Signal sequences useful for targeting proteins and peptides to the surface of endospores produced by Paenibacillus family members and methods of using the same are provided. The display of heterologous molecules, such as peptides, polypeptides and other recombinant constructs, on the spore surface of Paenibacillus family members, using particular N-terminal targeting sequences and derivatives of the same, are also provided.

A method of controlling or preventing pathogenic damage and/or pest damage in a plant propagation material, a plant, part of a plant and/or plant organ, comprising applying on the plant, part of the plant, plant organ, plant propagation material or a surrounding area thereof a phytoprotective agent comprising an enzyme and a fungicide.

The present disclosure describes methods of determining a treatment protocol for and/or a prognosis for a subject suspected of or at risk of suffering from a neurologic disease or disorder, including such diseases and disorders that involve motor neuron function such as ALS. The methods comprise detecting the presence of a chitinase protein in a biological sample.

The subject invention provides methods of producing advantageous microbes and/or by-products using a modified form of solid-state fermentation, or matrix fermentation. In particular, the methods utilize foodstuff mixed with liquid nutrient medium to produce a three-dimensional scaffold substrate having ample surface area on which the microbes can grow. The methods can be used to cultivate yeasts, fungi and bacteria at high concentrations without susceptibility to total contamination. The subject invention can be used in remote locations and can be transported with ease.

The present disclosure relates to a novel chitinolytic enzyme, particularly to a chitinolytic enzyme including an exo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (Clocel_3193) constituting a cellulosome derived from Clostridium cellulovorans as an active ingredient. The present disclosure allows utilization of chitin biomass which has not been used formerly as a raw material and allows environment-friendly production of N-acetylglucosamine. In addition, since the Clocel_3193 has a cell wall binding ability and degrading ability, the Clocel_3193 may be used in an antifungal composition.

Methods and compositions are provided for isolating protoplasts from plants and other multicellular, cell-wall containing organisms with high efficiency.

Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desaturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type.

Herein is demonstrated that expression of the enzyme chitinase in the lungs of animals is protective against adverse chitin-mediated inflammation and that with impaired chitinase expression, various inflammatory pathways are enhanced, contributing to conditions such as fibrotic lung disease. Further, it is shown that the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis and other improvements to lung health are achieved by administration of chitinase to the lungs. Additionally, methods of assessing chitinase activity in the lungs provide a novel diagnostic measure of lung health.

Signal sequences useful for targeting proteins and peptides to the surface of endospores produced by Paenibacillus family members and methods of using the same are provided. The display of heterologous molecules, such as peptides, polypeptides and other recombinant constructs, on the spore surface of Paenibacillus family members, using particular N-terminal targeting sequences and derivatives of the same, are also provided.

The present disclosure relates to a novel chitinolytic enzyme, particularly to a chitinolytic enzyme including an exo--N-acetylglucosaminidase (Clocel_3193) constituting a cellulosome derived from Clostridium cellulovorans as an active ingredient. The present disclosure allows utilization of chitin biomass which has not been used formerly as a raw material and allows environment-friendly production of N-acetylglucosamine. In addition, since the Clocel_3193 has a cell wall binding ability and degrading ability, the Clocel_3193 may be used in an antifungal composition.