Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant calf-Chymosin protein as set forth in SEQ ID No. 1; a recombinant calf-Chymosin gene as set forth in SEQ ID No. 2 encoding the protein comprising amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.1; an E. coli comprising the recombinant chymosin gene of SEQ ID No. 2; an expression vector pET21b comprising recombinant calf-chymosin gene as set forth in SEQ ID No. 2; and lastly a method for producing recombinant calf-chymosin protein as set forth in SEQ ID No. 1 which comprises steps of isolating calf-chymosin gene, cloning the same in bacterial expression vector pET21b, transforming said cloned vector into cells of E. coli, fermenting said E. coli to produce pro-chymosin, converting said pro-chymosin to chymosin and subsequently recovering the recombinant calf-chymosin.

Abstract: Human BACE polypeptides having modifications to the N-linked glycosylation sites including one or more of the following amino acid substitutions: S174I, N223A, N153Q and N354S. DNA sequences, vectors, and host cells for producing the polypeptides. Crystalline protein compositions formed from the purified polypeptides. Methods of screening for compounds that inhibit A? using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alkaline protease exhibiting high detergency and productivity, which is obtained by further enhancing the detergency of an alkaline protease effective against complex dirt and enhancing the specific activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the ? secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. An enzyme that cleaves the ?-secretase site of APP also is provided. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active, isolated ?-secretase enzyme in purified and recombinant form. This enzyme is implicated in the production of amyloid plaque components which accumulate in the brains of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Recombinant cells that produce this enzyme either alone or in combination with some of its natural substrates (APP and APPsw) are also disclosed. These compositions are useful for use in methods of selecting compounds that modulate ?-secretase. Inhibitors of ?-secretase are implicated as therapeutics in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A novel human cDNA, termed PRSS11-L, was isolated which encodes a polypeptide that belongs to the S2/HtrA serine protease family. The PRSS11-L mRNA is widely expressed in several tissues throughout the body by multi-tissue Northern blotting. The full-length PRSS11-L cDNA, was cloned, expressed and purified. Proteolytic activity was demonstrated using the protein substrate casein. The isolated nucleic acid or polypeptide molecule of the invention can be used in detection assays, gene therapy, and screening assays.

Abstract: Disclosed are various forms of an active, isolated ?-secretase enzyme in purified and recombinant form. This enzyme is implicated in the production of amyloid plaque components which accumulate in the brains of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Recombinant cells that produce this enzyme either alone or in combination with some of its natural substrates (?-APPwt and ?-APPsw) are also disclosed, as are antibodies directed to such proteins. These compositions are useful for use in methods of selecting compounds that modulate ?-secretase. Inhibitors of ?-secretase are implicated as therapeutics in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A method of recombinantly producing a non-bovine pre-prochymosin, prochymosin or chymosin derived from ruminant species including deer species, buffalo species, antelope species, giraffe species, ovine species and caprine species; Camelidae species such as Camelus dromedarius; porcine species; or Equidae species. The recombinant enzymes are used in milk coagulating compositions in cheese manufacturing based on cow's milk and milk from any animal species which are used in cheese manufacturing including camel's milk.

Abstract: Aqueous enzyme delivery systems as well as aqueous cosmetics and personal care products were provided which comprise at least one stabile enzyme and a polyglycerol containing at least 15 carbons. In addition, stabile non-aqueous enzyme delivery systems which are dispersions of at least one enzyme in an non-aqueous viscous liquid as well as a methods for the treatment of human skin in recreational water applications by means of enzymes are provided.

Abstract: Method for identifying compounds that interfere with or modulate sister chromatid separation in animal or plant cells by modulating a protease with separin-like cysteine endopeptidase activity. Inhibitors of separin activity are useful in cancer therapy, to prevent birth defects and to increase ploidy in plants.

Abstract: The medicine containing angiotensin-converting enzyme or its peptidase-inactivated mutants that specifically releasing GPI-anchored proteins from the cell surface, for preventing or curing diseases, such as prion-related diseases, inflammatory diseases, bacterial infectious diseases and male infertility due to sperm-egg binding insufficiency.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to increase PHEX activity to improve the osteogenic process in a mammal where this process has been diminished due to pathology or a condition that require osteogenesis. Osteocalcin is an endogenous inhibitor of the PHEX activity. Therefore, the identification of a substance capable of potentiating PHEX activity by preventing the inhibitory action of endogenous inhibitors will improve osteogenesis. Since PHEX is generally associated with the growth plane of bone or teeth and the absence of osteocalcin is associated with increased bone mass, potentiation of PHEX activity can promote bone growth. Increased PHEX activity can also be obtained by administration of the enzyme itself.

