Monsanto Technology LLC

Calgene Corporation

Shaukat H Rangwala

Ganesh M Kishore

Sekhar S Boddupalli

Mylavarapu Venkatramesh

B Ganesh Bhat

David Richard Corbin

Michael W Lassner

Balasulojini Karunanandaa

Christine K Shewmaker

Jingdong Liu

Kathryn Dennis Lardizabal

Barkur G Bhat

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

The present invention is in the field of plant biochemistry. More specifically the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences from plant cells, in particular, nucleic acid sequences from maize and soybean associated with the tocopherol synthesis pathway enzymes. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules that encode proteins and fragments of proteins. In addition, the invention also encompasses proteins and fragments of proteins so encoded and antibodies capable of binding these proteins or fragments. The invention also relates to methods of using the nucleic acid molecules, proteins and fragments of proteins and antibodies, for example for genome mapping, gene identification and analysis, plant breeding, preparation of constructs for use in plant gene expression and transgenic plants.

Nucleic acid molecules associated with the tocopherol pathway

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

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Chesterfield, MO, United States of America

Shaukat H Rangwala