Abstract: The invention relates to fusion polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding said fusion polypeptides and genetically modified cells including said nucleic acid molecules. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for preparing target polypeptides using the fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for site-specific modification of proteins by incorporation of an aldehyde tag. Enzymatic modification at a sulfatase motif of the aldehyde tag through action of a formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE) generates a formylglycine (FGly) residue. The aldehyde moiety of FGly residue can be exploited as a chemical handle for site-specific attachment of a moiety of interest to a polypeptide.

Abstract: Methods of extracting chitin and chitosan from fungal biomass using a solution of one or more ammonia compounds, amines, and/or alkaline silicate compounds. The solution dissolves and extracts amino acids, fatty acids and other carbohydrates from the fungal cells leaving chitin and/or chitosan, and the extractant may be recovered from the liquid by simple phase changes such as heating or cooling, dissociation into volatile components, distillation and/or solidification and separation of immiscible extractants. Further lipid removal may be achieved with one or more organic solvents, which may also be recovered by distillation.

Abstract: A method of producing a sugar liquid from cellulose-containing biomass includes (1) to (4): (1) subjecting a cellulose-containing biomass to a dilute sulfuric acid treatment and thereafter separating the treated cellulose-containing biomass into a dilute sulfuric acid-treated liquid and a cellulose-containing solid content; (2) adding a cellulase to the cellulose-containing solid content to hydrolyze the cellulose and thereafter obtaining a sugar liquid; (3) filtering the dilute sulfuric acid-treated liquid through a nanofiltration membrane at pH 2.5 or lower to thereby separate a sugar concentrated liquid as a retentate and at the same time recover a sulfuric acid aqueous solution as a permeate; and (4) reusing the whole amount or a part of the sulfuric acid aqueous solution obtained in (3) in the dilute sulfuric acid treatment in (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prokaryotic host cell comprising eukaryotic glycosyltransferase activity, where the eukaryotic glycosyltransferase activity is eukaryotic dolichyl-linked UDP-GlcNAc transferase activity and eukaryotic mannosyl-transferase activity. Also disclosed is a method of producing a glycosylated protein by providing a prokaryotic host cell comprising the eukaryotic glycosyltransferase activity and culturing the prokaryotic host cell under conditions effective to produce a glycosylated protein. Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a method for screening bacteria or bacteriophages by expressing one or more glycans on the surface of a bacteria, attaching a label on the one or more glycans on the surface of the bacteria or on the surface of a bacteriophage derived from the bacteria, and analyzing the label in a high-throughput format.

Abstract: This invention discloses a new conjugate compound that comprises at least one HA oligomer derivatized through one thiolated linker, whereby it binds to at least one metal nanoparticle, such as, for example, a gold nanoparticle. Moreover, it discloses methods of obtaining it, as well as the use thereof in a cosmetic treatment, and cosmetic compositions that contain them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing analogs of human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), in particular oligosaccharides containing terminal sialic acid. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a source of non-digestible galactooligosaccharides (GOS) containing at least two terminally bonded ?-linked galactose residues; b) providing a sialic acid donor having (?2-3)-sialylated O-glycans; c) contacting said GOS with said sialic acid donor in the presence of an enzyme having trans-sialidase activity in an enzyme reaction mixture; and d) isolating from said enzyme reaction mixture a fraction comprising at least 20 percent by weight of disialylated galactooligosaccharides (di-Sia-GOS) based on the dry matter.

Abstract: A method for the production of heparosan from fermentation culture of E. coli K5 suitable for industrial production, exhibiting superior yield and purity, smaller culture volumes, faster growth, and lower costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel therapeutics with antibacterial activity, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical, veterinary and nutritional compositions containing them as active ingredients. The present invention also relates to uses of the novel therapeutics, for example, as medicants or food additives in the treatment of bacterial infections or to aid body mass gain in a subject.

Abstract: Chondroitin is produced by culturing a recombinant microorganism which is obtained by inactivation of a gene encoding an enzyme responsible for addition of fructose residues to the linear chondroitin polysaccharide in a microorganism producing a fructosylated derivative of chondroitin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel therapeutics with antibacterial activity, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical, veterinary and nutritional compositions containing them as active ingredients. The present invention also relates to uses of the novel therapeutics, for example, as medicants or food additives in the treatment of bacterial infections or to aid body mass gain in a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the molecular cloning of a gougerotin biosynthetic gene cluster from Streptomyces microflavus, and identification of individual genes in the gene cluster as well as the proteins encoded thereby. A gougerotin gene cluster comprising 13 open reading frames (ORFs) is located within a genetic locus of Streptomyces microflavus. The gougerotin gene cluster further comprises another 11 ORFs, which are also disclosed. Gougerotin analogs and methods for producing them by manipulation of the gougerotin gene cluster and the genes therein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a sugar liquid includes concentrating an aqueous cellulose-derived sugar solution with a nanofiltration membrane and/or reverse osmosis membrane, wherein the concentration is carried out after adding a water-soluble anionic polymer to the aqueous cellulose-derived sugar solution to remove a fermentation inhibitor(s) into a permeate side of the nanofiltration membrane and/or reverse osmosis membrane.