Abstract: The biological effects of the cytokine TNF are mediated by binding to receptors on the surface of cells. This disclosure describes new proteins and polynucleotides that promote enzymatic cleavage and release of TNF receptors. Also provided are methods for identifying additional compounds that influence TNF receptor shedding. As the active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition, the products of this invention increase or decrease TNF signal transduction, thereby alleviating the pathology of disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the ? secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A screening tool and a screening method for a therapeutic agent for type II diabetes, particularly an agent for alleviating insulin resistance are disclosed. A novel polypeptide, a polynucleotide, a vector, a promoter, and a transformant which are useful in the screening tool and the screening method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in thereapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial trypsin variants having chymotrypsin-like activity, comprising: (a) a one or more substitutions corresponding to positions 144, 193, 198, 201, 218, 223, 227, 228, 229, 230, and 231 of amino acids 25 to 248 of SEQ ID NO: 2, (b) one or more deletions corresponding to positions 192, 197, and 226 of amino acids 25 to 248 of SEQ ID NO: 2; and (c) an insertion between positions corresponding to positions 224 and 225 of amino acids 25 to 248 of SEQ ID NO: 2. The present invention further relates to nucleotide sequences encoding microbial trypsin variants having chymotrypsin-like activity; nucleic acid constructs, expression vectors, and recombinant host cells comprising such nucleotide sequences; and methods of producing microbial trypsin variants having chymotrypsin-like activity or a precursor thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses purified polypeptides that comprise an active ADAM33 catalytic domain. In addition, the present invention discloses nucleic acids that encode the polypeptides of the present invention. The present invention also discloses methods of growing X-ray diffractable crystals of polypeptides comprising the active ADAM33 catalytic domain. In addition, the present invention discloses methods of using the X-ray diffractable crystals of ADAM33 in structure-based drug design to identify compounds that can modulate the enzymatic activity of ADAM33. The present invention also discloses methods of treating respiratory disorders by administering therapeutic amounts of the ADAM33 catalytic domain.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered enzymes generated from protein scaffolds combined with Specificity Determining Regions, the production thereof and the use of said engineered enzymes for research, nutritional care, personal care and industrial purposes.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules that encode novel ubiquitin protease polypeptides. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing the ubiquitin protease nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a ubiquitin protease sequence of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated ubiquitin protease proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are crystals relating to Cathepsin S and its various uses.

Abstract: The invention provides vitamin K-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.

Abstract: Reagents that regulate human transmembrane serine protease activity and reagents that bind to human transmembrane serine protease gene products can be used to regulate extracellular matrix degradation. Such regulation is particularly useful for treating COPD, metastasis of malignant cells, tumor angiogenesis, inflammation, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and pathogenic infections.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a new protein derived from the silkworm middle silk gland and a DNA encoding said protein. The present invention relates to a protein of the following (a) or (b): (a) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1; (b) a protein comprising a modified amino acid sequence of the amino acid sequence described in (a) above, in which one or more amino acid residues are deleted, substituted, inserted or added, and having protease activity.

Abstract: The present invention describes synthetic peptide substrates of the metalloproteases, aggrecanase-1 and/or -2 suitable for assays of enzyme activity. The invention also describes methods using these peptides to discover pharmaceutical agents that modulate these proteases.

Abstract: Frozen and lyophilized compositions for a metalloproteinase fibrinolytic agent (fibrolase or NAT), a method for preparing the lyophilized composition, and a kit and method for reconstituting the lyophilized composition are described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides encoding an isolated amyloid inhibitor protein (APIP) and compositions thereof. The polypeptides of the subject invention can be used to inhibit the catabolism or sequential cleavage of amyloid beta precursor protein (APP) by sequential cleavage of APP by beta secretase and gamma secretase.

Abstract: There are provided a polynucleotide encoding human BSSP6 serine protease and a vector and transformed host cells containing this human BSSP6 serine protease encoding polynucleotide.

