-like agent. Also disclosed are methods for potentiating the effect of treatment with a calcitonin-like agent on BMD and for increasing BMD in an individual being treated with DHEA, e.g., for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Abstract: Yeast strains expressing human genes coding regulating cytochrome P450 expression, a method for making same and applications thereof are described.

Abstract: Strains of bacteria characterized by exhibiting: (a) a 7&agr;-dehydroxylase activity of less than 50%, and (b) a bile acid deconjugation activity of less than 50%, and descendants, mutants and derivatives thereof preserving activities (a) and (b); and a pharmaceutical composition using one or more of such strains and use of same for preventing and treating diseases associated with or caused by an altered metabolism of bile acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1&agr;-hydroxylase activity, being useful for the prevention, diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of adult diseases such as osteoporosis induced by the decrease of active type vitamin D3 and catalyzing the final stage of vitamin D3 activation; and the gene encoding the polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for transforming aromatic organic compounds and resource materials. The process includes the steps of contacting an organic material selected from the group consisting of single and/or multi-ring aromatic compounds and alkylaromatic compounds, and their heteroatom-containing analogues, crude oil, petroleum, petrochemical streams, coals, shales, coal liquids, shale oils, heavy oils and bitumens with a microorganism or enzymes in order to hydroxylate the organic material, followed by contacting the hydroxylated organic resource material so as to cause hydrogenation and/or hydrogenolysis on the material.

Abstract: A biological process for producing steroids hydroxylated at the 25-position thereof comprises adding steroids (excluding cholesterol) to the cells or culture liquid of a microorganism of the genus Amycolata or Sphingomonas capable of hydroxylating the steroids at the 25-position thereof to convert a hydrogen atom bonded to a carbon atom at the 25-position of each steroid into hydroxyl group. By this process, steroids(other than cholesterol) can be biologically hydroxylated at the 25-position by using microorganisms other than those of the genus Streptomyces.

Abstract: A microorganism having a capability of introducing a 7.beta.-hydroxyl group into a 7-unsubstituted bile acid, and a process for preparing a bile acid having a 7.beta.-hydroxyl group characterized by bringing the above microorganism into contact with a 7-unsubstituted bile acid to convert the acid to a bile acid having a 7.beta.-hydroxyl group. The process permits ursodeoxycholic acid useful as a cholagogue and intermediates therefor to be efficiently prepared.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of 20-keto-21(S)-hydroxy steroids of the Formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and R.sub.3 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and novel intermediates therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel process for the production of 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione which comprises culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Myrothecium and capable of hydrolyzing 4-androstene-3,17-dione to produce 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione in a medium supplemented with 4-androstene-3,17-dione, and isolating 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione from the cultured medium. According to the process of the present invention, 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione and 14.alpha.-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,6,17-trione can be produced with a high yield in a simple manner.

Abstract: 9.alpha.-hydroxy-17-keto steroids are prepared by fermenting steroids having a C-17-side chain of 5-10 carbon atoms inclusive, with the novel Mycobacterium species CBS 482.86. Starting from various substrates containing a 5-10 C carbon chain on C-17, 9.alpha.-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione, 7.alpha.,9.alpha.,12.alpha.-trihydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione or 9.alpha.-hydroxyandrost-4,11-diene-3,17-dione is obtained in high yield. The resulting compounds are useful intermediates in the synthesis of therapeutically important steroids, particularly corticosteroids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-step microbial process for the preparation of 13.beta.-hydroxy- or 14,15-epoxy-milbemycins of the following formulae I and II ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.1 ' represent methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or sec.-butyl or represent the group ##STR2## in which X represents methyl, ethyl or isopropyl, and A and A' represent the group ##STR3## in which R.sub.2 represents hydrogen, --C(O)-CH.sub.2 O-C(O)-CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 -COOH or --C(O)-CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 -COOH, or mixtures of compounds of the formulae I and II, which process comprises bringing a milbemycin of the formula III ##STR4## dissolved in a liquid phase, in which R.sub.3 represents R.sub.1 or R.sub.1 ' and R.sub.4 represents A or A', and R.sub.1, R.sub.1 ', A and A' have the meanings given for formulae I and II, into contact with a microorganism that is capable of 13.beta.-hydroxylation or 14,15-epoxidation or of both reactions, or into contact with active constituents thereof.

Abstract: Novel 7.beta.-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione derivatives are disclosed.The group of these compounds has possibility of being utilized as an intermediate for the synthesis of progesterone derivatives having ovulation-inhibiting activity. These compounds themselves have also cell differentiation activity for M1 cells.

Abstract: A microbiological process is described for the preparation of 6-desmethyl-6-.beta.-hydroxymethyl and 6-desmethyl-6-.beta.-carboxylovastatin derivatives and 8-acyl analogs thereof.

Abstract: Novel androst-4-ene-3,17-dione derivatives are disclosed. The group of these compounds has biological activities, in particular, the inhibiting activity on human placenta-derived estrogen-synthesizing enzyme. Therefore these compounds are expected to be utilized in the field of medical care, particularly as anticancer drugs.

