Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated DNA sequence encoding a polypeptide having the biological activity of amorpha-4,11-diene synthase. This DNA sequence can be used for the transformation of bacteria, yeasts and plants for the production of amorpha-4,11-diene, a specific precursor in the synthesis of artemisinin, in the respective organisms. The invention also relates to these organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene coding for a copolyester-synthesizing enzyme, a microorganism which utilizes the gene for the fermentative synthesis of a polyester, and a method of producing a polyester with the aid of the microorganism. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gene which functions in a host organism and, by an enzyme, synthesizes a plastic-like polymer degradable under the action of microorganisms in the natural environment (the soil, river or sea). The present invention also, more particularly, relates to a transformant derived from the host organism by transformation with the gene and having an improved ability to fermentatively synthesize a plastic-like polymer, and a method of producing a copolyester with the aid of the transformant.

Abstract: This invention provides an alternative source of ahas and pds nucleic acids for plant transformation and selection. In particular, the invention provides ahas and pds nucleic acids from cyanobacteria, for example, Synechocystis, and expression elements of these genes for control of expression in plastids. The invention further provides nucleic acids encoding the acetolactate synthase (ahas) large subunit and the ahas small subunit which were found to provide herbicide resistance to plants. The present invention also provides a novel Synechocystis mutant phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene conferring resistance to 4?-fluoro-6-[(alpha, alpha, alpha,-trfluoro-m-tolyl)oxy]-picolinamide, a bleaching herbicide. The present invention provides improved methods involving cyanobacteria for the screening of compounds, including a new high throughput protocol that is a rapid and cost effective way to identify target site genes.

Abstract: A novel tyrosine ammonia lyase enzyme was identified in the bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. This enzyme has a higher activity for tyrosine than for phenylalanine and is useful for the production of para-hydroxycinnamic acid directly from tyrosine. The gene encoding this enzyme was cloned by direct amplification using the genomic DNA and was expressed in E. coli.

Abstract: Compositions comprising truncated tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase polypeptides useful for regulating angiogenesis, as well as nucleic acids encoding such tRNA synthetase polypeptides are described. Methods of making and using such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Modified heparinases having altered binding specificity and activity are provided. Isolated nucleic acids encoding the same as well as vectors and host cells are provided. Methods for using the modified heparinases are also provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing enantiomer-enriched heterocyclic (R)- and (S)-cyanohydrins of the formula (I), where R1, R2, R3, R4 independently of one another are H, an unsubstituted or substituted C1–C24-alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl radical, where one or more carbon atoms in the chain can be replaced by an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, an SO or an SO2 group, an unsubstituted or substituted aryl or heteroaryl radical or heterocyclic radical or halogen, hydroxyl, NR5R6, acetyl, oxo, C1–C6-carbalkoxy, C1–C6-carbalkoxyamino, COOR7, cyano, amide, benzoylamino or NO2, R5 and R6 are H, C1–C6-alkyl radical, phenyl radical, benzyl radical or COOR7, or together form a C2–C8-alkylene or heteroalkylene radical, R7 is H or C1–C6-alkyl, n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, X, Y and Z can be an unsubstituted or substituted carbon atom or a radical selected from the group consisting of N, O, S or NR5R6, where R5 and R6 are as defined above, SO or SO2, and at least one of the radicals X, Y and Z is not a carbon atom, where the compo

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation, purification and characterization of a hyaluronidase which derives from the tropical leech Hirudinaria manillensis. Therefore, according to this invention, the enzyme was called “manillase”. The invention is furthermore concerned with the recombinant method of production of manillase which includes the disclosure of DNA and amino acid sequences as well as of expression vectors and host systems. Finally, the invention relates to the use of manillase for therapeutic purposes, for example, for the treatment of myocardial diseases, thrombotic events and tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleotide sequence which encodes a benzaldehyde lyase and to its use in a process for stereoselectively preparing 2-hydroxyketone group-containing compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fatty acid lyase, wherein the activity of the lyase for 9-hydroperoxide substrates is greater than the activity for 13-hydroperoxide substrates and wherein Km and Vmax of the lyase for 9-hydroperoxylinolenic acid are greater than Km and Vmax of the lyase for 9-hydroperoxylinoleic acid. More particularly, the invention provides a lyase present in melon (Cucumis melo). The invention also provides a nucleic acid encoding the lyase, vectors, and expression systems with which the recombinant lyase can be obtained. The invention also provides methods of using the lyase of the invention, including methods of cleaving 9-hydroperoxylinoleic acid, 9-hydroperoxylinolenic acid, 13-hydroperoxylinoleic acid, and 13-hydroperoxylinolenic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a DNA that enables co-expression of a protein disulfide isomerase and a polypeptide having disulfide bonds. The invention further relates to a process of producing polypeptides using the DNA and a process of enhancing the efficiency of formation of correct disulfide bond in an expression system of a gene recombinant polypeptide having disulfide bonds.

