Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of TL-&ggr;, antibodies to TL-&ggr;, methods of screening for TL-&ggr; modulators using biologically active TL-&ggr;, and kits for screening for TL-&ggr; modulators.

Abstract: A composition, pharmaceutical composition, vaccine and method for the treatment of disseminated candidiasis due to infection by C. albicans. The composition includes phosphomannan of C. albicans. Monoclonal antibodies for use in passive immunization against candidal infections.

Abstract: An isolated DNA having the promoter sequence of the hex gene of P. chrysogenum or a DNA fragment that is hybridizable to the complement of the promoter sequence under stringent conditions and is capable of directing expression of DNA downstream of the fragment in P. chrysogenum. Also a process for promoting expression of a coding sequence of interest in a microorganism using the isolated DNA and a process to block expression of a gene of interest in a microorganism using the isolated DNA are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention makes available a rapid, reproducible, robust assay system for screening and identifying pharmaceutically effective compounds that specifically interact with and modulate the activity of a cellular protein, e.g., a receptor or ion channel. The subject assay enables rapid screening of large numbers of compounds to identify those which act as an agonist or antagonist to the bioactivity of the cellular protein. In particular, the assay of the invention makes use of a cell that harbors a protein that is responsive to a cellular signal transduction pathway. The protein is operatively linked to a polypeptide which causes a detectable signal to be generated upon stimulation of the pathway, e.g., when a compound interacts with and modulates the activity of a cellular receptor or ion channel of the cell.

Abstract: A homogeneous assay for determining the fumonisin content in grains uses the technique of fluorescence polarization. A grain extract is prepared by shaking a crushed grain sample with a solvent. A mixture is prepared by combining the grain extract with a tracer and with monoclonal antibodies specific to fumonisin. The tracer is able to bind to the monoclonal antibodies to produce a detectable change in fluorescence polarization. The tracer is prepared by conjugating fumonisin to a suitable fluorophore. The fluorescence polarization of the mixture is measured. The fumonisin concentration of the mixture may be calculated using a standard curve obtained by measuring the fluorescence polarization of a series of fumonisin solutions of known concentration.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of A. fumigatus cofilin, methods of screening for A. fumigatus cofilin modulators using biologically active A. fumigatus cofilin, and kits for screening for A. fumigatus cofilin modulators.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide an antitumor protein and a gene encoding the same. The specification discloses a protein comprising (a) an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No.1 or (b) a modified amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No.1 which have antitumor activity wherein one or more amino acids are added and/or inserted into the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No.1 and/or one or more amino acids in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No.1 are substituted and/or deleted.

Abstract: A Candida albicans oligopeptide transport gene, OPT1, was cloned from a C. albicans genomic library through heterologous expression in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae di-/tripeptide transport mutant PB1X-9B. When transformed with a plasmid harboring OPT1, S. cerevisiae PB1X-9B, which did not express tetra-/pentapeptide transport activity under the conditions used, was conferred with an oligopeptide transport phenotype as indicated by growth on the tetrapeptide Lysyl-Leucyl-Leucyl-Glycine, sensitivivity to toxic tetra- and pentapeptides, and an increase in the initial uptake rate of the radiolabeled tetrapeptide Lysyl-Leucyl-Glycyl-[3H]Leucine. The entire 3.8 kb fragment containing the oligopeptide transport activity was sequenced and an open reading frame of 2349 nucleotides containing a 58 nucleotide intron was identified. The deduced protein product of 783 amino acid residues contained twelve hydrophobic regions suggestive of a membrane transport protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides TUP1 polynucleotides, including TUP1 polynucleotides encoding Tup1, and Tup1 polypeptides, from Candida albicans. Disruption of TUP1 function in C. albicans is associated with filamentous formation as well as low infectivity. These TUP1 polynucleotide and Tup1 polypeptide sequences (and anti-Tup1 antibodies derived from Tup1 polypeptides) may be used in methods of detecting C. albicans sequences in a biological sample. Further, the invention provides methods for screening agents which may control C. albicans virulence and compositions comprising these agents. The invention also provides methods of obtaining gene(s) and/or gene product(s) which are involved in a TUP1 pathway, as well as methods of controlling C. albicans virulence by comprising TUP1 function.

Abstract: A chimeric protein having an (a) IRE1 or analog cytoplasmic kinase domain, (b) a transmembrane domain, and (c) a ligand binding domain of a transmembrane protein other than IRE1 is described. This protein can be used to identify and/or screen for ligands and other molecules that interact with the ligand binding domain.

