Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids which can confer on a cell at least a 5-fold increase in cisplatin resistance relative to a cisplatin sensitive cell are disclosed. The nucleic acids of the invention can further confer on a cell resistance to heavy metals such as cadmium and copper. Isolated proteins encoded by the nucleic acids of the invention are also disclosed. The isolated nucleic acids and proteins of the invention are useful for conferring cisplatin resistance on a cell, for example non-malignant cells in a tumor bearing subject being treated with cisplatin. Alternatively, the cisplatin resistance of a cell can be inhibited by contacting the cell with an agent which inhibits the activity of the protein of the invention, for example to reverse the cisplatin resistance of a tumor cell. The invention also discloses methods for identifying substances which inhibit cisplatin resistance in a cell or which are chemosensitizers of cisplatin.

Abstract: An isolated preparation of a new species of bacteria, Thermococcus AV4, is disclosed. Also described is a substantially pure preparation of a protease and a substantially pure preparation of a lipase encoded by Thermococcus AV4.

Abstract: Processes for preparing polypeptides such as ricin A such that soluble polypeptide may be obtained. The pH may be adjusted during the process or the temperature decreased during the terminal portion of the cultivation, and yeast extract may be added to the growth medium during the cultivation. In the case of ricin A the pH is generally adjusted by lowering the pH from a first value such as 6.7 to a second value such as a value between about 5.5 and 6.7.

Abstract: A human rotavirus gene encoding the major outer capsid glycoprotein (VP7) of the human rotavirus serotype 4 or a portion or sub-unit thereof. Expression vectors containing such a gene and expressing all or part of VP7 protein of human rotavirus serotype 4. Polyeptides corresponding to all or part of the VP7 protein of human rotavirus serotype 4 and vaccines containing such polypeptides.