Abstract: A process for the production of a modified phytase with a desired property improved over the property of the corresponding unmodified phytase is disclosed, as well as modified phytases, polynucleotides encoding modified phytases, and animal feed including modified phytases.

Abstract: The invention provides an ammonia elimination reagent in solution, comprising a thermo-resistant isocitrate dehydrogenase with prominent stability under conditions at high alkaline pHs. For example, the isocitrate dehydrogenase is preferably derived from the genus Thermus. For an assay system of biological substances generating a reaction product ammonia, an ammonia elimination reagent can be prepared by selecting and using the enzyme; the resulting ammonia elimination reagent can be stored in solution; additionally, the assay system can be designed in combination with both the coenzymes NAD+ and NADP+. The ammonia elimination reagent is novel and can eliminate ammonia in an extremely short time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Aspergillus porphobilinogen synthases and isolated nucleic acid fragments comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding the porphobilinogen synthases as well as nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and recombinant host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences. The invention also relates to methods of producing the porphobilinogen synthases.

Abstract: The invention provides pth polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding pth polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing pth polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The present invention features a human Nkx-2.2 polypeptide and nucleotide sequences encoding Nkx-2.2 polypeptides. In a particular aspect, the polynucleotide is the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. In addition, the invention features polynucleotide sequences that hybridize under stringent conditions to SEQ ID NO:1. In related aspects the invention features expression vectors and host cells comprising polynucleotides that encode a human Nkx-2.2 polypeptide. The present invention also relates to antibodies that bind specifically to a human Nkx-2.2 polypeptide, and methods for producing human Nkx-2.2 polypeptides.

Abstract: A process for making natural and unnatural amino acids which comprises reacting a first amino acid, a keto acid and a transaminase enzyme under conditions appropriate to produce a second amino acid and pyruvate; reacting the pyruvate with acetolactate synthase under conditions appropriate to produce a compound that does not react with the transaminase enzyme and separating the second amino acid.

Abstract: A purified recombinant phytase enzyme derived from Escherichia coli B. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 47.1 kilodaltons and has phytase activity (SEQ ID NO:2). The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used to aid in the digestion of phytate where desired. In particular, the phytase of the present invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients.

Abstract: The invention provides a human cell junction PDZ protein (CJPDZ) and polynucleotides which identify and encode CJPDZ. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with expression of CJPDZ.