Abstract: The present invention relates to a precious metal-recombinant apoferritin complex produced by recombination technique, wherein the precious metal is gold (Au) or platinum (Pt), and wherein the residues of glutamic acid and aspartic acid in a channel of apoferritin complex are substituted with small polar amino acid residues or/and noncharged amino acid residues, e.g., serine, or/and with basic amino acid residues, e.g., lysine. The substitution prevents a repulsive force due to electrostatic interaction between a metal ion, e.g., (AuCl4)? that has a negative charge and a negative amino acid residue of the apoferritin, and facilitates the capture of (AuCl4)? into holding portion in the channel of said metal-recombinant apoferritin complex. The captured (AuCl4)? is subsequently reduced to Au, and thus the gold-recombinant apoferritin complex is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzymatic process for the preparation of optically active chiral alcohols using tuberous root Daucus carota; particularly invention relates to an enzymatic process for the preparation of optically active alcohols by enantioselective reduction of corresponding ketones using tuberous root Daucus carota.

Abstract: A novel method of producing PS is described herein. The method first involves producing PLD enzyme through the use of enzyme-producing microorganisms. The PLD enzyme is reacted with a lecithin and source of serine to produce the phosphatidylserine (PS). The method differs from prior methods in several ways. First, it incorporates a novel strain of PLD enzyme-producing organism in a preferred embodiment. It is also the first known PS production method that allows for the reuse of the enzyme and serine components to enhance efficiency and productivity. It further incorporates a novel solvent system, unique stabilization agents for the PLD enzyme, as well as optimized reaction conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptide-based phosphorylation catalysts (PBPC's) for the asymmetric monophosphorylation of cyclitols, particularly myo-inositols. The PBPC's of the invention effect a regio and enantioselective phosphorylation of a myo-inositol in a manner analogous to enzymatic kinases, thereby functioning as effective “kinase mimics.” Although orders of magnitude less complex in terms of structure than macromolecular proteins, the PBPC's of the invention control product formation with high enantioselectivity (>98% ee). The synthetic (+)-myo-inositol-1-phosphate is optically and spectroscopically equivalent to naturally occuring compound. The ability of the low molecular weight PBPC's of the present invention to mimic stereoselective enzymes represents a powerful approach toward catalytic asymmetric synthesis of biologically important molecules, and for mechanistic modeling of biochemical transformations to enable their use in drug applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stable isotope-labeled amino acid which is at least one of amino acids constituting a protein and which has at least one of the following labeling patterns: (a) hydrogen atoms except at least one hydrogen atom in one or more methylene groups are deuterated, (b) hydrogen atoms in one of prochiral gem-methyl groups are completely deuterated, (c) hydrogen atoms in prochiral methyl groups are partially deuterated, and (d) all hydrogen atoms except one of them in methyl group are deuterated and hydrogen atoms in the aromatic ring are partially deuterated. With the stable isotope-labeled amino acid, the deuteration of protein can be attained without damaging the NMR sensitivity of remaining hydrogen nucleus and, in addition, the rapid, accurate analysis of NMR spectrum of a high-molecular protein which is beyond the limitation in the prior art and the determination of the stereo-structure can be performed at the same time.

Abstract: A system for establishing a cumulative history of stress factors encountered during use of an endodontic file and keeping track of such for a plurality of files so that the files can be re-used with confidence that a given file is as safe to use as a new file. Cost of file maintenance is significantly reduced and the likelihood of file breakage in use is minimized.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing polyhydroxyalkanoate-containing structure, at least a part of a base material surface of the structure being coated with polyhydroxyalkanoate, the method comprises the steps of immobilizing a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase on the base material surface, synthesizing, on the base material surface, polyhydroxyalkanoate using a 3-hydroxyacyl coenzyme A to become the substrate of the synthase and the synthase and coating at least a part of the base material surface with the synthesized polyhydroxyalkanoate, wherein the synthase contains an amino acid sequence capable of binding to the base material.

