Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleoprotein (NP) genes of the influenza A and B viruses which were constructed from virion RNA and subsequently expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (S19) cells using the baculovirus vector, Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV). Western blot analysis of lysates prepared from S19 cells infected with the recombinant viruses confirmed that the baculovirus-expressed NP antigens were reactive with monoclonal antibodies specific for either type A or B NP and with anti-NP antibodies in human serum samples. Electrophoretic analysis indicated that the expressed influenza NP antigens comigrated with NP purified from influenza A or B virions and that the recombinant NP antigens represented greater than 10% of total protein in infected cells. Dilutions of clarified S19 cell lysates were used as antigens in a standard enzyme immunoassay format to detect serum antibody specific for influenza A or B viruses.

Abstract: A small, novel transposon useful for mutagenesis and sequencing DNAs cloned in phage .lambda. is disclosed which comprises a transposon having at each terminus a segment of 19 nucleotides selected from the group consisting of the O-end and I-end sequences of Tn5, at least one restriction enzyme site positioned less that 20 nucleotides distant from each said terminal segment, and a supF amber-suppressor tRNA gene insert.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel variants of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) that have surprising biological/pharmacokinetic properties compared with native t-PA. For example, certain of the variants hereof demonstrate increased half-life profiles, and show good fibrin binding activity even though fibrin binding regions of the molecule are deleted. All associated means and methods for preparing such variants recombinantly and for using such variants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transformed yeast is disclosed, comprising at least one gene encoding neutral trehalase or trehalose-6-phosphate synthase which gene has been modified such that it differs from a corresponding wild-type gene encoding neutral trehalase or trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, the yeast having as a result a different trehalose content from the untransformed parent yeast. The sugar resistance and drying resistance of the yeast compared to those of the untransformed strain are thereby improved.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA encoding a polypeptide precursor of the HN or F glycoprotein of Newcastle Disease Virus has been prepared and sequenced.

Abstract: A method of increasing xanthan gum production, comprising culturing a Xanthomonas campestris strain having a xanthan-increasing modification in a culture medium, wherein the modification is selected from the group consisting of (1) a mutation causing rifampicin-resistance; (2) a mutation causing bacitracin-resistance; or (3) exogenous genetic information controlling the synthesis of xanthan; and separating xanthan from the culture medium, is provided along with specific DNA sequences and Xanthomonas campestris strains showing increased xanthan gum production.

Abstract: The invention relates to DNA from fowlpox virus (FPV) providing a non-essential region for the insertion of foreign genes thereinto and thence the construction of a vector for homologous recombination with a wild type FPV, whereby the resulting recombinant FPV can be used for vaccination of animals, especially chickens. In this invention, the non-essential region consists substantially of a length of DNA from the long unique sequence of the terminal inverted repeat (TIR) of FPV or from the region at FPV which corresponds approximately to the HindIII D fragment genes D8 and D9 in vaccinia virus.

Abstract: DNA encoding the prepro inhibin .alpha. and .beta. chains has been isolated. This DNA is ligated into expression vectors and used to transform host cells for the preparation of inhibin or activin. Also provided are prohormone domains and other inhibin .alpha. or .beta. chain derivatives having therapeutic or diagnostic interest. The compositions provided herein are useful in the manipulation of fertility in animals.

Abstract: Methods for solid-state synthesis of polymers, especially polypeptides and polynucleotides, are provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, selectively activatable and reactive bonding moieties are covalently bonded to solid supports for polynucleotide and polypeptide syntheses. Products of failed reactions and some side products are caused to react with the selectively activatable and reactive bonding moiety to cause divalent bonding of unwanted products to the solid support. Upon cleavage of the initial situs of covalent bonding to the solid support, desired products are free to be collected while unwanted products remain covalently bonded to the support. Ease of purification of such polymers is a principal object of the present invention. The methods of the invention are amenable to automation and digital control and novel solid supports, activatable, reactive bonding moieties and other compositions are presented.

Abstract: A vaccine strain of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), tested in clinical trials, is capable of preventing chickenpox in children. This virus has been modified by the introduction into its genome of heterologous DNA which encodes an immunogenic polypeptide of another human pathogen. This heterologous polypeptide is expressed in cells infected by the recombinant virus. Such recombinant VZV is useful as a vaccine for chickenpox as well as for heterologous pathogens.

