Abstract: The invention is related to processing enzyme comprising an N-terminally attached tag derived from highly basic proteins from thermophilic bacteria. The processing enzymes are useful for modifying proteins. They can be produced in high yields and can be effectively separated from the modified protein after use.

Abstract: A method for producing lacto-N-biose I and galacto-N-biose inexpensively and conveniently is provided. The method for producing lacto-N-biose I or galacto-N-biose, characterized in that the method comprises causing: (i) a combination of a carbohydrate raw material with an enzyme that catalyzes phosphorolysis of the carbohydrate raw material to give ?-glucose-1-phosphate; and (ii) a combination of an enzyme that converts ?-glucose-1-phosphate to UDP-glucose and an enzyme that converts UDP-galactose to galactose-1-phosphate with their cofactors, and/or a combination of an enzyme (UDP-Gly synthase) that converts ?-glucose-1-phosphate and UDP-galactose to UDP-glucose and ?-galactose-1-phosphate, respectively, with its cofactor(s) to act in the presence of N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine, phosphoric acid, lacto-N-biose phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.211), and UDP-glucose-4-epimerase (EC 5.1.3.2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of microbial infections and for the enhancement of resistance to infection. The invention comprises administration of an effective amount of a protein isolated from bacterial lysate compositions for the treatment of pathological conditions of microbial infections. The present invention can also be used to enhance the immune system to prevent infections by the administration of an effective amount of the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) strains expressing thermophilic arabinose isomerase as an active form and method of food grade tagatose by using the same, and more precisely, a gene encoding arabinose isomerase originating from the thermophilic Geobacillus stearothermophilus DSM22 and Geobacillus thermodenitrificans, a recombinant expression vector containing the gene, a recombinant GRAS strains expressing the thermophilic arabinose isomerase as an active form by transformed with the expression vector, and a method of preparing food grade tagatose from galactose by using the same.

Abstract: Methods for detecting cancer as well as methods of diagnosis of cancer by detecting proteins secreted into biological fluids are disclosed The invention was first applied to detecting proteins secreted into serum and urine However, it is understood that the methods have broader application to developing tools and systems for detecting proteins secreted into other biological fluids such as, but not limited to, saliva, spinal fluid, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, and ocular fluid Reliable detection of proteins secreted into biological fluids provided by embodiments of the methods will enable more timely and accurate detection and diagnosis of cancer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel enzymes that convert sucrose to isomaltulose. More particularly, the present invention discloses novel sucrose isomerases, polynucleotides encoding these sucrose isomerases, methods for isolating such polynucleotides and nucleic acid constructs that express these polynucleotides. Also disclosed are cells, including transformed bacterial or plant cells, and differentiated plants comprising cells, which contain these sucrose isomerase-encoding polynucleotides, as well as extracts thereof. Methods of producing isomaltulose are also disclosed which use the polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells, cell extracts and plants of the invention.

Abstract: Methods of using beta-alanine/pyruvate aminotransferase to produce 3-hydroxypropionic acid and derivatives thereof, from beta-alanine, are disclosed. Cells and recombinant nucleic acids that can be used to practice the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention has objects to provide a thermostable cellobiose 2-epimerase, its preparation and uses. The present invention attains the above objects by providing a thermostable cellobiose 2-epimerase, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, a process for producing the enzyme, and a process for producing isomerized saccharides using the enzyme.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to polypeptides having improved alanine 2,3-aminomutase (AAM) activity, the polynucleotides encoding the AAM polypeptides, and expression vectors and host cells for expressing the AAM polypeptides.

Abstract: Provided herein are genetically modified microorganisms that have enhanced fermentation activity, and methods for making and using such microorganisms.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a plastidic phosphoglucomutase protein is disclosed. Also disclosed is the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a substantial portion of the plastidic phosphoglucomutase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the plastidic phosphoglucomutase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: A method for producing a plant with increased yield as compared to a corresponding wild type plant whereby the method comprises at least the following step: increasing or generating in a plant or a part thereof one or more activities selected from the group consisting of 17.6 kDa class I heat shock protein, 26.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of screening placental proteins responsible for pathophysiology of preeclampsia, and a marker for early diagnosis and prediction of preeclampsia. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of screening placental proteins responsible for pathophysiology of preeclampsia by 2D E-proteomics analysis, comprising: isolating placental proteins from a placental tissue; separating the isolated proteins two-dimensionally through 2D electrophoresis; and comparing and analyzing the separated proteins based on scanned gel images and differences in the images between normal placental proteins and preeclamptic placental proteins, wherein the comparison and analysis of the placental proteins based on the scanned gel images and differences in the images are accomplished by selecting proteins with differences of 140% or more between two placentas.

