Encodes An Enzyme Patents (Class 536/23.2)
  • Patent number: 8119383
    Abstract: A thermostable glycosidase enzymes derived from various Thermococcus, Staphylothermus and Pyrococcus organisms is disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized in the food processing industry, pharmaceutical industry and in the textile industry, detergent industry and in the baking industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Bylina, Ronald Swanson, Eric Mathur, David E. Lam
  • Patent number: 8119784
    Abstract: Described here are ?4 desaturases that convert all-cis-7,10,13,16,19-docosapentaenoic acid [“DPA”; 22:5 ?-3] to docosahexaenoic acid [“DHA”; 22:6 ?-3], with secondary activity in converting docosatetraenoic acid [“DTA”; 22:4 ?-6] to all-cis-4,7,10,13,16-docosapentaenoic acid [“DPAn-6”; 22:5 ?-6]. Also, described here are isolated nuclei acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding ?4 desaturases as well as methods of making long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids [“PUFAs”] using this ?4 desaturase in oleaginous yeast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Quinn Qun Zhu, Zhixiong Xue
  • Patent number: 8119380
    Abstract: The invention provides isolated and at least partially-purified dicamba-degrading enzymes, isolated DNA molecules coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes, DNA constructs coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes, transgenic host cells comprising DNA coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes, and transgenic plants and plant parts comprising one or more cells comprising DNA coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes. Expression of the dicamba-degrading enzymes results in the production of dicamba-degrading organisms, including dicamba-tolerant plants. The invention further provides a method of controlling weeds in a field containing the transgenic dicamba-tolerant plants of the invention and a method of decontaminating a material containing dicamba comprising applying an effective amount of a transgenic microorganism or dicamba-degrading enzyme(s) of the invention to the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Regents of University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Donald P. Weeks, Xiao-Zhuo Wang, Patricia L. Herman
  • Patent number: 8119364
    Abstract: Methods to generate analogs of coenzyme A in vivo are disclosed. The methods to generate analogs of coenzyme A in a cell comprise reacting pantetheine or a derivative thereof with a reporter to form labeled pantetheine or a derivative thereof, contacting the cell with the labeled pantetheine or derivative thereof such that the labeled pantetheine or derivative thereof enters the cell, phosphorylating the labeled pantetheine or derivative thereof to form phosphopantetheine or a derivative thereof, adenylating the labeled phosphopantetheine or derivative thereof to form a labeled dephosphoCoenzyme A or derivative thereof, and phosphorylating the 3?-hydroxyl of the labeled dephosphoCoenzyme A or derivative thereof to form a labeled coenzyme A analog or derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael D. Burkart, Kristine Clarke, Andrew C. Mercer, James J. LaClair, Jordan Meier
  • Patent number: 8119861
    Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid derived from Perkinsus marinus which encodes a 9-elongase, a ?8-desaturase and a ?5-desaturase enzyme. All of the coding sequences can be transcribed as a single transcript.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: BASF Plant Science GmbH
    Inventors: Johnathan A. Napier, Olga Sayanova, Monica Venegas Caleron
  • Patent number: 8119860
    Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding delta-9 elongases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and using these delta-9 elongases in plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Howard G. Damude, Quinn Qun Zhu
  • Patent number: 8119857
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Novozymes, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Harris, Alfredo Lopez de Leon, Micheal Rey, Hanshu Ding, Elena Vlasenko
  • Patent number: 8119386
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated proteases of the RP-II type and variants of RP-II proteases exhibiting improved properties in comparison to the parent RP-II protease, DNA constructs and vectors coding for the expression of said proteases and variants, host cells capable of expressing the proteases and variants from the DNA constructs, as well as a method of producing them by cultivating said host cells. The proteases may advantageously be used as constituents in detergent compositions and additives, optionally in combination with other enzymes such as proteases, lipases, cellulases, amylases, peroxidases or oxidases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Novozymes Als
    Inventors: Mads Norregaard-Madsen, Peter Rahbek Ostergaard, Claus Bo Voge Christensen, Soren Flensted Lassen
  • Publication number: 20120039861
    Abstract: An isolated human phosphatase and tensin homolog long polypeptide (PTEN-long) comprising SEQ ID NO:1, fragments and analogues thereof, nucleic acids encoding such and compositions comprising such are provided. Methods to inhibit angiogenesis in a solid tumor, treat a solid tumor, and inhibit growth of a solid tumor using PTEN-long, fragments and analogues thereof, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Ramon Parsons
  • Publication number: 20120040434
