Abstract: A method of easily and speedily determining what structural change is experienced by a target protein upon contact and binding of any arbitrary compound to the target protein; a method of selecting and screening a compound for use in the method; and a computer program for carrying out these methods. In one embodiment, a Saupe order matrix element of domain is obtained from atomic coordinates of domain and an axial-direction variation of NMR signal dependent upon the orientation angle of molecule in magnetic field, and the matrix is diagonalized to thereby obtain the orientation information on the domain. Using of any change of the orientation information as an indicator for structural change enables realization of the intended easy and speedy measurement of structural change of the target protein.

Abstract: Peptides capable of binding to bone marrow stromal cell antigen-1 (BST-1), and peptides capable of binding to BST-1 and inhibiting ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity and cADP-ribose hydrolase activity thereof are provided. The peptides are useful for treating rheumatoid arthritis and multiple myeloma.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermostable protein having deoxyribonuclease activity that specifically acts on and cleaves a Holliday structured DNA, which is an intermediate structure in the DNA recombination process, to resolve it into two sets of double-stranded DNAs.

Abstract: A method of searching a database of three-dimensional protein structures. The method comprises the steps of setting a three-dimensional protein structure; forming a two-dimensional binary distance map based on the three-dimensional protein structure; forming a one-dimensional peripheral distribution based on the distance map; and comparing the one-dimensional peripheral distribution of a protein structure with that of another protein structure a dynamic programming algorithm. The method increases detection sensitivity and search speed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a structural alignment method making use of a double dynamic programming algorithm. A distance cut-off approximation is performed, and then .DELTA.N cut-off approximation is performed. An alignment is produced based on the results of the distance cut-off approximation and the .DELTA.N cut-off approximation. Subsequently, an .epsilon.-suboptimal region defined by the obtained approximate solution is determined. Further, double dynamic programing alignment on the full structural environment is performed for residue pairs within the .epsilon.-suboptimal region. The structural alignment method is simpler than conventional methods and can shorten computational time while maintaining high accuracy.

Abstract: A novel signal transduction factor and a gene encoding the same are provided. The present novel signal transduction factor has, for example, the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, and the DNA sequence encoding the factor has, for example, the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proteinase inhibitor useful as a medicine or pesticides and a gene coding for the inhibitor. A proteinase inhibitor (Kexstatin) having inhibitory activity against Kex2 proteinase family enzymes and having a molecular weight of 11,500; a gene coding for Kexstatin; and a method for producing Kexstatin using a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptomyces or transformed with Kexstatin gene are disclosed.

Abstract: A coupling unit of a (6-4) photoproduct represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a protective group, R.sup.2 represents a methyl group or a 2-cyanoethyl group, and R.sup.3 represents ##STR2## wherein R.sup.5 represents a methyl group or a 2-cyanoethyl group, and R.sup.6 represents a --N(R')(R") group, a N-morpholino group, a N-pyrrolidinyl group or a 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-N-piperidyl group where R' and R" each represent a lower alkyl group,a process for preparing the same, a process for preparing an oligonucleotide containing a (6-4) photoproduct by using the same, and a process for preparing DNA containing a (6-4) photoproduct by using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a CPC gene coding for the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or an amino acid sequence substantially identical with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and plants having said gene introduced into them. Novel plants with an increased number of root hairs can be obtained by use of said gene.