Novartis Finance Corporation

Ciba-geigy Corporation

Novartis Ag

Dwight Steven Hill

Stephen T Lam

Philip E Hammer

James M Ligon

John A Ryals

James Madison Ligon

Thomas D Gaffney

Thomas Schupp

James Joseph Beck

Scott Joseph Uknes

Jeffrey I Stein

Karl-Heinz Van Pee

Sabine Kirner

Thomas R Young

Snezana Neff

Nancy R Torkewitz

Nancy Torkewitz

Jill Michelle Stafford

The present invention is directed to the production of pyrrolnitrin in a host via recombinant expression of the polypeptides needed to biologically synthesize pyrrolnitrin. Genes isolated from P. fluorescens, P. pyrrocinia, B. cepacia, and M. fulvus that encode polypeptides necessary to produce pyrrolnitrin are provided, along with methods for identifying and isolating genes needed to recombinantly biosynthesize pyrrolnitrin from any organism capable of producing pyrrolnitrin. The isolated genes may be transformed and expressed in a desired host organisms to produce pyrrolnitrin according to the invention for a variety of purposes, including protecting the host from a pathogen, developing the host as a biocontrol agent, and producing large, uniform amounts of pyrrolnitrin.

Pyrrolnitrin biosynthesis genes and uses thereof

Strains of Pseudomonas have been genetically engineered to have enhanced biocontrol properties. The strains of the invention are particularly effective against plant pathogenic fungi such as species of Rhizoctonia and Pythium, because the strains produce enhanced amounts of antifungal metabolites such as pyrrolnitrin that are active against these fungal pathogens. Both the genetically modified biocontrol strains and the antifungal metabolites can be used as active agents for biocontrol compositions.

Genetically modified pseudomonas strains with enhanced biocontrol

The present invention is directed to the production of an antipathogenic substance (APS) in a host via recombinant expression of the polypeptides needed to biologically synthesize the APS. Genes encoding polypeptides necessary to produce particular antipathogenic substances are provided, along with methods for identifying and isolating genes needed to recombinantly biosynthesize any desired APS. The cloned genes may be transformed and expressed in a desired host organisms to produce the APS according to the invention for a variety of purposes, including protecting the host from a pathogen, developing the host as a biocontrol agent, and producing large, uniform amounts of the APS.

Genes for the synthesis of pyrrolnitrin

Genetically modified Pseudomonas strains with enhanced biocontrol

Pyrrolnitrin biosynthesis genes

The present invention is directed to the production of a polyketide antibiotic such as soraphen in a host via recombinant expression of the polypeptides needed to biologically synthesize the polyketide antibiotic. Polyketide synthase (PKS) genes encoding polypeptides necessary to synthesize soraphen are provided, along with methods for identifying and isolating the PKS genes needed to recombinantly biosynthesize any desired polyketide antibiotic. The cloned PKS genes may be transformed and expressed in a desired host organisms to produce soraphen for a variety of purposes, including protecting the host from a pathogen, developing the host as a biocontrol agent, and producing large, uniform amounts of soraphen.

Genes for the biosynthesis of soraphen

Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.

Growing community of inventors

Cary, NC, United States of America

Dwight Steven Hill