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme determining amino acid sequences of an enzyme involved in pyrethrin biosynthesis and a base sequence of the gene thereof; constructing vectors bearing the gene and transformants; and extractable from plant bodies producing pyrethrin by applying such creative techniques to plant bodies with faster growth aiming to provide a method to efficiently produce pyrethrin; and the enzyme is a gene encoding a protein of the following (i) or (ii) or (iii): (i) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence shown in Sequence No. 1; or (ii) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence shown in Sequence No. 5, or a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence shown in Sequence No. 6, or a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence shown in Sequence No. 7, or a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence shown in Sequence No.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicants: DAINIHON JOCHUGIKU CO., LTD., AN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION KINKI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Matsuda, Yukio Kikuta
  • Publication number: 20120040407
    Abstract: The present invention has objects to provide a thermostable cellobiose 2-epimerase, its preparation and uses. The present invention attains the above objects by providing a thermostable cellobiose 2-epimerase, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, a process for producing the enzyme, and a process for producing isomerized saccharides using the enzyme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Hayashibara Seibutsu Kagaku Kenkyujo
    Inventors: Hikaru Watanabe, Masahiro Yagi, Tomoyuki Nishimoto, Hiroto Chaen, Shigeharu Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20120042413
    Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising polynucleotides and polypeptides having 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) activity and having insensitivity to an HPPD inhibitor are provided. Further provided are nucleic acid constructs, plants, plant cells, explants, seeds and grain having the HPPD sequences. Various methods of employing the HPPD sequences are provided. Such methods include, for example, methods for producing an HPPD inhibitor tolerant plant, plant cell, explant or seed and methods of controlling weeds in a field containing a crop employing the plants and/or seeds disclosed herein. Methods are also provided to identify additional HPPD variants. Further provided are various methods and compositions that allow the various HPPD polypeptides and variant and fragments thereof to be expressed in a chloroplast or transported to a chloroplast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Henrik Albert, Ericka R. Bermudez, Linda A. Castle, Yuxia Dong, Matthew J. Heckert, Jingtong Hou, Zhenglin Hou, Jian Lu, Daniel L. Siehl, Yumin Tao
  • Publication number: 20120040410
    Abstract: Hemicellulase (xylanase) enzymes possessing endo-xylanase, laminarase, mannanase, arabinase and arabinofuranosidase activity are useful to degrade hemicellulose and other substrates to their constituent sugars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOARD OF REGENTS FOR OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Rolf A. Prade, Fabio M. Squina
  • Publication number: 20120040436
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved type protease which comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO:3, said improved type protease has at least one mutation selected from the group consisting of: (A) replacement of glutamine corresponding to glutamine at position 265 in SEQ ID NO: 3 with an acidic amino acid; and (B) replacement of glutamine at position 266 in SEQ ID NO: 3 with an acidic amino acid, and wherein said improved type protease has milk-clotting activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Meito Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Harada, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Taro Suga, Hiroyuki Yamaguchi, Akira Tsunoda, Shigeaki Kato
  • Publication number: 20120040433
    Abstract: The invention relates to Salmonella typhi Ty21a comprising core-linked Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 O-specific polysaccharide (O-Ps) and DNA encoding O antigen biosynthesis, said DNA selected from the group consisting of: a) the DNA sequence set out in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2 and species homologs thereof; b) DNA encoding Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 polypeptides encoded by any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, and species homologs thereof; and c) DNA encoding a O antigen biosynthesis gene product that hybridizes under moderately stringent conditions to the DNA of (a) or (b); and related sequences, compositions of matter, vaccines, methods of using, and methods of making.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicants: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    Inventors: DENNIS J. KOPECKO, DEQI XU
  • Publication number: 20120040357
    Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides isolated nucleic acids, primers, and probes for the detection of mutations in a nucleic acid sequence for a DICER1 polypeptide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicants: THE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN SAINT LOUIS, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND CLINICS OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Ashley D. Hill, Paul Goodfellow, John R. Priest, Yoav Messinger
  • Publication number: 20120042412
