Abstract: A new canola protein isolate is provided along with a new canola protein. The new canola protein isolate is obtained from the supernatant from the production of a canola protein micellar mass and contains a predominance of 2S protein, The canola protein isolate derived from PMM contains a predominance of a 7S protein. Compositions of the canola protein isolate are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing corn into one or more corn products. Oil is extracted from corn or corn products or by-products with a solvent. The corn-solvent mixture is separated into streams, one of which preferably includes an extract containing at least oil and solvent, and another containing de-oiled corn solids and adsorbed solvent. Zein is separated from the de-oiled corn solids. Solvent is then separated, and the de-oiled, de-zeined, desolventized corn solids are processed to provide one or more corn products.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated aquaporin having a bound ligand, wherein said ligand close the conformation of said aquaporin and inhibit and/or reduce water transport of said aquaporin, and/or a high resolution structure of an isolated aquaporin in a closed conformation characterised by the coordinates deposited at the Protein Data Bank ID:1Z98, a crystal of said isolated aquaporin as well as the coordinates defining said crystal and the use of said aquaporin, and the use of the high-resolution structure as defined by the coordinates deposited at PDB ID:1Z98, and a method to produce said aquaporin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stress-inducible transcription factor derived from maize, a gene encoding the same, and a method for using the same. Specifically, this invention provides a gene comprising the following DNA (a) or (b): (a) DNA consisting of the nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; or (b) maize-derived DNA hybridizing under stringent conditions with DNA consisting of a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to the DNA consisting of the nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and encoding a protein that regulates the transcription of a gene located downstream of a stress responsive element. Further, this invention relates to a transgenic plant having improved tolerance to environmental stress, such as high-temperature or dehydration stress, into which such gene has been introduced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing corn into one or more corn products. Oil is extracted from corn or corn products or by-products with a solvent. The corn-solvent mixture is separated into streams, one of which preferably includes an extract containing at least oil and solvent, and another containing de-oiled corn solids and adsorbed solvent. The solvent is separated from oil, and the de-oiled, desolventized corn solids are processed to provide one or more corn products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for processing a plant-based protein source, the method comprising an acidic extracting solution comprising a reducing agent is useful for extracting and isolating proteins from plant-based protein sources.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated RUVB polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding said polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Rad2/FEN-1 nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering Rad2/FEN-1 concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Rad23 nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering Rad23 concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: For preparing an albumin isolate from a substance containing albumin, the substance is first ground to a flour. The flour is then suspended in an aqueous solution. The albumin is extracted from the flour into the solution by an at least two stage extraction process using at least one protease, at a pH greater than 8 and at a temperature between 30 and 60° C. In the first stage the flour is treated at a lower protease to albumin weight ratio, at a lower pH and at a higher temperature than in the second stage. After the first stage, a first upper flow and a fraction containing the flour are separated, and the albumin is precipitated from said upper flow. The fraction containing the flour is subjected to the second extraction stage. After that, a second upper flow is separated and fed back to the first stage.

Abstract: An improved corn wet milling process is disclosed in which a first stream comprising water, starch, and protein (e.g., gluten) is generated by separating fiber from wet milled de-germed corn particles (e.g. fiber separation step). Membrane filtration (e.g. starch-protein stream thickening) is performed on the first stream, producing a first retentate and a first aqueous permeate. The first retentate (e.g. thickened starch-protein stream) is separated into a second stream and a third stream (e.g. primary starch separation step). The second stream comprises water and a majority of the starch present in the first retentate, and the third stream comprises water and a majority of the protein (e.g., gluten) present in the first retentate. This process provides an economical means of recovering a higher percentage of the available cornstarch for inclusion in high value products.

Abstract: The present invention includes biodegradable plant protein composites.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovering zein from substrates are disclosed. The method includes extracting a zein-containing substrate such as whole corn with ethanol to yield a crude zein alcoholic dispersion and treating this dispersion with an adsorbent to remove at least one of starch, color or oil to yield a purified zein which is subsequently recovered or used in industrial applications. A preferred adsorbent is activated charcoal.

