Compositions, methods, and systems for modifying sterol metabolism in a subject is disclosed. In some embodiments, the subjects may be administered one or more mammalian cells modified to express at least one sterol degrading enzyme derived from a bacterium. In many embodiments, the cell is a macrophage or monocyte stably expressing three or more enzymes that aid in opening the β ring of cholesterol. The disclosed compositions and methods may be useful in lowering cholesterol levels in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the subject may have a genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis.

Compositions, methods, and systems for modifying sterol metabolism in a subject is disclosed. In some embodiments, the subjects may be administered one or more mammalian cells modified to express at least one sterol degrading enzyme derived from a bacterium. In many embodiments, the cell is a macrophage or monocyte stably expressing three or more enzymes that aid in opening the β ring of cholesterol. The disclosed compositions and methods may be useful in lowering cholesterol levels in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the subject may have a genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis.

A method of the bio-production of methionine and/or of its derivatives thereof from a reduced source of sulfur, such as MeSH or MeSNa including genetically modified yeasts, having an increased ability to produce methionine and/or its derivatives thereof, as compared to the parent yeasts.

Disclosed herein are compositions, constructs, cassettes, vectors, cells, nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, protocols and methods for reducing cholesterol and lipid buildup in mammalian subjects, via gene and/or cell therapeutic treatments. In many embodiments, the disclosed compositions, cells, constructs, cassettes, vectors, nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, protocols and methods may help to reduce lipid levels in mammals. In one embodiment, the disclosed compositions, cells, constructs, cassettes, vectors, nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, protocols and methods are useful in reducing lipid build-up, especially cholesterol, in liver cells.

A method of the bio-production of methionine and/or of its derivatives thereof from a reduced source of sulfur, such as MeSH or MeSNa including genetically modified yeasts, having an increased ability to produce methionine and/or its derivatives thereof, as compared to the parent yeasts.

Compositions, methods, and systems for modifying sterol metabolism in a subject is disclosed. In some embodiments, the subjects may be administered one or more mammalian cells modified to express at least one sterol degrading enzyme derived from a bacterium. In many embodiments, the cell is a macrophage or monocyte stably expressing three or more enzymes that aid in opening the ring of cholesterol. The disclosed compositions and methods may be useful in lowering cholesterol levels in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the subject may have a genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis.

The invention relates to novel biocatalytic processes comprising the whole cell reduction of dehydrocholic acid (DHCA) compounds, novel 7-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase mutants, the sequences coding for these enzyme mutants, methods for producing the enzyme mutants and use thereof in enzymatic conversions of cholic acid compounds, and in particular in the production of ursodesoxycholic acid (UDCA); also a subject of the invention are novel methods for the synthesis of UDCA using the enzyme mutants; and in particular a further improved method for producing UDCA using recombinant whole cell biocatalysts.

The present disclosure relates to microbial compositions for enhancing bile acid metabolism in a subject, methods of manufacturing the compositions, and methods of selecting subjects in need of treatment with the compositions. Certain bile acid transforming or converting genes and bile acid transforming or converting bacteria are used to select desired bacterial isolates or suitable donors or patients, predict treatment success, or track treatment response.

The present inventors have found that the content ratios of isoalloLCA, 3-oxoLCA, alloLCA, and 3-oxoalloLCA in the feces of centenarians are higher than those of younger ones, and have also identified gut microbiomes peculiar to centenarians involved in the production of these bile acids. Furthermore, it has been found that these bile acids, enzymes involved in the production thereof, and bacteria producing the enzymes reduce the risk of infection with pathogens, prostate cancer, and the like, and are involved in longevity.

The disclosure relates generally to bacteria that have been modified to metabolize a bile acid, pharmaceutical compositions including the bacteria, and methods of using the bacteria and pharmaceutical compositions to treat disorders associated with an elevated amount of bile acid, e.g., bile acid diarrhea.