    Abstract: Chimeric polynucleotides comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a chloroplast transit peptide operably linked to a heterologous polynucleotide of interest are provided, wherein the chloroplast transit peptide comprises an amino acid sequence having the chloroplast transit peptide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or a biologically active variant or fragment thereof or wherein the chloroplast transit peptide comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 58 or an active variant or fragment thereof. Chimeric polypeptides encoding the same, as well as, cells, plant cells, plants and seeds are further provided which comprise the chimeric polynucleotides. Compositions further include HPPD polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the same as set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 57 and 60 or active variants and fragments thereof. Such sequences comprise the chloroplast transit peptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 58 or an active variants or fragments thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Henrik Albert, Linda A. Castle, Matthew Heckert, Jian Lu, Daniel L. Siehl, Yumin Tao
  • Publication number: 20120040435
    Abstract: Described herein are variants of H. jecorina CBH2, a Cel6A enzyme. The present invention provides novel cellobiohydrolases that have altered thermostability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Danisco US Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Aehle, Frits Goedegebuur, Lydia Dankmeyer, Colin Mitchinson, Paulien Neefe, Bradley Kelemen, Robert Caldwell, Pauline Teunissen
  • Publication number: 20120040377
    Abstract: A critical epitope of human cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) associated with the development of hepatic autoimmune disease, including methods and kits for diagnosis and prognosis using the critical epitope as a biomarker for hepatic autoimmune disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Dolores Benedicta Njoku
  • Publication number: 20120040417
    Abstract: An improved hydroxynitrile lyase characterized by having a mutation of substitution of at least one amino acid residue in the amino acid sequence of a wild-type hydroxynitrile lyase with another amino acid and by its hydroxynitrile lyase activity per transformant being higher than the hydroxynitrile lyase activity per transformant into which the wild-type hydroxynitrile lyase gene is introduced; and a method for producing a hydroxynitrile lyase, comprising expressing the improved hydroxynitrile lyase in a host and recovering the improved hydroxynitrile lyase from the resultant culture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa ASANO, Takanori Akiyama, Fujio Yu, Eiji Sato
  • Publication number: 20120040403
    Abstract: Described is a new stand-alone diguanylate cyclase polypeptide having a GGDEF motif and a mutated I-site that does not bind c-di-GMP. We demonstrate that the production yield of c-di-GMP and analogues was significantly increased by mutation of a conserved residue in the putative regulatory I-site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhao-Xun Liang, Feng Rao
  • Publication number: 20120040409
    Abstract: Thermophilic gram-positive anaerobic host cells, for example Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum (“T sacch”), express heterologous biomass degrading enzymes, such as cellulases, and are able to produce useful fermentation products from cellulose. Useful fermentation products include, for example, ethanol, acetic acid, lactic acid or CO2. In order to provide maximum expression and activity levels, biomass degrading enzymes can be expressed from codon-optimized nucleotide sequences, can be expressed under the control of a high-efficiency promoter, and/or can be fused to a signal peptide. In addition, the host cell, for example, a T sacch host cell, can be genetically altered to further improve ethanol production, for example by disrupting the production of organic products other than ethanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Mascoma Corporation
    Inventors: Heídi Hau, Chales Rice, Chris Herring, John Mcbride, Arhur J. Shaw. IV, Erin Wiswall
  • Publication number: 20120040360
    Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides isolated nucleic acids, polypeptides, primers, and probes for the detection of mutations in a nucleic acid sequence for a DICER1 polypeptide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicants: The Washington University in St. Louis, Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota
    Inventors: Ashley D. Hill, Paul J. Goodfellow, John R. Priest, Yoav Messinger
  • Publication number: 20120040412
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: VERENIUM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin A. Gray, Nahla Aboushadi, James B. Garrett
  • Patent number: 8114650
    Abstract: A method for producing a ciliate cell with reduced or essentially no dihydrofolate reductase (DHFS) activity or reduced or essentially no thymidylate synthase (TS) activity or both reduced or essentially no dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) activity is claimed, comprising the steps of a) transforming ciliate cells by inserting a construct containing an allele altering the gene encoding the endogenous DHFR-TS into at least one of the endogenous DHFR-TS genes of the ciliate macronucleus (MAC), b) inducing an allelic assortment process in the transformed ciliate cells to generate cells having the construct inserted in most or all functional DHFR-TS genes of the MAC, and c) identifying the cells generated in step b) by cultivation with or without thymidine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cilian AG
