Abstract: Disclosed is a means for improving the poor conversion efficiency in a conventional bioconversion system using a transformant which is given by introducing a gene originated from xerogenic organisms. A transformant is prepared by using a host which is defective in a gene encoding a multidrug efflux protein and introducing a gene originated from xerogenic organisms. Use of the transformant results in much effective microbial conversion of a hydrophobic or amphipathic substrate compound into a desired compound. In case, an Escherichia coli is used as the host, the gene encoding a multidrug efflux protein to be defective may be tolC, acrA, acrB and the like.

Abstract: The disclosed are a soft drink having both an excellent fruity aroma and a fruity afteraroma once swallowed, and a method for manufacturing the same. The further disclosed are a grape skin extract, rich in precursors of 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol having good aroma, for use in manufacturing the soft drink, and to a method of preparation of the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of production of a solution containing an abundance of 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) and alcohol and having a desirable aroma by employing a grape skin extract; an aromatic agent employing the 3MH and alcohol containing solution; a method of production of a drink with an enhanced aroma; and a method of production of fruit liquor, employing a grape skin extract. The method of production of the 3MH and alcohol containing comprising: inoculating a starting material aqueous solution comprising S-(3-hexan-1-ol)glutathione and S-(3-hexan-1-ol)-L-cysteine with a lactic acid bacterium and yeast to produce 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol and alcohol. The starting material aqueous solution comprises a grape skin extract. The lactic acid bacterium is a lactic acid bacterium that is capable of converting S-(3-hexan-1-ol)glutathione to S-(3-hexan-1-ol)-L-cysteine.

Abstract: The nucleotide sequence of a DNA involved in the biosynthesis of herboxidiene was determined. Utilizing this DNA, herboxidiene and analogues thereof can be efficiently produced.

Abstract: An expression vector capable of expressing a foreign gene in Pseudonocardia autotrophica; a transformant of Pseudonocardia autotrophica produced by using the expression vector; a method for producing a protein by using the transformant; a method for producing an active form of vitamin D3 from vitamin D3, which comprises highly expressing a gene encoding an enzyme involved in the synthesis of the active form of vitamin D3 in a transformant by using the expression vector or the transformant; a method for producing 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 from vitamin D2; and a method for producing pravastatin from compactin, which comprises highly expressing a compactin hydroxylase gene in a transformant by using the expression vector or the transformant.

Abstract: The invention offers a method of hydrogenating camptothecin in inert solvent in the presence of nickel catalyst, whereby selective hydrogenation of camptothecin can be very efficiently accomplished using the low-cost catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA participating in biological transformation of a macrolide compound 11107B. The present invention provides, particularly, a DNA participating in biological transformation of a macrolide compound 11107B represented by the formula (I) into a 16-position hydroxy macrolide compound 11107D represented by the formula (II), the DNA encoding a protein having 16-position hydroxylating enzymatic activity or ferredoxin, to a method of isolating the DNA, to a protein encoded by the DNA, a plasmid carrying the DNA, a transformant obtained by transforming using the plasmid and a method of producing a 16-position hydroxy compound by using the transformant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (I): (wherein, R3, R6, R7 and R21 are the same as or different from one another and each represents a hydroxyl group etc.), a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof or a hydrate of them. The compound (I) of the present invention suppresses angiogenesis, in particular, suppresses VEGF production in a hypoxic condition and is useful as a therapeutic agent for treating solid cancer.

