Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a nitrile hydratase capable of producing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyroamide. The present invention provides a novel nitrile hydratase producing ?-hydroxyamide using, ?-hydroxnitrile as the substrate, and the encoding DNA thereof. The enzyme can be obtained from Rhodococcus sp. Further, the enzymatic activity of the enzyme can he maintained stably during the reaction. The present invention provides a method for producing amide compounds, the method comprising the step of reacting this enzyme to nitrile compounds. According to the present invention, from hydroxy nitrile compounds, corresponding amide compounds can be produced biochemically without reducing the enzyme activity of nitrile hydratase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for conferring tolerance to an amino acid analog of tryptophan to a plant and/or altering the tryptophan content of a plant by introducing and expressing an isolated DNA segment encoding an anthranilate synthase in the cells of the plant. Transgenic plants transformed with an isolated DNA segment encoding an anthranilate synthase, as well as seeds and progeny derived from these plants, are also provided. The present invention also provides a cDNA sequence of an alpha and a beta subunit of a maize anthranilate synthase.

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: A method has been developed to prepare (E)- and (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acids (2M2BA) from a mixture of (E,Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitriles (2M2BN) by the regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid (2M2BA) using enzyme catalysts having either a nitrilase activity or a combination of nitrile hydratase and amidase activities. The method provides high yields without significant conversion of (Z)-2M2BN to (Z)-2M2BA. The regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2M2BA makes possible the facile separation of (E)-2M2BA from (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenamide (2M2BAm), and the subsequent conversion of (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2M2BAm to (Z)-2M2BA.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel human adenylyl cyclase nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. Also provided are vectors, host cells, recombinant methods for making and using the novel molecules and methods for identifying compounds which bind to the adenylyl cyclase proteins.

Abstract: 4-vinylguaiacol is produced using recombinant E. coli containing a decarboxylase gene from Bacillus pumilis in an aqueous fermentation broth and in an immobilized whole cell system. The 4-vinylguaiacol is extracted and recovered from an organic hydrocarbon solvent, preferably n-octane, whereby the product can readily be separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pectate lyases comprising the amino acid sequence Asn Leu Asn Ser Arg Val Pro (NLNSRVP) (amino acids 236-242 of SEQ ID NO: 2) belonging to Family 1 of polysaccharide lyases have good performance in industrial processes under neutral or alkaline conditions such as laundering and textile processing. The pectate lyase may be derivable from Bacillus species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a homologue to heparanase which is present in three splice variants.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing 1,3-propanediol from a carbon-containing substance, said method comprising a step which consists in culturing a recombinant micro-organism not producing coenzyme B12 in the absence of coenzyme B12 or one of its precursors. The invention also concerns a nucleic acid coding for a glycerol dehydratase whereof the catalytic activity is independent of the presence of coenzyme B12 or one of its precursors and a nucleic acid coding for a 1,3-propanol dehydrogenase intervening in the synthesis of 1,3-propanediol. The invention further concerns recombinant vectors and host cells comprising said nucleic acids and the polypeptides coded by the latter.

Abstract: Heparinase enzymes can be used as a medical treatment to reduce localized inflammatory responses. Treatment of activated endothelium with heparinase inhibits leukocyte rolling, adhesion and extravasation. Most of the heparin and heparan sulfate on endothelial cell surfaces and in basement membranes is degraded by exposure to heparinase. In addition, immobilized chemokines, which are attached to heparin/heparan sulfate on activated endothelium are solubilized by heparinase digestion. Heparinase can be infused into the vascular system to inhibit accumulation of leukocytes in inflamed tissue and decrease damage resulting from localized inflammations. Targeting of heparinase to activated endothelium can be accomplished through localized administration and/or use of genetically engineered heparinase containing endothelium ligand-binding domains.

Abstract: This invention provides identification and characterization of racemases and definition of protein signatures of these racemases. This invention also provides identification of nucleic acid molecules encoding a peptide consisting of a motif characteristic of the protein signatures, and to the peptides consisting of these motifs. Antibodies specific for the peptides and to immune complexes of these antibodies with the peptides are also provided. Further, the invention relates to methods and kits for detecting racemases using the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, as well as the peptides consisting of the motifs and antibodies to these peptides.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer are provided. Therapeutic compositions may comprise agents that modulate the expression or activity of a sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SPL). Such compositions may be administered to a mammal afflicted with cancer. Diagnostic methods and kits may employ an agent suitable for detecting alterations in endogenous SPL. Such methods and kits may be used to detect the presence of a cancer or to evaluate the prognosis of a known disease. SPL polypeptides, polynucleotides and antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems isolated from or derived from non-bacterial organisms, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.