Abstract: The infection of a mammalian host by a microorganism can be prevented or treated through the administration of substrates for transglutaminases or antibodies against such substrates that inhibit the transglutaminase-mediated interaction of the microorganism with the mammalian host. These compounds may be used in the identification, prevention or treatment of microbial infection of mammalian hosts such as immunocompromised or immunosuppressed humans, for example, those having AIDS or undergoing transplantation or anti-cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein regulating the sensitivity of fungus to an antimycotic aureobasidin, a gene coding for this protein, the use thereof, an antibody for the protein and the use thereof. The invention is useful in the diagnosis and treatment for diseases including mycoses. The invention also provides a novel chromosome integration vector capable of imparting a novel selective marker of a drug resistance to a fungal transformant, a transformant transformed with this vector and a process for producing the same. In particular, it provides a protein capable of imparting the resistance to aureobasidin and acting as a selective marker and a DNA coding for the same.

Abstract: An isolated and purified DNA molecule encoding Candida albicans protein with integrin-like motifs, the protein itself, antibodies thereto, and methods of use, are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding a novel SAM synthetase of Streptomyces fradiae. Also provided are vectors and transformed heterologous host cells for expressing the SAM synthetase and a method for preparing S-adenosylmethionine from recombinant host cells transformed with the SAM synthetase gene.

Abstract: This invention relates to the purification of biological preparations such as proteins and nucleic acids, especially for example proteins that have been produced by recombinant DNA techniques in bacteria. In a particular embodiment, the invention concerns improved methods for reducing the content of contaminants in biological preparations, e.g. recombinant proteins produced in host bacteria.

Abstract: The invention is directed to isolated DNAs having nucleic acid sequences which encode proteins which regulate aureobasidin sensitivity. Also disclosed are recombinant plasmids containing the DNAs, transformants containing the plasmids, and methods of producing the proteins.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide an antitumor protein and a gene encoding the same. The specification discloses a protein comprising (a) an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No.1 or (b) a modified amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No.1 which have antitumor activity wherein one or more amino acids are added and/or inserted into the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No.1 and/or one or more amino acids in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No.1 are substituted and/or deleted.

Abstract: A cosmetic preparation contains peptide derivatives from &agr;-MSH, as well as other active components. A cosmetic product has the property of activating the melanogenesis and being an anti-inflammatory and acting more efficiently. The synergetically active preparation also includes a combination of a peptide derivative corresponding to the formula (Lip)X-His-Phe-Arg-Y in a ratio of 0.05 mg to 2.5 mg of a pure peptide derivative per kg of the total mass, while the peptide derivative is mixed with xanthine in a ratio of 0.5 to 2 mol per 100 mol of peptide. Also there is at least 0.5 wt % of a mixture of enzymes and vitamins, containing at least 150 U/ml of superoxide dismutase. Also present are auxiliary agents and carrier agents in a ratio of 65 to 99.5 wt %, and possibly other active components.

Abstract: Disclosed are the Hmp class of polypeptides, DNA sequences encoding those polypeptides, and uses thereof, particularly in methods and kits for mismatch (for example, mutation) detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: This invention relates to potentiating insulin activity in a patient in need thereof. This invention provides a composition comprising an insulin potentiating agent; such composition comprises one or more substance derived from a water extract of Polygonum multiflorum, Agaricaceae, or Cinnamomum mairei. This invention also provides a method for treating hyperglycemia in a patient by administering to the patient an insulin potentiating agent. The method can be used to decrease blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin and/or glucose level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein having the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or a protein being capable of complementing the mutation exhibiting low-temperature-sensitive fermentability and having an amino acid sequence wherein one or more amino acid residues are added, deleted or substituted in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1; a gene which encodes said protein; and a gene which comprises DNA having the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or comprises DNA being capable of complementing the mutation exhibiting low-temperature-sensitive fermentability and having a nucleotide sequence wherein one or more DNAs are added, deleted or substituted in the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: A preventative treatment for wilt diseases in trees is disclosed which provides susceptible trees with induced resistance to wilt disease-causing organisms. The treatment comprises administering to a susceptible tree an amount of an elicitor effective to cause a defence reaction in the tree. The preferred elicitor for use as a treatment for Dutch elm disease and Fire Blight Disease is a novel elicitor isolated from cultures of Ophiostoma ulmi. The preferred elicitor is non-toxic and heat stable and is shown to be effective for inducing resistance to Dutch Elm Disease and Fire Blight Disease and in susceptible trees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having phospholipase B activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a novel polypeptide from a crude extraction product of polysaccharide peptide Coriolus versicolor comprising: a) boiling a water soluble powder of polysaccharide peptide Coriolus versicolor; b) centrifuging a boiled product from step a); c) filtering a centrifuged product from step b); d) purifying a solution from step c) by gel filtration chromatography; e) subjecting the purified material from step d) to HPLC using a reversed-phase at ambient temperature, f) subjecting the purified material from step e) to capillary isoelectrophoresis focusing; g) further purifying this product by HPLC and ionic exchange columns and h) purifying a protein by SDS-PAGE and i) recovering a peptide from 12 Kd to 16 kD. The peptide has the partial amino acid sequence GTAAAKEFERQHM SEQ ID NO:1.