Abstract: Zein is recovered from gluten meal prepared by wet milling procedures by washing the gluten with clean water to remove water-soluble components; separating the water-soluble components and recovering the water-insoluble components; extracting the water insoluble components with hydrous ethanol solvent to extract zein; recovering the crude zein extract; treating the crude zein extract with an adsorbent that adsorbs at least one of color, odor, oil and fatty acid; and to yield a purified zein extract.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods and compositions for suppressing cell death in plants. Specifically, novel proteins and genes are provided for use in plant transformation. The proteins and genes are useful for activating disease resistance, enhancing plant cell transformation efficiency, engineering herbicide resistance, genetically targeting cell ablations, and other methods involving the regulation of cell death in plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nitrogenous composition resulting from the enzymatic hydrolysis of an aqueous solution of maize gluten, having a ratio of the concentrations of inorganic phosphorus to total phosphorus (Pi/Pt) greater than or equal to 0.05, preferably from 0.05 to 0.5 and a ratio of the concentrations of amine nitrogen to total nitrogen (Na/Nt) greater than or equal to 0.025. The invention also relates to the use of a nitrogenous composition according to the invention in culture media for microorganisms which produce, in particular, organic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Hm2 nucleic acids, and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering Hm2 concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions. Also, the invention provides methods of identifying plant transformation by survival of transformed plant cells or tissues on a cyclic tetrapeptide toxin. The invention further provides methods of imparting disease resistance to plants susceptible to fungal pathogens, which utilize cyclic tetrapeptide toxins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methyl binding domain nucleic acids and polypeptides isolated from Zea mays L.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance to a pathogen in a plant are provided. Methods of the invention comprise stably transforming a plant with an antisense nucleotide sequence for a gene encoding an enzyme in the C-5 porphyrin metabolic pathway and operably linking said antisense sequence to a pathogen-inducible promoter, such that invasion of a cell by a pathogen elicits a hypersensitive-like response that results in confinement of the pathogen to cells of initial contact. Transformed plants and seeds are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding a wild-type maize urod gene useful in the present invention and the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded thereby are provided. These compositions are also useful for regulating cell death in specifically targeted tissues. A maize lesion mimic, dominant mutant phenotype, designated Les22, and the molecular basis for its manifestation are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the separation of flour into one gluten fraction and at least one other fraction, comprising the steps of: mixing the flour and a liquid to obtain a dough, separating the dough into a fraction comprising gluten and at least one other fraction, recovering at least the gluten fraction, wherein an oxidoreductase is added at any of steps a), b) or c).

Abstract: The present invention relates to polycomb genes and polypeptides isolated from Zea mays.

Abstract: Plant cell expansion is regulated by wall relaxation and yielding, which is thought to be catalyzed by elusive “wall loosening” enzymes. By employing a reconstitution approach, we initially found that a crude protein extract from the cell walls of growing cucumber seedlings possessed the ability to induce the extension of isolated cell walls. This activity was restricted to the growing region of the stem and could induce the extension of isolated cell walls from various dicots and monocots, but was less effective on grass coleoptile walls. Sequential HPLC fractionation of the active wall extract revealed two proteins with molecular masses of 29 and 30 kD, as measured by SDS-PAGE, associated with such activity. Each protein, by itself, could induce wall extension without detectable hydrolytic breakdown of the wall. We proposed the name “expansins” for this class of proteins.

Abstract: A high quality soy protein concentrate (SPC) was produced by a process of enzyme treatment combined with ultrafiltration. Soy flour, the starting material, was enzymatically treated with commercial pectinases and diafiltered with a porous stainless steel ultrafiltration system. The resulting product had reduced levels of physic acid and nucleic acids due to contaminant phytase and nuclease activity in the pectinase enzymes. The functionality of the SPC was improved due to increased solubility compared to conventional soy isolates produced by acid precipitation. High performance liquid chromatography gel filtration profiles indicated that the proteins in the SPC remained intact. The SPC also had reduced flavor when compared to the original soy flour according to gas chromatography flavor profiles and sensory evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated DNA sequences capable of conferring nematode resistance in plants. The isolated DNA sequences can be inserted into a DNA vector to form a transformation construct for the expression of the isolated DNA sequences in plants. The transformation construct can be introduced into plant cells. Plants expressing the isolated DNA sequences can be regenerated from the transformed cells. Methods for improving genetic traits for nematode resistance in plants are also provided, comprising transforming cells with the isolated DNA sequences and regenerating plants from the transformed cells expressing the isolated DNA sequences necessary for nematode resistance.

