Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant molecular biology. In particular, it describes the use of a regulatory nucleic acid sequence of the rice gene GOS2 for the regulation of gene expression in plant cells derived from plants other than monocotyledonous plants. The use of the regulatory sequence of the present invention results in constitutive expression with expression levels similar to that of CaMV 35S. The present invention also relates to vectors and host cells comprising these nucleic acid sequences. The invention further relates to transgenic cells and plants comprising these sequences and to methods for obtaining such cells and plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastid transformation system capable of preventing second recombination events of heterologous genes inserted into plastid genomes. More specifically, this invention relates to a plastid transformation vector carrying a promoter and a terminator derived from organisms other than tobacco. The inventive recombinant expression vector for plastid transformation is capable of mass-producing exogenous proteins on a level par with conventional vectors carrying promoter/terminator couples of tobacco origin. At the same time, it is capable of preventing second recombination events within plastids. Thus, the vector of this invention is greatly useful in producing transgenic plants since it can effect a secure introduction of heterologous genes and support normal transformation and heterologous gene expression.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transgenic plant transformed with an isolated nucleic acid comprising a plant arsenite-inducible RNA-associated protein coding sequence operatively linked to a plant-expressible transcription regulatory sequence, wherein the plant arsenite-inducible RNA-associated protein coding sequence encodes a polypeptide that is at least 75% identical to a polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, or SEQ ID NO:14, and wherein the plant arsenite-inducible RNA-associated protein coding sequence encodes a polypeptide that confers resistance to a metal, a metal ion, a metalloid, or a metalloid ion.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a Signal Transduction Stress-Related Protein (STSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated STSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding STSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the nucleic acid sequences of plant centromeres. This will permit construction of stably inherited recombinant DNA constructs and minichromosomes which can serve as vectors for the construction of transgenic plant and animal cells.

Abstract: Polypeptides and fusion proteins that bind to eukaryotic viruses, in particular, eukaryotic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses are provided. The polypeptides and fusion proteins bind to the replication initiation proteins (Rep) of ssDNA viruses and optionally inhibit viral replication and/or viral infection. The virus can be a plant pathogen or animal pathogen. Consensus sequences used to identify polypeptides that bind to eukaryotic viruses are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to excision of explant material comprising meristematic tissue from seeds, and storage of such material prior to subsequent use in plant tissue culture and genetic transformation. Methods for tissue preparation, storage, and transformation are disclosed, as is transformable meristem tissue produced by such methods, and apparati for tissue preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolation and characterization of novel nucleotide sequences from rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) showing promoter activity in plants. The present invention further relates to the analysis of the functional domains of RTBV promoters by fusing full-length and deleted versions of the RTBV promoter sequences with the bacterial reporter gene GUS. The invention also relates to the study of the expression of the reporter gene in various tissues of transgenic rice and tobacco plants during different stages of development. The present invention also describes an RTBV promoter and its deletions which function in a constitutive or tissue-specific manner to drive the expression of the heterologous nucleic acid sequences in both monocot and dicot plants, cells and tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of transgenic plants and/or plant cells, respectively, with increased pathogen resistance, characterized in that a DNA sequence, which encodes a protein with the activity of a peroxidase, is inserted into the plant and expressed therein. The invention at hand also relates to the use of nucleic acids encoding a peroxidase for the production of transgenic plants, or plant cells, respectively, with increased pathogen resistance. Further, the invention at hand relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding a peroxidase of barley.

Abstract: Vaccines for conferring immunity in mammals to infective pathogens are provided, as well as vectors and methods for plastid transformation of plants to produce protective antigens and vaccines for oral delivery. The vaccines are operative by parenteral administration as well. The invention also extends to the transformed plants, plant parts, and seeds and progeny thereof. The invention is applicable to monocot and dicot plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid construct having a nucleic acid molecule configured to silence ?-carotene hydroxylase expression, and host cells, expression systems, plants, and plant seeds having the nucleic acid construct. The present invention also relates to a method of enhancing beta-carotene content by growing a transgenic plant from a plant or seed transformed with the construct.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the expression of transgenes in monocot plants including maize are disclosed. In the invention, gene silencing is avoided by use of monocot-homeologous sequences from plants of the genus Coix for transformation. Included in these transgene sequences are Coix promoters, enhancers, coding sequences and terminators. Suitable alternatives to maize-derived transgenes are desirable for expression in maize in that homology-based gene silencing can limit or effectively eliminate transgene expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-coding regulatory element polynucleotide molecules isolated from the ribosomal protein L18A and heat shock cognate HSC71 genes of Oryza sativa and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the Oryza sativa regulatory polynucleotide sequences, and methods for preparing and using the same.