Abstract: Use of an extract of bacterium from the family Pseudomonadaceae in the production of cosmetic compositions in particular for combating ageing of the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to new methods of enzymatic synthesis of polymers such as polyorganosilicones and polyesters, and new polymers made by these methods.

Abstract: Utilizing almond hulls as the starting material, enhancing the production from them of products such as inositol and inositol phosphates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a phospholipid in an aqueous system in which hydrolysis is extremely controlled, and the synthetic yield is improved. A process for exchanging a base of a phospholipid as a raw material by subjecting the phospholipid to the action of phospholipase D in the presence of a receptor having a hydroxyl group, in which the reaction is carried out in an aqueous system, a phospholipid adsorbed on a carrier is used as a raw material phospholipid, and the receptor and the phospholipase D are used in free forms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a compound which blocks the activation of a stress-activated protein kinase selected from the group consisting of SAPK4 and SAPK3 by SKK3. The method includes contacting the stress-activated protein kinase with the compound and determining whether the compound enhances or disrupts the interaction between the stress-activated protein kinase and SKK3. The invention further relates to a screening assay, a method of identifying agents able to influence the activity of a stress-activated protein kinase and a method of activating a stress-activated protein kinase.

Abstract: A method for producing phospholipid using transphosphatidylation, which comprises the steps of homogenizing a mixture of a raw material phospholipid, a hydroxyl-containing acceptor, phospholipase D, and water in the absence of an organic solvent to obtain a homogenized mixture; and subjectng said homogenized mixture to the transphosphatidylation reaction at 15° C. to 65° C. The homogenized mixture has a lamellar lyotropic liquid crystal structure. An objective phospholipid can be obtained from the homogenized mixture through transphosphatidylation without using an organic solvent or calcium.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing isopentenyl pyrophosphate are provided. A first method comprises introducing into a host microorganism a plurality of heterologous nucleic acid sequences, each coding for a different enzyme in the mevalonate pathway for producing isopentenyl pyrophosphate. A related method comprises introducing into a host microorganism an intermediate in the mevalonate pathway and at least one heterologous nucleic acid sequence, each sequence coding for an enzyme in the mevalonate pathway necessary for converting the intermediate into isopentenyl pyrophosphate. The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences, enzymes, expression vectors, and transformed host cells for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: The invention pertains to isolated phosphopantetheinyl transferases, such as the E. coli acyl carrier protein synthase, which transfer a phosphopantetheinyl group onto a substrate. The enzyme can be purified from a natural source, produced recombinantly, or synthetically. Accordingly, the invention provides compositions and kits including phosphopantetheinyl transferases and host cells expressing phosphopantetheinyl transferases. The invention also provides nucleic acids encoding phosphopantetheinyl transferases and vectors comprising such nucleic acids. The invention further provides methods for phosphopantetheinylating a substrate in vitro or in vivo and methods for producing antibiotics in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Processes for making siloxanes, more particularly biosynthetic processes for making cyclic siloxanes are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process halogenation, which comprises halogenating a chemical compound in the presence of a halogenase, where the halogenase is (a) encoded by the sequence specified in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a sequence derived therefrom on the basis of the degeneracy of the genetic code, or is (b) encoded by a nucleic acid sequence which codes for a functional fragment of (a) or (c) by a sequence which hybridizes with (a) or (b) under standard conditions, or is (d) encoded by a sequence which has more than 30% identity or more than 60% similarity with the sequence specified under (a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated DNA sequence encoding an enzyme in the mevalonate pathway or the pathway from isopentenyl pyrophosphate to farnesyl pyrophosphate. Vectors and plasmids including such DNA are also set forth. The invention also includes host cells transformed by such DNAs, or vectors or plasmids containing such DNAs. A process for the production of isoprenoids and carotenoids using such transformed host cells is also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided to produce highly concentrated dihydroxyacetone-3-phosphate efficiently by a simple catalytic reaction of dihydroxyacetone with the bacterial cells transformed with the gene encoding a dihydroxyacetone kinase or the dihydroxyacetone kinase produced by said bacterium.

