Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a branched-chain biosynthetic enzyme. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the branched-chain biosynthetic enzyme, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the branched-chain biosynthetic enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that chorismate mutase and chorismate synthase are essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of chorismate mutase or chorismate synthase gene expression in plant seedlings results in severe chlorosis, reduced growth and developmental abnormalities. The inventors have proven that chorismate synthase and chorismate mutase can be used as targets for the identification of herbicides. Thus, the invention provides methods for the identification of chemicals that modulate chorismate synthase and chorismate mutase biochemical reactions. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides and for the inhibition of plant growth and development.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human glycosylation enzyme polypeptides and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human glycosylation enzyme polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to these novel human glycosylation enzyme polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fatty acid 13-hydroperoxide lyase protein from guava (Psidium guajava) and the gene encoding the protein. Expression systems for recombinant guava 13-hydroperoxide lyase and methods of using recombinant guava 13-hydroperoxide lyase for the production of green notes are provided.

Abstract: A DNA sequence encoding a human type V adenylyl cyclase is described. The amino acid sequence of the adenylyl cyclase is also described. This adenylyl cyclase is expressed in heart and brain tissue.

Abstract: A mutated expandase enzyme having higher activity on penicillin G is provided to produce phenylacetyl-7-aminodeacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA), which mutated expandase enzyme has one or more amino acid substitutions selected form M73T, S79E, V275I, L277K, C281Y, G300V, N304K, I305L and I305M.

Abstract: An L-methionine &ggr;-lyase having modified function which is obtained by structurally stabilizing natural L-methionine &ggr;-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 &ggr;-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 Bacillus natto culture is treated with chitosan, and then filtered, concentrated, and dried. According to this method, a Bacillus natto culture extract containing nattokinase and 1 &mgr;g or less of vitamin K2/g dry weight is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides having pyrimidine glycosylase activity, preferably, pyrimidine glycosylase/AP lyase activity. The polypeptides include a targeting sequence, preferably an exogenous target sequence. The invention includes polynucleotides that include a coding sequence encoding the polypeptides of the present invention. Also provided by the invention are methods of using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pectate lyases comprising the amino acid sequence Asn Leu Asn Ser Arg Val Pro (NLNSRVP) (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: 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: The subject invention concerns the novel use of formyl-CoA transferase enzyme together with oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase enzyme for the detection and measurement of oxalate in biological samples. The use of the enzyme system according to the subject invention results in the conversion of oxalate into carbon dioxide and formate. Because the production of formate is directly correlated to the concentration of oxalate present in a sample, the determination of the resulting formate concentration provides an accurate, sensitive and rapid means for detecting even low levels of oxalate. The subject invention further concerns the cloning, sequencing and expression of the genes that encode the formyl-CoA transferase enzyme and the oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase enzyme of Oxalobacter formigenes. The subject invention also concerns methods for detecting the presence of Oxalobacter formigenes organisms in a sample, and the polynucleotide probes and primers used in the detection method.

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: Methods for detecting FlaA1 and enzymes with FlaA1-like activity are disclosed. Methods for screening for inhibitors of the enzymes are disclosed which are useful as anti-microbial agents.

Abstract: A high growth methanotrophic bacterial strain capable of growth on a C1 carbon substrate has been isolated and characterized. The strain has the unique ability to utilize both methane and methanol as a sole carbon source and has been demonstrated to possess a functional Embden-Meyerhof carbon flux pathway. The possession of this pathway conveys an energetic advantage to the strain, making it particularly suitable as a production platform for the production of biomass from a C1 carbon source.

