Monsanto Technology LLC

Calgene Corporation

B Ganesh Bhat

Ganesh M Kishore

Sekhar S Boddupalli

Shaukat H Rangwala

David Richard Corbin

Michael W Lassner

Balasulojini Karunanandaa

Christine K Shewmaker

Kathryn Dennis Lardizabal

Mylavarapu Venkatramesh

Mylavaraapu Venkatramesh

Robert J Grebenok

Provided are recombinant constructs comprising DNA sequences encoding enzymes effective in altering the biosynthesis and accumulation of sterol compounds and tocopherols in transgenic plants. Also provided are methods of using such constructs to produce transgenic plants, seeds of which contain elevated levels of sitostanol and/or sitostanol esters, and &#x3b1;-tocopherol, as well as reduced levels of campesterol and campestanol and their corresponding esters. These seeds also contain the novel sterol brassicastanol. Oil obtained from seeds of such transgenic plants is also provided. This oil can be used to prepare food and pharmaceutical compositions effective in lowering the level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol in blood serum. In addition, novel DNA sequences encoding plant steroid 5&#x3b1;-reductases are also disclosed.

Transgenic plants containing altered levels of sterol compounds and tocopherols

Methods are provided for producing plants and seeds having altered carotenoid, fatty acid and tocopherol compositions. The methods find particular use in increasing the carotenoid and tocopherol levels in oilseed plants, and in providing desirable high oleic acid seed oils.

Methods for producing carotenoid compounds, tocopherol compounds, and specialty oils in plant seeds

Growing community of inventors

St. Louis, MO, United States of America

B Ganesh Bhat