Abstract: A vitamin D3 hydroxylase is purified from Pseudonocardia autotrophica cell, and a primer is designed based on amino acid sequence obtained from hydroxylase. Subsequently, PCR is conducted using genomic DNA of Pseudonocardia autotrophica as a template to clone a gene for the vitamin D3 hydroxylase. By conducting a conversion reaction using a microorganism in which the vitamin D3 hydroxylase gene is expressed using a proper expression system, a hydroxide of vitamin D or the like (e.g., hydroxy vitamin D3) can be produced with high efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides the compound of formula (I) in a solid form which, as a bulk medicament for pharmaceutical manufacture, is uniform, has a high purity, and is easy to work with. The invention further provides a process for preparing this compound, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. A solid form of (8E,12E,14E)-7-{(4-cycloheptylpiperazin-1-yl)carbonyl}oxy-3,6,16,21-tetrahydroxy-6,10,12,16,20-pentamethyl-18,19-epoxytricosa-8,12,14-trien-11-olide which has uniform specifications and is easy to work with was developed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of producing the 12-membered ring macrolide compound 11107D having an antitumor activity by biological transformation. Starting material which is the 12-membered ring macrolide compound 11107B represented by the formula (I) is incubated in the presence of a strain belonging to the genus Mortierella, the genus Streptomyces or the family Micromonosporaceae (for example, Streptomyces sp. AB-1704 strain (FERM BP-8551)), each of which has the ability of transforming the 12-membered ring macrolide compound 11107B into a 11107D substance represented by the formula (II), or a preparation of its cultured myceha and oxygen, and then 11107D substance which is a target material is collected from the treating solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a macrolide compound, and an efficient method for producing the compound. Specifically, it provides a method for stabilizing a macrolide compound, in which a 12-membered ring macrolide compound, such as a compound expressed by the formula (1) and a cyclodextrin are both present, and a method for producing a macrolide compound, in which a cyclodextrin is made to be present in a culture broth of actinomycetes having an ability of producing the macrolide compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (I): (wherein, R3, R6, R7 and R21 are the same as or different from one another and each represents a hydroxyl group etc.), a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof or a hydrate of them. The compound (I) of the present invention suppresses angiogenesis, in particular, suppresses VEGF production in a hypoxic condition and is useful as a therapeutic agent for treating solid cancer.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following general formula (I): (I) wherein R7 and R21 are the same or different and each represents optionally substituted C2-22 alkoxy, etc.; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or hydrates of the same. The compound (1) inhibits angiogenesis and inhibits the production of VEGF particularly under hypoxic conditions, which makes it useful as a remedy for solid cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides the compound of formula (I) in a solid form which, as a bulk medicament for pharmaceutical manufacture, is uniform, has a high purity, and is easy to work with. The invention further provides a process for preparing this compound, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. A solid form of (8E,12E,14E)-7-{(4-cycloheptylpiperazin-1-yl)carbonyl}oxy-3,6,16,21-tetrahydroxy-6,10,12,16,20-pentamethyl-18,19-epoxytricosa-8,12,14-trien-11-olide which has uniform specifications and is easy to work with was developed.

Abstract: Compounds represented by the following general formula (I), pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof or hydrates of the same: (I) wherein W represents and R3, R7, R16, R17, R20, R21 and R21? are the same or different and each represents hydrogen, etc. Because of inhibiting angiogenesis and inhibiting the production of VEGF particularly in hypoxia, the compounds (I) are useful as remedies for solid cancer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pipecolamide derivative, characterized in that pipecolic acid or an acid salt thereof is reacted with an amine in an inert solvent in the presence of a condensing agent such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, 1-ethyl-2-(2-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide, methanesulfonyl chloride or phosphoryl chloride. Pipecolamide derivatives, particularly in optically active forms thereof can be efficiently and economically manufactured without harmful gas by-products.

Abstract: Provided are an isolated gene capable of participating in the production of L-homoglutamic acid, and a production system of L-homoglutamic acid by using this gene. The gene is derived from the genome of Flavobacterium lutescens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing, curing, and/or treating hypocalcemia of a domestic mammal, especially, a cow. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of administrating a vitamin D derivative to prevent, cure and/or treat hypocalcemia, characterized in that a vitamin D derivative, especially, 1?-hydroxyvitamin D3 and/or 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is transvaginally administered to a domestic mammal.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process for preparation of an optically active 7-substituted 3-(2-aminopropyl)indole compound and an intermediate therefor. In the above preparation process, 7-substituted indole is reacted with L- or DL-serine in the presence of a tryptophan-synthesizing enzyme originating in microorganisms to form corresponding 7-substituted L-tryptophan, and it is subjected, if necessary, to reduction, protection, exchange and elimination.