The complex chemistry underlying the extensive transformations involved in terpene indole alkaloid synthesis makes identification of the biosynthetic genes challenging. The present invention relates to methods for producing a terpene indole alkaloid derivative, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a terpene indole alkaloid; and (2) providing a first enzyme termed “Precondylocarpine Acetate Synthase” (PAS) or a functional variant or homologue thereof; and/or a second enzyme termed “Dehydroprecondylocarpine Acetate Synthase” (DPAS) or a functional variant or homologue thereof, and optionally providing further identified enzymes involved in this pathway. The invention also encompasses related kits, enzymes, expression vectors, host cells and plants.

The present invention provides for novel metabolic pathways to convert biomass and other carbohydrate sources to malonyl-CoA derived products, such as hydrocarbons and other bioproducts, under anaerobic conditions and with the net production of ATP. More specifically, the invention provides for a recombinant microorganism comprising one or more native and/or heterologous enzymes that function in one or more engineered metabolic pathways to achieve conversion of a carbohydrate source to, e.g., long-chain hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon derivatives, wherein the one or more native and/or heterologous enzymes is activated, upregulated, downregulated, or deleted. The invention also provides for processes to convert biomass to malonyl-CoA derived products which comprise contacting a carbohydrate source with a recombinant microorganism of the invention.

Nodulisporic acids (NAs) comprise a group of indole diterpenes known for their potent insecticidal activities; however, biosynthesis of NAs by its natural producer, Hypoxylon pulicicidum (Nodulisporium sp.) is exceptionally difficult to achieve. The identification of genes responsible for NA production could enable biosynthetic pathway optimization to provide access to NAs for commercial applications. Obtaining useful quantities of NAs using published fermentations methods is challenging, making gene knockout studies an undesirable method to confirm gene function. Alternatively, heterologous gene expression of H. pulicicidum genes in a more robust host species like Penicillium paxilli provides a way to rapidly identify the function of genes that play a role in NA biosynthesis. In this work, we identified the function of four secondary-metabolic genes necessary for the biosynthesis of nodulisporic acid F (NAF) and reconstituted these genes in the genome of P. paxilli to enable heterologous production of NAF in this fungus.

This document describes biochemical pathways for producing pimeloyl-CoA using a polypeptide having the enzymatic activity of a hydroperoxide lyase to form non-3-enal and 9-oxononanoate from 9-hydroxyperoxyoctadec-10,12-dienoate. Non-3-enal and 9-oxononanoate can be enzymatically converted to pimeloyl-CoA or a salt thereof using one or more polypeptides having the activity of a dehydrogenase, a CoA ligase, an isomerase, a reductase, a thioesterase, a monooxygenase, a hydratase, and/or a thiolase. Pimeloyl-CoA can be enzymatically converted to pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol, or corresponding salts thereof. This document also describes recombinant microorganisms producing pimeloyl-CoA, as well as pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, and 1,7-heptanediol, or corresponding salts thereof.

Provided herein are microorganisms that include one or more heterologous nucleic acid selected from the group of a sequence encoding a 7-methylxanthosine synthase, a sequence encoding a theobromine synthase; and a sequence encoding a caffeine synthase, where the microorganism is capable of producing one or more purine alkaloid in a culture medium, when the microorganism is cultured under conditions sufficient to produce the one or more purine alkaloid. Also provided compositions and kits that include at least one of these microorganisms, and methods of producing one or more purine alkaloid that include culturing one of these microorganisms under conditions sufficient to produce the one or more purine alkaloid.

Described are methods including cell wall-associated melanin extraction and extracting melanin from microbes producing extracellular vesicles comprising melanin. Further described are composition comprising melanin, melanin coated articles and methods of coating an article. Uses of melanin in methods of heat generation and microwave radiation protection are also described.

A method of demethylizing an opioid to a nor-opioid is provided. The method comprises contacting an opioid with at least one enzyme. Contacting the opioid with the at least one enzyme converts the opioid to a nor-opioid. A method of converting a nor-opioid to a nal-opioid is provided. The method comprises contacting a nor-opioid with at least one enzyme. Contacting the nor-opioid with the at least one enzyme converts the nor-opioid to a nal-opioid.

Herein are provided microbial factories, in particular yeast factories, for production of strictosidine aglycone and optionally other plant-derived compounds. Also provided are methods for producing strictosidine aglycone in a microorganism, as well as useful nucleic acids, vectors and host cells.

The disclosure discloses a method for increasing the intracellular heme content of Escherichia coli and belongs to the field of metabolic engineering. In the disclosure, in E. coli, the gene mscS encoding a small conductance mechanically sensitive ion channel protein is knocked out, the gene aroG encoding 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase is knocked out, or the gene hemA encoding glutamyl-tRNA reductase is overexpressed. The constructed recombinant strain is cultured in an LB culture medium, and the heme content can reach 47.6 μmol.Math.L.sup.−1, which is significantly higher than that of a control strain. The recombinant strain has the value of wide application.

Provided herein are compositions and processes for producing compositions from an algae that overproduces protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). Also provided are methods of growing PPIX overproducing algae, methods of isolating PPIX-containing portions from algae cultures and compositions and methods of making food products with PPIX produced by algae. Provided herein are strains and methods to select strains that overproduce PPIX. Also provided are compositions, including edible compositions that include PPIX produced from algae. Specifically, the algal strain over-producing PPIX is an engineered strain of The algal biomass may be used for preparing meat analogues wherein the PPIX compound imparts a meat-like colour and flavour.