Abstract: Methods are herein provided for the isolation and purification of zeamatin, an antifungal protein from corn. The subject methods use capture chromatography and reverse phase chromatography. The methods herein described is superior to prior art techniques as it the eliminates ammonium sulfate precipitation and centrifugation steps.

Abstract: An improved corn wet milling process is disclosed. In a process in which corn kernels are steeped in an aqueous solution and are milled to facilitate the separation of the components thereof, in which starch from the corn is separated from gluten, and in which at least one aqueous gluten-containing stream is generated, the improvement comprises membrane filtration of an aqueous gluten-containing stream, producing a gluten-enriched retentate, and removing water from the gluten-enriched retentate, thereby producing a substantially dry gluten product. This improved process provides an economical means of recovering a higher percentage of the available protein for inclusion in high value products.

Abstract: A new class of proteins and methods related thereto are presented. The proteins, which can be characterized as catalysts of the extension of plant cell walls and the weakening of the hydrogen bonds in pure cellulose, are referred to as expansins. Two proteins have been isolated by fractionation techniques from washed wall fragments of cucumber hypocotyls, referred to as "cucumber expansin-29" and "cucumber expansin-30" (abbreviated cEx-29 and cEx-30, with respect to their apparent relative masses as determined by SDS-PAGE). Moreover, three peptide fragments from the purified cEx-29 protein were sequenced, then oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify a portion of the expansin cDNA using polymerase chain reaction with a cDNA template derived from cucumber seedlings, and then the PCR fragment was used to screen a cDNA library to identify full length clones.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel variants of the maize gene, Shrunken2 (Sh2) and a method of using that gene. The variant gene, Sh2-m1Rev6, encodes a subunit of the ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGP) enzyme that has additional amino acids inserted in or near the allosteric binding site of the protein. Corn seed expressing the Sh2-m1Rev6 gene has a 15% weight increase over wild type seed. The increase in seed weight is not associated simply with an increase in percentage starch content of the seed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for recovering polyhydroxyalkanoate from a biological source material comprising the polyhydroxyalkanoate, the process comprising: a) comminuting the biological source material; b) air classifying the biological source material such that the polyhydroxyalkanoate particles are separated from other components of the biological source material; and c) recovering the polyhydroxyalkanoate.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing the dewatering of gluten are disclosed. The methods comprise adding an anionic surfactant to the wet gluten prior to dewatering, as in vacuum dewatering equipment. Particularly effective surfactants are sulfates and sulfonates.

Abstract: Pancreatic islet cell antigens (ICA) that bind with antibodies found in the sera of patients afflicted with insulin-dependent (Type I) diabetes mellitus (IDDM). ICA proteins are expressed by recombinant cloning vehicles comprising DNA inserts isolated from islet cells. Full sequence native ICA proteins, or protein or peptide fragments thereof, can be used in the diagnosis of IDDM and in detecting or blocking human immunoglobulin, T-cells, or B-cells involved in IDDM.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chimeric isoprenoid synthase polypeptide including a first domain from a first isoprenoid synthase joined to a second domain from a second, heterologous isoprenoid synthase, whereby the chimeric isoprenoid synthase is capable of catalyzing the production of isoprenoid reaction products that are not produced in the absence of the second domain of the second, heterologous isoprenoid synthase. Also disclosed is a chimeric isoprenoid synthase polypeptide including an assymetrically positioned homologous domain, whereby the chimeric isoprenoid synthase is capable of catalyzing the production of isoprenoid reaction products that are not produced when the domain is positioned at its naturally-occurring site in the isoprenoid synthase polypeptide.