    Inventors: Thomas Weide, Ulrike Bockau, Marcus Hartmann, Lutz Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8115059
    Abstract: An EcR-based gene expression modulation system for use in plants includes an EcR gene expression cassette, a modified RXR gene expression cassette, and a gene-of-interest expression cassette, which can be expressed in a host plant cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Subba Reddy Palli, Ajay Kumar Singh
  • Patent number: 8114974
    Abstract: Provided herein are genetically modified microorganisms that have enhanced fermentation activity, and methods for making and using such microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Verdezyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Picataggio, Kirsty Anne Lily Salmon, Jose Miguel LaPlaza
  • Patent number: 8114398
    Abstract: The present invention refers to human EGLN2 variants having at position 58 of the amino acid sequence a serine or a leucine and their use in the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic or coronary heart diseases, in particular stroke, prolonged reversible ischemic neurological deficit (PRIND), transitoric ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction and/or early myocardial infarction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis
    Inventors: Detlef Kozian, Matthias Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8114638
    Abstract: Stable and active arabinitol dehydrogenases (LAD) from Neurospora crassa and mutants thereof are disclosed. Arabinitol dehydrogenases are useful in the production of xylitol and ethanol from an arabinose containing substrate. Recombinant and heterologously expressed arabinitol dehydrogenases are useful in converting biomass into biofuels and other industrial food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Huimin Zhao, Ryan Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8114655
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel endoglucanase nucleic acid sequence, designated egl7, and the corresponding EGVII amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding EGVII, recombinant EGVII proteins and methods for producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Danisco US Inc.
    Inventors: Nigel Dunn-Coleman, Frits Goedegebuur, Michael Ward, Jian Yao
  • Patent number: 8114656
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one neutral metalloprotease enzyme that has improved storage stability. In some embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease finds use in cleaning and other applications. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions comprising neutral metalloprotease(s) obtained from Bacillus sp. In some more particularly preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is obtained from B. amyloliquefaciens. In still further preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a variant of the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. In yet additional embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a homolog of the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. The present invention finds particular use in applications including, but not limited to cleaning, bleaching and disinfecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Danisco US Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Shaw, Louise Wallace, David A. Estell, Ronaldus W. J. Hommes, Sang-Kyu Lee, Hiroshi Oh, Eugene S. Sadlowski
  • Patent number: 8114640
    Abstract: A method of preparing macrocycles using solid support chemistry and thioesterases is disclosed. Also disclosed are novel macrocycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: David H. Sherman, Wolfgang Seufert, Zachary Q. Beck
  • Patent number: 8114641
    Abstract: This invention describes genes, metabolic pathways, microbial strains and methods to produce methyl butanol and other compounds of interest from renewable feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Synthetic Genomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Picataggio, Robert C. Brown, Jessica R. Kristof, Gena Roy, Prachee Prakash, Stuart A. Underwood, Kevin Watts, Kevin V. Martin
  • Publication number: 20120036596
    Abstract: The present invention relates to non-mammalian ?-1,4-galactosyltransferases that can be used in their wild-type or in modified forms. The invention further relates to transformed plants and plant cells expressing non-mammalian ?-1,4-galacto-syltransferase and methods to produce glycoproteins with altered and preferably mammalian-type glycosylation. The invention additionally provides nucleic acid molecules and expression vectors of non-mammalian ?-1,4-galactosyltransferases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Stichting Dienst Landbouwkundig Onderzoek
    Inventors: Gerard Johan Adolph Rouwendal, Dionisius Elisabeth Antonius Florack, Hendrik Jan Bosch
  • Publication number: 20120034299
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for use in the prophylaxis or treatment of a condition arising from gluten intolerance, the compositions including at least partially purified caricain (or a biologically active fragment, analogue or variant thereof) alone or in combination with other suitable enzymes including bromelain, and/or an intestinal extract, as herein described. The present invention also provides methods of using such compositions for the prophylaxis or treatment of a condition arising from gluten intolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Glutagen Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Teodor Stelmasiak, Hugh James Beatty Cornell