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: cDNA molecules coding for GAD65 polypeptide are disclosed. The invention provides cDNA molecules comprising a part of the cDNA sequence of GAD65 which encode at least one epitope for autoantibodies to GAD65. The invention also provides cloning vehicles capable of replication and expression comprising cDNA molecules coding for GAD65. The invention further provides for hosts transformed with a vehicle having a cDNA molecule coding for GAD65. In another embodiment, the invention provides for the detection of autoantibodies to GAD65 using the GAD65 polypeptides coded for by the cDNA molecules of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding a hydroperoxide lyases, more specifically soybean (Glycine max) hydroperoxide lyases. The invention also relates to the construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of a hydroperoxide lyase of the present invention, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels of hydroperoxide lyase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: Novel proteins of microorganism E-396 (FERM BP-4283) and the DNA sequences which encode these proteins have been discovered to provide an improved biosynthetic pathway from farnesyl pyrophosphate and isopentyl pyrophosphate to various carotenoids, especially zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, adonixanthin and canthaxanthin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pectate lyases comprising the amino acid sequence Asn Leu Asn Ser Arg Val Pro (NLNSRVP) (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: Disclosed is a process of screening clones having DNA from an uncultivated microorganism for a specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity by screening for a specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity in a library of clones prepared by (i) recovering DNA from a DNA population derived from at least one uncultivated microorganism; and (ii) transforming a host with recovered DNA to produce a library of clones which is screened for the specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing a dough, comprising incorporating into the dough a composition comprising an effective amount of an XET which improves one or more properties of the dough or a baked product obtained from the dough. The present invention also relates to methods for preparing a baked product. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising an effective amount of an XET for improving one or more properties of a dough and/or a baked product obtained from the dough. The present invention further relates to doughs or baked products and to pre-mixes for a dough.

Abstract: A method of producing vanillin comprising the steps of: (1) providing trans-ferulic acid or a salt thereof; and (2) providing trans-ferulate: CoASH ligase activity (enzyme activity I), trans-feruloyl ScoA hydratase activity (enzyme activity II), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl-&bgr;-hydroxy-propionyl SCoA (HMPHP SCoA) cleavage activity (enzyme activity III). Conveniently the enzymes are provided by Pseudomonas fluorescens Fe3 or a mutant or derivative thereof. Polypeptides with enzymes activities II and III and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Use of the polypeptides or the polynucleotides in a method for producing vanillin is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to alleles of the aceA gene from coryneform bacteria coding for isocitrate lyases and processes for the fermentative production of L-lysine using bacteria that contain these alleles.

Abstract: Nucleic acids isolated from Drosophila melanogaster that are lethal when knocked out in Drosophila, and proteins encoded thereby, are described. The nucleic acids and proteins can be used to genetically modify metazoan invertebrate organisms, such as insects and worms, or cultured cells, resulting in expression or mis-expression of the encoded proteins. The genetically modified organisms or cells can be used in screening assays to identify candidate compounds which are potential pesticidal agents or therapeutics that interact with subject proteins. They can also be used in methods for studying activity of subject proteins, and identifying other genes that modulate the function of, or interact with, the subject genes.

Abstract: A method of preparing the sugar 1,5-D-anhydrofructose is described. The method comprises treating an &agr;-1,4-glucan with an &agr;-1,4-glucan lyase wherein the enzyme is used in substantially pure form. In a preferred embodiment, if the glucan contains links other than and in addition to the &agr;-1,4-links, the &agr;-1,4-glucan lyase is used in conjunction with a suitable reagent that can break the other links.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for increasing homologous recombination of a nucleic acid sequence introduced into a host cell, comprising: (a) introducing into a population of filamentous fungal host cells a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a recombination protein and a second nucleic acid sequence comprising one or more regions which are homologous with the genome of the filamentous fungal host cell, wherein (i) the recombination protein promotes the recombination of the one or more regions with the corresponding homologous region in the host's genome to incorporate the second nucleic acid sequence by homologous recombination, and (ii) the number of host cells comprising the incorporated second nucleic acid sequence in the population is increased at least 20% compared to the same population without the first nucleic acid sequence; (b) and isolating from the population a filamentous fungal cell comprising the incorporated second nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing variants of a nucleotide sequence, comprising: (a) introducing into a population of filamentous fungal host cells: (i) one or more circular plasmids comprising a DNA sequence and a plasmid replicator mediating autonomous replication, wherein the one or more circularized plasmids are linearized by digestion of the DNA sequence and removal of a portion of the DNA sequence; and (ii) a library of DNA fragments comprising one or more mutations of the DNA sequence, wherein the fragments comprise at least two regions, one or more regions which are homologous to the 5′ region or the 3′ region of the gap in the linearized DNA sequence and/or plasmid sequence and one or more second regions which are homologous to the 5′ region or the 3′ region of the DNA fragments of the library; wherein the linearized plasmids and the DNA fragments recombine by in vivo recombination to produce a plurality of autonomously replicating plasmids comprising one

Abstract: Compositions and methods which ameliorate the virulence of bacterial infection are described wherein the active ingredient modulates transmethylation reactions in bacterial cells. Particularly useful compounds are inhibitors of S-adenosyl methionine synthetase (SAMS), of S-adenosyl homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) and of transmethylases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for high-temperature biopreparation of cellulosic fibers by contacting the fibers with pectin-degrading enzymes, preferably thermostable, alkaline, divalent cation-independent pectate lyases, under conditions compatible with scouring and bleaching technologies.

