Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gene having asymmetric hydrolase activity which is useful for synthesis of an optically active carboxylic acid, its antipode ester, and lactone, and a hydroxycarboxylic ester asymmetric hydrolase enzyme (EnHCH) derived from Enterobacter sp. DS-S-75 strain (FERM BP-5494) which is bacteria belonging to the genus Enterobacter, a EnHCH gene shown by base sequence of SEQ. ID. NO: 1, a gene encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NO: 2, and E. coli DH5? (pKK-EnHCH) deposited to International Patent Organism Depositary, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology as a deposition No. FERM BP-08466.

Abstract: A DNA fragment encoding a ? subunit is obtained by inverse PCR using primers designed based on the nucleotide sequnece of a N-terminal signal sequence region of a GDH ? subunit derived from Burkholderia cepacia KS1 strain.

Abstract: The substrate specificity of a lipolytic enzyme can be modified by making alterations to the amino acid sequence in a defined region of the lipolytic enzyme, so as to increase the level of a desired activity or to decrease the level of an undesired activity. Thus, the inventors have developed lipolytic enzyme variants with a modified amino acid sequence with a substrate specificity which can be tailored for specific uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to esterases and to polynucleotides encoding the esterases. In addition methods of designing new esterase method of use thereof are also provided. The esterases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: Domains of jerangolid polyketide synthase and modification enzymes and polynucleotides encoding them are provided. Methods to prepare jerangolid in pharmaceutically useful quantities are described, as are methods to prepare jerangolid analogs and other polyketides using the polynucleotides encoding jerangolid synthase domains or modifying enzymes.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated sugar metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation (SMP) nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel SMP proteins from Corynebacterium glutamicum, are described. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing SMP nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. The invention still further provides isolated SMP proteins, mutated SMP proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and methods for the improvement of production of a desired compound from C. glutamicum based on genetic engineering of SMP genes in this organism.

Abstract: A method of treating an autoimmune disease comprising administering to the subject a treatment effective amount of a histone hyperacetylating agent, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising certain lipase variants and a photobleach and processes for making and using such compositions. Including the use of such compositions to clean and/or treat a situs.

Abstract: Modified proteins are disclosed that maintain enzymatic and insecticidal activity while displaying reduced or eliminated allergenicity. Epitopes which bind to anti-patatin antibodies were identified, and removed via site directed mutagenesis. Tyrosines were observed to generally contribute to the allergenic properties of patatin proteins. Removal of glycosylation sites was observed to reduce or eliminate antibody binding. Permuteins are also disclosed which have a rearranged amino acid sequence while retaining enzymatic activity. Deallergenized proteins and permuteins can be used as insecticidal materials, as nutritional supplements, and as immunotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The instant invention describes a novel reaction that includes spontaneous racemization of an azalactone via enol tautomerization. This racemization results in improved yield and ee over other reactions previously described.

Abstract: The invention relates to biotechnologically expressible, enzymically active recombinant porcine liver esterases, to a biotechnological method for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof in organic synthesis. The monomeric subunits of recombinant porcine liver esterase are truncated at their C-terminal end, compared with naturally occurring porcine liver esterase subunits. Moreover, it has proved to be an additional advantage to truncate the N-terminal end as well.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an esterase, its DNA, its overexpression and a method for preparing an optically active aryl propionic acid of formula (1) using the same in high yield, wherein R1 represents an aryl group; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a DNA sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a variant paraoxonase protein and to said variant paraoxonase protein as well as a method and a kit for detecting a risk of cancer, coronary or cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dementia, joint arthrosis, cataract, or sensitivity to organophosphorus compounds in a subject, the method comprising isolating genomic DNA from said subject, determining the allelic pattern for the codon 102 of the paraoxonase encoding PON1 gene in the genomic DNA, identification of Ile101Val mutation indicating said risk being increased and for targeting paraoxonase activity modulating therapies. Further this invention relates to transgenic animals comprising a human DNA molecule encoding said variant paraoxonase and to a method of phenotype-targeted gene sequencing.