  • Publication number: 20120035354
    Abstract: Novel isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides associated with the lignin biosynthetic pathway are provided, together with genetic constructs including such sequences. Methods for the modulation of lignin content, lignin structure and lignin composition in target organisms are also disclosed, the methods comprising incorporating one or more of the polynucleotides of the present invention into the genome of a target organism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicants: Rubicon Forests Holdings Limited, ARBORGEN, LLC
    Inventors: Leonard N. BLOKSBERG, Ilkka Havukkala
  • Publication number: 20120034239
    Abstract: A method is provided for improving the solubility of proteins, for example, bacterial toxins. In one embodiment, solubility is improved by introducing point mutations that replace cysteine residues capable of forming intermolecular disulfide bonds with other amino acid residues that do not form such bonds. By abrogating the ability of the cysteine residues to form inter-molecular disulfide bonds, aggregation of the protein is reduced, thereby improving the solubility of the protein. In another embodiment, solubility of the protein is improved by producing truncated forms of the protein that express the LHN domain and a fragment of the Hc domain. Proteins made according to the method of the invention are useful, for example, as immunodiagnostic agents and vaccine components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicants: EMERGENT BIOSOLUTIONS, INC., HEALTH PROTECTION AGENCY (HPA)
    Inventors: Clifford C. SHONE, James A. CRAWFORD
  • Publication number: 20120034650
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of a polynucleotide comprising one or more functional fragments of a biosynthetic gene cluster involved in the production of a compound of formula (I) or (I?). The present invention also provides a method of preparing a compound of formula (I) or (I?) or of formula (II) to (VII), (XI) to (XIV) and (XVII) and (XVIII). Moreover, the use of such compound as a pharmaceutical composition is also provided in the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: NOVARTIS AG
    Inventors: Philipp Krastel, Brigitta-Maria Liechty, Charles Moore, Esther Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20120034672
    Abstract: This invention provides a genetically modified marine luciferase such as Gaussia luciferase, which has high bioluminescence intensity, and has high bioluminescence stability and/or red-shifted wavelength. Specifically disclosed is a luciferase variant with improved optical property obtained by replacing at least one amino acid residue among the amino acid sequence of a marine luciferase at positions corresponding to positions 89 to 118 in the amino acid sequence of Gaussia luciferase (GLuc), wherein an amino acid residue at a position corresponding to at least one selected from positions 89, 90, 95, 97, 100, 108, 112, 115, and 118 in the amino acid sequence of GLuc is replaced by way of conservative amino acid replacement. The above-mentioned replacement in a marine luciferase improves enzymatic activity of the luciferase. Also disclosed is a bioluminescent probe having an improved optical property, which is produced using the luciferase variant of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: SungBae KIM, Hiroaki Tao, Moritoshi Sato
  • Publication number: 20120034661
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production of flavonoids and flavonoid precursors in cells through recombinant expression of tyrosine ammonia lyase (TAL), 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL), chalcone synthase (CHS), and chalcone isomerase (CHI).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicants: The Research Foundation of State University of New York, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Gregory Stephanopoulos, Christine Santos, Mattheos Koffas
  • Publication number: 20120035077
    Abstract: This invention provides modified nucleotide sequences encoding luciferase that have greater expression than wild type luciferase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SwitchGear Genomics
    Inventors: Nathan D. Trinklein, Shelley Force Aldred
  • Publication number: 20120036599
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel enzymes and novel methods for producing the same. More specifically this invention relates to a variety of fungal enzymes. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such enzymes, compositions, recombinant and genetically modified host cells, and methods of use are described. The invention also relates to a method to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material and novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass. The invention also relates to methods to use the novel enzymes and compositions of such enzymes in a variety of other processes, including washing of clothing, detergent processes, deinking and biobleaching of paper and pulp, and treatment of waste streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: DYADIC INTERNATIONAL , INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Vasilievich Gusakov, Peter J. Punt, Jan Cornelis Verdoes, Arkady Panteleimonovich Sinitsyn, Elena Vlasenko, Sandra Wilhelmina Agnes Hinz, Mark Gosink, Zhijie Jiang, Jacoba Van der Meij
  • Publication number: 20120034675