Abstract: Provided are crystals relating to MvaS (HMG-CoA Synthase) and its various uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screening process for hydantoin racemases and to novel hydantoin racemases, to the nucleic acid sequences coding therefor and to a proces for mutagenesis. Hydantoin racemases are of interest in connection with the production of enantiomerically enriched amino acids from racemic hydantoins.

Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for the enhanced production of pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities and having modified methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTF) biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing production of desired products by increasing levels of a key intermediate, ketopantoate by enzymes that contribute to its synthesis. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a method which not only maintains the nitrile hydratase activity of a nitrile hydratase-containing cell or a treated material of the cell under conditions where the cell does not grow, but also improves the nitrile hydratase activity of a nitrile hydratase-containing cell or a treated material of the cell whose activity was once reduced. This invention relates to a method of maintaining or improving a nitrile hydratase activity which comprises bringing a nitrile hydratase-containing cell or a treated material of the cell into contact with an oxidizing agent under conditions where the cell does not grow, as well as a method of producing an amide compound from a nitrile compound, which comprises using the cell brought into contact with an oxidizing agent or a treated material of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quantitatively determining a reducing substance, which comprises reacting a reducing substance in a test specimen with iron (III) ions, reacting iron (II) ions formed by reduction of the iron (III) ions or residual iron (III) ions with a metal indicator which is capable of reacting specifically with the iron (II) ions or the residual iron (III) ions to undergo color development, and carrying out quantitative determination by measuring the degree of color development, wherein a chelating agent which is specific to copper ions is added to the test specimen before the reaction of the reducing substance with the iron (III) ions; and a reagent used for it.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to recombinant DNA technology and more particularly to DNA strands useful for the production of parahydroxycinnamic acid and photoactive yellow protein in a suitable host expression system.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and materials to produce para-hydroxybenzoic acid in the stem tissue of transgenic green plants using a cellulose synthase promoter to operably express a gene encoding HCHL.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unicellular organism system, such as a yeast, for producing geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate and a diterpene in vivo. The yeast cell preferably comprises an inducible nucleic acid sequence encoding geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase, an inducible nucleic acid sequence encoding a soluble form of HMG-CoA reductase, a nucleic acid sequence of an allele that confers an increase in sterol metabolic flux and, in the diterpene-producing cell, a diterpene synthase.

Abstract: Process for producing a copolyester of desired quality at low cost with high productivity, preferably a process for producing P(3HB-co-3HH) of 4 mol % or more 3HH content with a productivity as high as 40 g/L or more. In particular, a process for producing a copolyester of 3HB and 3HH comprising culturing a microorganism with the use of, as a carbon source, a fat or oil containing lauric acid as a constituent fatty acid under such conditions that phosphorus as a source of nutrition is limited.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding polypeptides having the activity of enzymes in the mevalonate pathway are provided. These sequences are useful for recombinantly producing isoprenoid compounds, such as carotenoids, in particular zeaxanthin. Expression vectors, cultured cells, and methods of making isoprenoid compounds are also provided.

Abstract: An in vivo method for the production of pHS via a recombinant host cell is disclosed. The host cell expresses at least one gene encoding a polypeptide having para-hydroxycinnamic acid decarboxylase activity in combination with either at least one gene encoding a polypeptide having tyrosine ammonia lyase activity or at least one gene encoding a polypeptide having phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro enzymatic synthesis of deoxyribonucleosides and enzymes suitable for this method.

Abstract: An L-amino acid is produced by culturing a Methylophilus bacterium which can grow by using methanol as a main carbon source and has L-amino acid-producing ability, for example, a Methylophilus bacterium in which dihydrodipicolinate synthase activity and aspartokinase activity are enhanced by transformation through introduction into cells, of a DNA coding for dihydrodipicolinate synthase that does not suffer feedback inhibition by L-lysine and a DNA coding for aspartokinase that does not suffer feedback inhibition by L-lysine, or a Methylophilus bacterium made to be casamino acid auxotrophic, in a medium containing methanol as a main carbon source, to produce and accumulate an L-amino acid in culture, and collecting the L-amino acid from the culture.

Abstract: The present invention comprises crystalline polyketide synthases, isolated non-native polyketide synthases having the structural coordinates of said crystalline polyketide synthases, and nucleic acids encoding such non-native polyketide synthases. Also disclosed are methods of predicting the activity and/or substrate specificity of putative polyketide synthase, methods of identifying potential polyketide synthase substrates, and methods of identifying potential polyketide synthase inhibitors.