Abstract: A membranous enzyme not yet described in the state-of-the-art can be extracted from cellular membrane fractions of blood leukocytes or monocytes/macrophages. Also disclosed is the use of substrates of this enzyme to prepare medicaments that contain these substrates as pharmaceutical active substance. These medicaments are useful to direct pharmacologically active substances to target cells and to enrich target cells with said substances. Also disclosed are in-vitro research systems containing this enzyme used to detect other substrates of this enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel esterase proteins, Specifically, the present invention provides proteins having the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 7, or salts thereof; their partial peptides or salts thereof: DNAs encoding the proteins; recombinant vectors containing the DNAs; transformants, a method of manufacturing the proteins; pharmaceuticals comprising the proteins or DNAs; antibodies to the proteins; a method of screening compounds or salts thereof having an activity of promoting the esterase activity of the proteins; the compounds obtained by the screening; and pharmaceuticals comprising the said compounds; etc.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gene having asymmetric hydrolase activity which is useful for synthesis of an optically active carboxylic acid, its antipode ester, and lactone, and a hydroxycarboxylic ester asymmetric hydrolase enzyme (EnHCH) derived from Enterobacter sp. DS-S-75 strain (FERM BP-5494) which is bacteria belonging to the genus Enterobacter, a EnHCH gene shown by base sequence of SEQ.ID.NO: 1, a gene encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO: 2, and E. coli DH5? (pKK-EnHCH) deposited to International Patent Organism Depositary, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology as a deposition No. FERM BP-08466.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated DNA molecule encoding Malathion Carboxylesterase capable of hydrolysing at least one organophosphate selected from the group consisting of carboxylester organophosphates and dimethyloxon organophosphates. The DNA molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, preferably at least 80% and more preferably at least 95% homology with Lc?E 7, in which the protein encoded by the DNA molecule differs from E 3 at least in the substitution of Trip at position 251 with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Leu, Ser, Ala, Ile, Val, Thr, Cys, Met and Gly. The preferred substituents are Leu and Ser.

Abstract: The invention provides four butyrylcholinesterase variants having increased cocaine hydrolysis activity as well as the corresponding encoding nucleic acids. The invention also provides libraries comprising butyrylcholinesterase variants having at least one amino acid alteration in one or more regions of butyrylcholinesterase and further having at least one butyrylcholinesterase variant exhibiting enhanced cocaine hydrolysis activity compared to butyrylcholinesterase. The invention further provides methods of hydrolyzing a cocaine-based butyrylcholinesterase substrate as well as methods of treating a cocaine-induced condition.

Abstract: A method for the resolution of a mixture of the cis or trans enantiomers of a compound of the formula wherein R1 is —O—C(O)alkyl, —O—C(O)aryl or —O—C(O)cycloalkyl by contacting the mixture with a carboxylic ester hydrolase enzyme which catalyzes the stereoselective hydrolysis of the mixture and the use of such enantiomers to produce antitumor compounds which are especially suitable for oral administration.

Abstract: The properties of dough or bread can be improved by the addition of a carbohydrate oxidase which can oxidize the reducing end of an oligosaccharide more efficiently than the corresponding monosaccharide, e.g., preferentially oxidizing maltodextrins or cellodextrins over glucose. A novel carbohydrate oxidase having the capability to oxidize maltodextrins and cellodextrins more efficiently than glucose may be obtained from a strain of Microdochium, particularly M. nivale. The amino acid sequence of the novel carbohydrate oxidase has very low homology (<20% identity) with known amino acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention discloses DNA sequences encoding plant and novel lipid acyl hydrolase proteins having coleopteran specific insect inhibitory activity, as well as variants and permuteins having enhanced levels of activity directed to controlling coleotperan insect infestation and enhanced levels of expression in planta. Additionally, catalytic dyad active site conformation is disclosed for both dicot and monocot plant derived non-specific lipid acyl hydrolases having coleopteran insect inhibitory properties.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides isolated from Lactobacillus rhamnosus, as well as probes and primers, genetic constructs comprising the polynucleotides, biological materials, including plants, microorganisms and multicellular organisms incorporating the polynucleotides, polypeptides expressed by the polynucleotides, and methods for using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutant-type lipases which demonstrate superior lipolytic and esterific activities. The mutant-type lipases are characterized by an amino acid alteration at the residue immediately followed either the serine residue or the histidine residue or both residues of the Ser-His-Asp catalytic triad. The Ser-His-Asp catalytic triad is known to be the three residues, although occur far apart in the amino acid sequence of a lipase, that contribute to the hydrolytic activity in the active site of the lipase. The amino acid residue that follows the serine residue of the Ser-His-Asp catalytic triad is alanine. The amino acid residue that follows the histidine residue of the Ser-His-Asp catalytic triad is isoleucine. The wild-type lipase is preferably originated from Staphylococcus, particularly Staphylococcus epidermindis.

Abstract: The invention provides twenty-one butyrylcholinesterase variants having increased cocaine hydrolysis activity as well as the corresponding encoding nucleic acids. The invention further provides methods of hydrolyzing a cocaine-based butyrylcholinesterase substrate as well as methods of treating a cocaine-induced condition.

Abstract: Provided is a method of resolving a racemic mixture of a compound of formula I to obtain a desired enantiomer: wherein Ar is C6 or C10 aromatic group that can be substituted with H, C1 to C6 alkyl, trifluoromethyl or halo, R5 is halo or —S—R1, wherein R1 is H or acetyl, and R2 is H or C1 to C6 alkyl, the method comprising: reacting a compound of formula I wherein the compound is an ester whereby R2 is C1 to C6 alkyl with a lipase derived from Mucor meihei to stereoselectively hydrolyze the ester bond to produce an acid; and isolating the acid, wherein the reaction is conducted in a solvent comprising 80% to 98% v/v % organic phase and a residue of water phase (which can be buffered).