    Abstract: The present invention describes a novel tyrosinase protein and methods of use thereof. Specifically, the invention provides tyrosinase derived peptides and polynucleotides, and their ability to elicit an immune response and treat a melanoma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Stefana M. Petrescu, Costin I. Popescu, Raymond A. Dwek
  • Publication number: 20120034634
    Abstract: A codon optimized and stabilized luciferase gene based upon the sequence of the natural luciferase gene isolated from Luciola cruciata (Japanese firefly) and a novel recombinant DNA characterized by incorporating this new gene coding for a novel luciferase into a vector DNA for improved activities in mammalian cells, are disclosed. This new luciferase exhibits long-wavelength light emission, as well as improved thermostability and higher expression levels in mammalian cell systems, compared to native luciferase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel J. Coleman, John J. Naleway, Gabriele M. Cook
  • Publication number: 20120034673
    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 eIF-5A or both into the plant genome in antisense orientation. Plant genes encoding senescence-induced deoxyhypusine synthase and senescence-induced eIF-5A are identified and the nucleotide sequences of each, alone and in combination are used to modify senescence in transgenic plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: John E. Thompson, Tzann-Wei Wang, Dongen Lily Lu
  • Patent number: 8110670
    Abstract: Genetically engineered cells and microorganisms are provided that produce products from the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway (fatty acid derivatives), as well as methods of their use. The products are particularly useful as biofuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: LS9, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhihao Hu, Fernando Valle
  • Patent number: 8110726
    Abstract: Novel plant polysaccharide synthesis genes and polypeptides encoded by such genes are provided. These genes and polynucleotide sequences are useful regulating polysaccharide synthesis and plant phenotype. Moreover, these genes are useful for expression profiling of plant polysaccharide synthesis genes. One aspect of the present invention therefore are polynucleotides encoding cellulose synthase from Pinus radiata and methods of using such a polynucleotide to regulate polysaccharides of a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Arborgen Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard N. Bloksberg, Marie B. Connett-Porceddu, Sarah Jane Emerson, Michael J. Frost, Richard Llewellyn Syndey Forster, Murray Robert Grigor, Ilkka Havukkala, Colleen M. Higgins, Robert J. Kodrzycki, Steven Troy Lund, Andreas Magusin
  • Patent number: 8110387
    Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated polypeptide having NADH dependent HMF reductase activity, wherein said polypeptide shows 80% homology to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2 and which differs from SEQ ID NO:2 in that at least S117L and Y295 or S110 is substituted, a nucleotide sequence coding for said polypeptide, a vector comprising said polypeptide or nucleotide sequence, host comprising said nucleotide sequence or vector as well as the use of the polypeptide for the reduction of furan or carbonyl compounds in lignocellulosic material or in any furan or carbonyl containing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: C5 Ligno Technologies Lund AB
    Inventors: Bärbel Hahnhägerdal, Gunnar Lidén, Tobias Modig, João Almeida, Boaz Laadan, Marie F. Gorwa-Grauslund
  • Patent number: 8110389
    Abstract: A modified Trichoderma reesei Family 6 (TrCel6A) cellulase enzyme comprising amino acid substitutions at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of 129, 322, 363 and 410 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is provided. Genetic constructs and genetically modified microbes comprising nucleic sequences encoding the modified TrCel6a cellulase are also provided. The modified TrCel6A cellulase of the invention display at least a 15% decrease in inactivation by lignin relative to a parental TrCel6A cellulase from which the modified TrCel6A is derived. Such cellulases find use in a variety of applications in industry requiring enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose in the presence of lignin, e.g., the hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosic feedstocks for the production of fermentable sugars, sugar alcohols and fuel alcohols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Iogen Energy Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Lavigne, Brian R. Scott, Martine Whissel, John J. Tomashek
  • Patent number: RE43166
    Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences coding for the chondroitinase ABC gene and isolated chondroitinase ABE protein produced in a host cell transformed with a nucleic acid vector directing the expression of a nucleotide sequence coding for chondroitinase ABE protein described. Chondroitinase ABC prepared by chemical synthesis also described. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies which are specifically reactive with chondroitinase ABC protein are disclosed. The isolated chondroitinase ABC can be used in methods of treating intervertebral disc replacement, promoting neurite regeneration, and detecting galactosaminoglycans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Maruha Nichiro Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Sato, Masahiko Shimada, Hiroshi Oda