Abstract: Carbonyl stress-ameliorating agents have been provided, which contain an enzyme having a glyoxalase I activity and a carbonyl compound-reducing agent as the active ingredients. The carbonyl stress-ameliorating agents of the present invention rapidly eliminate carbonyl compounds, and thus ameliorate carbonyl induced stress conditions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel method for the preparation of a 2-keto carboxylic acid from carbon dioxide by an enzymatic addition reaction with an aldehyde compound. Carbon dioxide, which can be in the form of carbonate ions, is reacted with an aldehyde compound such as acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde under mild reaction conditions in the presence of a decarboxylase to give a 2-keto carboxylic acid such as pyruvic and a 2-ketobutyric acid by a reverse reaction to the enzymatic decarboxylation reaction. The scope of the invention involves contribution to a solution of the environmental problem of global warming due to carbon dioxide as a greenhouse effect gas in the aerospace.

Abstract: A method of producing L-threonine using a microorganism is provided, one or more copies of each of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene and the threonine operon are additionally intedgrated into a particular site of the chromosomal DNA of the microorganism, whiel its inherent phophoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene and threonine operon remain.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences coding for the chondroitinase ABC gene and isolated chondroitinase ABE protein produced in a host cell transformed with a nucleic acid vector directing the expression of a nucleotide sequence coding for chondroitinase ABE protein described. Chondroitinase ABC prepared by chemical synthesis also described. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies which are specifically reactive with chondroitinase ABC protein are disclosed. The isolated chondroitinase ABC can be used in methods of treating intervertebral disc replacement, promoting neurite regeneration, and detecting galactosaminoglycans.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for acetolactate synthase, acetolactate synthase regulatory regions, ?-tubulin promoter, a promoter from a Thraustochytriales polyketide synthase (PKS) system, and fatty acid desaturase promoter, each from a Thraustochytriales microorganism. Also disclosed are recombinant vectors useful for transformation of Thraustochytriales microorganisms, as well as a method of transformation of Thraustochytriales microorganisms. The recombinant nucleic acid molecules of the present invention can be used for the expression of foreign nucleic acids in a Thraustochytriales microorganism as well as for the deletion, mutation, or inactivation of genes in Thraustochytriales microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quantitatively determining hydrogen sulfide or sulfide ions conveniently with high sensitivity, which comprises adding to a sample containing hydrogen sulfide or sulfide ions, metal ions or a compound which liberates said metal ions and a metal indicator which reacts with the metal ions and resultingly undergoes color development, wherein the color development is accelerated or inhibited by the hydrogen sulfide or sulfide ions; and measuring the degree of color development of the metal indicator.

Abstract: The present provides a Rhodotorula phenylalanine lyase polypeptide, polynucleotides that encode the polypeptide, and methods of obtaining and using these products. In particular the polypeptide can be employed for the production of phenylalanine, phenylalanine analogs, and optically active unnatural amino acids having phenylalanine-like structures.

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 method of producing coryneform bacteria having improved amino acid or nucleic acid productivity comprising the steps of introducing a mutation in a promoter sequence of amino acid- or nucleic acid-biosynthesizing genes on a chromosome of a coryneform bacterium to make it close to a consensus sequence, or introducing a change in a promoter sequence of amino acid- or nucleic acid-biosynthesizing genes on a chromosome of a coryneform bacterium by gene recombination to make it close to a consensus sequence, to obtain mutants of the coryneform amino acid- or nucleic acid-producing microorganism, culturing the mutants and selecting a mutant capable of producing the intended amino acid or nucleic acid in a large amount. This method allows the construction of a mutant capable of enriching or controlling the expression of an intended gene without using a plasmid and to promote production of amino acids in a high yield by recombination or mutation.

Abstract: A novel tyrosine-inducible tyrosine ammonia lyase enzyme was isolated from the yeast Trichosporon cutaneum. This enzyme has a higher activity for tyrosine than for phenylalanine and is useful for the production of para-hydroxycinnamic acid directly from tyrosine. The gene encoding this enzyme was sequenced using 3? and 5? RACE cloning of the TAL cDNA and the gene was expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in the bacterium Escherichia coli.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell for the production of an antibody molecule such as an antibody useful for various diseases having high antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxic activity, a fragment of the antibody and a fusion protein having the Fc region of the antibody or the like, a method for producing an antibody composition using the cell, the antibody composition and use thereof.

