Novartis Ag

Paradigm Genetics, Inc.

J&ouml;rn G&ouml;rlach

Thomas Schupp

James Madison Ligon

Istvan Molnar

Ross Zirkle

Devon Dawn Cyr

Robert Ascenzi

Carol M Hamilton

Douglas C Boyes

Neil E Hoffman

Keith R Davis

Jeffrey P Woessner

Adel Zayed

Andreas S Kl&ouml;ti

Andreas S Kloti

The present inventors have discovered that chorismate mutase and chorismate synthase are essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of chorismate mutase or chorismate synthase gene expression in plant seedlings results in severe chlorosis, reduced growth and developmental abnormalities. The inventors have proven that chorismate synthase and chorismate mutase can be used as targets for the identification of herbicides. Thus, the invention provides methods for the identification of chemicals that modulate chorismate synthase and chorismate mutase biochemical reactions. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides and for the inhibition of plant growth and development.

Methods and compositions for the modulation of chorismate synthase and chorismate mutase expression or activity in plants

Methods for the identification of modulators of magnesium chelatase expression or activity in plants

The present inventors have discovered that chorismate mutase and chorismate synthase are essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of chorismate mutase or chorismate synthase gene expression in plant seedlings results in severe chlorosis, reduced growth and developmental abnormalities. Thus, in one aspect the invention provides compositions for the modulation of plant growth or development comprising chorismate synthase and chorismate mutase antisense and sense polynucleotides, dsRNA and ribozymes, and related expression cassettes and vectors. The compositions of the invention are particularly useful for the modulation and inhibition of plant growth. The invention further provides plants, plant cells, and seeds containing the polynucleotides of the invention. The inventors have proven that chorismate synthase and chorismate mutase can be used as targets for the identification of herbicides. Thus, the invention provides methods for the identification of chemicals that modulate chorismate synthase and chorismate mutase biochemical reactions. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides and for the inhibition of plant growth and development. In addition, the methods of the invention are useful for the identification of compounds that stimulate the expression or function of chorismate synthase or chorismate mutase expression or function. Such compounds can be used to promote plant growth and development.

Nucleic acid molecules are isolated from that encode polypeptides necessary for the biosynthesis of epothilone. Disclosed are methods for the production of epothilone in recombinant hosts transformed with the genes of the invention. In this manner, epothilone can be produced in quantities large enough to enable their purification and use in pharmaceutical formulations such as those for the treatment of cancer.

Genes for the biosynthesis of epothilones

Growing community of inventors

Durham, NC, United States of America

Jörn Görlach

Growing community of inventors

Durham, NC, United States of America

J&ouml;rn G&ouml;rlach

Jörn Görlach