Encodes An Enzyme Patents (Class 536/23.2)
  • Patent number: 8969034
    Abstract: Methods and compositions have been described that relate to a newly identified polypeptide family wherein each member has O-glycosidase activity and specified sequence characteristics. This family of enzymes can be used for example for cleaving O-linked glycans and for synthesis of neoglycopeptides or neoglycoproteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: New England Biolabs, Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitris Koutsioulis, Ellen Guthrie
  • Patent number: 8968728
    Abstract: New thrombolytic protein molecules such as recombinant staphylokinase or streptokinase, urokinase, tissue plasminogen activator and the like, and suitable variants thereof, for targeting to brain tissue or any other tissue by either fusing to, or by synthesizing the candidate thrombolytic molecule(s) with a protein sequence comprising a strong amphipathic alpha helix containing protein transduction domain. Thrombolytic protein molecule(s) so engineered with the protein transduction domain is useful for enhanced uptake of such protein thrombolytic molecule(s) across the cell membranes and tissues including the blood brain barrier and find their use in the treatment of vascular thrombosis including cerebrovascular disorders caused by cerebral thrombosis or cerebral haemorrhage when used a as a therapeutic. The design and processes for cloning, expression, purification and protein transduction of such proteins across cell membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bharat Biotech International Limited
    Inventors: Krishna Murthy Ella, Kandaswamy Sumathy
  • Patent number: 8969082
    Abstract: The present invention concerns surrogate light chain (SURROBODY™) constructs comprising surrogate light chain sequences with heterologous signal sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sea Lane Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Horowitz, Ramesh R. Bhatt
  • Patent number: 8969049
    Abstract: Promoter regions associated with the Yarrowia lipolytica diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (dgat2) gene are disclosed and have been found to be particularly effective for the expression of heterologous genes in yeast. These promoter regions will be useful for driving high-level expression of genes involved in the production of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Quinn Qun Zhu, Zhixiong Xue
  • Publication number: 20150059018
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids sequences derived from Valeriana officinalis and/or Persicaria hydropiper and encoding drimenol synthase polypeptides. The present invention also provides the amino acid sequences of the polypeptides. The invention further provides host cells or organisms genetically modified to harbour the polynucleotides of the invention. A method to produce drimenol and/or a drimenol derivative by contacting farnesyl diphosphate with a polypeptide having a drimenol synthase activity is also part of this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Hendrik Jan Bouwmeester, Maurice Gerard Leon Henquet, Maarten Anthonie Jongsma
  • Publication number: 20150059021
    Abstract: Identification of new enhancer sequence has significant utility in the plant functional genomics. The sugarcane bacilliform badnavirus (SCBV) transcriptional enhancer has been identified. This enhancer can be used to increase the rate of transcription from gene promoters and in activation tagging experiments. A ten-fold increase in transcription was observed when a 4× array of the SCBV enhancer was placed upstream of a truncated form of the maize alcohol dehydrogenase minimal promoter. Methods of using the SCBV transcriptional enhancer are described, as are chimeric transcription regulatory regions, constructs, cells, tissues, and organisms that comprise one or more copies of the enhancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Patricia Ann Owens Merlo, Cory Larsen, Scott A. Bevan, John P. Davies, Vaka S. Reddy, William Michael Ainley, Mark Allen Thompson
  • Publication number: 20150057441
    Abstract: The present invention provides DNA molecules that constitute fragments of the genome of a plant, and polypeptides encoded thereby. The DNA molecules are useful for specifying a gene product in cells, either as a promoter or as a protein coding sequence or as an UTR or as a 3? termination sequence, and are also useful in controlling the behavior of a gene in the chromosome, in controlling the expression of a gene or as tools for genetic mapping, recognizing or isolating identical or related DNA fragments, or identification of a particular individual organism, or for clustering of a group of organisms with a common trait.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Nickolai Alexandrov, Vyacheslav Brover, Kenneth Feldmann
  • Publication number: 20150056681
    Abstract: Providing an alkaline protease exhibiting an improved solubility in a liquid detergent. A mutant alkaline protease consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID No: 2 or an amino acid sequence having 80% or more sequence identity therewith, in which at least one amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of the amino acid residues at predetermined positions of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID No: 2 or corresponding positions thereto are substituted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Tohata, Yumi Nishimura, Yasunao Wada, Katsuchisa Saeki, Mitsuyoshi Okuda
