Abstract: Methods for the production of purified, catalytically active, recombinant memapsin 2 have been developed. The substrate and subsite specificity of the catalytically active enzyme have been determined and were used to design substrate analogs of the natural -2 substrate that can inhibit the function of memapsin 2. Processes for the synthesis of two substrate analogues including isosteres at the sites of the critical amino acid residues were developed and the substrate analogues, OMR99-1 and OM99-2, were synthesized. The inhibition constant of OM99-2 is 1.6×10?9 M against recombinant pro-memapsin 2. Crystallography of memapsin 2 bound to this inhibitor was used to determine the three dimensional structure of the protein, and the importance of the various residues in binding. This information is useful for designing new inhibitors to memapsin 2, for diagnosing and treating and/or preventing Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A method of protein precipitation, concentration and removal of non-protein agents from the protein solution wherein the protein solution is treated with a protein-precipitation agent containing an acidic agent, a salt and a precipitate forming agent. After precipitation, the protein precipitate is washed with a water miscible organic solvent agent to remove non-protein agents present in the protein precipitate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include polypeptide formulations and methods for making, using and characterizing them. Embodiment of the invention include stabilized polypeptide formulations, for example stable glucose oxidase formulations that can be used with glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes. Another embodiment of the invention includes methods to characterize the concentration of nonionic surfactants in stabilized polypeptide formulation for example stable insulin formulations that can be used in the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of marine invertebrate type V telopeptide containing collagen preparations from marine invertebrates, compositions containing preparations, and methods of using these preparations. The collagen preparation includes telopeptide containing and optionally invertebrate atelopeptide containing, type V fibrillar collagen. The present collagen preparations may be employed in a variety of products including for example, cosmetic, pharmacological, dental, and cell culture products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for designing DNA binding proteins comprising a plurality of zinc fingers and methods for binding the proteins to target nucleotide sequences in cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for designing DNA binding proteins comprising a plurality of zinc fingers and methods for binding the proteins to target nucleotide sequences in cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant triple helical proteins or collagen-like proteins comprising a prokaryotic protein or one or more domains of a prokaryotic protein comprising a collagen-like peptide sequence of repeated Gly-Xaa-Yaa triplets and, optionally, one or more domains from a mammalian collagen. Also provided are expression vectors and host cells containing the expression vectors to produce these recombinant proteins and methods of production for the same. Additionally, antibodies are provided that are directed against a recombinant collagen-like protein that, preferably, binds an integrin. Furthermore, a method of screening for potential therapeutic compounds that inhibit the integrin-binding or -interacting activities of recombinant collagen-like proteins.

Abstract: A cartilage and bone morphogenetic repairing composition which contains a bone morphogenetic protein and a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene glycol is disclosed. It is preferable that the molecular weight of a polyoxypropylene, i.e., a component of said polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene glycol, is in the range of about 1,500-4,000 and the weight ratio of ethylene oxide is in the range of 40-80%/molecule, and a concentration of said polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene glycol in an aqueous solution is about 10-50%. The composition may be applied in a cartilage and bone morphogenetic method without a surgical operation and comprises a bone morphogenetic protein and a carrier which has a high bio-absorption, a good affinity to the bone morphogenetic protein and is capable of temperature dependent gel-sol reversible transition. The composition may conveniently be applied locally to the site of a bone fracture or bone defect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel nucleotide sequence and the amino acid sequence encoded therein which comprise a novel gene and protein called Mustang. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions based on these sequences. These sequences are useful in the medical diagnosis, growth and regeneration of bone.

Abstract: A method for in situ detection of viable pathogenic bacteria in a selective medium by measuring cathodic peak current of oxygen on cyclic voltammograms during bacterial proliferation with an electrochemical voltammetric analyzer. The rapid oxygen consumption at a time during the growth of bacteria resulted in a sharp decline of the cathodic peak current curves. The detection times (threshold values) obtained from the cathodic peak current curve were inversely related to the concentrations of the pathogenic bacteria in the medium. This method for detection of pathogenic bacteria is more sensitive than nucleic acid-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods and any of antibody-based methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology, electrochemical immunoassays, immunosensors, and it has a sensitivity similar to conventional culture methods and impedimetric methods but is more rapid than both of them.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating or preventing vascular diseases caused by nitric oxide (NO) insufficiency. The methods encompass administering a composition comprising an antioxidant, a compound to treat cardiovascular diseases, a nitrosated compound, a compound that donates, transfers or relases NO, or is a NO synthase substrate, or endogenously stimulates NO synthesis, or stimulates levels of endothelium derived relaxing factor. In the said composition, a hydralazine compound may be an antioxidant, isosorbide mono-or dinitrate may be the compound to donate, transfer, release, or stimulate endogenous NO synthesis. The isorsorbide may also elevate endogenous levels of endotherlium-derived relaxing factor, or be a NO synthase substrate and angiotensin enzyme inhibitor may be nitrosated compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Magainin derivative peptide and method of production thereof. Also provided is a pharmaceutically composition comprising said Magainin derivative peptide and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or pharmaceutically compatible binding agents. The Magainin derivative peptide of the present invention having amino acid sequence of the general formula shown as below: ?????Gly-Ile-Gly-Lys-Phe-Leu-His-Ser-Ala-Lys-Lys- Phe-Gly-Lys-Ala-Phe-Val-Gly-Glu-Ile-X-Asn-Y-Z-OH in which: X is an amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of Met, Ile and Leu; Y is an amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of Ser, Lys, Ile, Arg and Leu; and Z is Arg.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for measuring N-dealkylating activity of cytochromes P450 enyzmes are disclosed.

Abstract: Host cells expressing HM74 were used to obtain furosemide-like molecules with agonist activity having the following structure formula:

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic polymers having novel catalytic functions which mimic enzymatic reactions. The invention also provides a method for measuring glycated proteins such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glycated albumin and for measuring their decomposition products fructosylamines, such as fructosylvaline, as well as assay reagents and sensors for use in the method.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining activity of a protease.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are described comprising at least one Y2 receptor-binding peptide, such as peptide YY(PYY), Neuropeptide Y (NPY) or Pancreatic Peptide (PP) and one or more mucosal delivery-enhancing agents for enhanced nasal mucosal delivery of the peptide YY, for treating a variety of diseases and conditions in mammalian subjects, including obesity.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for releasing proteins from cells and/or inactivating viruses. In the process, a host cell containing a protein of interest is contacted with a solution of an effective amount of a detergent.

Abstract: A recombinant genome comprising polynucleotides encoding at least two additional molecular chaperones and a protein of interest, recombinant baculovirus vectors providing molecular chaperones and a method for producing a foreign protein using said genomes and vectors.