Abstract: A laminated layer type electrophotographic photosensitive member has a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer on an electroconductive support, characterized in that the charge generation layer has at least one of disazo pigments represented by the formulae (1) and (2).

Abstract: A one step method of producing conjugated ursodeoxycholic acids from conjugated lithocholic acids by means of microbial transformation which comprises subjecting the conjugated lithocholic acids to the action of microorganisms which belong to Mortierella and which are capable of producing conjugated ursodeoxycholic acids from conjugated lithocholic acids.

Abstract: A one-step method of producing ursodeoxycholic acid by means of microbial transformation which comprises subjecting lithocholic acid to the action of a ursodeoxycholic acid producing microorganism.

Abstract: Microbiological conversions of cyclodextrins are intensified by adding to the reaction mixture 0.2 to 3 moles of .alpha.-, .beta.- or .gamma.-cyclodextrin or an optical mixture thereof pro mole of the steroid substrate, before, at the beginning or during the conversion. The cyclodextrin if desired, can be removed after the reaction. In this way the reaction velocity can be increased, the reaction time is reduced, the substrate concentration in the solution, i.e. its solubility is increased or the so called product inhibition may be avoided. In certain cases of more alternatives the desired reaction can be catalyzed and in this manner the selectivity is increased.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel one-stage fermentation process for making the useful steroid intermediate 9-hydroxy-3-oxo-4,17(20)-pregnadiene-20-carboxylic acid (I). This process is significantly superior to the best prior art process known for making (I).

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel fermentation process for making the novel useful steroid intermediate 9-hydroxy-3-oxo-4,17(20)-pregnadiene-20-carboxyaldehyde (I). This compound can be used as in the synthesis of valuable corticoids.

Abstract: A process for preparing a 3.beta.,7.beta.-dihydroxy-.DELTA..sup.5 steroid of the formula ##STR1## wherein Q is ##STR2## and R.sub.1 is hydrogen, trimethylacetyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, dimethyl-2-(3-methylbutyl)silyl or tribenzylsilyl,comprises fermenting a 3.beta.-hydroxy-.DELTA..sup.5 -steroid of the formula ##STR3## wherein Q is as defined above, andR.sub.2 is hydrogen or alkanoyl of 2-6 carbon atoms,with a culture of Botryodiplodia malorum to obtain the corresponding 3.beta.,7.beta.-dihydroxy-.DELTA..sup.5 -steroid; and, optionally, reacting the resultant product with trimethylacetic anhydride, tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride, dimethyl-2-(3-methylbutyl)silyl chloride, or tribenzylsilyl chloride.

Abstract: Valuable 9.alpha.-hydroxy steroids are prepared via microbial enzymatic oxidation (MEO) by conventional fermentation means, without the need for a .DELTA..sup.1 dehydrogenation inhibitor, utilizing novel microorganism Nocardia canicruria ATCC 31548. Also disclosed is a novel method using any .DELTA..sup.1 dehydrogenase producing organism and a novel bio-reactor technique means for preparing said steroids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing 1.alpha.-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone by fermenting or reacting dehydroepiandrosterone or a derivative thereof with microorganisms of the species Penicillium oxalicum or Aspergillus terreus or mycelium or extracts therefrom obtained when the microorganisms are in a stationary phase of growth. The invention process produces steroid compounds which are pharmacologically valuable substances.

Abstract: The present invention concerns ergostadientriols which may be recovered from either the fungus R. oligosporus or the fungus R. oryzae as well as from soybeans which have been fermented with either of these fungi. Alternatively, the sterols may be chemically synthesized. The sterols of this invention are antioxidants which may be used in anti-oxidant compositions alone or preferably with one or more isoflavone. Of particular significance is the discovery that the ergostadientriols of this invention are useful in lowering serum cholesterol levels. Accordingly, this invention in a particularly preferred embodiment discloses pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more ergostadientriol. Finally, therapeutic methods which utilize pharmaceutical compositions in accordance with this invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing 7.sub..alpha. -hydroxylated steroids by fermenting or reacting a steroid to be hydroxylated with microorganisms of the genus Botryodiplodia or enzyme extracts thereof until hydroxylation occurs. The invention process produces steroid compounds which are pharmacologically valuable substances.

Abstract: Method of producing steroids having a 7.beta.-OH substituent which comprises subjecting a steroid having a B-ring structure of the formula, ##STR1## wherein X is OH; Y is H, and when taken together X and Y is oxo (O.dbd.), to the action of a microorganism of the genus Clostridium.

Abstract: A multi-step synthesis of chenodeoxycholic acid from 3-keto-bisnorcholenol, a compound readily obtained from the abundant plant sterol .beta.-sitosterol, is described. A key step in the synthesis is the stereoselective microbial introduction of the 7-alpha hydroxy group into 3-keto-bisnorcholenol.