  • Publication number: 20150056667
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydantoinase having an amino acid sequence selected from (i) or (ii), with (i) amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 6-20 and SEQ ID NO: 73-119 (ii) amino acid sequence wherein in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6-20 and SEQ ID NO: 73-119, 1 to 75 amino acid residues have been substituted, deleted, inserted and/or added, and wherein further the catalytic activity of the hydantoinase is higher by a factor of at least 1.2 than the catalytic activity of the hydantoinase having amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1, The present invention further relates to a process for preparing amino acids, wherein said hydantoinase is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Steffen Osswald, Heiko Schuster, Jürgen Roos, Andreas Karau, Ulrich Schwaneberg, Ronny Martinez, Hemanshu Mundhada, Ursula Holter
  • Publication number: 20150056675
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon synthase gene encoding protein having excellent capacity to synthesize a hydrocarbon such as alkane and novel functions is provided. The gene encodes a protein comprising an amino acid sequence comprising a motif sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and having activity of synthesizing a hydrocarbon with a carbon number one less than that of an aldehyde compound from the aldehyde compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masayoshi Muramatsu, Masakazu Ito
  • Publication number: 20150057335
    Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To identify mutations that can serve as indicators for predicting the effectiveness of drug treatments in cancers such as lung cancer; to provide a means for detecting said mutations; and to provide a means for identifying, based on said mutations, patients with cancer or subjects with a risk of cancer, in which drugs targeting genes having said mutations or proteins encoded by said genes show a therapeutic effect. [MEANS FOR SOLVING] A method for detecting a gene fusion serving as a responsible mutation (driver mutation) for cancer, the method comprising the step of detecting any one of an EZR-ERBB4 fusion polynucleotide, a KIAA1468-RET fusion polynucleotide, a TRIM24-a BRAF fusion polynucleotide, a CD74-NRG1 fusion polynucleotide, and an SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion polynucleotide, or a polypeptide encoded thereby, in an isolated sample from a subject with cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Takashi Kohno, Koji Tsuta, Kazuki Yasuda
  • Patent number: 8962273
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of producing a polypeptide or a variant thereof, wherein the polypeptide or variant thereof is dependent on LIMP-2 for trafficking, localization, stabilization and/or sorting of the polypeptide in the cell. In general, the methods comprise culturing a lysosomal integral membrane protein II (LIMP-2) deficient cell which expresses the polypeptide or the variant thereof under conditions in which the polypeptide or the variant thereof is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Genzyme Corporation, Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel
    Inventors: David J. Reczek, Paul Saftig, Christine T. DeMaria
  • Patent number: 8962281
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are engineered cleavage half-domains; fusion polypeptides comprising these engineered cleavage half-domains; polynucleotides encoding the engineered cleavage half-domains and fusion proteins; and cells comprising said polynucleotides and/or fusion proteins. Also described are methods of using these polypeptides and polynucleotides, for example for targeted cleavage of a genomic sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Yannick Doyon, Jeffrey C. Miller
  • Patent number: 8962299
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing a wax ester in recombinant host cells engineered to express a thioesterase, an acyl-CoA synthetase, an alcohol-forming fatty acyl reductase, and a wax ester synthase. The methods of the invention may take place in photosynthetic microorganisms, and particularly in cyanobacteria. Isolated nucleotide molecules and vectors expressing the thioesterase, acyl-CoA synthetase, alcohol-forming fatty acyl reductase, and wax ester synthase, recombinant host cells expressing the thioesterase, acyl-CoA synthetase, alcohol-forming fatty acyl reductase, and wax ester synthase, and systems for producing a wax ester via a pathway using these four enzymes, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Erik Holtzapple, John H. Verruto
  • Patent number: 8962294
    Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Robert Dicosimo, Mark Payne Scott, John Edward Gavagan
  • Patent number: 8962297
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated Clostridium perfringens bacteriophage lytic enzymes from baccteriophages CP26F and CP39O, and uses in controlling Clostridium perfringens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Bruce S. Seal, Gregory R. Siragusa, Ibn Mustafa A. Simmons, Johnna K. Garrish, David M. Donovan
  • Patent number: 8962580
