Escherichia (e.g., E. Coli, Etc.) Patents (Class 435/252.33)
  • Publication number: 20150023966
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to combination therapies comprising anti-Pseudomonas Psl and PcrV binding molecules and related compositions, for use in prevention and treatment of Pseudomonas infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Antonio Digiandomenico, Paul Warrener, Charles Stover, Bret Sellman, Ralph Minter, SAndrine Guillard, Steven Rust, Mladen Tomich, Vignesh Venkatraman, Reena Varkey, Li Peng, Melissa Damschroder, Partha Chowdhury, Nazzareno Dimasi, Ryan Fleming, Binyam Bezabeh, Changshou Gao, Godfrey Rainney, Cuihua GAO
  • Publication number: 20150024468
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an acetyl-CoA pathway and the capability of utilizing syngas or syngas and methanol. In one embodiment, the invention provides a non-naturally occurring microorganism, comprising one or more exogenous proteins conferring to the microorganism a pathway to convert CO, CO2 and/or H2 to acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), methyl tetrahydrofolate (methyl-THF) or other desired products, wherein the microorganism lacks the ability to convert CO or CO2 and H2 to acetyl-CoA or methyl-THF in the absence of the one or more exogenous proteins. For example, the microbial organism can contain at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme or protein in an acetyl-CoA pathway. The microbial organism is capable of utilizing synthesis gases comprising CO, CO2 and/or H2, alone or in combination with methanol, to produce acetyl-CoA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Genomatica, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. BURK, Christophe H. SCHILLING, Anthony P. BURGARD, John D. TRAWICK
  • Publication number: 20150026843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having proteaseactivity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptidesin e.g. animal feed and detergents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Tine Hoff, Carsten Sjoeholm, Peter Rahbek Oestergaard, Katrine Pontoppidan
  • Publication number: 20150025227
    Abstract: Disclosed is an IgG Fc fragment useful as a drug carrier. A recombinant vector expressing the IgG Fc fragment, a transformant transformed with the recombinant vector, and a method of preparing an IgG Fc fragment are disclosed. When conjugated to a certain drug, the IgG Fc fragment improves the in vivo duration of action of the drug and minimizes the in vivo activity reduction of the drug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: HANMI SCIENCE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Youb JUNG, Jin Sun Kim, Geun Hee Yang, Se Wang Kwon, Gwan Sun Lee
  • Publication number: 20150024461
    Abstract: An object is to provide a novel enzyme that exhibits glucose dehydrogenase activity. Furthermore, another object is to provide a novel method pertaining to enzyme modification. Provided is a mutated enzyme containing an amino acid sequence wherein one or at least two amino acids selected from a group are substituted with another amino acid in the amino acid sequence of a microorganism-derived glucose oxidase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Kyoichi Nishio, Satoshi Koikeda
  • Publication number: 20150023995
    Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides having a composite amino acid sequence derived from a consensus sequence representing the capsid proteins of two or more circulating strains of a non-enveloped virus. In particular, the invention provides virus-like particles comprising at least one composite polypeptide. Such virus-like particles have antigenic epitopes of two or more circulating strains of a non-enveloped virus and produce an increase in antisera cross-reactivity to one or more circulating strains of the non-enveloped virus. Methods of making composite virus-like particles and vaccine formulations comprising composite virus-like particles are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: TAKEDA VACCINES, INC.