Abstract: A genetic construct for use in production of transgenic plants with reduced susceptibility or increased resistance to pests or diseases comprises an isolated nucleotide sequence encoding the glucose oxidase enzyme of Talaromyces flavus, the nucleotide sequence being operably linked to a promoter capable of expression in a plant, plant cell or group of plant cells, and further comprises a nucleic acid segment having a nucleotide sequence encoding a signal sequence which directs secretion of the functional glucose oxidase enzyme of T. flavus from plant cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel Schizosaccharomyces-specific proteins and their antibodies. These proteins and antibodies can be used for identifying the yeast genus Schizosaccharomyces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleotide sequence coding for a cycloheximide resistance protein sensitive to concatenation of amino acids A, or coding for all or part of said optionally modified concatenation A, in as much as the formed protein confers cycloheximide resistance to a recombinant eucaryotic host transformed by the nucleotide sequence coding for said protein, in conditions appropriate for its production. The invention also relates to a sequence containing the DNA coding for the concatenation A and capable of conferring a high level of resistance to cycloheximide in a given host.

Abstract: A receptor for an insulin-like polypeptide is purified from yeast membranes. This "insulin receptor-like protein" has a structure analogous to that of the mammalian insulin receptor. The insulin receptor-like protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a heterotetrameric glycoprotein. The protein has two polypeptide types, a first polypeptide which binds insulin and has an apparent molecular weight of 135,000 to 145,000 daltons and a second polypeptide which has an apparent molecular weight of 90,000 to 95,000 daltons and is phosphorylated on tyrosine in response to binding of insulin by said first polypeptide. The first and second polypeptides are joined by disulfide linkage. The protein requires a divalent metal ion for tyrosine autophosphorylation in response to binding of insulin. The yeast insulin receptor-like protein binds human insulin with a dissociation constant of K.sub.d =8.times.10.sup.-10 M and binds human insulin-like growth factor 1 with a K.sub.d =4.times.10.sup.-10 M.

Abstract: An RNA polymerase II holoenzyme that contains, in addition to RNA polymerase, a subset of the general transcription factors together with nine SRB proteins is described. This holoenzyme will selectively initiate transcription in vitro when supplemented with TATA-binding protein (TBP) and factor a (TFIIE). The SRB proteins act positively and negatively to regulate transcription initiation, at least in part, via functional interactions with RNA polymerase II.

Abstract: Hybrid regulatory proteins are provided which contain amino acid sequences that are susceptible to cleavage by specific proteolytic enzymes. When acted upon by such enzymes, the hybrid regulatory proteins are rendered substantially less active, thereby altering the rate of production of products of indicator genes that are controlled by the regulatory proteins. Also provided are DNAs encoding such regulatory proteins, recombinant vectors and transformed eukaryotic cells containing such DNAs, and methods for identifying inhibitors of the specific proteolytic enzymes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods that can be used to (1) measure the level of polysaccharide in a sample; (2) measure the ability of a compound to degrade a polysaccharide; (3) measure the ability of a compound to modulate polysaccharide synthesis; and (4) identify or distinguish a polysaccharide, and hence organism, for diagnostic purposes in clinical medicine or research. The invention stems from Applicant's discovery that polysaccharides have multiple binding sites for polysaccharide binding moieties (PBM, e.g., wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)). In each method, one PBM links the polysaccharide to a substrate, and a tagged PBM is used to detect the polysaccharide. All of these methods can be carried out rapidly and quickly in the wells of a microtiter plate, thus permitting high through-put screening of samples or test compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated bovine Neospora cultures. The cultures are used to develop diagnostic assays for the detection of Neospora infections in cattle and other animals. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and prevention of Neospora infections.