Abstract: A protein and gene encoding it are disclosed which confer sensitivity to B. maydis T toxin and the insecticide methomyl, in cells carrying the gene and expressing the protein. Toxin sensitivity domains of the protein have been identified wherein a modification yields a toxin-insensitive product.

Abstract: In the method described, a protein-containing substance is first taken up in an alkaline solvent to give a solution. Insoluble constituents of the substance are separated off, the solution is neutralized and desalinated, and then the proteins contained in the solution are concentrated. The solubilization or disintegration of the protein-containing substance is carried out at room temperature using homogenization equipment. The heat dissipated into the protein-containing substance during homogenization is simultaneously removed. The pH of the alkaline solvent during the decomposition is over 11.5 and/or decomposition is carried out in the presence of a detergent, in particular sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS).

Abstract: Genes controlling gibberellic biosynthesis are used in genetic engineering to alter plant development. Alterations in the nature or quantity of products of the genes affects plant development. A family of An genes in monocots encodes a cyclase involved in the early steps of gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis. Members of the family are identified in wheat, barley, sorghum and maize. Two members of the family, the genes An1 and An2, are identified in maize. The An1 gene is cloned and the function of the gene is characterized. An2 is isolated and identified by homology to An1. Using recombinant genetic technology, GA levels are manipulated. Changes in GA levels alter monocot plant phenotypes, for example, increasing or decreasing height and fertility.

Abstract: An improved corn wet milling process is disclosed, in which gluten is recovered from steepwater by membrane filtration and is incorporated in a corn gluten meal product. The process can include the steps of steeping corn kernels in an aqueous solution, thereby producing steep water which contains gluten protein; membrane filtration of the steep water, thereby producing a retentate which has a higher concentration of the gluten protein than the original steep water; reducing the water content of the retentate; and incorporating the remaining retentate into a corn gluten meal product.

Abstract: The present invention features calcium receptor polypeptides and fragments thereof. Uses of a calcium receptor polypeptide include providing a polypeptide having the activity of a calcium receptor polypeptide. Calcium receptor polypeptide fragments can be used, for example, to generate antibodies to a calcium receptor polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monocot genes encoding a mutant AHAS enzyme that is specifically resistant to imidazolinone herbicides. Exemplary of these genes are corn DNA sequences which encode an amino acid substitution at position 621 of the wild-type AHAS enzyme. The mutant gene can be used to transform other plants to herbicide resistance; in this regard, the invention also provides host cells and vectors containing the gene, which cells and vectors are useful in the transformation process.

Abstract: Novel plant proteins (SAFPs) which synergize the activity of antifungal antibiotics are identified. SAFPs are demonstrated to synergize antifungal antibiotics, such as nikkomycins, polyoxins and amphotericins. SAFPs alone also display antifungal activity against several species of fungi, including strains of Candida, Trichoderma, Neurospora and strains of the plant pathogens Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Chaetomium. Synergistic antifungal compositions containing SAFP and antifungal antibiotics are provided. In particular, synergistic compositions of corn-SAFP (zeamatin), sorghum-SAFP (sormatin) or oat-SAFP (avematin) and nikkomycin are found to be effective as antifungal compositions, especially against the opportunistic human pathogen Candida albicans. Method for employing SAFPs and synergistic compositions containing them for the inhibition of fungi are provided. In addition, a method for purifying SAFP from grain meal is provided.

Abstract: A high quality soy protein isolate with a significant reduction in phytate and aluminum is prepared via ultrafiltration. Defatted soy flour slurry is prepared and adjusted to a pH such that the protein becomes solubilized. The solubilized protein can pass through the ultrafiltration membrane. The ultrafiltration system rejects phytate and aluminum. Once the soluble protein passes through the ultrafiltration system the soy protein isolate is then precipitated from the clear permeate stream by adjusting the pH within the isoelectric range of soy proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ribosome inactivating proteins. The proteins are characterized by being in a single chain proRIP inactive form that can be converted into an active form by cleavage with proteases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ribosome inactivating proteins. The proteins are characterized by being in a single chain proRIP inactive form that can be converted into an active form by cleavage with proteases.