    Inventors: Charles RICHARDSON, Robert F. BARGATZE, Joel HAYNES, Bryan STEADMAN
  • Publication number: 20150024440
    Abstract: Recombinant microbial cells and methods for producing melatonin and related compounds using such cells are described. More specifically, the recombinant microbial cell may comprise exogenous genes encoding one or more of an L-tryptophan hydroxylase, a 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan decarboxylyase, a serotonin acetyltransferase, an acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase; an L-tryptophan decarboxy-lyase, and a tryptamine-5-hydroxylase, and means for providing tetrahydrobiopterin (THB). Related sequences and vectors for use in preparing such recombinant microbial cells are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Eric Michael Knight, Jiangfeng Zhu, Jochen Förster, Hao Luo
  • Publication number: 20150024009
    Abstract: The invention provides an isolated genetically modified non-mammalian organism, wherein the activity of acyl-CoA:sterol acyltransferase/sterol O-acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.26) and/or diacylglycerol acyltransferase/diacylglycerol O-acyltranferase (EC 2.3.1.20) and/or lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase/phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.158) and/or acyl CoA-wax alcohol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.75) is reduced or abolished in comparison with a corresponding wildtype organism, methods of use of such an organism, shuttle vehicles for making such an organism and methods for producing such an organism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: ORGANOBALANCE GMBH
    Inventors: Christine Lang, Andreas Raab
  • Publication number: 20150024433
    Abstract: The present application discloses humanized 1H7 antibodies. The antibodies bind to human alpha synuclein and can be used for treatment and diagnosis of Lewy body disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: NEOTOPE BIOSCIENCES LIMITED
    Inventors: Jose Saldanha, Tarlochan S. Nijjar
  • Publication number: 20150024435
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a mutated T7 RNA polymerase and its use, the T7 RNA polymerase being mutated at position 744, the glutamine (Q) being replaced by an amino acid selected from arginine (Q744R), leucine (Q744L) or proline (Q744P).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Boulain, Janie Dassa, Frédéric Ducancel, Bruno H. Muller, Alain Troesch, Laurent Mesta
  • Publication number: 20150017693
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method for producing a useful metabolite using a bacterium of the family Enterobacteriaceae, particularly a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia, which has been modified to contain a gene(s) expression system including elements of the LysR-type protein-regulated transcriptional machinery modified in such a way that auto-inducible positive feedback regulation of said system is mediated by a coinducer. The method is suitable for producing branched-chain L-amino acids, particularly L-valine, L-isoleucine and L-leucine; and D-pantothenic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: AJINOMOTO CO., INC.
    Inventors: Elena Viktorovna Sycheva, Valery Vasilievich Samsonov, Ekaterina Alekseevna Savrasova, Natalia Sergeevna Eremina, Natalia Vladimirovna Geraskina, Natalia Viktorovna Stoynova
  • Publication number: 20150018229
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymorphic MRP-1 polynucleotide, genes or vectors comprising the polynucleotides and a host cell genetically engineered with the polynucleotide or gene. Also provided are methods for producing molecular variant polypeptides, cells capable of expressing a molecular variant polypeptide and a polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide or the gene or obtainable by the method or cells produced herein. Also provided is an antibody to the polypeptide, a transgenic animal, and a solid support comprising one or a plurality of the provided polynucleotides, genes, vectors, polypeptides, antibodies or host cells. Furthermore, methods of identifying a polymorphism, identifying and obtaining a pro-drug or drug or an inhibitor are also provided. In addition, the invention relates to methods for producing a pharmaceutical composition, diagnosing a disease and detection of the polynucleotide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Ulrich Brinkmann, Sven Hoffmeyer, Esther Mornhinweg
  • Publication number: 20150018532
    Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies to Aspergillus species and to methods of producing those antibodies. The invention also relates to the use of such antibodies in identifying the presence of the Aspergillus species and to methods of treating an infection with the Aspergillus species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
    Inventor: Christopher THORNTON
  • Publication number: 20150020221
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapies through modulation of BAL1 and/or BBAP. Also provided are methods for predicting the efficacy of cancer therapies or treating cancer in a subject through modulation of BAL1 and/or BBAP. Further provided are methods for identifying compounds that are capable of modulating BAL1-BBAP complexes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Margaret A. Shipp, Qingsheng Yan
