The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Brookhaven Science Associates, Lcc

Chang-Jun Liu

Richard A Dixon

Bettina E Broeckling

Mohammad-Wadud Bhuiya

Yuanheng Cai

Kewei Zhang

Bettina Deavours

Specialized (iso)eugenol 4-O-methyltransferase (s-IEMT) enzymes having increased capacity for methylation of monolignols are disclosed. The s-IEMTs have unique activity favoring methylation of coniferyl alcohol versus sinapyl alcohol. Various s-IEMTs methylate ferulic acid. Means for producing the various s-IEMTs are provided. The s-IEMTs are useful for modification of lignin content and production of aromatic compounds.

Specialized (iso)eugenol-4-O-methyltransferases (s-IEMTs) and methods of making and using the same

Modified (iso)eugenol 4-O-methyltransferase enzymes having novel capacity for methylation of monolignols and reduction of lignin polymerization in plant cell wall are disclosed. Sequences encoding the modified enzymes are disclosed.

Monolignol 4-O-methyltransferases and uses thereof

The invention provides enzymes that encode O-methyltransferases (OMTs) fromthat allow modification to plant (iso)flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. In certain aspects of the invention, the genes encoding these enzymes are provided. The invention therefore allows the modification of plants for isoflavonoid content. Transgenic plants comprising such enzymes are also provided, as well as methods for improving disease resistance in plants. Methods for producing food and nutraceuticals, and the resulting compositions, are also provided.

Plant isoflavone and isoflavanone O-methyltransferase genes

The invention provides plant isoflavonoid hydroxylase coding sequences. Also provided are constructs comprising these sequences, plants transformed therewith and methods of use thereof. In certain aspects of the invention, plants transformed with the nucleic acids are provided exhibiting improved pest and disease resistance. Plants provided by the invention may also exhibit improved nutritional qualities.

Plant isoflavonoid hydroxylases and methods of use thereof

The invention provides method and compositions for the modulation of flavanone and/or isoflavone production in plants. The methods of the invention allow creation of plants having novel phenotypes. Increased expression of isoflavones in particular in plants may be used to increase the nutritional value of food plants for both human and animal consumption. The invention overcomes limitations of the prior art which prevented accumulation of high levels of isoflavones in plants.

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Rocky Point, NY, United States of America

Chang-Jun Liu