Abstract: Genes controlling gibberellic biosynthesis are used in genetic engineering to alter plant development. Alterations in the nature or quantity of products of the genes affects plant development. A family of genes in monocots encodes a cyclase involved in the early steps of gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis. A member of the family, the gene An1, is identified in maize and cloned and the function of the gene is characterized. Using recombinant genetic technology, GA levels are manipulated. Changes in GA levels alter monocot plant phenotypes, for example, height and fertility.

Abstract: Novel plant proteins (SAFPs) which synergize the activity of antifungal antibiotics are identified. SAFPs are demonstrated to synergize antifungal antibiotics, such as nikkomycins, polyoxins and amphotericins. SAFPs alone also display antifungal activity against several species of fungi, including strains of Candida, Trichoderma, Neurospora and strains of the plant pathogens Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Chaetomium. Synergistic antifungal compositions containing SAFP and antifungal antibiotics are provided. In particular, synergistic compositions of corn-SAFP (zeamatin), sorghum-SAFP (sormatin) or oat-SAFP (avematin) and nikkomycin are found to be effective as antifungal compositions, especially against the opportunistic human pathogen Candida albicans. Method for employing SAFPs and synergistic compositions containing them for the inhibition of fungi are provided. In addition, a method for purifying SAFP from grain meal is provided.

Abstract: Isolated DNA for a ribosome-inactivating protein found in the tissues of Zea mays is disclosed. The invention also encompasses the protein itself, transgenic plants containing the DNA, DNA constructs for producing the protein, and a host cell containing the DNA.

Abstract: A DNA sequence is provided which encodes an altered form of native Zea mays dihydrodipicolinic acid synthase (DHPS) which is substantially resistant to concentrations of L-lysine which inhibit the activity of native Zea mays DHPS, either in vitro or in transformed plant cells or whole plants.

Abstract: Novel plant proteins (SAFPs) which synergize the activity of antifungal antibiotics are identified. SAFPs are demonstrated to synergize antifungal antibiotics, such as nikkomycins, polyoxins and amphotericins. SAFPs alone also display antifungal activity against several species of fungi, including strains of Candida, Trichoderma, Neurospora and strains of the plant pathogens Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Chaetomium. Synergistic antifungal compositions containing SAFP and antifungal antibiotics are provided. In particular, synergistic compositions of corn-SAFP (zeamatin), sorghum-SAFP (sormatin) or oat-SAFP (avematin) and nikkomycin are found to be effective as antifungal compositions, especially against the opportunistic human pathogen Candida albicans. Method for employing SAFPs and synergistic compositions containing them for the inhibition of fungi are provided. In addition, a method for purifying SAFP from grain meal is provided.

Abstract: A process in which treatment conditions in the extraction steps of the corn protein, zein, are stabilized and by which decolorized and purified zein can be provided in a stable manner through continuous treatment steps, while simultaneously providing techniques for the concentration and recovery of corn pigment components. Corn gluten meal is treated with a hydrocarbon solvent having 5 to 9 carbon atoms. Zein and pigment components are extracted from the treated corn gluten meal with a solvent, such as about 91 to 96% by volume ethanol, and zein and the pigment components are separated from the resulting extract solution. Oil and fat components and pigment components may be extracted from corn gluten meal prior to the zein extraction steps.

Abstract: A unf. 13 protein and gene encoding it are disclosed which confer sensitivity to B. maydis T toxin and the insecticide methomyl, in cells carrying the gene and expressing the protein. Toxin sensitivity domains of the protein have been identified wherein a modification yields a toxin-insensitive product.

Abstract: The protein/starch bond is broken mechanically by wet attrition milling rather than by cooking or with chemicals alone. The grain particles are milled to a particle size sufficiently small to break the bond between starch and protein and sufficiently large to retain substantially all of the starch granules intact. The protein is then extracted with ethanol and alkali solvents, separated and dried to form protein and/or protein isolate. The intact starch granules are cleaned and dried.