Molecular switches

US11198877B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Precigen, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Mark Anton Held · Emeryville, US
• Xinhua Zhao · Foster City, US
• Lily Yuin CHAO · San Francisco, US
• Na Trinh · Burlingame, US
• James Kealey · Sebastopol, US
• Kevin Lee Dietzel · Pacifica, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 30, 2018
• Grant date: Dec 14, 2021
• Expiry date: Apr 11, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E50/30
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Genetically modified microorganisms that have the ability to convert carbon substrates into chemical products such as 2,3-BDO; 1,4-BDO; isobutyraldehyde; isobutanol; 1-butanol; n-butanol; ethanol; fatty alcohols; and fatty acid methyl ester are disclosed. For example, genetically modified methanotrophs that are capable of generating 2,3-BDO; 1,4-BDO; isobutyraldehyde; isobutanol; 1-butanol; n-butanol; ethanol; fatty alcohols; and fatty acid methyl ester at high titers from a methane source are disclosed. Methods of making these genetically modified microorganisms and methods of using them are also disclosed. These microorganisms and methods make use of molecular switches to regulate gene expression.