Abstract: Methods for identifying one or more amino acid substitutions in a Rubisco large subunit polypeptide (variant) that confer increased Rubisco activity in a unicellular photosynthetic organism and transferring those substitutions to a Rubisco large subunit polypeptide of a higher plant cell are described herein. Methods and compositions for modulating plant productivity using the modified Rubisco large subunit polypeptide variants are provided. The Rubisco large subunit sequences are used in a variety of methods including increasing plant productivity in a plant. Transformed plants, plant cell, tissues, seed, and expression vectors are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct inbred tomato lines and hybrids. This invention also relates to plants and seeds of such inbred tomato lines and hybrids, and to parts thereof. The invention also relates to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such inbred tomato lines and hybrids with themselves or other tomato plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plant cells and plants which synthesize an increased amount of hyaluronan, and to methods for preparing such plants, and also to methods for preparing hyaluronan with the aid of these plant cells or plants. Here, plant cells or genetically modified plants according to the invention have hyaluronan synthase activity and additionally an increased UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UDP-Glc-DH) activity compared to wild-type plant cells or wild-type plants. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of plants having increased hyaluronan synthesis for preparing hyaluronan and food or feedstuff containing hyaluronan.

Abstract: A nucleic acid containing a glutelin gene promoter. Disclosed are transformed plant cells and transgenic plants containing a nucleic acid that includes the promoter operably linked to a sequence encoding heterologous protein. Also disclosed are methods of making the transformed plant cells and transgenic plants and methods for expressing a polypeptide.

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing plant growth rate, biomass and tolerance to stress by genetically engineering plants to contain and express a gene of the ascorbic acid synthesis-cell wall synthesis network (e.g. GlcUA reductase, GLOase or MIOX). Transgenic plants that are genetically engineered in such a manner are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide molecules for regulating gene expression in plants. In particular, the invention relates to promoters that are useful for regulating gene expression of heterologous polynucleotide molecules in plants. The invention also relates to expression constructs and transgenic plants containing the heterologous polynucleotide molecules.

Abstract: Expression of esterase genes in plant cells results in the production of enzymatically active esterases that effectively resists the otherwise growth inhibitory and/or lethal effects of nonionic, fatty acid ester detergents such as Tween 20 or Span 20. Specifically, expression of a variety of esterases, including pregastric esterase, carboxyesterase, lipase and acyloxyacyl hydrolase from a wide variety of sources in plant cells is disclosed as an excellent method to protect the cells from the effects of these detergents, allowing the exposed plant cells to regenerate into whole plants in the presence of nonionic, fatty acid ester detergents, thereby providing a practical and safe method for plant transformation.

Abstract: A constitutive plant S-adenosyl-L-methionine synthetase (SAMS) promoter and subfragments thereof and their use in promoting the expression of one or more heterologous nucleic acid fragments in plants are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bacillus thuringiensis strains comprising novel crystal proteins which exhibit insecticidal activity against lepidopteran insects. Also disclosed are novel B. thuringiensis genes and their encoded crystal proteins, as well as methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising the novel nucleic acid sequences of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transgenic plant transformed with an isolated polynucleotide comprising a plant arsenate reductase coding sequence operatively linked to a plant-expressible transcription regulatory sequence. Also disclosed are methods to limit metal or metal ion accumulation in a harvested plant tissue comprising growing the transgenic plant; and harvesting plant tissue having reduced metal or metal ion accumulation. Further disclosed herein is method of making a transgenic plant transformed with an isolated polynucleotide comprising a plant arsenate reductase coding sequence operatively linked to a plant-expressible transcription regulatory sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-coding regulatory element polynucleotide molecules isolated from the Metallothionein gene of Oryza sativa and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the Oryza sativa regulatory polynucleotide sequences, and methods for preparing and using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to plant cells, plant tissues or plants transgenic for a nucleic acid encoding puroindoline A. This invention also relates to methods for producing such transgenic plant cells, plant tissues or plants. The transgenic plants produced by the methods of this invention are useful in reducing the damage caused by plant pests, especially plant pathogens such as fungi and bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformed plant cell expressing ?-amyloid gene, which is known as a causal substance of senile dementia in human, a transformed plant and a preparation method of the same, more particularly, to a transformed plant cell expressing tandem repeats of ?-amyloid gene, a transformed plant produced by tissue-culturing the above cells and a preparation method of the same. The transformed plant of the present invention expresses multiple ?-amyloid protein, so that the plant can be effectively used for the preparation of an oral vaccine composition for the prevention of senile dementia in human.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences and methods are provided for producing plants and seeds having altered tocopherol content and compositions. The methods find particular use in increasing the tocopherol levels in plants, and in providing desirable tocopherol compositions in a host plant cell.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated CCP nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel cell cycle associated polypeptides. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing CCP, nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and transgenic plants in which a CCP gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated CCP proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-CCP antibodies. Agricultural, diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions or the invention are also provided.