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: 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 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 process is provided for the fermentative preparation of O-acetyl-L-serine. A microorganism strain, which is derived from a wild type and which exhibits an increased endogenous formation of O-acetyl-L-serine and an increased efflux of O-acetyl-L-serine as compared with the wild type, is cultured in a fermentation medium. A pH in the range from 5.1 to 6.5 is set in the fermentation medium.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of quinic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing quinic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme as well as conversion of quinic acid to hydroquinone are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides several methods for biological production of para-hydroxycinnamic acid (PHCA). The invention is also directed to the discovery of new fungi and bacteria that possess the ability to convert cinnamate to PHCA. The invention relates to developing of a new biocatalyst for conversion of glucose to PHCA by incorporation of the wild type PAL from the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis into E. coli underlining the ability of the wildtype PAL to convert tyrosine to PHCA. The invention is also directed to developing a new biocatalyst for conversion of glucose to PHCA by incorporation of the wildtype PAL from the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis plus the plant cytochrome P-450 and the cytochrome P-450 reductase into E. coli. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides for the developing of a new biocatalyst through mutagenesis of the wild type yeast PAL which possesses enhanced tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) activity.

Abstract: The invention provides for a chimeric construct comprising a regulatory region obtained from a hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) gene in operative association with a heterologous gene of interest. Even though the HPL gene is known to be expressed in response to wounding, unexpectedly, it was observed that the HPL regulatory region or one or more fragments thereof, result in constitutive expression of the gene of interest in a range of tissues and organs in the absence of any wound or stress treatment. This invention also provides for a transgenic organism comprising the chimeric construct defined above, and a method for preparing a transgenic organism using the chimeric construct.

Abstract: The taxadiene synthase gene of Pacific yew has been cloned and its nucleic acid and polypeptide sequence is presented. Truncation or removal of the transit peptide increases expression of the cloned taxadiene synthase gene expression in E. coli cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide containing a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group

Abstract: A variant of a cell-wall degrading enzyme having a beta-helix structure, which variant holds at least one substituent in a position determined by identifying all residues potentially belonging to a stack; characterising the stack as interior or exterior; characterising 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: Novel adenylate cyclase polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated, full-length adenylate cyclase proteins, the invention further provides isolated adenylate cyclase fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-adenylate cyclase antibodies. The invention also provides adenylate cyclase nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which an adenylate cyclase gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a human polynucleotide and the encoded adenylsuccinate synthethase which, can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.

Abstract: This invention provides novel genes encoding enzymes which decompose difficult-to-decompose thiophene compounds. By using these genes, sulfur atoms can be released from the thiophene compounds in fossil fuel such as petroleum, and the diffusion of sulfur into the environment caused by the combustion of the fossil fuel can be prevented.

Abstract: Assays, preferably high throughput assays, for determining cysteine concentration, cysteine synthase activity, and identifying herbicides, fungicides, bactericides, and insecticides. Cysteine concentration is quantitated by contacting cysteine with a coumarin dye capable of conjugating with cysteine but not to O-acetyl serine or sulfide; exciting the conjugate with UV light; and detecting fluorescent light emitted by the conjugate. Cysteine synthase activity is determined by combining O-acetyl-L-serine, sulfide and cysteine synthase to form a reaction mixture under conditions suitable for cysteine production; contacting the reaction mixture with an appropriate coumarin dye; subjecting the reaction mixture to UV light; and detecting fluorescent light emission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for producing hydroxynitrile lyases.

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: Process for preparing enantiomer-enriched cyanohydrins in which an acetal or ketal of the formula (I) is reacted 1

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

Abstract: 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 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.