  • Publication number: 20150017696
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant host cells comprising one or more recombinant polynucleotides encoding enzymes in select pathways that provide the ability to use the cells to produce 1,3-butadiene. The present disclosure also provides methods of manufacturing the recombinant host cells, and methods for the use of the cells to produce 1,3-butadiene, either through formation of the intermediate compound crotonol followed by chemo-catalytic dehydration to 1,3-butadiene, or through the use of a recombinant cell comprising a fully enzymatic pathway capable of converting crotonyl-CoA or crotonyl-ACP to crotonol and then crotonol to 1,3-butadiene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Simon Christopher Davis, Nicholas J. Agard, John H. Grate
  • Publication number: 20150017695
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jack Liang, Stephane J. Jenne, Emily Mundorff, Charlene Ching, John M. Gruber, Anke Krebber, Gjalt W. Huisman
  • Publication number: 20150018522
    Abstract: Disclosed are mutants of galactosyltransferases that can catalyze formation of oligosaccharides in the presence of magnesium; mutants of galactosyltransferases having altered donor and acceptor specificity which can catalyze formation of oligosaccharides in the presence of magnesium; methods and compositions that can be used to synthesize oligosaccharides; methods for increasing the immunogenicity of an antigen; and methods to stabilize platelets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health & Human Servic
    Inventors: Pradman K. Qasba, Elizabeth Boeggeman, Boopathy Ramakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20150017154
    Abstract: A method of preparing an antibody suitable for use in a canine is provided. Also provided are caninised antibodies which specifically bind to canine neuronal growth factor (NGF) and neutralise the ability of canine NGF to bind to the p75 or TrkA canine NGF receptor. The invention extends to nucleic acids encoding same and to methods of treating pain and arthritis in a canine using said antibodies and/or nucleic acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: David Gearing
  • Publication number: 20150017169
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an asymmetric mixed antibody comprising two heavy chains or heavy chain fragments each comprising at least a variable region, a hinge region and a CH1 domain, wherein a first heavy chain or fragment thereof is a class IgG4 and has: a the inter-chain cysteine at position 127, numbered according to the Kabat numbering system, in the CH1 domain is substituted with another amino acid; and b optionally one or more of the amino acids positioned in the upper hinge region is substituted with cysteine, and wherein the second heavy chain or fragment thereof is characterised in that part or all of the chain has a different amino acid sequence to said first heavy chain in at least the region outside the variable region (for example the constant region), formulations comprising the same, therapeutic used of both of the above, and processes for preparing the antibodies and formulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: David Paul Humphreys, Shirley Jane Peters
  • Publication number: 20150017095
    Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins, methods of making, and specifically to their uses in the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Tariq Ghayur, Jijie Gu, Peter Isakson
  • Publication number: 20150018529
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a symmetric bispecific antibody of the class IgG4 comprising two heavy chains which each comprise a variable domain, CH1 domain and a hinge region, wherein in each heavy chain: the cysteine in the CH1 domain which forms an inter-chain disulphide bond with a cysteine in a light chain is substituted with another amino acid; and optionally one or more of the amino acids positioned in the upper hinge region is substituted with cysteine, wherein the constant region sequence of each heavy chain is similar or identical and the variable region in each heavy chain is different, formulations comprising the same, the use of each of the above in treatment and processes for preparing said antibodies and formulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: David Paul Humphreys, Shirley Jane Peters
  • Publication number: 20150017698
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant host cells comprising one or more recombinant polynucleotides encoding enzymes in select pathways that provide the ability to use the cells to produce 1,3-butadiene. The present disclosure also provides methods of manufacturing the recombinant host cells, and methods for the use of the cells to produce 1,3-butadiene. The methods utilize recombinant host cells that comprise an engineered pathway of enzymes that provides for the conversion of naturally occurring intermediate crotonyl-CoA (or -ACP) to 1,3-butadiene through enzyme catalyzed steps involving the reduction of glutaconyl-CoA (or -ACP) to form the intermediate 5-hydroxypent-3-enoate. The disclosure provides alternative engineered pathway involving either decarboxylation of 5-hydroxypent-3-enoate directly to 1,3-butadiene, or phosphorylation of 5-hydroxypent-3-enoate followed by a phosphate elimination step catalyzed by a decarboxylase to produce 1,3-butadiene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory A. Cope, Louis Clark