Abstract: A glycosaminoglycan sulfotransferase, a peptide thereof, a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding the same, an enzyme agent for the synthesis of a glycosaminoglycan, which comprises the above-described enzyme or polypeptide, and a process for producing a glycosaminoglycan, which uses the enzyme agent.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter concerns a process for the co-production of glucosamine polymers (chitin, chitosan or any of its derivatives) and polymers containing glucose, mannose and/or galactose, by the high cell density fermentation of the yeast Pichia pastoris in a bioreactor under aerobic conditions. The process can include the use of glycerol byproduct from the biodiesel industry as carbon source. Pure glycerol, pure methanol, glycerol-rich or methanol rich mixtures may also be used as carbon sources. The P. pastoris fermentation process can be duly optimized for attaining high cell densities and high cell wall chitin content. The disclosed subject matter also concerns polymers containing glucose, mannose and/or galactose.

Abstract: Glycosylated indolocarbazoles, method for obtaining same and uses thereof. This invention relates to rebeccamycin and staurosporine derivatives obtained by fermentation of recombinant bacterial strains. The invention also relates to the methods used to obtain the recombinant strains and the production of rebeccamycin and staurosporine derivatives. The invention also relates to bacterial strains that are of use for the production of rebeccamycin and staurosporine derivatives. Lastly, the rebeccamycin and staurosporine derivatives described herein are applicable to the field of human health, specifically for manufacturing drugs that are of use in the treatment of tumour, neurological and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a hyaluronic acid, comprising: (a) cultivating a Bacillus host cell under conditions suitable for production of the hyaluronic acid, wherein the Bacillus host cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising a hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence operably linked to a promoter sequence foreign to the hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence; and (b) recovering the hyaluronic acid from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a hyaluronan synthase operon comprising a hyaluronan synthase gene and a UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase gene, and optionally one or more genes selected from the group consisting of a UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase gene, and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase gene.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method of providing a biopolymer comprises: cryodesiccating a broth, wherein the broth comprises: (A) a biopolymer, wherein the biopolymer is an exopolysaccharide; and (B) a liquid growth medium. According to certain embodiments, the biopolymer is produced by the fermentation of at least one carbohydrate via a microbe. According to an embodiment, the microbe is a bacterium. According to another embodiment, the microbe is a fungus.

Abstract: A microorganism of the genus Corynebacterium having the ability to produce inosine in which the inosine catabolic pathway is blocked and that has a leaky adenine auxotrophic phenotype and further has a leaky guanine auxotrophic phenotype and a method of producing inosine, the method including culturing the microorganism of the genus Corynebacterium are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel therapeutics with antibacterial activity, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical, veterinary and nutritional compositions containing them as active ingredients. The present invention also relates to uses of the novel therapeutics, for example, as medicants or food additives in the treatment of bacterial infections or to aid body mass gain in a subject.

Abstract: Polymeric sequence probes and methods are described that enhance the speed and sensitivity of detection of target analytes by combining a multiplicity of binding moieties specific for analyte, at least two of which are linearly arranged and optionally a multiplicity of detectable labels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process for reducing the endotoxin content of a sample of fermentation broth containing polysialic acid and endotoxin comprising the sequential steps: (i) adding to the sample a base having a pKa of at least 12 to form a basic solution having a pH of at least 12, incubating the solution for a pre-determined time at a pre-determined temperature; and (ii) recovery of PSA, suitably by (iii) passing the sample through an anion-exchange column whereby polysialic acid is absorbed on the ion exchange resin; (iv) washing the column with one washing buffer, whereby polysialic acid remains absorbed on the ion exchange resin; and (v) eluting the polysialic acid from the column using an elution buffer to provide a product solution of polysialic acid having reduced endotoxin content.

