Abstract: The invention provides methods employing iterative cycles of recombination and selection/screening for evolution of whole cells and organisms toward acquisition of desired properties Examples of such properties include enhanced recombinogenicity, genome copy number, and capacity for expression and/or secretion of proteins and secondary metabolites.

Abstract: Polypeptide conjugates with G-CSF activity comprising a polypeptide having at least one introduced lysine residue and at least one removed lysine residue compared to the sequence of human G-CSF, and which are conjugated to 2-6 polyethylene glycol moieties. The conjugates have a low in vitro bioactivity, a long in vivo half-life, a reduced receptor-mediated clearance, and provide a more rapid stimulation of production of white blood cells and neutrophils than non-conjugated recombinant human G-CSF.

Abstract: Conjugates of Factor VII (FVII) and Factor VIIa (FVIIA) are provided, as are methods for preparing them. Methods for producing novel polypeptides contributing to the production of such conjugates are provided. Methods of treatment by administering a FVII or FVIIa conjugate are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods employing iterative cycles of recombination and selection/screening for evolution of whole cells and organisms toward acquisition of desired properties. Examples of such properties include enhanced recombinogenicity, genome copy number, and capacity for expression and/or secretion of proteins and secondary metabolites.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for generating, identifying, and selecting polynucleotides encoding novel starch metabolizing enzymes (NSME), NSME-encoding polynucleotides, compositions of recombinant shuffled NSME protein, plant cells and microbes containing a shuffled NSME polynucleotide in expressible form, plants containing a shuffled NSME polynucleotide in expressible form, novel starch compositions produced by plants and cells, uses of such plants, cells, and starch compositions.

Abstract: Methods for evolving recombinase protein homologues and RecA/VirE2 fusion proteins which complement VirE2 deficient Agrobacterium are provided. The use of recombinase protein homologues and RecA/VirE2 fusion proteins in the context of Agrobacterium mediated transformation are provided. Methods for producing transgenic organisms by homologous recombination using evolved recombinase proteins and Agrobacterium strains which express recombinase protein homologues or RecA/VirE2 fusion proteins are provided. Transgenic cells and organisms which have integrated an exogenous DNA sequence into a predetermined site in their genome are provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the evolution of proteins of industrial and pharmaceutical interest, including methods for effecting recombination and selection. Compositions produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptide conjugates comprising a polypeptide exhibiting G-CSF activity and having an amino acid sequence that differs from the amino acid sequence of human G-CSF in at least one specified introduced and/or removed amino acid residue comprising an attachment group for a non-polypeptide moiety, and having at least one non-polypeptide moiety attached to an attachment group of the polypeptide. The attachment group may e.g., be a lysine, cysteine, aspartic acid or glutamic acid residue or a glycosylation site, and the non-polypeptide moiety may e.g., be a polymer such as polyethylene glycol or an oligosaccharide. The conjugate has one or more improved properties such as increased biological half-life and reduced side effects.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the evolution of proteins of industrial and pharmaceutical interest, including methods for effecting recombination and selection. Compositions produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides improved monoxygenases, dehydrogenases, and transferases that are useful for the biocatalytic synthesis of compounds such as &agr;-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and aryl- and alkyl-hydroxy compounds. The polypeptides provided herein are improved in properties such as regioselectivity, enzymatic activity, stereospecificity, and the like. Methods for obtaining recombinant polynucleotides that encode these improved polypeptides are also provided, as are organisms that express the polypeptides and are thus useful for carrying out said biocatalytic syntheses. Also provided by the invention are methods for increasing said solvent resistance of organisms that are used in the synthetic methods.

Abstract: A method for DNA reassembly after random fragmentation, and its application to mutagenesis of nucleic acid sequences by in vitro or in vivo recombination is described. In particular, a method for the production of nucleic acid fragments or polynucleotides encoding mutant proteins is described. The present invention also relates to a method of repeated cycles of mutagenesis, shuffling and selection which allow for the directed molecular evolution in vitro or in vivo of proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and compositions for modifying a phenotype of a virus, such as viral tropism and host range, by iterative sequence recombination of variant viruses and selection of improved variants.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the evolution of proteins of industrial and pharmaceutical interest, including methods for effecting recombination and selection. Compositions produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the evolution of proteins of industrial and pharmaceutical interest, including methods for effecting recombination and selection. Compositions produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A method for DNA reassembly after random fragmentation, and its application to mutagenesis of nucleic acid sequences by in vitro or in vivo recombination is described. In particular, a method for the production of nucleic acid fragments or polynucleotides encoding mutant proteins is described. The present invention also relates to a method of repeated cycles of mutagenesis, shuffling and selection which allow for the directed molecular evolution in vitro or in vivo of proteins.

Abstract: A method for DNA reassembly after random fragmentation, and its application to mutagenesis of nucleic acid sequences by in vitro or in vivo recombination is described. In particular, a method for the production of nucleic acid fragments or polynucleotides encoding mutant proteins is described. The present invention also relates to a method of repeated cycles of mutagenesis, shuffling and selection which allow for the directed molecular evolution in vitro or in vivo of proteins.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptide conjugates comprising a polypeptide exhibiting G-CSF activity and having an amino acid sequence that differs from the amino acid sequence of human G-CSF in at least one specified introduced and/or removed amino acid residue comprising an attachment group for a non-polypeptide moiety, and having at least one non-polypeptide moiety attached to an attachment group of the polypeptide. The attachment group may e.g. be a lysine, cysteine, aspartic acid or glutamic acid residue or a glycosylation site, and the non-polypeptide moiety may e.g. be a polymer such as polyethylene glycol or an oligosaccharide. The conjugate, which has a reduced in vitro bioactivity compared to hG-CSF, has one or more improved properties such as increased biological half-life and increased stimulation of neutrophils.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.