Abstract: An isolated and purified DNA molecule encoding Candida albicans protein with integrin-like motifs, the protein itself, antibodies thereto, and methods of use, are provided.

Abstract: Adhesive proteins isolated from mature plants selected from the group consisting of macroalgae and microalgae, said proteins being characterized by the presence of at least one RGD or RGD-like or other adhesive recognition sequence, the absence of DOPA and hydroxyproline units, and by the fact that the proteins may be used by the plants in their natural state, for the purpose of adhesion to substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to cycloheximide resistance proteins, which are capable of conferring resistance to cycloheximide to cells containing the protein. The invention also relates to fragments or derivatives of cycloheximide proteins which confer cycloheximide resistance and/or are recognized by antibodies specific for the cycloheximide resistance proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chimeric isoprenoid synthase polypeptide including a first domain from a first isoprenoid synthase joined to a second domain from a second, heterologous isoprenoid synthase, whereby the chimeric isoprenoid synthase is capable of catalyzing the production of isoprenoid reaction products that are not produced in the absence of the second domain of the second, heterologous isoprenoid synthase. Also disclosed is a chimeric isoprenoid synthase polypeptide including an assymetrically positioned homologous domain, whereby the chimeric isoprenoid synthase is capable of catalyzing the production of isoprenoid reaction products that are not produced when the domain is positioned at its naturally-occurring site in the isoprenoid synthase polypeptide.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a novel polypeptide from a crude extraction product of polysaccharide peptide Coriolus versicolor comprising: a) boiling a water soluble powder of polysaccharide peptide Coriolus versicolor; b) centrifuging a boiled product from step a); c) filtering a centrifuged product from step b); d) purifying a solution from step c) by gel filtration chromatography; e) subjecting the purified material from step d) to HPLC using a reversed-phase at ambient temperature, f) subjecting the purified material from step e) to capillary isoelectrophoresis focusing; g) further purifying this product by HPLC and ionic exchange columns and h) purifying a protein by SDS-PAGE and i) recovering a peptide from 12 Kd to 16 kD. The peptide has the partial amino acid sequence GTAAAKEFERQHM SEQ ID NO:1.

Abstract: A micron yeast which can be used as a fat substitute. The product comprises fragmented water insoluble yeast solids, which fragments primarily are less than 3 microns in size, less than about 5% whole cells, less than about 10% ghost cells, 55-80% crude protein and substantially the same percentage of nucleic acid as was present in the starting yeast. The insoluble yeast solids are fragmented in one pass at 12,000-23,000 psi through a microfluidizer and can be recovered as a yeast paste which forms a minimum viscosity of 20,000 centipoise at 10% solids in an aqueous suspension. The solubles are recovered as yeast extract. The process includes an incubation or conditioning of the fragmented slurry of 60-120 minutes at 45.degree.-55.degree. C. and pH 5.5-7.0 followed by heating the slurry to 70.degree.-80.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to purified EG III cellulase enzyme isolated from Trichoderma longibrachiatum and the amino acid sequence of the secreted (mature) and non-secreted (preprotein) forms. The present invention is further directed to the DNA fragment and sequence that encodes the EG III cellulase enzyme. Also disclosed are methods for isolating either purified or highly enriched EG III cellulase obtained from Trichoderma spp. or genetically modified strains of Trichoderma spp.

Abstract: An identification and characterization of a calcineurin interacting protein effective to enhance immunosuppressive effects of calcineurin-targeted immunosuppressants by potentiating an interaction of an immunophilin with calcineurin is described herein. One embodiment of the invention is the CNI polypeptide encoded by the CNI gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Polynucleotides encoding a CNI protein are also described. Also described are yeast cells carrying mutations in the CNI gene. Further, a method of identifying a small molecule immunosuppressant compound is described. The methods include the use of a cell-based two hybrid protein-protein interaction assay, wherein one of two fusion hybrid proteins in a cell contains a subunit of calcineurin, and the other of two fusion hybrid proteins contains an immunophilin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleotide sequence coding for a cycloheximide resistance protein sensitive to concatenation of amino acids A, or coding for all or part of said optionally modified concatenation A, in as much as the formed protein confers cycloheximide resistance to a recombinant eucaryotic host transformed by the nucleotide sequence coding for said protein, in conditions appropriate for its production. The invention also relates to a sequence containing the DNA coding for the concatenation A and capable of conferring a high level of resistance to cycloheximide in a given host.