Abstract: Novel methods and microorganisms are provided, where novel genetic mammalian cell invasive capability is imparted to a microorganism by the introduction of an exogenous inv or ail gene. The resulting organisms are then capable of binding to mammalian cells and are transferred to the cytoplasm. Other novel genetic capabilities may be imparted to the unicellular microorganism, which may serve as a vaccine for one or more pathogens or may introduce genetic capabilities or foreign molecules into a mammalian host cell. The sequences may be used for an in vitro screen for pathogenicity.

Abstract: A gene of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) which encodes immunogenic outer surface viral proteins has been identified by DNA sequence analysis. Antibodies directed against peptides imputed from the DNA sequence can react with the glycoprotein, which itself is reactive with neutralizing antibodies. The amino-terminal sequence of the purified glycoprotein is identical to a portion of the amino acid sequence imputed from the DNA sequence. This glycoprotein is useful for the preparation of a vaccine against VZV.

Abstract: A process of producing a foreign protein is provided which comprises transforming E. coli with a plasmid carrying a fused DNA having a DNA fragment encoding a foreign protein located downstream of a transcription initiation signal and translation initiation signal both derived from an appropriate T4 phage gene, infecting the transformant with a T4 phase denB and/or alc mutant at a low multiplicity of infection, and then culturing the infected transformant. The desired foreign protein can be produced in an extremely high yield, as compared to the prior art technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to serine protease mutants of the chymotrypsin superfamily that are resistant to inhibition by their cognate inhibitors, and genes that encode the same. The present invention also relates to serine protease inhibitor mutants that inhibit the serine protease mutants of the present invention, and genes that encode the same. The serine protease mutants and serine protease inhibitor mutants are useful as, e.g., pharmacological agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to glycoprotein ligands of selectins. The invention further relates to methods and means for preparing and to nucleic acids encoding these ligands. The invention further concerns a method of treating a symptom or condition associated with excessive binding of circulating leukocytes to endothelial cells by administering to a patient in need of such treatment a glycoprotein ligand of a selectin.

Abstract: Genomic and cDNA sequences coding for a protein having substantially the same biological activity as human protein C are disclosed. Recombinant plasmids and bacteriophage transfer vectors incorporating these sequences are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of the nitrate reductase gene as a selection marker in transformations of the antibiotic-producing species Penicillium chrysogenum and Acremonium chrysogenum. In particular it relates to a process for obtaining cells of Penicillium chrysogenum or Acremonium chrysogenum capable of expressing nitrate reductase from cells of the same species which are initially deficient in expression of the nitrate reductase gene (niaD-cells), which comprises introducing into said niaD-cells vector DNA including a marker gene coding for nitrate reductase operatively linked to a control sequence for expression of said gene within the selected host cells, followed by selection of cells thus transformed by their ability to grow on a suitable medium containing nitrate as the only source of nitrogen and to vector DNA for use in such a process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a DNA coding for a protein that specifically binds to the enhancer of the .alpha.-fetoprotein gene and that promotes transcription of that .alpha.-fetoprotein gene. This DNA is useful, by applying recombinant DNA technology, for the construction of highly efficient gene expression system for the production of proteins having physiological activities in animal cells.

Abstract: Methods of determining collagen degradation in vivo, by quantitating the concentration of a peptide in a body fluid, the peptide being a C-terminal type II collagen telopeptide containing a hydroxylysyl pyridinoline cross-link or a type III collagen telopeptide containing a hydroxylysyl pyridinoline cross-link. Suitable methods include immunometric assays, fluorometric assays, and electrochemical titrations for quantitation. The structure of specific peptides having cross-links and kits for quantitating these peptides in a body fluid are described.

Abstract: Positive selection cassettes are disclosed which contain a lethal gene, a promoter, a repressor sequence overlapping the promoter, and a cloning site between the promoter and the lethal gene. Insertion of a foreign nucleic acid sequence into the cloning site prevents expression of the lethal gene. Expression of the lethal gene under nonrepressed conditions kills a host organism containing a positive selection cassette which does not contain the foreign nucleic acid sequence.