Abstract: Starting from 5-alkylidene or 5-benzylidenetetramic acid, optically-active 4-amino-3-hydroxy-carboxylic acids are produced in the (rel-3R,4R) configuration, especially statine. The synthesis process includes the O-acylation of the tetramic acid to the corresponding 4-acyloxy-3-pyrrolin-2-one, a stereoselective hydrogenation to (rel-4R,5R)-4-acyloxy-5-alkyl or 5-benzylpyrrolidin-2-one and an enantioselective enzymatic hydrolysis of the (4R,5R)-enantiomer to the corresponding 4-hydroxypyrrolidin-2-one. The nonhydrolyzed enantiomer is separated and converted into the target compound with (3S,4S) configuration by hydrolytic cleavage of the lactam ring and the ester function and optionally introduction of an amino protective group. Analogously the (3R,4R)-enantiomer can be obtained from the 4-hydroxypyrrolidin-2-one from the enzymatic hydrolysis. The 4-amino-3-hydroxycarboxylic acids producible according to the invention are the structural elements of enzyme inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biologically pure culture of the microorganism Phoma sp. IMI 332962 or a mutant thereof.

Abstract: .beta.-Hydroxy-.alpha.-amino acids are obtained via serine hydroxymethyltransferase catalyzed condensation of aldehydes with glycine. The predominant product with most aldehydes is the L-erythro diastereomer. For example, succinic semialdehyde methylester is condensed with glycine in the process to provide L-erythro .alpha.-amino hydroxy adipic acid mono methyl ester.

Abstract: Described is a new enzyme, 31-O-desmethyl-FK-506 O-methyltransferase (FKMT) and its N-terminal amino acid sequence. This enzyme can specifically and preferentially methylate the C-31 hydroxy group in 31-O-desmethyl FK-506/FR-900506 and other 31-O-desmethyl analogs of FK-506/FR-900506 and related compounds such as 31-O-desmethyl immunomycin type molecules, also designated FK-520 and FR-900520 by Fujisawa. The enzyme can be isolated from a FK-506 producing microorganism Streptomyces sp. (Merck Culture Collection No. MA 6858) ATCC No. 55098. Employing the enzyme in its active form, supplemented with Mg.sup.+2 ion, in the presence of the methyl donor, S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), derivatives of 31-O-desmethyl FK-506, 31-O-desmethyl FK-520 and related 31-O-desmethyl compounds may be prepared.

Abstract: Novel strains of Aspergillus terreus have been discovered which provide fermentation production of at least 5.2 g/L of 7-[1,2,6,7,8,8a(R)-hexahydro-2(S),6(R)-dimethyl-8(S)-hydroxy-1(S)-naphthyl ]-3(R),5(R)-dihydroxyheptanoic acid (triol acid, I), but with production of not more than 0.85 g/L of (triol acid)-related side products and specifically less than 0.10 mg/liter of lovastatin. The predominant fermentation product triol acid, may be converted in a straightforward manner to its lactone form, in which it is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase and thus useful as an antihypercholesterolemic agent, and in which it may also serve as an intermediate for preparation of other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Abstract: A method of treating ascites in poultry comprising administering Eyebright herb and Brewer's yeast to poultry in need thereof. The Brewer's yeast and eyebright quantities ingested by the birds can be varied judiciously to suit the poultry breed, the severity of the environmental conditions and the severity of the diseased condition of the stricken birds.