Abstract: The fungus Irpex lacteus is efficiently cultured on a solid substrate with a high content of crystalline cellulose. The fungal culture can be used to produce cellulases that are useful in conversion of cellulose to sugars. The fungal culture can also be used to produce chitin, which is itself valuable and can also be converted to chitosan. Use of the fungal culture for co-production of cellulases and chitin is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a deacetylation hydrolase of a hyaluronic acid a hyaluronic acid deacetylated by same and a derivative thereof. The deacetylated hyaluronic acid and the derivative thereof have the following characteristic: a delayed initial decomposition rate on a living body; minimized decrease of molecular weight and viscosity; accelerated gelation due to a lower gelation temperature than the gelation temperature for a non-deacetylated hyaluronic acid; and an hMSC survival rate that is hardly affected by increased concentration of the deacetylated hyaluronic acid and the derivative thereof in a culture medium. As a result, the deacetylated hyaluronic acid and the derivative thereof can be useful as a bioingredient such a delivery system for a cell, gene, drug, and the like, or a support for tissue engineering, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to chondroitinase ABC I and uses thereof. In particular, the invention relates to recombinant and modified chondroitinase ABC I, their production and their uses. The chondroitinase ABC I enzymes of the invention are useful for a variety of purposes, including degrading and analyzing polysaccharides such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These GAGs can include chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, unsulfated chondroitin and hyaluronan. The chondroitinase ABC I enzymes can also be used in therapeutic methods such as promoting nerve regeneration, promoting stroke recovery, treating spinal cord injury, treating epithelial disease, treating infections and treating cancer.

Abstract: A mismatched end DNA ligase is provided, which ligates two single strands to each other at a high efficiency, even if the other two single strands are not compatible. In one embodiment, the polypeptides of the ligase are Ku, Cernunnos, and XRCC4/Ligase4 (XL). This association can ligate DNA ends with a 3? overhang to a recessed 5? end, to a blunt end, or to a compatible end. In another embodiment, the proteins are Ku, Cernunnos, XRCC4/Ligase4 (XL) and DNA-PK.

Abstract: A compound having a structure expressed by the following General Formula (1) or a salt thereof where “R” denotes a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group,

Abstract: The present invention embraces a fungal strain deficient in nicotinamide riboside import and salvage and use thereof for producing nicotinamide riboside. Methods for producing nicotinamide riboside and a nicotinamide riboside-supplemented food product using the strain of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method for the production of heparosan from fermentation culture of E. coli K5 suitable for industrial production, exhibiting superior yield and purity, smaller culture volumes, faster growth, and lower costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a hyaluronic acid, comprising: (a) cultivating a Bacillus host cell under conditions suitable for production of the hyaluronic acid, wherein the Bacillus host cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising a hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence operably linked to a promoter sequence foreign to the hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence; and (b) recovering the hyaluronic acid from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a hyaluronan synthase operon comprising a hyaluronan synthase gene and a UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase gene, and optionally one or more genes selected from the group consisting of a UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase gene, and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase gene.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant B. thetaiotaomicron GAG lyase polypeptides. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, recombinant expression vectors containing B. thetaiotaomicron GAG lyase nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. Characterization, diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides phosphate-modified nucleosides represented by the structural formula: wherein W is O or S, and wherein B, R1; R3 and R2. are s defined herein. These compounds are useful as substrates for DNA/RNA polymerases, and as anti-viral agents in particular against HIV-1.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a fraction containing more than 50% of CH represented by the general formula (1), which comprises at least the step of allowing a glucuronic acid donor, an N-acetylgalactosamine donor, a saccharide receptor, a chondroitin polymerase derived from the Escherichia coli K4 strain, and Mn2+ at a final concentration of 0.02 to 100 mM to coexist, and performing a reaction thereof under conditions of 20 to 40° C. and pH 6 to 8 for 0.5 minutes to 4 hours, and a method for producing a fraction containing more than 50% of CH represented by the general formula (2), which comprises at least the step of performing the reaction under same conditions for 10 hours or longer, which enable industrial scale production of a CH fraction of a controlled even number saccharide and odd number saccharide content ratio by a simple procedure at a low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel therapeutics with antibacterial activity, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical, veterinary and nutritional compositions containing them as active ingredients. The present invention also relates to uses of the novel therapeutics, for example, as medicants or food additives in the treatment of bacterial infections or to aid body mass gain in a subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining potency of RNAi agents. Such methods include, but are not limited to, cell-based and cell-free assays that measure binding of an RNAi agent with Ago2 or that measure Ago2 activity in the presence of such RNAi agents. Also provided are assays that determine potency of RNAi agents by assessing their ability to compete with other RNAi agents, including control RNAi agents, for binding and/or activation of Ago2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing sialic acid, comprising the step of culturing a microorganism in a culture medium, wherein said microorganism comprises heterologous genes encoding a sialic acid synthase (NeuB), a UDP-GlcNAc epimerase (NeuC), said micro-organism being devoid of a gene encoding CMP-Neu5Ac synthase (NeuA) or wherein a gene encoding CMP-Neu5Ac synt hase (NeuA) has been inactivated or deleted; and wherein endogenous genes coding for sialic acid aldolase (NanA), for ManNac kinase (NanK) and for sialic acid transporter (NanT) have been deleted or inactivated. It also relates to the above microorganism.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter concerns a process for the co-production of glucosamine polymers (chitin, chitosan or any of its derivatives) and polymers containing glucose, mannose and/or galactose, by the high cell density fermentation of the yeast Pichia pastoris in a bioreactor under aerobic conditions. The process can include the use of glycerol byproduct from the biodiesel industry as carbon source. Pure glycerol, pure methanol, glycerol-rich or methanol rich mixtures may also be used as carbon sources. The P. pastoris fermentation process can be duly optimized for attaining high cell densities and high cell wall chitin content. The disclosed subject matter also concerns polymers containing glucose, mannose and/or galactose.

