Disclosed are a recombinant yeast for producing 2,3-butanediol and a method for producing 2,3-butanediol using the same. By introducing Candida tropicalis-derived Pdc, which is less active than its own pyruvate decarboxylase (Pdc), into the cells of the strain, the recombinant yeast can synthesize acetyl-CoA, while avoiding production of ethanol, thereby increasing the strain growth rate and the substrate consumption rate and ultimately greatly improving productivity of 2,3-butanediol.

Disclosed is a method for producing 2,3-butanediol. Conventional methods for producing 2,3-butanediol using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) inevitably cause production of a great amount of glycerol as a by-product, in addition to production of 2,3-butanediol. However, the yeast strain according to the present invention can produce 2,3-butanediol with high purity, high yield and high productivity, while inhibiting production of glycerol.

An acetic acid metabolizing ability of a recombinant yeast strain having xylose-metabolizing ability is to be improved. In such a recombinant yeast strain having xylose-metabolizing ability, the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase gene has been introduced and a gene encoding NADH dehydrogenase involved in reoxidation of cytoplasmic NADH on the mitochondrial outer membrane has been suppressed.

The present invention provides novel mitochondrial fusion transcripts and related deletion molecules that are associated with UV exposure. Methods for in vivo and in vitro detection of mtDNA molecules and associated fusion transcripts is also provided, as is their use in the screening and testing of skin care products.

Disclosed is a method of treating an ocular disorder, comprising contacting the eye of a subject in need thereof with an effective amount of a therapeutic nanoparticle composition, the therapeutic nanoparticle composition comprising (i) at least one population of nanostructures, (ii) a peptide attached to the at least at least one population of nanostructures, (iii) a therapeutic agent useful for the treatment of the ocular disorder attached to the at least one population of nanostructures or to the peptide; and (iv) optionally, a linkage between the at least one population of nanostructures or the peptide and the therapeutic agent.

The present application relates to the field of Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly sporadic PD or PD associated with mutations in the mitochondrial kinase PINK1. A new substrate for this kinase, NdufA10, is identified herein. In Parkinson's disease, this protein is dephosphorylated, which is linked to a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. It is shown that restoring or mimicking phosphorylation of NdufA10 restores the phenotypic defects associated with Parkinson's disease and is thus a new therapeutic paradigm.

Methods and materials related to producing glyceric acid and downstream products are disclosed. Specifically, isolated nucleic acids, polypeptides, host cells, methods and materials for producing glycolic acid by direct fermentation from sugars are disclosed.

The present invention provides novel mitochondrial fusion transcripts and related deletion molecules that are associated with UV exposure. Methods for in vivo and in vitro detection of mtDNA molecules and associated fusion transcripts is also provided, as is their use in the screening and testing of skin care products.

Methods and materials related to producing glyceric acid and downstream products are disclosed. Specifically, isolated nucleic acids. polypeptides, host cells, methods and materials for producing glycolic acid by direct fermentation from sugars are disclosed.