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding a carboxylesterase enzyme and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides which are capable of metabolizing a chemotherapeutic prodrug and inactive metabolites thereof to active drug are provided. Compositions and methods for sensitizing tumor cells to a prodrug chemotherapeutic agent and inhibiting tumor growth with this enzyme are also provided. In addition, screening assay for identification of drugs activated by this enzyme are described.

Abstract: A process for modifying a pectin comprising providing a host having PME activity and PG activity; transforming said host by silencing PG activity thereby to provide an increased PME to PG ratio; preparing a PME extract from the transformed host; using the PME extract to modify pectin.

Abstract: The invention provides a butyrylcholinesterase variant having increased cocaine hydrolysis activity as well as the corresponding encoding nucleic acid. The invention further provides methods of hydrolyzing a cocaine-based butyrylcholinesterase substrate as well as methods of treating a cocaine-induced condition with the invention variant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of enantiomerically enriched ?-amino acids. The invention also relates to advantageous esters of ?-amino acids of the general formula (I) and to the use thereof in the enzymatic preparation of enantiomerically enriched ?-amino acids.

Abstract: Lipolytic enzymes are chemically modified by covalently linking one or more (particularly 1–3) hydrophobic groups to the enzyme molecule. The chemical modification improves the performance of the lipolytic enzyme, e.g., in baking or in detergents.

Abstract: Variants of fungal cutinases having improved thermostability comprise substitution of one or more specified amino acid residues and/or a specified N-terminal extension. The variants may optionally comprise additional alterations at other positions.

Abstract: An isolated esterase gene coding for an esterase capable of causing asymmetric hydrolysis of an organic carboxylic acid ester of a cyclopentenolone of formula I: wherein R1 is hydrogen or methyl, and R2 is C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, a C5-C9 aliphatic hydrocarbon moiety which may be optionally protected on the terminal hydroxyl group thereof, or a C5-C9 fatty acid residue which may be optionally protected on the terminal carboxyl group thereof, to produce the cyclopentenolone of formula I in (R)-form, and hybridizing to the base sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, is useful for the industrially favorable production of optically active cyclopentenolones of formula I which serve as the intermediates of drugs, agricultural chemicals or other active products.

Abstract: A process for the resolution of enantiomeric mixtures of a chiral carboxylic acid, including an esterification reaction of the carboxylic acid in an organic solvent, in the presence of a stereoselective hydrolase, characterized in that an orthoester of the formula R1—C(OR2)3, in which R1 is selected from H and C1–C4alkyl and R2 is C1–C8alkyl or —CH2—C6-10aryl, is used as the esterification reactive.

Abstract: Modified proteins are disclosed that maintain enzymatic and insecticidal activity while displaying reduced or eliminated allergenicity. Epitopes which bind to anti-patatin antibodies were identified, and removed via site directed mutagenesis. Tyrosines were observed to generally contribute to the allergenic properties of palatin proteins. Removal of glycosylation sites was observed to reduce or eliminate antibody binding. Permuteins are also disclosed which have a rearranged amino acid sequence while retaining enzymatic activity. Deallergenized proteins and permuteins can be used as insecticidal materials, as nutritional supplements, and as immunotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 25501 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel transferase family members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 25501 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 25501 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 25501 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-25501 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The properties of dough or bread can be improved by the addition of a carbohydrate oxidase which can oxidize the reducing end of an oligosaccharide more efficiently than the corresponding monosaccharide, e.g., preferentially oxidizing maltodextrins or cellodextrins over glucose. A novel carbohydrate oxidase having the capability to oxidize maltodextrins and cellodextrins more efficiently than glucose may be obtained from a strain of Microdochium, particularly M. nivale. The amino acid sequence of the novel carbohydrate oxidase has very low homology (<20% identity) with known amino acid sequences.

Abstract: Methods of forming an interfacial layer on a hydrogen-passivated substrate are provided. These methods utilize atomic layer deposition techniques incorporating metal nitrate-based precursors, such as hafnium nitrate or zirconium nitrate, without introducing a hydrating agent, or oxidizing agent, such as water, during the formation of the interfacial layer. Also provided are methods of forming high-k films, by first forming an interfacial layer on the surface of a hydrogen-passivated substrate, and then depositing one, or more, high-k dielectric films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of enantiomerically enriched ?-amino acids. The invention also relates to advantageous esters of ?-amino acids of the general formula (I) and to the use thereof in the enzymatic preparation of enantiomerically enriched ?-amino acids.