    Abstract: The invention features compounds of formula I or II: In one embodiment, the invention relates compounds and processes for conjugating ligand to oligonucleotide. The invention further relates to methods for treating various disorders and diseases such as viral infections, bacterial infections, parasitic infections, cancers, allergies, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies and immunosuppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Muthiah Manoharan, Kallanthottathil G. Rajeev, Takeshi Yamada, David Butler, Narayanannair K. Jayaprakash, Muthusamy Jayaraman, Shigeo Matsuda, Rajendra K. Pandey, Chang Geng Peng
  • Patent number: 8962285
    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 chiral compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Codexis, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Liang, Stephane J. Jenne, Emily Mundorff, Rama Voladri, James LaLonde, Gjalt W. Huisman
  • Patent number: 8962925
    Abstract: A ?5 fatty acid desaturase gene, a ?6 fatty acid desaturase gene, and a ?6 fatty-acid-chain elongase gene are isolated from a single species of Marchantiales. By introducing these genes into higher plants, transformed plants which can produce arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Suntory Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Kanji Ohyama
  • Patent number: 8962271
    Abstract: In one form, a fructosyl peptidyl oxidase derived from a budding yeast Phaeosphaeria nodorum for assaying a glycated protein in a sample is provided. The fructosyl peptidyl oxidase has higher activity toward fructosyl valine as well as fructosyl valyl histidine, and may be useful in assaying HbA1c with higher sensitivity and specificity. Still, other forms include unique methods, techniques, systems and devices involving a fructosyl peptidyl oxidase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Ultizyme International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Ikebukuro, Sode Koji
  • Patent number: 8962329
    Abstract: Novel isolated DNA sequences which comprise all or part of a gene cluster encoding sanglifehrin synthase, processing and regulatory genes involved in the biosynthesis of a mixed non-ribosomal peptide/polyketide compound, or mutants having altered biosynthetic capability, polypeptides or mutants thereof encoded by DNA or the mutants, vectors containing the DNA or the mutants thereof, host cells transformed with the DNA, the mutants thereof, or the vector, and a method for producing sanglifehrin compounds. Compounds with cyclophilin inhibition activity used as immunosuppressants, antivirals or cardiac protection agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Wen Liu, Nan Jiang, Xudong Qu
  • Patent number: 8962283
    Abstract: Described are variants (mutants) of a parent alpha-amylase having alpha-amylase activity and exhibiting altered properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase, and methods of use, thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Danisco US Inc.
    Inventors: Luis G. Cascao-Pereira, Claudine Chang, Clement Choy, James T. Kellis, Jr., Brian E. Jones, Melodie Estabrook, Marc Kolkman, Chris Leeflang, Casper Vroemen, Walter Weyler
  • Patent number: 8962296
    Abstract: The present invention provides means useful for establishing an excellent isoprene monomer production system. Specifically, the present invention provides a polynucleotide of the following (a), (b), or (c): (a) a polynucleotide comprising (i) the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1, or (ii) the nucleotide sequence consisting of the nucleotide residues at positions 133 to 1785 in the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1; (b) a polynucleotide that comprises a nucleotide sequence having 90% or more identity to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; or (c) a polynucleotide that hybridizes under a stringent condition with a polynucleotide consisting of a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Bridgestone Corporation, Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Hayashi, Minako Harada, Saaya Takaoka, Yasuo Fukushima, Keiichi Yokoyama, Yosuke Nishio, Yoshinori Tajima, Yoko Mihara, Kunio Nakata
  • Patent number: 8962298
    Abstract: Methods for the fermentive production of four carbon alcohols are provided. Specifically, butanol, preferably 2-butanol is produced by the fermentive growth of a recombinant bacteria expressing a 2-butanol biosynthetic pathway. The recombinant microorganisms and methods of the invention can also be adapted to produce 2-butanone, an intermediate in the 2-butanol biosynthetic pathways disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC
    Inventors: Gail K. Donaldson, Andrew C. Eliot, Vasantha Nagarajan, Charles E. Nakamura, Jean-Francois Tomb
  • Publication number: 20150050264
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mutated tissue plasminogen activators, and their use for treating thrombotic diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM)
    Inventors: Denis VIVIEN, Jerome PARCQ, Denis VIVIEN, Jerome PARCQ
  • Patent number: 8956851