Abstract: This invention discloses a new conjugate compound that comprises at least one HA oligomer derivatised through one thiolated linker, whereby it binds to at least one metal nanoparticle, such as, for example, a gold nanoparticle. Moreover, it discloses methods of obtaining it, as well as the use thereof in a cosmetic treatment, and cosmetic compositions that contain them.

Abstract: Glycosylated indolocarbazoles, method for obtaining same and uses thereof. This invention relates to rebeccamycin and staurosporine derivatives obtained by fermentation of recombinant bacterial strains. The invention also relates to the methods used to obtain the recombinant strains and the production of rebeccamycin and staurosporine derivatives. The invention also relates to bacterial strains that are of use for the production of rebeccamycin and staurosporine derivatives. Lastly, the rebeccamycin and staurosporine derivatives described herein are applicable to the field of human health, specifically for manufacturing drugs that are of use in the treatment of tumour, neurological and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A process for preparing asparagine-linked oligosaccharide derivatives including the steps of: (a) treating a delipidated egg yolk with a protease to obtain a mixture of peptide-linked oligosaccharides, (b) treating the mixture of peptide-linked oligosaccharides with a peptidase to obtain a mixture of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides, (c) introducing a lipophilic protective group into the asparagine-linked oligosaccharides in the mixture to obtain a mixture of asparagine-linked oligosaccharide derivatives, and (d) subjecting the mixture of asparagine-linked oligosaccharide derivatives to chromatography to separate the mixture into individual asparagine-linked oligosaccharide derivatives.

Abstract: Novel synthetic gangliosides and pharmaceutical compositions containing such synthetic gangliosides are described. Methods of making the novel synthetic ganglioside compounds and compositions as well as their use in the field of neuroprotection is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing single molecules, i.e. nucleic acids. Such single molecules may be derived from natural samples, such as cells, tissues, soil, air and water without separating or enriching individual components. In certain aspects of the invention, the methods and devices are useful in performing nucleic acid sequence analysis by probe hybridization.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant B. thetaiotaomicron GAG lyase polypeptides. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, recombinant expression vectors containing B. thetaiotaomicron GAG lyase nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. Characterization, diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: C-glycoside compounds having the formula (I): are useful for depigmenting/whitening the skin and/or for the anti-browning thereof.

Abstract: Nucleotide analogues comprising a reactive hydrazide function (formula II) used as initial synthons for preparing compounds (formula I) capable of inducing mutations or capable of inhibiting a DNA polymerase or a kinase provided. Nucleic acids comprising the nucleotide and nucleoside analogues are also provided. Methods of using the compounds are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed nucleic acid primer sets, used in combination with quantitative amplification (PCR) of tissue cDNA, can indicate the presence of specific proteases in a tissue sample. Specifically, the present invention relates to expression of PUMP-1 protease (matrix metalloprotease 7). The detected proteases are themselves specifically over-expressed in certain cancers, and their presence may serve for early detection of associated ovarian and other malignancies, and for the design of interactive therapies for cancer treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation of nucleotide compositions and uses thereof for conducting nucleic acid analyses. The compositions and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for nucleic acid analyses that require high-resolution detection of labeled nucleotides or labeled nucleic acid targets.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant B. thetaiotaomicron HSGAG lyase polypeptides. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, recombinant expression vectors containing B. thetaiotaomicron HSGAG lyase nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. Characterization, diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides in a first aspect a method for controlling the content of selected component(s) in one or more polymer(s) by: (a) contacting the polymer(s) with at least one molecular sieve; and optionally (b) isolating the polymer from the molecular sieve(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methodology for polymer grafting by a polysaccharide synthase and, more particularly, polymer grafting using the hyaluronate or chondroitin or heparin/heparosan synthases from Pasteurella multocida, in order to create a variety of glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharides having a natural or chimeric or hybrid sugar structure.