Abstract: L-Cysteine is produced by culturing a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia having an L-cysteine producing ability and modified so that cystathionine-?-lyase activity or cystathionine-?-lyase activity and tryptophanase activity should be reduced or eliminated in a medium to produce and accumulate L-cysteine in the medium and collecting the L-cysteine from the medium.

Abstract: Histidine ammonia lyase (HAL) isolated from Corynebacteriaceae can decrease serum histidine levels, induce accumulation of urocanic acid, and is not inhibited by L-histidinol. As a result, histidine ammonia lyases similar to the one isolated from Corynebacteriaceae are uniquely suitable for combination therapy with L-histidinol to treat histidine- and/or histamine-dependent pathologies, for example, infectious viruses, such as human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), as well as cancers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide having a polynucleotide sequence which codes for the citB gene, and a host-vector system having a coryneform host bacterium in which the citB gene is present in attenuated form and a vector which carries at least the citB gene according to SEQ ID No 1, and the use of polynucleotides which comprise the sequences according to the invention as hybridization probes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing a polypeptide comprising culturing a mutant of a parent cell, wherein the mutant produces less oxaloacetate hydrolase than the parent cell, wherein the oxaloacetate hydrolase (i) has an amino acid sequence that has at least 90% identity with amino acids 1-341 of SEQ ID NO: 2: (ii) is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence having at least 90% homology with a nucleotide sequence comprising nuclotides 1157-1411, 1504-1651 and 1764-2383 of SEQ ID NO: 1: (iii) is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes under high stringency conditions with the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, the cDNA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, the complementary strand of SEQ ID NO: 1, and/or the complementary strand of the cDNA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1: and/or (iv) a subsequence of one or both of (i) and (ii), wherein the subsequence encodes a fragment that has oxaloacetate hydrolase activity.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to polynucleotides encoding the enzyme oxalate decarboxylase from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger and methods of use. The subject invention also pertains to methods of using the enzyme oxalate decarboxylase from Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing the productivity of a microorganism by improving the assimilation of carbon dioxide. Specifically, the invention provides a polypeptide having phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity which does not require acetyl coenzyme A for activation and is desensitized to feedback inhibition by aspartic acid, and to genes coding for this polypeptide. A gene encoding a PEP carboxylase that is not regulated by acetyl-CoA or aspartic acid can improve carbon flow from the three carbon intermediate PEP to the four carbon intermediate OAA, contribute to compounds derived from OAA, and increase amino acid biosynthesis. The invention further provides recombinant DNA molecules containing these genes, bacteria transformed with these genes, and a method of producing amino acids using the transformed bacteria.

Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel polypeptide that contains an amino acid decarboxylase domain, and is a substrate for caspase-3. Nucleic acids that encode the novel polypeptide and antibodies to the polypeptide are also part of the present invention. Methods of using the polypeptide, the nucleic acids and antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from a Methylomonas sp encoding enzymes in the carbon flux pathway. The genes encode a 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate (KDPGA) and a fructose bisphosphate aldolase (FFBPA), as well as numerous other genes. The genes will be useful in C1 metabolizing microorganisms for the manipulation of the carbon flux pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a heterologous polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent filamentous fungal cell under conditions conducive for the production of the heterologous polypeptide, wherein (i) the mutant cell comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the heterologous polypeptide and (ii) the mutant produces less of the cyclohexadepsipeptide than the parent filamentous fungal cell when cultured under the same conditions; and (b) isolating the heterologous polypeptide from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to mutants of filamentous fungal cells and methods for obtaining the mutant cells. The present invention also relates to isolated cyclohexadepsipeptide synthetases and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the cyclohexadepsipeptide synthetases.

Abstract: The invention relates to heparinase III and mutants thereof. Modified forms of heparinase III having reduced enzymatic activity which are useful for a variety of purposes, including sequencing of heparin-like glycosaminoglycans (HLGAGs), removing active heparan sulfate from a solution, inhibition of angiogenesis, etc. have been discovered according to the invention. The invention in other aspects relates to methods of treating cancer and inhibiting tumor cell growth and/or metastasis using heparinase III, or products produced by enzymatic cleavage by heparinase III of HLGAGs.

