Abstract: Minactivin (also known as Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-2 [PAI-2]), a protein inactivator of urokinase-type plasminogen activator, has been shown to be a natural inactivator of this plasminogen activator which is associated with invasive tumors, and is therefore indicated as a crucial element in the body's normal defense against tumor invasion and metastasis. It may be produced by the cultivation of minactivin-producing cells in vitro, and recovery of the cell culture supernatant. By controlling the culture conditions, the protein minactivin may be produced in a partially purified form which may be used for diagnosis and treatment of tumors. The specification discloses purification of biologically active native minactivin, as well as peptides derived from minactivin and their amino acid sequences.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new calcium-regulated promoter to be used for increasing production of extracellular enzymes, or heterologous polypeptides, a recombinant vector that includes the DNA sequence of the promoter operatively linked to a DNA encoding said enzyme or polypeptide and a host organism transformed with the recombinant vector that includes the promoter operatively linked to the DNA encoding said enzyme or polypeptide. The present invention further relates to Streptomyces expression systems and methods for expressing foreign DNA sequences in Streptomyces and for secreting to the surrounding medium polypeptides and proteins coded for by those foreign DNA sequences.

Abstract: A plasmid pSTK1 having about 1880 bp and the restriction map set forth in FIG. 1 and plasmids pSTE33 and PSTK3 derived therefrom. The plasmids are capable of stable replication in thermophilic bacteria.

Abstract: A purified and isolated cryIII-type gene was obtained from a novel B.t. strain. The gene has a nucleotide base sequence coding for the amino acid sequence illustrated in FIG. 1 . The 74.4 kDa protein produced by this gene is an irregularly shaped crystal that is toxic to coleopteran insects, including Colorado potato beetle and insects of the genus Diabrotica.

Abstract: A novel method for isolating transposable elements was used to isolate an approximately 1.6 kb insertion sequence from Streptomyces. The method entails transforming a cell with a plasmid containing a repressor gene, so that the introduction of a transposable element into the gene allows the expression of a selectable marker in a second host cell. The novel insertion sequence isolated from Streptomyces lividans CT2 has been designated IS493.

Abstract: A method locating insertion elements (IS elements) or transposons in coryneform bacteria, a positive selection system suitable for the above, the IS elements found in this manner and their use, is disclosed. The method involves:(1) The construction of a non-self-transferrable vector mobilizable from an E. coli mobilizer strain which vector is composed of(a) A DNA segment containing a replicon functional in E. coli,(b) A second DNA segment containing the DNA fragment coding for the mobilization function (Mob site containing the oriT),(c) A third DNA segment which recombines homologously in Gram-positive bacteria and/or contains a replicon functional in coryneform bacteria,(d) A DNA segment from Bacillus subtilis containing the sacB gens,(2) Transfer of this vector by means of conjugative transfer into the coryneform recipient strains,(3) Cultivation of the transconjugants containing the vector in an .about.

Abstract: A microorganism derived from a host microorganism capable of producing d-biotin by introducing a recombinant plasmid being incorporated with a biotin gene cloned from a microorganism of the genus Serratia capable of producing d-biotin and further integrating an exogenous biotin gene into the chromosome, and a process for preparing d-biotin which comprises cultivating the microorganism in a culture medium so that d-biotin is formed and accumulated in the culture medium and collecting the d-biotin. The microorganism of the invention has an extremely high productivity of d-biotin, and hence, d-biotin can be produced in a large amount by cultivating the microorganism of the invention.

Abstract: Non-tumorigenic, human bronchial epithelial cell lines are provided wherein the cell lines are capable of expressing cytochrome P450 genes which have been inserted into the cell lines. Also provided are methods and kits for identifying potential mutagens, cytotoxins, carcinogens, and chemotherapeutic agents utilizing these cell lines.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences coding for Hantaan virus nucleocapsid protein and glproteins G1 and G2 can be used to produce these proteins for vaccine and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant polynucleotides which encode glucose oxidase (GO). It also provides recombinant expression systems which produce, and when desired, secrete active GO and GO analogs into the extracellular medium.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus thuringiensis genes encoding toxins which are active against lepidopteran insects have been cloned from novel lepidopteran-active B. thuringiensis microbes. The DNA encoding the B. thuringiensis toxins can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes to express the B. thuringiensis toxins. These recombinant microbes can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.