Abstract: New lipase enzymes (both nucleic acids and polypeptides) are provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method to diminish and/or eliminate atherosclerotic plaques, in mammals, through direct and indirect treatment of these plaques, in situ, using suitable substances which are capable of lipid removal, primarily through hydrolysis, either by a catalytic or stoichiometric process, wherein the substance targets receptors in and/or on the cell which lead to uptake into the lysosome. Such substances used to diminish and/or eliminate atherosclerotic plaques are generally comprised of lipid hydrolyzing proteins and/or polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for economically producing N-acetylneuraminic acid without using expensive materials such as pyruvic acid and phosphoenolpyruvic acid. The process comprises: allowing (i) a culture of a microorganism having N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase activity or N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase activity, or a treated matter of the culture, (ii) a culture of a microorganism capable of producing pyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, or a culture of a microorganism capable of producing phosphoenolpyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, (iii) N-acetylmannosamine, and (iv) an energy source which is necessary for the formation of pyruvic acid or phosphoenolpyruvic acid to be present in an aqueous medium to form and accumulate N-acetylneuraminic acid in the aqueous medium; and recovering N-acetylneuraminic acid from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides kPGE and derivative polypeptides which are capable of being produced by genetic recombination and used to produce EMCs. This invention further provides nucleic acid sequences encoding kPGE and derivative polypeptides which can be used to create recombinant host cells that express kPGE and derivative polypeptides. A further subject of the present of invention is a fusion polypeptide called polyHis-enterokinase which increases expression of esterases and lipases when fused to the N-terminal of the esterase or lipase. This invention also provides a method for treating animals with an esterase or lipase deficiency by administering rkPGE to the animal in a therapeutically effective amount.

Abstract: Peptides and mimetics of selected domains of mammalian serum amyloid A isoform 2.1 (SAA2.1) and compounds and compositions thereof are provided that enhance the effect on macrophage cholesterol ester hydrolase activity and/or inhibit acyl CoA:cholesterol acyl transferase activity. Methods of using these compositions in the treatment and/or prevention of atherosclerosis as well as coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease are also provided.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding carboxylesterase enzymes and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides which are capable of metabolizing a chemotherapeutic prodrug and inactive metabolites thereof to active drug are provided. Compositions and methods for sensitizing tumor cells to a prodrug chemotherapeutic agent and inhibiting tumor growth with this enzyme are also provided. In addition, screening assay for identification of drugs activated by this enzyme are described.

Abstract: A novel DNA is provided which encodes an enzyme having esterolytic activity isolated from Aspergillus. Also provided for is a method of isolating DNA encoding an enzyme having esterolytic activity from organisms which possess such DNA, transformation of the DNA into a suitable host organism, expression of the transformed DNA and the use of the expressed esterase protein in feed as a supplement, in textiles for the finishing of such textiles prior to sale, in starch processing or production of foods such as baked bread.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel gene encoding a protein having an excellent catalyst ability for producing (S)-N-substituted cyclic imino acid represented by the general formula (2) (=the (S)-cyclic imino acid (2)): and to provide a novel method for producing the (S)-cyclic imino acid (2) by an asymmetric hydrolization of the N-substituted cyclic imino acid ester represented by the general formula (1): in a manner of gene engineering technology utilizing the novel gene provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a plant that can synthesize copolyesters consisting of short chain fatty acid-derived monomers having 4 to 7 carbon atoms and a process for producing copolyesters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel sphingolipid ceramide N-deacylase (SCDase) having a wide substrate specificity; a method for enzymatically producing a lysosphingolipid or a sphingolipid derivative using the SCDase which is useful in the fields of medicine, carbohydrate engineering, cell engineering, and the like; the lysosphingolipid or sphingolipid derivative obtained by this production method; a gene which encodes a polypeptide having an SCDase activity useful in sphingolipid technology; a method for industrially producing a polypeptide having an SCDase deacylase activity and a recombinant polypeptide thereof using a transformant to which the gene is introduced; a probe or primer which hybridizes to the gene; and an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to the polypeptide.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a recombinant fungal strain, capable of expressing chitin deacetylase, which includes an expression vector that contains a nucleic acid molecule encoding chitin deacetylase, a suitable promoter and a transcription terminator. In particular, the present invention provides a recombinant Aspergillus oryzae strain capable of expressing chitin deacetylase obtained from Mucor rouxii. The present invention also relates to a method for producing chitin deacetylase by a recombinant fungal strain. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a recombinant yeast strain, capable of expressing chitin deacetylase, which includes an expression vector that contains a nucleic acid molecule encoding chitin deacetylase, a suitable promoter and a transcription terminator. In particular, the present invention provides a recombinant Pichia pastoris strain capable of expressing chitin deacetylase obtained from Mucor rouxii.