Abstract: A method for efficient production of an S-hydroxynitrile lyase by gene recombination using Escherichia coli is provided. A gene is formed by altering a codon in an S-hydroxyniitrylase gene originating in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) without changing the amino acid sequence thereof till the frequency of codon usage wholly with an amino acid in Escherichia coli reaches a level of not less than 5%. According to the method for the production of an S-hydroxynitrile lyase by the use of the gene, the S-hydroxynitrile lyase can be produced in a large amount with an unusually high yield.

Abstract: New genes containing a DNA sequence coding for hydroxynitrile lyase, which genes can be prepared via a primer combination based on the DNA sequence of the 5?-region of the mdl genes from the Prunus serotina and from Prunus amygdalus and/or a primer 2 based on the 3?-region of the DNA sequences of one of the hydroxynitrile lyase isoenzymes from Prunus serotina or from Prunus amygdalus, subsequent amplification with a DNA polymerase using a DNA from organisms, containing genes coding for hydroxynitrile lyase, as templates and cloning, and also recombinant proteins which can be prepared in suitable host cells by heterologous expression of the DNA sequence of said HNL genes, and proteins and fusion proteins derived therefrom and use of said proteins for preparing (R)- or (S)-cyanohydrins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phosphorylated form of mammalian glyoxalase I. The present invention relates further to the use of phosphorylated mammalian glyoxalase I to modulate MG-modification of proteins (AGE formation) and consequent cell death, especially upon stress such as oxidative stress, or upon TNF treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for producing hydroxynitrile lyases. A process is provided whereby hydroxynitrile lyases may be produced by cultivation in bacteria or suitable host cells. Cells containing a gene encoding for a hydroxynitrile lyase may be precultivated, induced with a low concentration of IPTG, cultured, and lysed. The process allows for the production of relatively large quantities of hydroxynitrile lyases in a dissolved, native, and active form, and without the presence of substantial amounts of inclusion bodies, and thus allowing for the production of the lyases without requiring expensive and time consuming renaturation steps.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing amorpha-4,11-diene synthase from 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. Amorpha-4,11-diene synthase is then produced using an optimized amorpha-4,11-diene synthase gene. The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences, enzymes, expression vectors, and transformed host cells for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a process for producing D-serine wherein a microbial cell which is modified to have a higher L-serine deaminase activity than Escherichia coli DH5? strain, a culture of said cell, or a processed product thereof is brought into contact with DL-serine in a DL-serine-containing medium to decompose L-serine, and the remaining D-serine is recovered from the medium; and a microorganism used for this production process. D-serine is a useful compound as a synthetic intermediate for useful medicaments such as D-cycloserine.

Abstract: Methods and materials related to producing 3-HP as well as other organic compounds are disclosed. Specifically, isolated nucleic acids, polypeptides, host cells, and methods and materials for producing 3-HP and other organic compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing middle-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (MCL-PHA) using a maoC gene. The producing method of MCL-PHA according to the present invention comprises the steps of transforming a microorganism with the maoC gene to give a transformant, the microorganism being deleted of a fadB gene and containing a PHA synthase gene; culturing the transformant in medium containing a C6-10 carbon source; and obtaining PHA consisting of monomers with 6–10 carbon atoms. When the maoC gene whose function has not yet been established is used according to the present invention, high quality PHA with a higher number of carbon atoms than the prior PHA can be produced at a higher efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of blunting the postprandial glycemic response to a meal by feeding a dual induced viscosity fiber system. The first component of the induced viscosity fiber system is soluble fiber. The second component of the induced viscosity fiber system is water-insoluble, acid-soluble multivalent cations. The third component of the induced viscosity fiber system in lightly hydrolyzed starch. The fiber system will typically be incorporated into a meal replacement nutritional. The present invention also refers to a method of delivering soluble fiber to diabetics and to persons needing to lose weight. Additionally, the invention refers to a method of promoting the feeling of fullness and satiety by feeding a nutritional product containing the induced viscosity fiber system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for preparing allicin which comprises the following steps: (a) mechanically treating a natural source of alliinase to release alliinase therefrom; (b) contacting the mechanically treated alliinase source with an aqueous solution of allicin containing alliin at a concentration greater than that found in raw garlic, whereby the alliin is enzymatically converted to allicin by the alliinase released from the alliinase source; and optionally (c) extracting the resultant allicin into a low boiling point non-polar organic solvent.