  • Publication number: 20150017178
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel antibodies capable of binding to CD26, as well as to their use as a medicament. Moreover, the present invention provides antibodies for use in treating and/or preventing Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD), for use in treating Aplastic Anemia and/or for use in promoting engraftment after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Furthermore, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one antibody of the present invention, as well as provides a kit of parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Antonio Francesco DI NARO
  • Publication number: 20150017171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, and methods of treating, hepatocellular carcinoma in a subject. The invention also relates to polypeptide antagonists of PLVAP proteins, including humanized and chimeric antibodies that specifically bind PLVAP proteins, as well as compositions and kits comprising such polypeptide antagonists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Kuo-Jang Kao, Andrew T. Huang
  • Publication number: 20150018533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide (repebody) selectively bound to an immunoglobulin G, a polynucleotide which encodes the repebody, a vector containing the polynucleotide, a recombinant microorganism in which the polynucleotide is introduced, a method for producing the repebody using the recombinant microorganism, and a method for immobilizing or purifying an immunoglobulin G using the repebody. The repebody according to the present invention is useful as utilized for immobilization of an immunoglobulin G, purification of an immunoglobulin G, and production of an immunosensor, since the repebody selectively bound to an immunoglobulin G.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Hak-Sung Kim, Woosung Heu, Joong-Jae Lee, Seong-Min Jo
  • Patent number: 8932836
    Abstract: The disclosure provides transaminase polypeptides capable of converting the substrate, 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethoxy)cyclohexanone to the trans diastereomer product (1R,2R)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethoxy)cyclohexanamine in at least a 2:1 diastereomeric ratio relative to the cis diastereomer (1R,2S)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethoxy)cyclohexanamine. The disclosure also provides polynucleotides, vectors, host cells, and methods of making and using the transaminase polypeptides in processes for preparing (1R,2R)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethoxy)cyclohexanamine and its analogs, which can product compounds can be further used to prepare the aminocyclohexylether compound, (3R)-1-[(1R,2R)-2-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethoxy]cyclohexyl]pyrrolidin-3-ol, which is an ion channel blocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Codexis, Inc.
    Inventors: John Limanto, Gregory Beutner, Brendan Grau, Jacob Janey, Artis Klapars, Eric R. Ashley, Hallena R. Strotman, Matthew D. Truppo, Gregory Hughes, Fabien Cabirol, Anupam Gohel, Steven J. Collier, Jack Liang, Marissa Mock, Emily Mundorff, Scott Novick, Derek Smith
  • Patent number: 8932834
    Abstract: A method for producing an L-amino acid which includes the steps of culturing a bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae and having an L-amino acid producing ability in a medium to produce and accumulate an L-amino acid in the medium, and collecting the L-amino acid from the medium, wherein the bacterium has been modified so that an activity or activities of one or two or more enzymes of the arginine succinyltransferase pathway, such as arginine succinyltransferase, succinylarginine dihydrolase, succinylornithine aminotransferase, succinylglutamate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase, and succinylglutamate desuccinylase, is/are decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hidetaka Doi, Yoshihiro Usuda
  • Patent number: 8932586
    Abstract: Pseudomonas exotoxin A or “PE” is a 66 kD, highly potent, cytotoxic protein secreted by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Various forms of PE have been coupled to other proteins, such as antibodies, to generate therapeutically useful cytotoxin conjugates that selectively target cells of a desired phenotype (such as tumor cells). In the present invention, peptides spanning the sequence of an approximately 38 kD form of Pseudomonas exotoxin A protein were analyzed for the presence of immunogenic CD4+ T cell epitopes. Six immunogenic T cell epitopes were identified. Residues were identified within each epitope for introduction of targeted amino acid substitutions to reduce or prevent immunogenic T-cell responses in PE molecules which may be administered to a heterologous host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Intrexon Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy David Jones, Francis Joseph Carr
