University of South Florida

Larry Paul Solomonson

Andrew C Cannons

Duane C Eichler

Hana Nenicka Dawson

Laura C Pendleton

The present invention is based in part on the discovery that the upstream open reading frame (uORF) in the extended 5'-untranslated region (5&#x2032;-UTR) argininosuccinate synthase (AS) mRNA species is functional, and when functional, limits overall AS expression as well as nitric oxide (NO) production. Thus, the extended 5&#x2032;-UTR AS mRNA species is a mechanism for regulating AS expression and NO production, and provides a target for the treatment of pathophysiological conditions associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction and characterized by impairment of NO production, such as heart failure, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.

Polynucleotides targeted against the extended 5'-UTR region of argininosuccinate synthase and uses thereof

Biosynthesis of a desired macromolecule includes inserting a promoter that encodes for an endogenously produced inducible macromolecule in a Chlorella cell into a DNA vector to form a first recombinant DNA vector. A cDNA sequence that encodes for the desired macromolecule is inserted into the first recombinant DNA vector to form a second recombinant DNA vector, which is then incorporated into the microalgae cell genome to form a transformed microalgae cell. Transcription and translation of the cDNA sequence are induced in the transformed microalgae cell to biosynthesize the desired macromolecule. Control of the method is achieved with the use of a mechanism effective in repressing an expression of the endogenously produced inducible macromolecule. Then, when desired, expression of the cDNA sequence may be induced by removing the repressing agent, thereby inducing a biosynthesis of the desired macromolecule.

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Tampa, FL, United States of America

Larry Paul Solomonson