Plant Metabolism Manipulation

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Case Number 97UMC054 Abstract The present invention have demonstrated the cloning and sequencing of the cDNA for one of the components of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex which controls the specificity or substrates used by enzyme. By mutating certain amino acid residues in the sequence we will increase the use of longer analogues of pyruvate such as 2-oxobutyrate. This in turn will produce a product which has an additional methylene group in the carbon chain. In the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkonates, this new product of the pyruvate dehydrogenase will result in the production of 5-carbon 3-hydroxyvaleric acid and thus to the copolymer of 3-hydroxyvalerate-3-hydroxybutyrate units. This copolymer has superior properties in comparison to the 3- hydroxybutyrate polymer. POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATIONS: Plant metabolism Improved production of biodegradable plastics MAIN ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION: Using a plant gene/cDNA, therefore less negative feelings about engineered plants i.e. public acceptability is greater Inexpensive production of superior type of biodegradable plastic STATE OF DEVELOPMENT: Experiment of mutagenesis are in progress Sequence comparison of all E1 components known for site directed mutagenesis FURTHER R&D REQUIRED: Mutagenesis and transformation of plants and analysis of reaction products within the plant LICENSING POTENTIAL: University seeks licensee with the potential to commercialize PATENT STATUS: Provisional or Non provisional patent application on file Keywords UM-Columbia, UMC