  • Patent number: 8932845
    Abstract: An isopropyl alcohol-producing Escherichia coli equipped with an isopropyl alcohol production system, having at least one enhanced enzyme activity selected from the group consisting of an enhanced malate dehydrogenase activity, an enhanced NAD(P)+ transhydrogenase (AB-specific) activity, and an enhanced thiolase activity, and an isopropyl alcohol producing method including producing isopropyl alcohol from a plant-derived raw material using the isopropyl alcohol-producing Escherichia coli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiko Matsumoto, Junichiro Hirano, Takashi Morishige, Tomokazu Shirai, Hitoshi Takahashi, Koh Amano, Nozomi Takebayashi, Mitsufumi Wada, Hiroshi Shimizu, Chikara Furusawa, Takashi Hirasawa
  • Publication number: 20150011482
    Abstract: Nutritive proteins are provided. In some embodiments the nutritive proteins comprise a first polypeptide sequence comprising a fragment of a naturally-occurring nutritive protein. In some embodiments the fragment comprises at least one of a) an enhanced ratio of branch chain amino acid residues to total amino acid residues present in the nutritive protein; b) an enhanced ratio of leucine residues to total amino acid residues present in the nutritive protein; and c) an enhanced ratio of essential amino acid residues to total amino acid residues present in the nutritive protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: David Arthur Berry, Brett Adam Boghigian, Nathaniel W. Silver, Geoffrey von Maltzahn, Rajeev Chillakuru, Michael Hamill
  • Publication number: 20150010592
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses a novel S. aureus bioconjugate vaccine. More generally, the invention is directed to Gram-positive and other bioconjugate vaccines containing a protein carrier, at least one polysaccharide such as a capsular Gram-positive polysaccharide, and, optionally, an adjuvant or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The instant invention also includes methods of producing Gram-positive and other bioconjugate vaccines. An N-glycosylated protein is also provided that contains one or more polysaccharides such as Gram-positive polysaccharides. The invention is additionally directed to engineered prokaryotic organisms comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a glycosyltransferase of a first prokaryotic organism and a glycosyltransferase of a second prokaryotic organism. The invention further includes plasmids and prokaryotic cells transformed with plasmids encoding polysaccharides and enzymes which produce an N-glycosylated protein and/or bioconjugate vaccine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: GLYCOVAXYN AG
    Inventors: Michael Wacker, Michael Kowarik, Michael Wetter
  • Publication number: 20150011007
    Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid constructs that contain a synthetic control element that includes a cis-regulator of translation, and an adapter translation-coupled regulator of transcription. Further provided herein are nucleic acid constructs that contain nucleic acid sequences under the control of the synthetic control elements. Also provided are compositions and methods related to the nucleic acid constructs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Chang Liu, Adam P. Arkin, Lei S. Qi
  • Publication number: 20150010915
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional structure of a complex explored by crystallization of the complex of NanR which is a key pathogenic regulatory protein of Vibrio vulnificus and ManNA6P which is a NanR regulator. Further, the present invention relates to a modified NanR protein, a polynucleotide encoding the protein, a vector including the polynucleotide, and a transformant including the vector. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for screening a substance regulating interaction between NanR and the transcriptional control region of nan operon which is a gene cluster regulated by NanR, or a substance regulating interaction between NanR and ManNAc-6P, by designing three-dimensional structure of the complex, and to an antibacterial composition including the screened substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Sang Ho Choi, Byoung Sik Kim, Myung Hee Kim, Jung Won Hwang
  • Publication number: 20150010936
    Abstract: The present invention provides a means and method useful for measurement of a total branched-chain amino acid concentration. Specifically, the present invention provides a modified enzyme in which at least one amino acid residue is mutated so as to improve a property of a leucine dehydrogenase which is associated with the measurement of the total branched-chain amino acids, such as, for example, substrate specificities of leucine dehydrogenase for total branched-chain amino acids, activity of leucine dehydrogenase for any branched-chain amino acids, and thermal stability of leucine dehydrogenase; and a method of analyzing the total branched-chain amino acids, comprising measuring the total branched-chain amino acids contained in a test sample using the modified enzyme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: AJINOMOTO CO., INC.