Abstract: The present invention provides proteins/genes, which are essential for survival, and consequently, for virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in vivo, and thus are ideal vaccine candidates for a vaccine preparation against pneumococcal infection. Further, also antibodies against said protein(s) are included in the invention.

Abstract: A mutated bacterial cell producing at least one heterologous polypeptide of interest, wherein said cell has a reduced expression-level of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 70% identical to the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, when compared with an otherwise isogenic but non-mutated cell; methods for producing said mutated cell; and methods for producing a polypeptide of interest using said mutated cell. SEQ ID NO: 2 represents a putative metalloprotease.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to recombinant genetic technology. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for use in selection and isolation of nucleic acid molecules. The invention further relates to methods for the preparation of individual nucleic acid molecules and populations of nucleic acid molecules, as well as nucleic acid molecules produced by these methods. The invention also relates to screening and/or selection methods for identifying and/or isolating nucleic acid molecules which have one or more common features (e.g., characteristics, activities, etc) and populations of nucleic acid molecules which share one or more features.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant nucleic acid constructs comprising a xylose isomerase polynucleotide, a recombinant fungal host cell comprising a recombinant xylose isomerase polynucleotide, and related methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel N-acetylglucosamine-2-epimerase and a method for preparing CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid, more specifically, relates to a N-acetylglucosamine-2-epimerase derived from Bacteroides fragilis NCTC 9343, and a method for preparing CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid using said N-acetylglucosamine-2-epimerase. According to the present invention, CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid can be produced economically in a large amount through a one-step reaction using cytidine monophosphate and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine which are inexpensive substrates.

Abstract: Provided is a tumor antigen protein, gene, or peptides derived from topoisomerase 2 alpha. As it is discovered that topoisomerase 2 alpha binds to an MHC class I or II antigen, thereby forming a complex, and the complex is recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the tumor antigen can be used in tumor immunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to host cells transformed with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a eukaryotic xylose isomerase obtainable from an anaerobic fungus. When expressed, the sequence encoding the xylose isomerase confers to the host cell the ability to convert xylose to xylulose which may be further metabolized by the host cell. Thus, the host cell is capable of growth on xylose as carbon source. The host cell preferably is a eukaryotic microorganism such as a yeast or a filamentous fungus. The invention further relates to processes for the production of fermentation products such as ethanol, in which a host cell of the invention uses xylose for growth and for the production of the fermentation product. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding eukaryotic xylose isomerases and xylulose kinases as obtainable from anaerobic fungi.

Abstract: Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods for modulating or altering recombination inside or outside of a cell using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and/or nucleic acid sequences from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel ketose 3-epimerase, a process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, and a process for producing a ketose by using the enzyme. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a ketose 3-epimerase which is obtainable from a microorganism of the genus Rhizobium, a process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, and a process for converting D- or L-ketohexose into corresponding D- or L-ketohexose by epimerizing the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of the D- or L-ketohexose; and D- or L-ketopentose into corresponding D- or L-ketopentose by epimerizing the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of the D- or L-ketopentose; by using the enzyme.