Abstract: Peptides including HisGlyTrpSerTyrGlyGlyPheLeu; LeuAspGluAsnValHisPhePhe; GluArgHisSerIle Arg and PheValIleGlnGluGluPhe which show peptidase ability and have substrate specificity for at least one of the compounds H-Ala-Pro-pNA, H-Gly-Pro-pNA and H-Arg-Pro-pNA are disclosed. Nucleic acids, vectors, antibodies and hybridoma cells are also claimed with reference to the above sequences and their abilities.

Abstract: Disclosed are various forms of an active, isolated ?-secretase enzyme in purified and recombinant form. This enzyme is implicated in the production of amyloid plaque components which accumulate in the brains of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Recombinant cells that produce this enzyme either alone or in combination with some of its natural substrates (?-APPwt and ?-APPsw) are also disclosed, as are antibodies directed to such proteins. These compositions are useful for use in methods of selecting compounds that modulate ?-secretase. Inhibitors of ?-secretase are implicated as therapeutics in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing recombinant trypsin from porcine pancreas in Pichia pastoris which is soluble and secreted into the culture medium, whereby expression at pH 3.0-4.0 substantially prevents activation of trypsinogen to ?-trypsin and autolysis of ?-trypsin by ?-trypsin into ?-trypsin and from there into inactive peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant human BACE polypeptides. More particularly, the invention relates to recombinant human BACE polypeptides that have a modified amino acid sequence at position 33 of the BACE sequence, as well as to polynucleotides, expression vectors, host cells, and methods for producing the modified recombinant human BACE polypeptides.

Abstract: A method of recombinantly producing a non-bovine pre-prochymosin, prochymosin or chymosin derived from ruminant species including deer species, buffalo species, antelope species, giraffe species, ovine species and caprine species; Camelidae species such as Camelus dromedarius; porcine species; or Equidae species. The recombinant enzymes are used in milk coagulating compositions in cheese manufacturing based on cow's milk and milk from any animal species which are used in cheese manufacturing including camel's milk.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to the fields of molecular biology and biochemistry. Thermophilic proteins and the nucleic acids encoding them are disclosed. The thermophilic proteins are from, or derived from, a bacteriophage, YS40, that infects the thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus. These proteins have enhances stability, particularly at high temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed are various forms of an active, isolated ?-secretase enzyme in purified and recombinant form. This enzyme is implicated in the production of amyloid plaque components which accumulate in the brains of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Recombinant cells that produce this enzyme either alone or in combination with some of its natural substrates (?-APPwt and ?-APPsw) are also disclosed, as are antibodies directed to such proteins. These compositions are useful for use in methods of selecting compounds that modulate ?-secretase. Inhibitors of ?-secretase are implicated as therapeutics in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing an excellent peptide-synthesizing protein and a method for efficiently producing a peptide. The peptide is synthesized by reacting an amine component and a carboxy component in the presence of at least one of proteins shown in the following (I) and (II). (I) The mutant protein having an amino acid sequence comprising one or more mutations from any of the mutations 1 to 68, and the mutations 239 to 290 and 324 to 377 in an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.

Abstract: Disclosed are various forms of an active, isolated ?-secretase enzyme in purified and recombinant form. This enzyme is implicated in the production of amyloid plaque components which accumulate in the brains of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Recombinant cells that produce this enzyme either alone or in combination with some of its natural substrates (?-APPwt and ?-APPsw) are also disclosed, as are antibodies directed to such proteins. These compositions are useful for use in methods of selecting compounds that modulate ?-secretase. Inhibitors of ?-secretase are implicated as therapeutics in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating a wide range of inflammatory diseases and disorders, and for inhibiting selectin-mediated binding by administering a mocarhagin protein, or fragments thereof with mocarhagin protein activity are provided. The mocarhagin protein may be administered alone, or in combination with a cytokine, lymphokine, or hematopoietic factor.

Abstract: Fusion proteins of protease inhibitors are provided, in particular fusion proteins of alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) and a second protease inhibitor, such as secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP). Polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins, vectors comprising such polynucleotides, and host cells containing such vectors are also provided. Methods of making the fusion proteins of the invention are also provide, as well as methods of using the fusion proteins, for example to inhibit protease activity in a biological sample or in the treatment of an individual suffering from, or at risk for, a disease or disorder involving unwanted protease activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant human BACE polypeptides. More particularly, the invention relates to recombinant human BACE polypeptides that have a modified amino acid sequence at position 33 of the BACE sequence, as well as to polynucleotides, expression vectors, host cells, and methods for producing the modified recombinant human BACE polypeptides.