Abstract: A class of biopolymer including sulfur in the form of a thioester in the polymer backbone or a thioether in the polymer side chains has been developed. These are preferably produced by fermentation of bacteria with appropriate sulfur containing substrates, which are incorporated by a broad spectrum polyhydroxyalkanoate (“PHA”) polymerase. The sulfur-containing PHAs allow various applications and uses in industry. Representative embodiments of the applications of the sulfur-containing PHAs include their uses in the packaging industry, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture or food industry, as active agents or as coatings, packaging, or carriers.

Abstract: Methods are provided to produce highly concentrated dihydroxyacetone-3-phosphate efficiently by a simple catalytic reaction of dihydroxyacetone with the bacterial cells transformed with the gene encoding a dihydroxyacetone kinase or the dihydroxyacetone kinase produced by said bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a phospholipid in an aqueous system in which hydrolysis is extremely controlled, and the synthetic yield is improved.

Abstract: A DNA fragment which encodes a polypeptide defined in the following (a) or (b), and a polypeptide defined in the following (c) or (d):

Abstract: Enzymatic processes can produce intermediates for manufacturing retiferol derivatives that are useful for treating or preventing hyperproliferative skin diseases and for reversing conditions associated with photodamage. These processes can use as a starting material trihydroxycyclohexane, which can be chemically modified by a process that includes an enzymatic step, typically involving lipases of EC-class 3.1.1.3 or 3.1.1.34.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enzymatic process for the preparation of an acetylated phospholipid from a lecithin by acetylating the lecithin in the presence of vinyl acetate and a catalyst comprising lipase from Mucor miehei having 1,3-position specificity, separating the desired acetylated phospholipid.

Abstract: A coupled enzyme reaction of a transaminase with GOT activity and of a transaminase with L-phosphinothricin transaminase activity produces phosphinothricin in virtually quantitative yield and virtually without any contamination whatever by a natural amino acid when the amino donor glutamate is employed in catalytic amounts and the amino donor aspartate is employed in approximately equimolar amounts relative to 4-(hydroxymethylphosphinyl)-2-oxobutyric acid.

Abstract: Specific exchange of the acyl group in the sn-2 position of a phospholipid is achieved by reacting it with a free fatty acid in the presence of an extracellular phospholipase A2.

Abstract: Manufacture or use of a mutant prenyl diphosphate synthase in which the amino acid residue located at the fifth position in the N-terminal direction from D of the N-terminal of the aspartic acid-rich domain DDXX(XX)D (the two X's in the parentheses may not be present) present in the second region among the conserved regions of the prenyl diphosphate synthase has been substituted by another amino acid.

Abstract: Conversion of crude lecithin is performed by incubating the lecithin with a lipase-phospholipase mixture in a water/polyol environment. The incubation is carried out at about 40-50.degree. C. and a pH of about 7 to about 8 while stirring continuously. The reaction simultaneously produces lysolipid, lysophospholipid, monoglycerides, and diglycerides. The conversion rate of lecithin is more than 80% based on the ratio of LPC/PC (lysophosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylcholine). Calcium chloride can be added to the reaction mixture to capture released fatty acids.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a constitutively active phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) comprising the catalytic p110 subunit covalently attached at the N-terminus to the iSH2 region of the regulatory subunit, p85. The invention discloses one form of the constitutively active kinase, p110*, which functions independently of growth factor stimulation. Expression vectors encoding a constitutively active PI 3-kinase and cells containing such expression vectors are provided. The invention also provides methods of using the constitutively active phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to generate phosphoinositides, to identify cellular target proteins and associating molecules of PI 3-kinase, to screen for inhibitors of PI 3-kinase activity and to treat certain diseases, in particular, proliferative diseases. Kits comprising the constitutively active kinase are also provided.

Abstract: Mouse is immunized with an antigen of a lipid fraction originating from Mycoplasma fermentans. Its spleen cells are fused with mouse myeloma cells to prepare hybridomas. A hybridoma is selected, which produces a monoclonal antibody having reaction specificity to GGPL-III that is a phosphocholine-containing glycoglycerolipid specific to Mycolplasma fermentans. Mycoplasma fermentans is detected by using the obtained antibody.

