Abstract: A method for the production of aryl-carotenoids is provided through bioconversion of cyclic carotenoids having at least one ?-ionone ring. Expression of a heterologous gene encoding a carotene desaturase (crtU) enzyme in a host cell that produces a suitable cyclic carotenoid substrate effect the production of aryl carotenoids.

Abstract: This invention relates to new members of the human Claudin polypeptide family, to methods of making such polypeptides, and to methods of using them to treat Claudin-associated conditions and to identify compounds that alter Claudin polypeptide activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a process for producing D-serine wherein a microbial cell which is modified to have a higher L-serine deaminase activity than Escherichia coli DH5? strain, a culture of said cell, or a processed product thereof is brought into contact with DL-serine in a DL-serine-containing medium to decompose L-serine, and the remaining D-serine is recovered from the medium; and a microorganism used for this production process. D-serine is a useful compound as a synthetic intermediate for useful medicaments such as D-cycloserine.

Abstract: The cDNA sequence of the human 9-cis-retinol dehydrogenase enzyme is disclosed.

Abstract: Novel sequences for calcium channel ?2?-2 and ?2?-3 subunits are provided. Also provided are cell lines that express the novel calcium channel subunits of the invention. These cells may be used for identifying compounds capable of stimulating or inhibiting the activation of the calcium channels.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate the function of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL are identified. These compounds have the ability to convert the activity of Bcl-2-family member proteins from anti-apoptotic to pro-apoptotic. Methods for inducing apoptosis are described, together with methods for identifying molecules that induce apoptosis through interaction with Bcl-2-family members.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a sucrose phosphate synthase. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the sucrose phosphate synthase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the sucrose phosphate synthase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation, sequencing, and recombinant expression of genes encoding either a nitrile hydratase (NHase) or amidase (Am) from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D, where the NHase is useful for catalyzing the hydration of nitriles to the corresponding amides, and the amidase is useful for hydrolysis of amides to the corresponding carboxylic acids. Also provided are transformed host cells containing polynucleotides for expressing the nitrile hydratase or amidase enzymes from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of determining islet cell activity by detecting the level of Archipelin or a fragment thereof and comparing the level to a baseline level or range associated with a known islet cell activity. Such methods are useful in diagnosing and studying the development of diabetes.

Abstract: Protein complexes are provided comprising COX1 and one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of THR S14 and Opa1. The protein complexes are useful in screening assays for identifying compounds effective in modulating the protein complexes and in treating and/or preventing diseases and disorders associated with COX1 and its interacting partner proteins. In addition, methods of detecting the protein complexes and modulating the functions and activities of the protein complexes or interacting members thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleotide sequences coding for a bacterial enolase enzyme. These sequences may be used in improved methods for the fermentative preparation of amino acids using coryneform bacteria.

Abstract: This invention relates to the expression of improved polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences encoding for eukaryotic enzymes, particularly oxidase enzymes. The enzymes are advantageously produced in conventional or facile expression systems. Various methods for directed evolution of polynucleotide sequences can be used to obtain the improved sequences. The improved characteristics of the polypeptides or proteins generated in this manner include improved expression, enhanced activity toward one or more substrates, and increased thermal stability. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to improved expression of the galactose oxidase gene and galactose oxidase enzymes. GAO mutants that are highly active and/or thermostable are disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel dehydrogenase having a property which is different from that of known dehydrogenases. The present invention provides a dehydrogenase having the following physicochemical properties: (1) effect: to produce N-alkyl-L-alanine from pyruvic acid and alkylamine or dialkylamine using NADPH and/or NADH as coenzyme; (2) substrate specificity: to show activity to alkylamine or dialkylamine but not to ammonium; (3) optimal pH when using phenylpyruvic acid and methylamine as substrates is around 10; and (4) when treated at 30 ° C. for 30 minutes, the enzyme is stable at around pH 5 to 10.5.

Abstract: Novel genes have been isolated which encode cytochrome P450 and NADPH reductase enzymes of the ?-hydroxylase complex of C. tropicalis 20336. Vectors including these genes, transfected host cells and transformed host cells are provided. Methods of producing of cytochrome P450 and NADPH reductase enzymes are also provided which involve transforming a host cell with a gene encoding these enzymes and culturing the cells. Methods of increasing the production of a dicarboxylic acid and methods of increasing production of the aforementioned enzymes are also provided which involve increasing in the host cell the number of genes encoding these enzymes. A method for discriminating members of a gene family by quantifying the expression of genes is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel L-glutamate oxidase, a gene encoding the enzyme, and a method for producing the enzyme. By use of a gene encoding the enzyme, L-glutamate oxidase can be readily prepared at low costs through a recombinant DNA technique. The novel L-glutamate oxidase has the following physicochemical properties: (A) action: catalyzing the following reaction: L-glutamic acid+O2+H2O??-ketoglutaric acid+H2O2+NH3; (B) substrate specificity: being specific to L-glutamic acid; (C) molecular weight and subunit structure: molecular weight as determined through SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of 70,000±6,000, molecular weight as determined through gel filtration of 140,000±10,000, and being a dimer formed of the same subunits having a molecular weight of 70,000±6,000; (D) optimum pH: around pH 6.0 to 8.5; (E) heat stability: being stable up to 60° C. at a pH of 7.4 for 30 minutes; and (F) coenzyme: flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD).

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from a variety of bacteria encoding Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase activity. The genes and their products are useful for the conversion of ketones to the corresponding esters. A series of motifs, common to all genes, has been identified as diagnostic for genes encoding proteins of this activity.

Abstract: A novel polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase derived from a microorganism capable of producing a PHA having a novel side-chain structure and a DNA encoding the amino acid sequence for the synthase are provided. Two PHA synthase proteins (SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 3) derived from Pseudomonas cichorii H45 (FERM BP-7374) and PHA synthase genes encoding these PHA synthases are provided, respectively (SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 4). A recombinant microorganism is endowed with a PHA producing ability.

Abstract: This invention relates to the expression of improved polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences encoding for eukaryotic enzymes, particularly oxidase enzymes. The enzymes are advantagoeusly produced in conventional or facile expression systems. Various methods for directed evolution of polynucleotide sequences can be used to obtain the improved sequences. The improved characteristics of the polypeptides or proteins generated in this manner include improved expression, enhanced activity toward one or more substrates, and increased thermal stability. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to improved expression of the galactose oxidase gene and galactose oxidase enzymes. GAO mutants that are highly active and/or thermostable are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 27875, 22025, 27420, 16319, 55092 and 10218 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 27875, 22025, 27420, 16319, 55092 and 10218 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 27875, 22025, 27420, 16319, 55092 and 10218 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 27875, 22025, 27420, 17906, 16319, 55092 or 10218 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-27875, 22025, 27420, 17906, 16319, 55092 or 10218 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides soluble cytochrome p450 reductase (CPR) proteins from Candida sp. having an altered N-terminal region which results in reduced hydrophobicity of the N-terminal region. Also provided are host cells comprising the subject soluble CPR proteins. In addition, the present invention provides nucleotide and corresponding amino acid sequences for soluble CPR proteins and vectors comprising the nucleotide sequences. Methods for producing a soluble CPR, for increasing production of a dicarboxylic acid, and for detecting a cytochrome P450 are also provided.