Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which encodes a polypeptide having alcohol dehydrogenase activity, in particular methanol dehydrogenase activity, comprising having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: (i) a nucleotide sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 (mdh2-MGA3), 3 (mdh3-MGA3), or 5 (mdh2-PB1); (ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least 90% sequence identity, more particularly at least 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% sequence identity, with a nucleotide sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5; (iii) a nucleotide sequence which is degenerate with any one of the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5; (iv) a nucleotide sequence which is a part of the nucleotide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5, or of a nucleotide sequence which is degenerate with a sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5; (v) a nucleotide sequence encoding all or part of a polypeptide whose amino acid sequence is set forth in any one of SEQ I

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which encodes a polypeptide having alcohol dehydrogenase activity, in particular methanol dehydrogenase activity, comprising having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: (i) a nucleotide sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 (mdh2-MGA3), 3 (mdh3-MGA3), or 5 (mdh2-PB1); (ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least 90% sequence identity, more particularly at least 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% sequence identity, with a nucleotide sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5; (iii) a nucleotide sequence which is degenerate with any one of the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5; (iv) a nucleotide sequence which is a part of the nucleotide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5, or of a nucleotide sequence which is degenerate with a sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5; (v) a nucleotide sequence encoding all or part of a polypeptide whose amino acid sequence is set forth in any one of SEQ I

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of TNF family ligands which have been mutated at the ligand trimerisation interface so that they are not capable of assembling into trimers, and either assemble into dimers or remain as monomers. Such ligands bind to the TNF receptor but are unable to activate it, effectively functioning as competitive inhibitors. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding the variants of TNF family ligands, vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid and methods for the treatment of diseases associated with aberrant signalling through a TNF receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cytokines, which have a modified selectivity/specificity for their cognate receptors. In particular, the invention relates to a variant TRAIL protein, which has superior selectivity for the death receptor 4 (TRAIL-RI) over the death receptor 5 (TRAIL-R2). In addition, the invention relates to a variant TRAIL protein which exhibits superior selectivity for the death receptor 4 (TRAIL-R1) over the decoy receptors DcR1 (TRAIL-R3) and DcR2 (TRAIL-R4).

Abstract: A method of catalyzing in vitro reactions using seeds containing enhanced amounts of enzymes is disclosed. The method involves adding transgenic, non-wild type seeds, preferably in a ground form, to a reaction mixture, especially a bakery process and allowing the enzymes in the seeds to increase the rate of reaction. By directly adding the seeds to the reaction mixture the method provides a solution to the expensive and problematic process of extracting and purifying the enzyme. Methods of treatment are also provided whereby a subject lacking a sufficient supply of an enzyme is administered the enzyme in the form of seeds containing enhanced amounts of the enzyme.

Abstract: A method of catalyzing in vitro reactions using seeds containing enhanced amounts of enzymes is disclosed. The method involves adding transgenic, non-wild type seeds, preferably in a ground form, to a reaction mixture, especially a bakery process and allowing the enzymes in the seeds to increase the rate of reaction. By directly adding the seeds to the reaction mixture the method provides a solution to the expensive and problematic process of extracting and purifying the enzyme. Methods of treatment are also provided whereby a subject lacking a sufficient supply of an enzyme is administered the enzyme in the form of seeds containing enhanced amounts of the enzyme.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production by recombinant technology of enzymes having desired activity. The invention provides methods employing display vehicle technology allowing to select enzymes having desired catalytic activity. The invention provides a method for selecting an enzyme mutant with desired catalytic activity comprising displaying each of a multitude of mutants of said enzyme on the surface of a display vehicle comprising a nucleic acid encoding said mutant and selecting for a display vehicle carrying nucleic acid encoding an enzyme mutant having at least a site other than its catalytic site mutated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses enzymes having xylanase considerable activity at a pH of 9.0 and a temperature of 70.degree. C. The enzymes are obtainable from deposited strains which are related to alkaliphilic Bacilli. The enzymes are suited for use in paper and pulp production processes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses enzymes having xylanase activity. The xylanases are characterized in that they are active at a temperature of 80.degree. C. or higher. The enzymes are obtainable from anaerobic thermophilic bacteria. The enzymes are suited for use in paper and pulp production processes. The invention also describes cloning and expression of genes having xylanase activity obtained from the deposited strains.

Abstract: New mutant .beta.-lactam acylases are provided exhibiting altered substrate specificities. These .beta.-lactam acylases are obtained by expression of a gene encoding said .beta.-lactam acylase and having an amino acid sequence which differs at least in one amino acid from the wild-type .beta.-lactam acylase.

Abstract: The present invention provides plants with a modified taste, solids content and/or texture. The invention also provides methods of obtaining such plants via transformation with DNA constructs containing genes encoding enzymes capable of degrading plant polysaccharides and optionally additional genes encoding enzymes which are capable of further modifying the degradation products resulting from the first degradation step.

Abstract: The invention provides a gene encoding penicillin G acylase, the enzyme encoded by said gene and a method for the production of said enzyme by incorporating said gene in a host and bringing the same to expression. The gene is preferably obtained from a strain of the microorganism Alcaligenes faecalis.