Abstract: A process for preparing optically active allylic alcohol derivatives comprises reacting a racemic mixture of the following formula I ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl, alkenyl, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl or arylalkyl;with acetate or anhydride under the catalysis of Pseudomonase AK, PS or K-10 lipase in the presence of an organic solvent.

Abstract: L-PTC (L-phosphinothricin, L-2-amino-4-methylphosphino-butyric acid) is the active herbicidal component of D,L-PTC and can be obtained according to the invention when D,L-PTC derivatives which are N-acylated and esterified on the phosphinic acid group as well as optionally esterified or amidated on the carboxylic group, are treated with a hydrolytically active enzyme in an aqueous or aqueous-organic medium, in which process the L-PTC derivatives are selectively hydrolyzed on the N-acyl group or the modified carboxyl group, the resulting product mixture is resolved, and the desired L-PTC derivative is hydrolyzed to give the L-PTC and isolated by customary methods.

Abstract: DNA coding for thermostable geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGDP) synthase derived from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius is provided. The DNA is useful for production of GGDP synthase, which is, in turn, useful for production of GGDP.

Abstract: Heptaprenyl diphosphate (HDP)-synthetase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus which enzymes have the amino acid sequences shown as SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 3; 1 and 2; 2 and 3; or 1 and 3, DNA encoding them, and a method of producing the enzymes.According to the invention it is possible to industrially produce HDP-synthesizing enzyme and HPD.

Abstract: L-PTC (L-phosphinothricin, L-2-amino-4-methylphosphino-butyric acid) is the active herbicidal component of D,L-PTC and can be obtained according to the invention when D,L-PTC derivatives which are N-acylated and esterified on the phosphinic acid group as well as optionally esterified or amidated on the carboxylic group, are treated with a hydrolytically active enzyme in an aqueous or aqueous-organic medium, in which process the L-PTC derivatives are selectively hydrolyzed on the N-acyl group or the modified carboxyl group, the resulting product mixture is resolved, and the desired L-PTC derivative is hydrolyzed to give the L-PTC and isolated by customary methods.

Abstract: A process for producing optically active primary and secondary amines from the corresponding racemates is characterised in that (a) a racemic amine is enantioselectively acylated in the presence of a hydrolase with an ester whose acid component bears a fluorine, nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur atom at the proximity of the carbonyl carbon atom; (b) the mixture of optically active amine and optically active acylated amine is separated so that an enantiomer of amine is produced; (c) if desired the other enantiomer of the amine is extracted from the acylated amine by amide cleavage.

Abstract: Methods for making lysophosphatidylcholine are provided, comprising hydrolysis of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine and an agent with phospholipase A.sub.2. Also disclosed are methods for making a lipid matrix of lysophosphatidylcholine, monoglyceride and fatty acid.

Abstract: The individual enantiomers of the compounds (Ia), (Ib), (IIa) or (IIb), optionally substituted by non-interfering substituent(s). The novel enantiomers can be obtained by biotransformation. The (Ia) or (IIa) compounds can be used for the synthesis of chiral carbocyclic nucleosides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, which comprises reacting ascorbic acid or araboascorbic acid with ATP to produce ascorbic acid-2-phosphate in an aqueous medium in the presence of an effective amount of an enzyme derived from a microorganism and capable of catalyzing the enzymatic reaction of ascorbic acid or araboascorbic acid with ATP to produce ascorbic acid-2-phosphate and recovering the resultant ascorbic acid-2-phosphate from the reaction solution.

Abstract: A Phospholipase A1 which is capable of hydrolyzing a phospholipid to produce a 2-acyl lysophospholipid and is obtainable from species of the fungus Aspergillus.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a Phospholipase A1 which comprises (a) culturing a Phospholipase A1 producing strain of Aspergillus under conditions which allow for the production of the Phospholipase A1; (b) after the culturing, diluting the culture with water or an appropriate buffer solution; (c) filtering the resulting solution under pressure to remove any insoluble matter; and optionally (d) purifying the enzyme.

