Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant microorganism, which is selected from the group consisting of genus Mannheimia, genus Actinobacillus and genus Anaerobiospirillum, producing homo-succinic acid and a method for producing homo-succinic acid using the same, and more particularly to a mutant microorganism producing succinic acid at a high concentration while producing little or no other organic acids in anaerobic conditions, which is obtained by disrupting a gene encoding lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA), a gene encoding phosphotransacetylase (pta), and a gene encoding acetate kinase (ackA), without disrupting a gene encoding pyruvate formate lyase (pfl), as well as a method for producing succinic acid using the same. The inventive mutant microorganism has the property of having a high growth rate and succinic acid productivity while producing little or no organic acids, as compared to the prior strains producing succinic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides for nucleotide sequences encoding for a chimeric sulfatase, viral vectors expressing such sequences for gene therapy and pharmaceutical uses of the chimeric expressed protein. The invention is particularly applied in the therapy of mucopolysaccharidosis, preferably type IIIA.

Abstract: An improved process for alcohol production includes microbial fermentation using a genetically modified microorganism to produce substantial quantities of aldehydes that are stripped from the fermentation medium and condensed. So produced aldehydes are converted in an ex vivo process to corresponding alcohols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for production and purification of polypeptides. In particular, the present invention relates to a fusion protein comprising a solubility-enhancing peptide tag moiety, a self-aggregating peptide moiety and a moiety of target peptide and to a method for production and purification of target peptides through expressing said fusion protein.

Abstract: A method of producing methionine, derivatives or precursors thereof includes culturing a modified microorganism in a culture medium comprising a source of carbon and a source of sulfur; and recovering methionine from the culture medium, wherein said modified microorganism has an increased expression of cysE gene encoding serine acetyltransferase, metH gene encoding methionine synthase and metF gene encoding 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase compared to expression of the cysE, metH and metF genes in an unmodified microorganism.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of culturing a microorganism that produces a free fatty acid in a culture medium, comprising culturing the microorganism in the culture medium comprising a sufficient amount (e.g., at least about 0.5 mM) of a carboxylate counterion source to enhance viability of the microorganism in the culture medium. Fatty acids produced using the methods of the invention can be used to synthesize a variety of products, including biofuels.

Abstract: A process for the production of malic acid in commercially significant quantities from the carbon compounds by genetically modified bacterial strains (GMBS; also referred to as biocatalysts or genetically modified microorganisms) is disclosed. Microorganisms suitable for the production of malic acid can be cultured in one or two-step processes as disclosed herein.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods of using modified placental tissue to achieve endogenous and exogenous therapeutic effects. When applied to an injured or diseased organ or body part, the modified placental tissue elicit stem cell recruitment and/or localization directly to or proximate to the site of application. Also described is a novel vacuum drying device and the use thereof.

Abstract: By having a cellulase preparation comprising at least a certain amount of endoglucanases derived from two different types of microorganisms, the cellulase preparation can be provided with a higher activity and a wider pH property than those of cellulase preparations each containing one of the endoglucanases alone. Moreover, by introducing and expressing simultaneously two different types of cellulase genes in a single host cell, a cellulase preparation having a high activity and a wide pH property can be produced easily.

Abstract: An automated system for identifying in a biological sample microorganisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility (AST). The system provided an automated platform for preparing, from a single biological sample, inoculates for both ID and AST. The system loads a plate for ID testing as samples are being prepared for AST testing. The system tracks the sample and the inoculates from the samples to link the test results to the sample and the patients from whom the sample was obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and therapeutic methods to reduce plaque causing Peyronie's disease. One approach uses high pressure injection of collagenase-containing composition into a penile plaque. Plaque disruption is enhanced by the mechanical force of the high pressure, followed by the enzymatic action of collagenase. Another approach uses collagenase as a pretreatment, followed by addition of adipose-derived stem cells ADSCs. The initial collagenase injection breaks down collagen (often more type III than type I in Peyronie's) to provide short term benefit. The longer-term benefit is provided by introduction of ADSCs to the plaque, which can produce cytokines and other signals for revascularization and restoration of normal penile tissue. The resulting combination advantageously reduces the bulk of the plaque early on with ongoing reduction through the revascularization of the tissue. In addition, the treatment provides an advantageous shift of elastin and collagen ratios.

Abstract: A process for increasing the production of a glycolytic intermediate and/or an organic compound as defined herein by a cell that is able to express a nucleic acid molecule, wherein the expression of the nucleic acid molecule gives the cell the ability to increase the production of a glycolytic intermediate and/or the organic compound and wherein the carbon substrate is sugar and/or protein.