Abstract: Reported herein are methods for obtaining stably transformed callus in Taxus media ‘Hicksii’, including particularly methods that involve using needles, stem, or bark peel as explant material for transformation. Also provided are descriptions of several promoter activities in directing reporter gene expression in Taxus media cells, in particular cells in suspension cultures, callus and needles. Transgenic plants (e.g., Taxus plants), plant cells, cell lines, and tissues (including seeds) are also provided, in particular those that express one or more enzymes in a paclitaxel biosynthesis pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid molecules coding for a bacterial xylose isomerase (XI), preferably coming from Clostridium phytofermentans, for reaction/metabolization, particularly fermentation, of recombinant microorganisms of biomaterial containing xylose, and particularly for the production of bioalcohols, particularly bioethanol, by means of xylose fermenting yeasts. The present invention further relates to cells, particularly eukaryotic cells, which are transformed utilizing a nucleic acid expression construct which codes for a xylose isomerase, wherein the expression of the nucleic acid expression construct imparts to the cells the capability to directly isomerize xylose into xylulose. Said cells are preferably utilized for reaction/metabolization, particularly fermentation, of biomaterial containing xylose, and particularly for the production of bioalcohols, particularly bioethanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide having a polynucleotide sequence which codes for the alr gene, and a host-vector system having a coryneform host bacterium in which the alr gene is present in attenuated form and a vector which carries at least the alr 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 disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into compounds such as esters and fatty acids. In certain embodiments, the compounds produced are secreted into the medium used to culture the organisms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is pyrroline-carboxy-lysine (PCL), a pyrrolysine analogue, which is a natural, biosynthetically generated amino acid, and methods for biosynthetically generating PCL. Also disclosed herein are proteins, polypeptides and peptides that have PCL incorporated therein and methods for incorporating PCL into such proteins, polypeptides and peptides. Also disclosed herein is the site-specific derivatization of proteins, polypeptides and peptides having PCL or pyrrolysine incorporated therein. Also disclosed herein is the crosslinking of proteins, polypeptides and peptides having PCL or pyrrolysine incorporated therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant acetohydroxy-acid reductoisomerase gene (mutant ILV5 gene) and use thereof, in particular, a brewery yeast for producing alcoholic beverages with superior flavor, alcoholic beverages produced with said yeast, and a method for producing said beverages. According to the method for producing alcoholic beverages of the present invention, because of reduction of the production of VDKs, especially DA, which are responsible for off-flavors in products, alcoholic beverages with superior flavor can be produced.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides synthetic antibodies specific for a disease-associated antigen, and methods of using the antibodies in disease therapy. The present disclosure further provides diagnostic assays involving detecting the presence and/or level in biological sample of an antibody specific for a disease-associated antigen.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for producing a transgenic cell with increased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content as compared to a corresponding non-transformed wild type cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to polypeptides having improved alanine 2,3-aminomutase (AAM) activity, the polynucleotides encoding the AAM polypeptides, and expression vectors and host cells for expressing the AAM polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel markers for diagnosing brain disease caused by brain injury and the use thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel diagnostic markers for brain disease caused by brain injury, which are identified by administering an MDMA drug, a diagnostic composition for brain disease caused by brain injury, a kit, a microarray, and a method for diagnosing brain disease caused by brain injury using the same, and relates to a method for screening a material for preventing or treating brain disease and a composition for preventing or treating brain disease caused by brain injury including the material. It was found that the expression amount of the marker genes of the present invention in tissues or cells of a patient with brain injury was over-expressed or under-expressed compared with that in normal tissues or cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for increasing the yield of a compound produced by an organism. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for increasing the total or soluble carbohydrate content or sweetness or increasing the content of an endogenous carbohydrate of a plant tissue by producing a sugar-metabolizing enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of an endogenous sugar (one that is normally produced in the plant) to an alien sugar (one that is not normally produced in the plant at the same developmental stage). The invention also relates to plants and plant parts that produce a sugar-metabolizing enzyme to yield an alien sugar, with the consequence of higher total fermentable carbohydrate content, and to fermentable carbohydrates and other products derived therefrom.

Abstract: This invention provides use of a series of recombinant Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum glucose isomerases with improved catalytic activity obtained by using recombinant techniques. These mutants comprise at least one amino acid variation at position 87, position 139, position 182, position 187, position 217, position 260, position 276, or position 299, and can be used in the conversion of hemicellulose to ethanol.

Abstract: The invention provides biosynthetic routes to xylitol production that do not require pure D-xylose for synthesis and that can utilize inexpensive substrates such as hemicellulose hydrolysates.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel ketose 3-epimerase, a process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, and a process for producing a ketose by using the enzyme. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a ketose 3-epimerase which is obtainable from a microorganism of the genus Rhizobium, a process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, and a process for converting D- or L-ketohexose into corresponding D- or L-ketohexose by epimerizing the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of the D- or L-ketohexose; and D- or L-ketopentose into corresponding D- or L-ketopentose by epimerizing the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of the D- or L-ketopentose; by using the enzyme.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel enzymes that convert sucrose to isomaltulose. More particularly, the present invention discloses novel sucrose isomerases, polynucleotides encoding these sucrose isomerases, methods for isolating such polynucleotides and nucleic acid constructs that express these polynucleotides. Also disclosed are cells, including transformed bacterial or plant cells, and differentiated plants comprising cells, which contain these sucrose isomerase-encoding polynucleotides, as well as extracts thereof. Methods of producing isomaltulose are also disclosed which use the polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells, cell extracts and plants of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for building an atomic model of a protein molecule that include: (a) identifying a protein molecule with at least 20% sequence identity to Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase 1 (MPGES1) and (b) utilizing the atomic coordinates of MPGES1 to obtain an atomic model of the identified protein molecule are provided. Methods for determining a drug candidate compound that interacts with members of the MAPEG family, in particular MPGES1, are also provided.