    Abstract: The present invention provides for novel metabolic pathways to reduce or eliminate glycerol production and increase product formation. More specifically, the invention provides for a recombinant microorganism comprising a deletion of one or more native enzymes that function to produce glycerol and/or regulate glycerol synthesis and one or more native and/or heterologous enzymes that function in one or more engineered metabolic pathways to convert a carbohydrate source, such as lignocellulose, to a product, such as ethanol, wherein the one or more native and/or heterologous enzymes is activated, upregulated, or downregulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Lallemand Hungary Liquidity Management, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Argyros, William Ryan Sillers, Trisha Barrett, Nicky Caiazza, Arthur J. Shaw, IV
  • Patent number: 8956848
    Abstract: A UBP1 protease mutant and the sequence coding it, their application and products and the methods used to produce them may be used in the production of recombinant proteins, particularly on an industrial scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Instytut Biotechnoloii I Antybiotykow
    Inventors: Andrzej Plucienniczak, Anna Wojtowicz, Diana Mikiewicz-Sygula, Grazyna Plucienniczak
  • Patent number: 8956838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding an enzyme having carboxyl esterase [E.C. 2.1.1.1] activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: B.R.A.I.N.
    Inventors: Christian Elend, Karl-Erich Jaeger, Christian Leggewie, Christel Vollstedt, Wolfgang Streit
  • Patent number: 8956828
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating TCR genes, using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain in conditions able to preserve cell viability. Polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and/or cells comprising ZFNs are also provided. Disclosed herein are also methods and compositions for expressing a functional exogenous TCR in the absence of endogenous TCR expression in T lymphocytes, including lymphocytes with a central memory phenotype. Polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR and/or cells comprising exogenous TCR are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignees: Sangamo BioSciences, Inc., Ospedale San Raffaele S.R.L.
    Inventors: Maria Chiara Bonini, Pietro Genovese, Philip D. Gregory, Michael C. Holmes, Luigi Naldini, David Paschon, Elena Provasi, Lei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8956841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene that encodes a hyperactive reverse transcriptase having DNA polymerase activity and substantially reduced RNase H activity, vectors containing the gene and host cells transformed with the invention. The present invention also includes a method of producing the hyperactive reverse transcriptase, producing cDNA from mRNA using the reverse transcriptase of the invention, kits and assay templates made using the hyperactive reverse transcriptase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Liangjing Chen, Robert Setterquist, Gary Latham
  • Patent number: 8956847
    Abstract: The invention provides a single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a target cell; a Targeting Moiety that is capable of binding to a Binding Site on the target cell, which Binding Site is capable of undergoing endocytosis to be incorporated into an endocome within the target cell; a protease cleaving site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by the protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease or fragment thereof and the Targeting Moiety; and the translocation domain that is capable of translocating the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the target cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Syntaxin Limited
    Inventors: Keith Alan Foster, John Chaddock, Philip Marks, Patrick Stancombe, Lyndsey Durose
  • Patent number: 8957280
    Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding delta-5 desaturases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these delta-5 desaturases in plants are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Howard Glenn Damude, Quinn Qun Zhu
  • Patent number: 8956842
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the novel Paenibacillus sp. strain, and the novel protein isolated from the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to the novel Paenibacillus sp. strain producing xylanase, and the novel xylanase having high activity at high temperature and in a wide range of pH, and a production method of the same. The Paenibacillus sp. HPL-3 strain (KCTC11987BP) and the xylanase of the present invention demonstrates high activity at high temperature or in a wide range of pH to decompose xylan, the major component of various lignocellulosic biomass, so that they can be effectively used for the production or development of bio-fuel, alternative material, performance chemical, bio-polymer, food and feeds, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: In Taek Hwang, No Joong Park, He Kyoung Lim
  • Patent number: 8956843
    Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Robert DiCosimo, Mark Scott Payne, John Edward Gavagan
  • Patent number: 8956844