Abstract: Sentinel Cells, respond quickly and differentially to and among various high explosives (e.g., RDX, PETN, HMX, TNT, TNG), taggant (DMDNB), and bacteria, as well as volatiles of commercial C4, Semtex 1A, and military C4. These effects are observable within 5 minutes of exposure, indicate profound biological effects in exposed cells, and are distinctly different from responses to bacteria (e.g., E. coli, mycoplasma, lipopolysaccharide from E. coli, etc.). Quantitative and mechanistic analysis of the observations indicate that the mechanisms that give rise to these responses invoke different subsets of biochemical reactions. The mechanism within the exposed Sentinel Cells is also used in canine olfactory cells (e.g., bomb dogs). The nature of the explosives-induced biological effects provide for a cell based explosives detection system (i.e., a cellular dog nose), as well as a tool for the study of biological effects of energetic materials on humans.

Abstract: Methods of ex-vivo culture of natural killer (NK) cells are provided and, more particularly, methods for enhancing propagation and/or functionality of NK cells by treating the cells with an aryl hydrocarbon antagonist in combination with cytokines driving NK cell proliferation. Also envisioned are compositions comprising cultured NK cells and therapeutic uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of organs which are degenerative and/or in the pathological state by means of the use of cells, which are phenotypically stably differentiating or differentiated but not necessarily ultimately predetermined with respect to development, from a donor organ selected according to the principles of the opposite cell differentiation program (OCDP) and also to the use of cells of this type for the treatment or for the production of a drug for treatment of the same. Furthermore, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical agents comprising suitable phenotypically stable cells, cells of a first organ which is different from the second organ with respect to organ type thereby being used, which, in the normal physiological state with respect to a predetermined set of expressed genes and/or phenotypical properties, have opposite properties to the second cells in the normal physiological state.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a process for producing adherent cells comprising: a. introducing a suspension of adherent cells into a culture vessel containing microcarriers in a culture medium; b. amplifying the cells by performing a plurality of cell passages in the same culture vessel wherein each cell passage subsequent to the first is carried out: i) by using all or part of the cells produced during the previous cell passage after having subjected the cells to enzyme treatment to detach the cells from the microcarriers, and ii) by introducing culture medium and an increasing amount of microcarriers into the culture medium; and c. harvesting the cells produced during the last cell passage, optionally after having subjected the cells to enzyme treatment to detach cells from microcarriers. The invention also relates to the implementation of this process for the production of biological agents, serving in particular to prepare vaccines or drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel fatty acid desaturases genes used for synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially delta-9 desaturases (FADS9-I). The present invention also provides nucleic acid sequence coding the above-described desaturases, expression vector of the above-described desaturases and recombinant microorganism expressing above-described desaturases.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to the development of a novel human mast cell line, USF-MC1. USF-MC1 is a mast cell precursor present in human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) that may be sustained in culture in the absence of exogenous cytokines to serve as a convenient experimental model of human mast cell activation. The SCF-independent human mast cell line USF-MC1 responds to IgE-mediated and IgE-independent stimuli in a way comparable to that of LAD2. USF-MC1 cells are useful for investigation of IgE-mediated activation mechanisms of human mast cells, contributing to the development of effective treatments for allergic disorders and other disorders. The subject invention provides a ready source of human mast cells for research, including pharmacological studies for the screening of various agents, and toxicologic, e.g., for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The mast cells can also be used as biofactories, for the large-scale production of biomolecules.

Abstract: Gene encoding human glucokinase mutant is provided. The gene has the nucleotide sequence chosen from the nucleotide sequence listed as SEQ ID NO:2 and the nucleotide sequence wherein the ORF region encodes the same amino acid sequence as the one encoded by ORF region (position 487 to 1884) of SEQ ID NO:2 and the rest of the region is same as the non-ORF region of SEQ ID NO:2. Human glucokinase mutant encoded by the gene, the recombinant vectors carrying the gene, the hosts comprising the vectors, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, uses thereof, and methods for treating and preventing diseases by using the same are provided. The human glucokinase mutant encoded by the gene has higher activity than that of the wild type human glucokinase, and thus provides a new way of controlling blood glucose and/or preventing and/or treating disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism, especially preventing and treating diabetes.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods of using cell wall degrading enzymes for recovery of internal lipid bodies from biomass sources such as algae. Also provided are algal cells that express at least one exogenous gene encoding a cell wall degrading enzyme and methods for recovering lipids from the cells.