Abstract: Frozen and lyophilized compositions for a metalloproteinase fibrinolytic agent (fibrolase or NAT), a method for preparing the lyophilized composition, and a kit and method for reconstituting the lyophilized composition are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human coagulation Factor VII polypeptides, Factor VII derivatives as well as polynucleotide constructs encoding such polypeptides, vectors and host cells comprising and expressing the polynucleotide, pharmaceutical compositions, uses and methods of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel conjugates between polypeptide variants of protein C and a non-polypeptide moiety, such as PEG or sugar moieties. In particular, the present invention provides novel protein C conjugates having an increased resistance to inactivation by e.g. human plasma and ?1-antitrypsin. Consequently, such conjugates have an increased in vivo half-life. Preferred examples include protein C conjugates, wherein at least one additional in vivo N-glycosylation site has been introduced. The conjugates of the invention are useful for treating a variety of diseases, including septic shock.

Abstract: Truncated aggrecanase proteins and nucleotides sequences encoding them as well as processes for producing them are disclosed. Additionally, aggrecanases with amino acid mutations that lead to increased stability and expression levels in comparison with wild-type or native aggrecanases are also disclosed. Aggrecanases of the invention are especially useful for development of compositions for treatment of diseases such as osteoarthritis. Methods for developing inhibitors of the aggrecanase enzymes and antibodies to the enzymes for treatment of conditions characterized by the degradation of aggrecan are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel antithrombotic variants of thrombin or fragments thereof that are capable of proteolytically activating protein C, but which are substantially free of fibrinogen cleavage activity. The present invention further relates to variant polypeptides that may be cleaved to yield active thrombin variants. The present invention also relates to methods of inhibiting thrombus formation in an animal or human subject by delivering an antithrombotic variant thrombin of the present invention to the blood of the subject. The present invention relates also to methods that use the novel variant thrombins for determining the level of protein C activation in a blood sample, or the thrombogenic potential of a patient.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cDNA molecule encoding human NAALAD-ases designated herein as L, II and IV and having the amino acid sequences illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5. The NAALAD-ases themselves also form part of the invention. Further provided are expression vectors incorporating the cDNA molecules suitable for transforming a cell, tissue or organism.

Abstract: The x-ray crystal structure of BACE or BACE-like proteins is useful for solving the structure of other molecules or molecular complexes, and identifying and/or designing potential modifiers of BACE activity.

Abstract: Using RT-PCR and degenerate oligonucleotides derived from the active site residues of subtilisin-kexin-like serine proteinases, we have identified a highly conserved and phylogenetically ancestral human, rat and mouse type-I membrane-bound proteinase called subtilisin-kexin-isozyme-1 (SKI-1). Computer data bank searches reveals that human SKI-1 was previously cloned but with no identified function. A SKI-1 processed fragment is secreted in culture media in a soluble form. In vitro studies suggest that SKI-1 is a Ca2+-dependent serine proteinase exhibiting a wide pH optimum for cleavage of proBDNF. Peptides mimicking SKI-1 cleavages sites are also disclosed. SKI-1 prosegment has an ex vivo inhibitory effect on SKI-1 activity. The prosegment is also processed and secreted in culture media. One of its fragments is found tightly associated with the SKI-1 soluble form. Therapeutic applications for SKI-1 inhibitors are disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided proteins having the amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20; proteins having amino acid sequences derived from these amino acid sequences by deletion, substitution or addition of one to several amino acids; and nucleotide sequences encoding the same; transgenic non-human animals with altered expression level of a serine protease BSSP4; an antibody against BSSP4; and a method for detecting BSSP4 in a specimen by using the antibody.

Abstract: The present invention discloses purified polypeptides that comprise an active ADAM33 catalytic domain. In addition, the present invention discloses nucleic acids that encode the polypeptides of the present invention. The present invention also discloses methods of growing X-ray diffractable crystals of polypeptides comprising the active ADAM33 catalytic domain. In addition, the present invention discloses methods of using the X-ray diffractable crystals of ADAM33 in structure-based drug design to identify compounds that can modulate the enzymatic activity of ADAM33. The present invention also discloses methods of treating respiratory disorders by administering therapeutic amounts of the ADAM33 catalytic domain.