    Inventors: Wataru Hoshino, Yuya Kodama, Toshimi Mizukoshi, Uno Tagami
  • Publication number: 20150010978
    Abstract: Terpene synthases are enzymes that directly convert IPP & DMAPP to terpenes, such as fusicoccadiene. Described herein are methods and compositions for the production of terpenes and terpenoids for use as fuel molecules or other useful components. Genetically engineered enzymes capable of producing terpenes and terpenoids are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Sapphire Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: NICOLE A HEAPS, Craig A Behnke, David Molina
  • Publication number: 20150010969
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for creating a transformant having significantly improved glucaric acid-producing capability and a method for efficiently producing glucaric acid using the transformant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: ASAHI KASEI CHEMICALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunobu Konishi, Shinichi Imazu
  • Publication number: 20150010587
    Abstract: This invention provides an anti-cancer immunogenic agent(s) (e.g. vaccines) that elicit an immune response specifically directed against renal cell cancers expressing a G250 antigenic marker. Preferred immunogenic agents comprise a chimeric molecule comprising a kidney cancer specific antigen (G250) attached to a granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The agents are useful in a wide variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to protein vaccination, DNA vaccination, and adoptive immunotherapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Arie Belldegrun, Cho-Lea Tso
  • Publication number: 20150013024
    Abstract: Methods and constructs are provided for controlling processes in live animals, plants or microbes via genetically engineered near-infrared light-activated or light-inactivated proteins including chimeras including the photosensory modules of bacteriohytochromes and output modules that possess enzymatic activity and/or ability to bind to DNA, RNA, protein, or small molecules. DNA encoding these proteins are introduced as genes into live animals, plants or microbes, where their activities can be turned on by near-infrared light, controlled by the intensity of light, and turned off by near-infrared light of a different wavelength than the activating light. These proteins can regulate diverse cellular processes with high spatial and temporal precision, in a nontoxic manner, often using external light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
    Inventors: Mark Gomelsky, Min-Hyung Ryu
  • Publication number: 20150010985
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to host cells containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports cellodextrin into the cell. The present disclosure further relates to methods of increasing transport of cellodextrin into a cell, methods of increasing growth of a cell on a medium containing cellodextrin, methods of co-fermenting cellulose-derived and hemicellulose-derived sugars, and methods of making hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon derivatives by providing a host cell containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports cellodextrin into the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicants: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: N. Louise GLASS, Chaoguang TIAN, William T. BEESON, IV, Huimin ZHAO, Jing DU, Jin Ho CHOI, James H. DOUDNA CATE, Jonathan M. GALAZKA, Suk-Jin HA, Yong-Su JIN, Soo Rin KIM, Sijin LI, Xiaomin YANG
  • Publication number: 20150010961
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a family 5 glycoside hydrolase variant having endoglucanase activity, polynucleotides encoding the family 5 glycoside hydrolase variant, vectors, host cells comprising the polynucleotides, and methods for using the family 5 glycoside hydrolase variant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: John Poland, Justin T. Stege
  • Publication number: 20150010532
    Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant nucleic acid and polypeptides encoding collagenase I and collagenase II, methods for the preparation thereof and methods for the use thereof. The invention also encompasses methods related to releasing a composition comprising collagenase prior to therapeutic administration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Wayne K. Herber
  • Patent number: 8927241
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production of one or more terpenoids through microbial engineering, and relates to the manufacture of products comprising terpenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Parayil K. Ajikumar, Gregory Stephanopoulos, Too Heng Phon
  • Patent number: 8927231
    Abstract: Provided is a separatome-based recombinant peptide, polypeptide, and protein expression and purification platform based on the juxtaposition of the binding properties of host cell genomic peptides, polypeptides, and proteins with the characteristics and location of the corresponding genes on the host cell chromosome, such as that of E. coli, yeast, Bacillus subtilis or other prokaryotes, insect cells, mammalian cells, etc. This platform quantitatively describes and identifies priority deletions, modifications, or inhibitions of certain gene products to increase chromatographic separation efficiency, defined as an increase in column capacity, column selectivity, or both, with emphasis on the former. Moreover, the platform provides a computerized knowledge tool that, given separatome data and a target recombinant peptide, polypeptide, or protein, intuitively suggests strategies leading to efficient product purification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, University of Pittsburgh—Of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Ellen M. Brune, Robert R. Beitle, Jr., Mohammad M. Ataai, Patrick R. Bartlow, Ralph L. Henry
