The present invention provides polynucleotide vectors for high expression of heterologous genes. Some vectors further comprise novel transposons and transposases that further improve expression. Further disclosed are vectors that can be used in a gene transfer system for stably introducing nucleic acids into the DNA of a cell. The gene transfer systems can be used in methods, for example, gene expression, bioprocessing, gene therapy, insertional mutagenesis, or gene discovery.

The present invention provides methods and compositions for stable genetic modification of cultured mammalian cells. The genetic modifications can be used to produce cultured mammalian cells for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

Methods and systems are provided for generating and utilizing a genetically engineered bacterium comprising a modification in glnD, wherein said modification is selected from the group consisting of: deletion of the entire gene, deletion of substantially the entire gene, deletion of an ACT domain, deletion of more than 50% of an ACT domain, deactivation of an ACT domain, and deactivation of an UTase domain.

The present invention provides novel compositions for use to enhance weed control. Specifically, the present invention provides for methods and compositions that modulate glutamine synthetase in weed species. The present invention also provides for combinations of compositions and methods that enhance weed control.

The present invention provides polynucleotide vectors for high expression of heterologous genes. Some vectors further comprise novel transposons and transposases that further improve expression. Further disclosed are vectors that can be used in a gene transfer system for stably introducing nucleic acids into the DNA of a cell. The gene transfer systems can be used in methods, for example, gene expression, bioprocessing, gene therapy, insertional mutagenesis, or gene discovery

Disclosed herein are methods of increasing nitrogen fixation in a non-leguminous plant. The methods can comprise exposing the plant to a plurality of bacteria. Each member of the plurality comprises one or more genetic variations introduced into one or more genes or non-coding polynucleotides of the bacteria's nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network, such that the bacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of exogenous nitrogen. The bacteria are not intergeneric microorganisms. Additionally, the bacteria, in planta, produce 1% or more of the fixed nitrogen in the plant.

Disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing therapeutic proteins.

A method of quantifying ammonia, which method includes: performing a first reaction in which a test liquid containing ammonia is reacted with ATP and L-glutamic acid in the presence of glutamine synthetase to produce ADP; performing a second reaction in which the produced ADP is reacted with glucose in the presence of ADP-dependent hexokinase to produce glucose-6-phosphate; performing a third reaction in which the produced glucose-6-phosphate is reacted with an oxidized NAD compound in the presence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase to produce a reduced NAD compound; and quantifying the reduced NAD compound to quantify ammonia.

The present invention provides for a mechanism to reduce glycerol production and increase nitrogen utilization and ethanol production of recombinant microorganisms. One aspect of this invention relates to strains of S. cerevisiae with reduced glycerol productivity that get a kinetic benefit from higher nitrogen concentration without sacrificing ethanol yield. A second aspect of the invention relates to metabolic modifications resulting in altered transport and/or intracellular metabolism of nitrogen sources present in corn mash.

The present invention provides for a mechanism to reduce glycerol production and increase nitrogen utilization and ethanol production of recombinant microorganisms. One aspect of this invention relates to strains of S. cerevisiae with reduced glycerol productivity that get a kinetic benefit from higher nitrogen concentration without sacrificing ethanol yield. A second aspect of the invention relates to metabolic modifications resulting in altered transport and/or intracellular metabolism of nitrogen sources present in com mash.