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: An n-type MOSFET (NMOS) is implemented on a substrate having an epitaxial layer of strained silicon formed on a layer of silicon germanium. The MOSFET includes first halo regions formed in the strained silicon layer that extent toward the channel region beyond the ends of shallow source and drain extensions. Second halo regions formed in the underlying silicon germanium layer extend toward the channel region beyond the ends of the shallow source and drain extensions and extend deeper into the silicon germanium layer than the shallow source and drain extensions. The p-type dopant of the first and second halo regions slows the high rate of diffusion of the n-type dopant of the shallow source and drain extensions through the silicon germanium toward the channel region. By counteracting the increased diffusion rate of the n-type dopant in this manner, the shallow source and drain extension profiles are maintained and the risk of degradation by short channel effects is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions related to the use of enzymes of the allene oxide synthase family for reducing myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury associated with myocardial infarction, thrombolysis, angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery. The methods of the invention comprise administration of allene oxide synthases, which are capable of eliminating lipid hydroperoxides, as a potent cardioprotective agent. The invention is based on the discovery that administration of allene oxide synthase following severe global ischemia stimulates cardiac recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleotide sequence derived form coffee leaves that may be used as a promoter for an inducible expression of genes in plants. In particular, the present invention pertains to a nucleotide sequence embracing the promoter and the coding region of a rbcS gene. In addition the present invention relates to transgenic plants containing such recombinant nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: Recombinant watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) hydroperoxide lyase protein, DNA sequences encoding the protein, vectors containing the DNA sequences and hosts containing the vectors are provided, together with methods for recombinantly producing watermelon hydroperoxide lyase, DNA sequences, vectors and hosts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pectate lyases comprising the amino acid sequence Asn Leu Asn Ser Arg Val Pro (NLNSRVP) (amino acids 236–242 of SEQ ID NO: 2) belonging to Family 1 of polysaccharide lyases have good performance in industrial processes under neutral or alkaline conditions such as laundering and textile processing. The pectate lyase may be derivable from Bacillus species.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide containing a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group a) polynucleotide that is at least 70% identical with a polynucleotide that codes for a polypeptide containing the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 2, b) polynucleotide that codes for a polypeptide containing an amino acid sequence that is at least 70% identical with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 2, c) polynucleotide that is complementary to the polynucleotides of a) or b), and d) polynucleotide containing at least 15 consecutive nucleotides of the polynucleotide sequence of a), b) or c), and to a process for the production of L-amino acids by fermentation using coryneform bacteria in which at least the citE gene is present in attenuated form, and to the use of polynucleotides containing the sequences of the invention as hybridization probes.

Abstract: Recombinant nucleic acids that encode all or a portion of the epothilone polyketide synthase (PKS) are used to express recombinant PKS genes in host cells for the production of epothilones, epothilone derivatives, and polyketides that are useful as cancer chemotherapeutics, fungicides, and immunosuppressants.

Abstract: The invention relates to rationally designed polysaccharide lyases and uses thereof. In particular, the invention relates to modified chondroitinase B. The modified chondroitinase B enzymes of the invention are useful for a variety of purposes, including cleaving and sequencing polysaccharides such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) as well as removing polysaccharides from a solution. The invention also includes methods of inhibiting anticoagulant activity, inhibiting angiogenesis, treating cancer, and inhibiting maternal malarial infection.

Abstract: A novel gluconate dehydratase derived from Achromobacter xylosoxidans and a gene encoding the gluconate dehydratase are provided. By reacting the gluconate dehydratase or a transformed cell containing the gene with an aldonic acid, the corresponding 2-keto-3-deoxyaldonic acid can be efficiently produced.

Abstract: An L-methionine ?-lyase having modified function which is obtained by structurally stabilizing natural L-methionine ?-lyase by analyzing the structure of crystals thereof by using X-ray, estimating an amino acid sequence concerning its substrate specificity and varying amino acid residue thereof; enzymes comprising a protein constituting the L-methionine ?-lyase having modified function or its multimer (preferably its tetramer); DNA sequences encoding these enzymes; a process for producing these enzymes; and medicinal preparations (preferably anticancer agent) containing these enzymes.

Abstract: A DNA sequence encoding a human adenylyl cyclase is described. The amino acid sequence of the adenylyl cyclase is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to rationally designed polysaccharide lyases and uses thereof. In particular, the invention relates to modified chondroitinase B. The modified chondroitinase B enzymes of the invention are useful for a variety of purposes, including cleaving and sequencing polysaccharides such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) as well as removing polysaccharides from a solution. The invention also includes methods of inhibiting anticoagulant activity, inhibiting angiogenesis, treating cancer, and inhibiting maternal malarial infection.