  • Publication number: 20150004690
    Abstract: The invention describes novel virus-like particles for use as vaccines, diagnostic tools and R&D tools based on recombinant DNA and cell cultivation techniques for production. The recombinant virus-like particles of the invention are assembled by polypeptide chains that incorporate several, in particular two or more, different epitopes which are selected either (a) from different viral strains of the same virus and/or (b) from different serotypes of the same virus and/or (c) from different viral strains specific for different hosts. These epitopes are then displayed on the particle surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Corinne JOHN, Christian SCHAUB, Sabine WELLNITZ
  • Publication number: 20150004660
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the enzymatic conversion of bioderived feedstocks to commercially valuable chemicals. The enzymatic conversions of the embodiments of the invention offer the potential for lower cost routes to these value-added chemicals. Some of the chemicals that are useful include nylon intermediates such as caprolactam, adipic acid, 1,6-hexamethylene diamine; butanediols such as 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, and 2,3-butanediol; butanols such as 1-butanol, and 2-butanol; succinic acid, butadiene, isoprene, and 3-hydroxypropanoic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Paul S. Pearlman, Changlin Chen, Adriana Leonora Botes
  • Publication number: 20150004173
    Abstract: A peptide is disclosed of the general structure: Z—W—Y, wherein Z and Y are independently a one to eight amino acid sequence wherein the amino acids are selected from glycine and alanine and W is a non-hydrolyzable pHis analogue. Such peptides can be used to produce sequence-independent anti-phosphohistidine antibodies. Also provided are antibodies that specifically bind to a peptide comprising a phosphohistidine (or a non-hydrolyzable pHis analogue) but fail to specifically bind to an identical peptide containing histidine instead of phosphohistidine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Magda Stankova, Fahad Al-Obeidi, Jacques Mauger, Robert A. Binnie, Tony Hunter, Jill Meisenhelder, Stephen Rush Fuhs
  • Publication number: 20150005231
    Abstract: An insulin analogue comprises a B-chain polypeptide incorporating a halogenated phenylalanine at position B24, B25 or B26. The halogenated phenylalanine may be ortho-monofluoro-phenylalanine, ortho-monobromo-phenylalanine, ortho-monochloro-phenylalanine, or para-monochloro-phenylalanine. The analogue may be of a mammalian insulin, such as human insulin. A nucleic acid encodes such an insulin analogue. The halogenated insulin analogues retain significant activity. A method of treating a patient comprises administering a physiologically effective amount of the insulin analogue or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof to a patient. Halogen substitution-based stabilization of insulin may enhance the treatment of diabetes mellitus in regions of the developing world lacking refrigeration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Michael WEISS
  • Publication number: 20150004185
    Abstract: Prion peptides comprising prion epitopes and fusions thereof, that display enhanced immunogenicity are described. Also described are methods of treating and diagnosing prion disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: University of Saskatchewan
    Inventors: Kristen Marciniuk, Ryan Taschuk, Scott Napper, Andrew Potter, Neil Cashman
  • Patent number: 8921525
    Abstract: [Problem] Disclosed is an antibody that exhibits excellent cytotoxicity and cell growth inhibition and that is based on an anti-human epithelial cell growth factor receptor (1) (Her1) antibody (528). Further disclosed is a method for producing same, and the like. [Solution] The mutant of an H chain humanized variable region (5H) or an L chain humanized variable region (5L) of the anti-human epithelial cell growth factor receptor (1) (Her1) antibody (528) is the aforementioned antibody characterized by having one to a plurality (for example: 1 to 5, or 1 to 3) of amino acid mutations within CDR2. Further disclosed are antibody molecules containing said region, a nucleic acid molecule coding for these polypeptides, a method for producing said antibody molecules, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tohoku University
    Inventors: Izumi Kumagai, Takeshi Nakanishi, Ryutaro Asano, Mitsuo Umetsu
  • Publication number: 20140377845
    Abstract: A method of producing isoprene is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of obtaining a host transgenic microorganism and observing the production of isoprene by the microorganism. In another embodiment, the invention is a transgenic host microorganism for producing isoprene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Eric L. Singsaas, Amy Wiberley