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 L-lysine-producing strains of corynebacteria with enhanced pyc gene (pyruvate carboxylase gene), in which strains additional genes, chosen from the group consisting of the dapA gene (dihydrodipicolinate synthase gene), the lysC gene (aspartate kinase gene), the lysE gene (lysine export carrier gene) and the dapB gene (dihydrodipicolinate reductase gene), but especially the dapA gene, are enhanced and, in particular, over-expressed, and to a process for the preparation of L-lysine.

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 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: Disclosed herein are structure-based modelling methods for the preparation of acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) variants, including those that exhibit selectively increased resistance to herbicides such as imidazoline herbicides and AHAS inhibiting herbicides. The invention encompasses isolated DNAs encoding such variants, vectors that include the DNAs, and methods for producing the variant polypeptides and herbicide resistant plants containing specific AHAS gene mutations. Methods for weed control in crops are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of nucleic acids which code for plant polypeptides with the biological activity of very long chain fatty acid elongases and to the use of the polypeptides encoded thereby for identifying novel, herbicidally active compounds, and to methods for finding modulators of these polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention is a process for continuously producing an amide compound by reacting a microorganism fungus body containing nitrile hydratase or a processed product of the microorganism fungus body with a nitrile compound in an aqueous medium, characterized in that after contacting said fungus body or said processed product of said fungus body with said nitrile compound in said aqueous medium, a reaction solution thus obtained is further subjected to reaction under conditions having a plug flow region, and according to the invention, an amide compound aqueous solution of a high concentration a high purity can be easily obtained in an extremely high conversion rate of a nitrile compound without a condensation process.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide molecules comprising sequences encoding avec gene products, which polynucleotide molecules can be used to alter the ratio or amount of class 2:1 avermectins produced in fermentation cultures of Streptomyces avermitilis. AveC genes, homologs and partial homologs thereof are described for S. avermitilis , S. hygroscopicus, and S. griseochromogenes, respectively. The present invention further relates to vectors, host cells, and mutant strains of Streptomyces avermitilis in which the avec gene has been inactivated, or mutated so as to change the ratio or amount of class 2:1 avermectins produced.

Abstract: This invention relates to ethanol production as a product of bacterial fermentation.

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 present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide of interest by (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent Aspergillus cell, wherein (i) the mutant comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide and a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a modification of at least one of the genes responsible for the biosynthesis or secretion of at least one toxin, and (ii) the mutant produces less of the toxin than the parent Aspergillus cell when cultured under the same conditions; and (b) isolating the polypeptide from the culture medium. Also, mutants of Aspergillus cells are provided, as well as methods for obtaining the mutant cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the enzyme peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the enzyme peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the enzyme peptides.

Abstract: A Methylophilus bacterium in which a gene having a nucleotide sequence identical to a DNA cording for a protein defined in the following (A) or (B) or a gene having homology to the DNA in such a degree that homologous recombination with the DNA occurs is disrupted, thereby expression of the gene is suppressed and the intracellular lysine decarboxylase activity is reduced or eliminated is cultured in a medium containing methanol as a major carbon source to produce and accumulate L-lysine in culture and the L-lysine is collected from the culture: (A) a protein which has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; (B) a protein which has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 including substitution, deletion, insertion or addition of one or several amino acid residues and has a lysine decarboxylase activity.

Abstract: A polypeptide with pyruvate decarboxylase activity, derived from the pyruvate decarboxylase from Zymomonas mobilis by substitution of an amino acid in position 553.

Abstract: Process for the production of a protein with citrate lyase activity by expressing a suitable plasmid in a host organism and isolating the protein in an active form, wherein the plasmid contains the information from a gene cluster composed of at least six genes and an inducible promoter. Furthermore the invention concerns the use of the recombinant enzyme and a corresponding test kit for the determination of citric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a cell-wall degrading enzyme having a beta-helix structure, which variant has at least one substituent in a position determined by identifying all residues potentially belonging to a stack; characterizing the stack as interior or exterior; characterizing the stack as polar, hydrophobic or aromatic/heteroaromatic based on the dominating characteristics of the parent or wild-type enzyme stack residues and/or its orientation relative to the beta-helix (interior or exterior); optimizing all stack positions of a stack either to hydrophobic aliphatic amino acids, hydrophobic aromatic or polar amino acids by allowing mutations within one or all positions to amino acids belonging to one of these groups; measuring thermostability of the variants by DSC or an application-related assay such as a Pad-Steam application test; and selecting the stabilized variants. Variant of a wild-type parent pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleotide sequences coding for the accDA gene and to a process for the preparation of L-amino acids, especially L-lysine, by fermentation using corynebacteria in which the accDA gene is amplified.