Abstract: Strains of Zymomonas were engineered by introducing a chimeric xylose isomerase gene that contains a mutant promoter of the Z. mobilis glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene. The promoter directs increased expression of xylose isomerase, and when the strain is in addition engineered for expression of xylulokinase, transaldolase and transketolase, improved utilization of xylose is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bladder cancer biomarker and a test method using the same. The biomarker contains at least one of the mentioned 69 compounds, such as apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), apolipoprotein A2 (APOA2), peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2), heparin cofactor 2 precursor (HCII), and serum amyloid A-4 protein (SAA4), which exist in the urine specimen of a testee. The expression intensity of the biomarker can facilitate diagnosis of bladder cancer and evaluation of aggressiveness and malignancy of bladder cancer. Thereby, the physician can arrange an optimized treatment to achieve the best therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms are useful for producing xylitol by fermentation of arabinose. The recombinant microorganisms are produced by transformation of host microorganisms with heterologous polynucleotide sequences coding for each of L-xylulose reductase, D-tagatose 3-epimerase, and L-arabinose isomerase, which transformants express the heterologous polynucleotides at a sufficient functional level to be effective to produce xylitol from arabinose. Production of xylitol is effected by contacting these recombinant microorganisms with a substrate comprising arabinose under conditions effective to produce xylitol from arabinose.

Abstract: Enzymatic pathways for production of aminoshikimate, kanosamine, intermediates, and derivatives thereof; nucleic acid encoding and cells containing the enzymes; compositions containing aminoshikimate, kanosamine, an intermediate or derivative thereof; and use of the cells and pathways for biosynthetic production of aminoshikimate, kanosamine, intermediates, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel enzymes that convert sucrose to isomaltulose. More particularly, the present invention discloses novel sucrose isomerases, polynucleotides encoding these sucrose isomerases, methods for isolating such polynucleotides and nucleic acid constructs that express these polynucleotides. Also disclosed are cells, including transformed bacterial or plant cells, and differentiated plants comprising cells, which contain these sucrose isomerase-encoding polynucleotides, as well as extracts thereof. Methods of producing isomaltulose are also disclosed which use the polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells, cell extracts and plants of the invention.

Abstract: It has been found that the pattern of recognized topo I epitopes is different between dcSSc, IcSSc and SLE patients. Fragment F4 (amino acid (AA) 450-600) was recognized by all patients tested. Fragment F1 (AA 5-30) and Fragment F8 (AA 350-400) represent characteristic epitopes for dcSSc and SLE, respectively. The invention relates to diagnostic uses and methods as well as kits for use in diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the production of peptides, and the peptides produced accordingly. Peptides produced according to the invention may be produced more efficiently than peptides produced according to prior art processes. The production process of the invention may lead to advantages in yield, purity, and/or price. Methods of marketing peptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an asymmetric enzymic process for preparing optically active organic compounds. The process according to the invention is carried out in what are termed miniemulsions. The invention also relates to an enzymic reaction mixture which exhibits a miniemulsion.

Abstract: The present invention provides DNA molecules that constitute fragments of the genome of a plant, and polypeptides encoded thereby. The DNA molecules are useful for specifying a gene product in cells, either as a promoter or as a protein coding sequence or as an UTR or as a 3? termination sequence, and are also useful in controlling the behavior of a gene in the chromosome, in controlling the expression of a gene or as tools for genetic mapping, recognizing or isolating identical or related DNA fragments, or identification of a particular individual organism, or for clustering of a group of organisms with a common trait.

Abstract: The invention relates to newly discovered nucleic acid molecules and proteins associated with breast cancer. Compositions, kits, and methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating human breast cancers are provided.

Abstract: Engineered proteins are used in the assembly of two-dimensional and three-dimensional nanostructure assemblies, based on systematic design and production of protein node structures that can be interconnected, for example, with streptavidin or streptavidin-incorporating struts to produce structures with defined dimensions and geometry. Nanostructure assemblies having utility as functional devices or as resists for the patterning of substrates have architectures including polygons, polyhedra, two-dimensional lattices, and three-dimensional lattices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide of the complete chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis. The present invention also relates to isolated genes of the chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis which encode biologically active substances and to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the genes as well as methods for producing biologically active substances encoded by the genes and to methods of using the isolated genes of the complete chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis.