The present application relates to a compositions and methods comprising or expressing a HEVAR or MOMO30 protein derived from Momordica balsamina. The HEVAR or MOMO30 protein and/or a nucleic acid encoding the same may be used in methods for treating or preventing viral infections, particularly those caused by coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.

Disclosed herein is the nucleotide sequence of the Chromobacterium subtsugae genome. Also provided are the nucleotide sequences of open reading frames in the C subtsugae genome (i.e., C. subtsugae genes). In addition, the amino acid sequences of proteins encoded by the C. subtsugae genome are provided. Nucleic acids, vectors and polypeptides comprising the aforementioned sequences are also provided. Homologues, functional fragments and conservative variants of the aforementioned sequences are also provided. Compositions having pesticidal, bioremedial and plant growth-promoting activities comprising C. subtsugae genes and proteins, and methods for the use of these compositions, are also provided.

Disclosed herein is the nucleotide sequence of the Chromobacterium subtsugae genome. Also provided are the nucleotide sequences of open reading frames in the C. subtsugae genome (i.e., C. subtsugae genes). In addition, the amino acid sequences of proteins encoded by the C. subtsugae genome are provided. Nucleic acids, vectors and polypeptides comprising the aforementioned sequences are also provided. Homologues, functional fragments and conservative variants of the aforementioned sequences are also provided. Compositions having pesticidal, bioremedial and plant growth-promoting activities comprising C. subtsugae genes and proteins, and methods for the use of these compositions, are also provided.

An Enterobacter species isolated from finger millet, characterized by 16S rRNA gene analysis and the identification of genes that prevent or inhibit the growth of fungal plant pathogens, is disclosed for use with agricultural plants.

The present invention discloses a recombinant modified extracellular chitinase having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.4 or SEQ ID NO.5 prepared by substituting two tyrosine (Y) residues with histidine (H) in the native chitinase of Brevibacillus laterosporus LAK 1210. The modified chitinase represents an advancement as it has improved thermal stability, wider optimum pH range, high efficacy, improved solubility and low toxicity. The present invention also provides compositions and improved methods for producing and purifying the recombinant modified chitinase by chitin affinity chromatography and chitin adsorption affinity chromatography using shrimp shell and crab shell, for large scale production at low cost. The modified chitinase has wide range of applications including prevention, treatment or modulation of phytopathogenic infection in a plant or a plant part.

Disclosed herein is the nucleotide sequence of the Chromobacterium subtsugae genome. Also provided are the nucleotide sequences of open reading frames in the C subtsugae genome (i.e., C. subtsugae genes). In addition, the amino acid sequences of proteins encoded by the C. subtsugae genome are provided. Nucleic acids, vectors and polypeptides comprising the aforementioned sequences are also provided. Homologues, functional fragments and conservative variants of the aforementioned sequences are also provided. Compositions having pesticidal, bioremedial and plant growth-promoting activities comprising C. subtsugae genes and proteins, and methods for the use of these compositions, are also provided.

The present application relates to a compositions and methods comprising or expressing a HEVAR or MOMO30 protein derived from Momordica balsamina. The HEVAR or MOMO30 protein and/or a nucleic acid encoding the same may be used in methods for treating or preventing viral infections, particularly those caused by coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.

Provided are engineered novel forms of the acidic mammalian chitinase having enhanced expression and having improved catalytic activity. The novel forms of the mammalian acidic chitinase comprise one or more amino acid substitutions, relative to the native sequence, that impart these improved properties. The novel proteins may be used therapeutically for the prevention and treatment of airway conditions associated with environmental chitin exposure and accumulation.

The present invention generally relates to the use of a bifunctional peptidoglycan/chitin hydrolase to reduce and/or prevent hyphae formation in a pathogen, and/or to reduce or prevent biofilm formation. The present invention further relates to a bifunctional peptidoglycan/chitin hydrolase for use in the treatment and/or prevention of pathogenic infections, in particular yeast or bacterial infections. In another aspect, the present invention provides the use of a bifunctional peptidoglycan/chitin hydrolase as a anti-pathogenic agent in non-medical applications; in particular in the personal hygiene industry, food industry, cleaning industry, pharma industry, or biocontrol and crop protection industry.

The present invention discloses a recombinant, modified extracellular chitinase having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.4 or SEQ ID NO.5. The recombinant, modified chitinase is derived by inserting two-point mutations at positions 661 and 2158 in the native chitinase gene of Brevibacillus laterosporus LAK 1210 which results in amino acid substitution of tyrosine (Y) residue with histidine (H) at positions 221 and 720. The modified chitinase exhibits both exochitinase and endochitinase activity. The recombinant, modified enzyme is thermoactive with a temperature optimum of 55-60° C. and high thermostability (Tm of 66.7° C.), functions in a broad pH range (pH 3.0-11.0) having a pH optimum of 9.0 and also exhibits improved solubility and enhanced efficacy for control of insects and phytopathogenic fungi. The invention further provides improved methods for large scale production of recombinant modified chitinase and rapid, cost-effective purification method by chitin-adsorption affinity chromatography using powdered crustacean shells.