Abstract: DNA constructions that provide for production of potent antifungal proteins in transgenic plants and transformed yeast cells are described. Methods of using the DNA constructs to produce transgenic plants that inhibit growth of plant pathogenic fungi are also disclosed. The use of transformed yeast cells containing the DNA constructs to produce the antifungal proteins and methods of isolating the antifungal proteins are also described.

Abstract: Transformed plants which have increased or decreased linolenic acid content are disclosed. Also disclosed are plants which express a linoleic acid desaturase gene.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a Protein Kinase Stress-Related Protein (PKSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated PKSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding PKSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.

Abstract: Non-coding RNA molecules that include the sequence 5?-AUUU-3?, the expression of which confers resistance or tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, are described, as are genes encoding the same, expression cassettes and vectors harboring such genes, and transgenic eukaryotic organisms that express such RNAs.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a Protein Kinase Stress-Related Protein (PKSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated PKSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding PKSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.

Abstract: Non-coding RNA molecules that include the sequence 5?-UUAUUU-3?, the expression of which confers resistance or tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, are described, as are genes encoding the same, expression cassettes and vectors harboring such genes, and transgenic eukaryotic organisms that express such RNAs.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-coding regulatory element polynucleotide molecules isolated from Oryza sativa and useful for expressing transgenes in plants, in particular root tissues. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the Oryza sativa regulatory polynucleotide sequences, and methods for preparing and using the same.

Abstract: Transgenic eukaryotic organisms and cells exhibiting improved resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, as compared to wild-type varieties of the same organisms and cells, are described, as are methods for making and using the same. Genetic engineering of genes encoding a QM protein, including introduction of QM-encoding transgenes, engineering of regulatory regions for endogenous QM genes, duplication of QM-encoding genes, etc., confers such improved stress resistance in eukaryotic organisms, particularly plants and cell-based systems for the bioproduction of useful compounds, including recombinant proteins, biofuels, food supplements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hardy tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) varieties, homozygous for the dark green (dg) gene, producing fruit comprising an average lycopene content at least two fold its content in fruit of currently available commercial tomato varieties, wherein the varieties are adapted for growth on a commercial scale and the fruit crop maintains the average high lycopene content. The present invention further relates to the use of said varieties for the production of tomatoes for the fresh and processed fruit markets as well as for the production of lycopene and products comprising same.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel plastid transit peptides that direct localization of attached moieties (e.g., polypeptides) into plant plastids. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for localizing polypeptides to plant plastids including, but not limited to, transgenic plant production.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel plastid transit peptides that direct localization of attached moieties (e.g., polypeptides) into plant plastids. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for localizing polypeptides to plant plastids including, but not limited to, transgenic plant production.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a Transcription Factor Stress-Related Protein (TFSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated TFSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding TFSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a protein kinase stress-related protein (PKSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated PKSRP, and isolated nucleic acid coding PKSRP, and vectors and host cells containing the latter. Further provided are methods of producing transgenic plants expressing PKSRP, and methods of identifying novel PKSRP and methods of modifying the expression of PKSRP in plants.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a Transcription Factor Stress-Related Protein (TFSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated TFSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding TFSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.

Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel plastid transit peptides that direct localization of attached moieties (e.g., polypeptides) into plant plastids. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for localizing polypeptides to plant plastids including, but not limited to, transgenic plant production.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a GTP Binding Stress-Related Protein (GBSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated GBSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding GBSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a Signal Transduction Stress-Related Protein (STSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated STSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding STSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a Protein Kinase Stress-Related Protein (PKSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated PKSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding PKSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel plastid transit peptides that direct localization of attached moieties (e.g., polypeptides) into plant plastids. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for localizing polypeptides to plant plastids including, but not limited to, transgenic plant production.

Abstract: A series of independent non-transgenic mutations found in the fruit PG gene of tomato; tomato plants having these mutations in their fruit PG gene; and a method of creating and identifying similar and/or additional mutations in the PG gene by screening pooled and/or individual tomato plants. The tomato plants of the present invention exhibit reduced PG enzyme activity and fruit that soften more slowly post harvest without having the inclusion of foreign nucleic acids in their genomes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for assaying for the presence or activity of a MAP kinase in a sample, the methods comprising: (a) contacting the sample under conditions necessary for a phosphorylation reaction with a peptide substrate comprising the following target motif: HP(x)SPR, wherein: (x) represents any amino acid; (b) assessing any resulting phosphorylation of the peptide substrate; (c) optionally correlating the result from step (b) with the presence or activity of MAP kinase in the sample. Examples substrates include the Arabidopsis protein AtPhos34. In another aspect the invention provides methods and materials for influencing the salt and\or drought tolerance phenotype of a plant, for example by use of nucleic acid encoding AtPhos34 or variants thereof.