    Abstract: The present invention provides fungal xylanase and/or xylosidase enzymes suitable for use in saccharification reactions. The present invention provides xylanase and xylosidase enzymes suitable for use in saccharification reactions. The present application further provides genetically modified fungal organisms that produce xylanase(s) and/or xylosidase(s), as well as enzyme mixtures exhibiting enhanced hydrolysis of cellulosic material to fermentable sugars, enzyme mixtures produced by the genetically modified fungal organisms, and methods for producing fermentable sugars from cellulose using such enzyme mixtures. In some embodiments, the xylanase and xylosidase enzyme(s) are M. thermophila enzymes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Codexis, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas John Agard, David Elgart, Jie Yang, Goutami Banerjee, Jeanne Bonomo Benoit, Dipnath Baidyaroy
  • Publication number: 20150044735
    Abstract: The biosynthesis of fungal bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane indole alkaloids with a wide spectrum of biological activities have attracted increasing interest. Their intriguing mode of assembly has long been proposed to feature a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase, a presumed intramolecular Diels-Alderase, a variant number of prenyltransferases, and a series of oxidases responsible for the diverse tailoring modifications of their cyclodipeptide-based structural core. Until recently, the details of these biosynthetic pathways have remained largely unknown due to lack of information on the fungal derived biosynthetic gene clusters. Herein, we report a comparative analysis of four natural product metabolic systems of a select group of bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane indole alkaloids including (+)/(?)-notoamide, paraherquamide and malbrancheamide, in which we propose an enzyme for each step in the biosynthetic pathway based on deep annotation and on-going biochemical studies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Shengying Li, Krithika Anand Srinivasan, Robert M. Williams, David H. Sherman
  • Publication number: 20150044732
    Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent alpha-amylase, the variant having improved stability or activity at low calcium conditions or at low pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Carsten Andersen
  • Publication number: 20150044709
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with test systems for determining the activity of neurotoxin polypeptides. Specifically, it relates to a polynucleotide encoding a single chain luciferase fusion polypeptide comprising: (i) a LuxB subunit, (ii) a linker comprising a neurotoxin cleavage site, and (iii) a LuxA subunit and a polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. Further provided in accordance with the invention are a vector and a host cell comprising the polynucleotide. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for determining a proteolytically active neurotoxin polypeptide in a sample and a kit for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Eisele
  • Publication number: 20150044675
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a modified gene of human activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), a method of modification of human AID gene, a composition showing AID activity, and a method of preparation of such composition. In particular, the invention concerns a modified gene of human AID for the production of an active enzyme in a bacterial system and use of the composition in the analyses of DNA/RNA amination/deamination and/or methylation/demethylatiori.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Lucyna Budzko, Paulina Jackowiak, Marek Figlerowicz
  • Publication number: 20150044772
    Abstract: An inactive CRISPR/Cas system-based fusion protein and its applications in gene editing are disclosed. More particularly, chimeric fusion proteins including an inCas fused to a DNA modifying enzyme and methods of using the chimeric fusion proteins in gene editing are disclosed. The methods can be used to induce double-strand breaks and single-strand nicks in target DNAs, to generate gene disruptions, deletions, point mutations, gene replacements, insertions, inversions and other modifications of a genomic DNA within cells and organisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Guojun Zhao
  • Publication number: 20150044753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a modified glutamine synthetase (GS), and a method for preparing a target protein employing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modified GS having an increased sensitivity to a glutamine synthetase (GS) inhibitor, a polynucleotide encoding the modified GS, a vector comprising the polynucleotide, a transformant comprising the vector, and a method for preparing a target protein using the transformant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Hyun Sook Jang, Dong Heon Lee, Sun Kyu Kim, Yong Ho Ahn, Sang Kyung Park
  • Publication number: 20150044207
    Abstract: The Invention relates to a chimeric protein comprising at least one clotting factor and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region. The invention relates to a method of treating a hemostatic disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a chimeric protein wherein the chimeric protein comprises at least one clotting factor and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Biogen Idec Hemophilia Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. RIVERA, Robert T. Peters, Alan J. Bitonti
  • Publication number: 20150044724