Abstract: Phospholipase D enzyme is used to mediate the synthesis of a phosphatidylhydroxyalkanol in a first step. This phosphatidylhydroxyalkanol is reacted to produce a headgroup modified phospholipid in a subsequent step. In the first step, phospholipase D enzyme extract mediates transphosphatidylation of a phospholipid with an alcohol containing at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule, producing reproducible and nearly quantitative yields of a phosphatidylhydroxyalkanol. In the subsequent step, the hydroxyl head group of the phosphatidylhydroxyalkanol is further reacted with amino, carboxylic, halogen or thiol containing molecules to produce a headgroup modified phospholipid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the compound 1'-[2,3-Bis(hexadecanoyloxy)propyl]-d-glycopyranos-6'-yl-2"-(trimethylammo nium)ethylphosphate which is a phosphorylcholine-containing glyceroglycolipid useful for detecting the presence of Mycoplasma fermentans in cells or microorganisms.

Abstract: N-(3-acetylthio-2-D-methylpropionyl)-L-proline useful as a precursor of captopril, one of antihypertensive agents, is prepared by allowing thioacetic acid to react with methyl methacrylate to prepare racetalc methyl 3-acetylthio-2-DL-methylpropionate, contacting the propionate with cells of, for example, Pseudomonas in order to effect biological and asymmetric hydrolysis, extracting 3-acetylthio-D-2-methylpropionic acid and allowing the acid to react with L-proline.

Abstract: Phospholipase D enzyme is used to mediate the synthesis of a phosphatidylhydroxyalkanol in a first step. This phosphatidylhydroxyalkanol is reacted to produce a headgroup modified phospholipid in a subsequent step. In the first step, phospholipase D enzyme extract mediates transphosphatidylation of a phospholipid with an alcohol containing at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule, producing reproducible and nearly quantitative yields of a phosphatidylhydroxyalkanol. In the subsequent step, the hydroxyl head group of the phosphatidylhydroxyalkanol is further reacted with amino, carboxylic, halogen or thiol containing molecules to produce a headgroup modified phospholipid.

Abstract: Phosphorylated plasminogen activator, such as phosphorylated pro-urokinase (pro-u-PA), which is substantially free from unphosphorylated plasminogen activator, may be obtained by phosphorylating unphosphorylated plasminogen activator with a phosphorylating enzyme or by separating phosphorylated plasminogen activator from a mixture of phosphorylated plasminogen activator and unphosphorylated plasminogen activator. Phosphorylated pro-u-PA, which is substantially free from unphosphorylated pro-u-PA, is converted by plasmin into phosphorylated u-PA. The phosphorylated plasminogen activators such as phosphorylated pro-u-PA, u-PA and t-PA are useful as thrombolytic agents.

Abstract: A Phospholipase A1 which is capable of hydrolyzing a phospholipid to produce a 2-acyl lysophospholipid and is obtainable from species of the fungus Aspergillus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the preparation of R-configured trialkylsilylethynyl .alpha.-alcohols from similarly substituted .alpha.-ketones, and vice versa, catalyzed by the alcohol dehydrogenase of Lactobacillus kefir, ATCC No. 35411. Also disclosed is the acceptance or transfer of a hydride ion from or to the pro-R face of NADPH or NADP, respectively, as catalyzed by that enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing ascorbic acid-2-phosphate which comprises the steps of reaction, in aqueous medium, of ascorbic acid with a phosphate donor in the presence of cells, treated cells, a culture broth or a treated culture broth, of a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia and carrying a recombinant DNA comprising a gene isolated from a microorganism belonging to the species Pseudomonas azotocolligans and coding for ascorbic acid-phosphorylating enzyme until a recoverable amount of ascorbic acid-2-phosphate is accumulated in the aqueous medium, and recovery of ascorbic acid-2-phosphate therefrom.