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AssigneeMetabolix, Inc.
InventorsGjalt W. Huisman, Frank Skraly, David P. Martin, Oliver P. Peoples
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The gene encoding a 4-hydroxybutyryl-Co A transferase has been isolated from bacteria and integrated into the genome of bacteria also expressing a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, to yield an improved production process for 4HB-containing polyhydroxyalkanoates using transgenic organisms, including both bacteria and plants. The new pathways provide means for producing 4HB containing PHAs from cheap carbon sources such as sugars and fatty acids, in high yields, which are stable. Useful strains are obtaining by screening strains having integrated into their genomes a gene encoding a 4HB-CoA transferase and/or PHA synthase, for polymer production. Processes for polymer production use recombinant systems that can utilize cheap substrates. Systems are provided which can utilize amino acid degradation pathways, α-ketoglutarate, or succinate as substrate.
A recombinant host having stably incorporated into the genome a gene encoding a heterologous enzyme selected from the group consisting of a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase and a 4-hydroxybutyrate-CoA (4HB-CoA2) transferase, wherein when the host is provided with feedstock selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, succinate, 4-hydroxybutyrate, α-ketoglutarate, and amino acids, the enzyme is expressed in a sufficient amount to produce polyhydroxybutyrate-co-polyhudrohexanoate or poly 4-hydroxybutyrate.
A method for enhancing production of polymers containing 4HB in a host comprising
A 4HB polymer produced by a recombinant host having stably incorporated into the genome a gene encoding a heterologous enzyme selected from the group consisting of a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase and a 4HB-CoA transferase.
A vector comprising, an isolated gene encoding a 4HB-CoA transferase under the control of a promoter for enhancing expression, wherein expression occurs after integration into the genome of a heterologous host.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.