    Abstract: A practical method for enzymatically synthesizing c-di-GMP with excellent productivity is provided. A diguanylate cyclase having physical and chemical characteristics (A) to (F): (A) catalytic action on reaction “2 GTP?c-di-GMP”; (B) a molecular weight of 19800±2000; (C) an optimum pH of 7.3 to 9.4; (D) an optimum temperature of 35 to 60° C.; (E) thermal stability as the remaining activity of 90% or higher after heated for 60 minutes under conditions of 50° C. and pH 7.8; and (F) the presence of GGDEF domain and the lack of amino acid sequence KXXD in the i-site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Kaori Tanabe, Kazuya Ishige
  • Publication number: 20150044754
    Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having alpha-amylase activity, catalytic domains, carbohydrate binding domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Tianqi Sun, Ming Li, Junxin Duan
  • Publication number: 20150044756
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a secreted polypeptide having biological activity, comprising: (a) transforming a fungal host cell with a fusion protein construct encoding a fusion protein, which comprises: (i) a first polynucleotide encoding a signal peptide; (ii) a second polynucleotide encoding at least a catalytic domain of an endoglucanase or a portion thereof; and (iii) a third polynucleotide encoding at least a catalytic domain of a polypeptide having biological activity; wherein the signal peptide and at least the catalytic domain of the endoglucanase increases secretion of the polypeptide having biological activity compared to the absence of at least the catalytic domain of the endoglucanase; (b) cultivating the transformed fungal host cell under conditions suitable for production of the fusion protein; and (c) recovering the fusion protein, a component thereof, or a combination thereof, having biological activity, from the cultivation medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Sandra Merino
  • Publication number: 20150047065
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a binding molecule that specifically binds to two different epitopes of an antigen expressed on tumor cells, wherein the binding molecule comprises: (a) a first binding (poly)peptide that specifically binds to a first epitope of said antigen expressed on tumor cells, wherein said first binding (poly)peptide is a Fyn SH3-derived polypeptide; and (b) a second binding (poly)peptide that specifically binds to a second epitope of said antigen expressed on tumor cells. The present invention further relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding the binding molecule of the invention, a vector comprising said nucleic acid molecule as well as a host cell or a non-human host transformed with said vector. The invention further relates to a method of producing a binding molecule of the invention as well as to pharmaceutical and diagnostic composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Simon Brack, Frédéric Mourlane, Isabella Toller, Richard Woods, Julian Bertschinger, Dragan Grabulovski, Babette Schade, Kristina Klupsch, Helen Hachemi
  • Patent number: 8951762
    Abstract: A method of increasing production of fatty acids comprising introducing into a host cell or organism and expressing therein an acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (TE) from Bryantella formatexigens or a mutant thereof; a method of making a mutant B. formatexigens acyl-ACP TE; a method of making a chimeric Cuphea viscosissima acyl-ACP TE; a nucleic acid encoding a mutant acyl-ACP TE or a chimeric C. viscosissima acyl-ACP TE; a host cell or organism comprising the nucleic acid; a mutant acyl-ACP TE or chimeric C. viscosissima acyl-ACP TE; a method of altering the specificity of a plant acyl-ACP TE; and a method of altering the level of activity of a plant acyl-ACP TE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Basil J. Nikolau, Marna Yandeau-Nelson, Fuyuan Jing
  • Patent number: 8951752
    Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid encoding one or more gene products that allow for degradation of caffeine and related structures, and for preparation of intermediates in that catabolic pathway. Further provided are methods of using one or more of those gene products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Venkiteswaran Subramanian, Michael Tai-Man Louie, Ryan Summers
  • Patent number: 8951515
    Abstract: Methods of treating patients with Factor VIII deficiency by administration of modified porcine factor VIII are disclosed. The particular modified porcine factor VIII is one in which most of the B domain has been removed through genetic engineering. This modified factor VIII is particularly useful for treatment of hemophiliacs, especially those undergoing bleeding episodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: John S. Lollar
  • Patent number: 8951771
    Abstract: Fatty acid 13-hydroperoxide lyase proteins which have been modified with respect to a previously described guava 13-hydroperoxide lyase and the nucleic acid sequences encoding these proteins. Also, recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing the modified 13-hydroperoxide lyases and methods of using such lyases in the field of organic synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Firmenich SA
    Inventors: Fredi Bruhlmann, Laurent Fourage, Denis Wahler