Abstract: Hybrid regulatory proteins are provided which contain amino acid sequences that are susceptible to cleavage by specific proteolytic enzymes. When acted upon by such enzymes, the hybrid regulatory proteins are rendered substantially less active, thereby altering the rate of production of products of indicator genes that are controlled by the regulatory proteins. Also provided are DNAs encoding such regulatory proteins, recombinant vectors and transformed eukaryotic cells containing such DNAs, and methods for identifying inhibitors of the specific proteolytic enzymes.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the acetyl-CoA hydrolase enzyme of yeast and to a method for purifying acetyl-CoA hydrolase. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 64,000 daltons and an enzyme activity of greater than 20 units wherein one unit of acetyl CoA hydrolase activity is defined as the amount of enzyme able to inhibit 1 unit of acetyltransferase activity and 1 unit of acetyltransferase activity is defined as the amount of enzyme needed to transfer 1 pmol of [.sup.3 H] acetyl group from [.sup.3 H] acetyl coenzyme A to ACTH (1-24) in the acetyltransferase standard enzyme assay under standard conditions. The invention is further directed to the glucose-repressible promoter which regulates the expression of the acetyl-CoA hydrolase gene in yeast, to vectors incorporating this promoter and to host cells transformed with such vectors.

Abstract: A structural gene encoding a polypeptide with .DELTA.8-7 sterol isomerase activity is disclosed, Recombinant DNA molecules useful for transforming yeast and mutant yeast transformed with such recombinant DNA molecules are also disclosed. The structural gene is useful for modulating the accumulation of sterols in yeast comprising increasing the expression level of a structural gene encoding a polypeptide having .DELTA.8-7 sterol isomerase activity in a mutant yeast having single or double defects in the expression of sterol biosynthetic enzymes is provided.

Abstract: Selected plant lectins have been found to be larvicidal against a number of common insect pests of agricultural crops. In a preferred embodiment, plant resistance to these insects is produced by inserting into the cells of a plant a gene whose expression causes production of one or more of these lectins in larvicidal amounts.

Abstract: This invention provides a molecule comprising cyclosporine A or a congener of cyclosporine A which is photochemically attached to a ligand containing a reactive group. This invention also provides a composition of matter which comprises a conjugate of a compound and the aforementioned molecule wherein the compound is bound to the molecule through the reactive group. This invention further provides an antibody directed to the aforementioned composition of matter specific for cyclosporine A or congener of cyclosporine A. Finally, this invention provides a method of monitoring levels of cyclosporine A or congener of cyclosporine A in a subject.

Abstract: A polypeptide linked to a solid matrix useful as a solid support of a diagnostic kit is disclosed. The polypeptide has the formula: X-Glu-Thr-Gly-Gln-Glu-Thr-Ala-Tyr-Phe-B-Leu-Lys-Leu-Ala-Gly-Arg-Trp-Pro-Va l-Lys-Z, wherein B is Ile or Leu, X is a chain of from 1 to 20 amino acid residues or an amino-terminal group and Z is a chain of from 1 to 20 amino acid residues or a carboxy-terminal group. The polypeptide immunologically mimics HIV endonuclease.

Abstract: A receptor for an insulin-like polypeptide is purified from yeast membranes. This "insulin receptor-like protein" has a structure analogous to that of the mammalian insulin receptor. The insulin receptor-like protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a heterotetrameric glycoprotein. The protein has two polypeptide types, a first polypeptide which binds insulin and has an apparent molecular weight of 135,000 to 145,000 daltons and a second polypeptide which has an apparent molecular weight of 90,000 to 95,000 daltons and is phosphorylated on tyrosine in response to binding of insulin by said first polypeptide. The first and second polypeptides are joined by disulfide linkage. The protein requires a divalent metal ion for tyrosine autophosphorylation in response to binding of insulin. The yeast insulin receptor-like protein binds human insulin with a dissociation constant of K.sub.d =8.times.10.sup.-10 M and binds human insulin-like growth factor 1 with a K.sub.d =4.times.10.sup.-10 M.