Abstract: The gene for Streptococcus pyogenes DNase B has been cloned and vectors incorporating the cloned DNA have been used to transform Escherichia coli, allowing efficient and rapid production of the DNase in E. coli without the necessity of growing large quantities of S. pyogenes. The enzyme can be produced with a leader peptide at its amino terminus. An improved method for the purification of naturally occurring S. pyogenes DNase B enzyme is also provided. The DNase B enzyme produced, either by purification of naturally occurring enzyme or by recombinant DNA techniques, can be used to generate antibodies and can also be used in immunochemical assays to detect the presence of anti-DNase B antibodies in serum as a marker of infection by S. pyogenes.

Abstract: A novel class of cationic peptides having antimicrobial activity is provided. Examples of such peptides include NH2-KWKSFIKKLTTAVKKVLTTGLPALIS-COOH (SEQ ID NO:1) and NH2-KWKSFIKKLTSAAKKVVTTAKPLISS-COOH (SEQ ID NO:2). Also provided are methods for inhibiting the growth of bacteria utilizing the peptides of the invention. The peptides are particularly useful for inhibiting endotoxemia in a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant gene sequences for synthesizing a protein having the biological activity of the PilC protein. Furthermore, the invention relates to DNA recombinant methods for the production of proteins having the biological activity of the PilC protein as well as the tools of molecular biology needed therein. Besides, the invention relates to proteins having the biological activity of the PilC protein and its antibodies. Further embodiments of the invention are pharmaceutical compositions with a content of the mentioned proteins or antibodies. Preferably, these pharmaceutical compositions serve as vaccines for the immunization against pathogenic bacteria bearing type 4 pili. The invention also relates to kits for the detection of bacteria bearing type 4 pili or antibodies directed against them containing the mentioned proteins or antibodies. Finally, the invention relates to cellular receptors for bacteria bearing type 4 pili and analogues thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides ERA polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding ERA polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing ERA polypeptide for the protection against infection, particularly bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel anti-microbial agent, more particularly, a novel bacteriocin with nisin-like properties. The bacteriocin is designated lacticin 3147 and has the following properties: a molecular weight of approximately 2.8 kDa; inhibiting activity against lactococci, lactobacilli, enterococci, bacilli, leuconostocs, pediococci, clostridia, staphylococci and streptococci; sensitivity to the proteases trypsin, alpha-chymotrypsin, proteinase K and pronase E but not pepsin; heat-stability; activity at acid pH; and the capability of inhibiting nisin-producing bacterial strains.

Abstract: A protein preparation that mediates Ca+2 transbilayer movement of phospholipid is disclosed. Additionally, a modified or mutated protein preparation, wherein the protein has a reduced ability to mediate transbilayer movement, is disclosed. In a preferred form of the invention, the protein has been modified such that post-translational modification can no longer occur.

Abstract: The invention is directed to isolated DNAs having nucleic acid sequences which encode proteins which regulate aureobasidin sensitivity. Also disclosed are recombinant plasmids containing the DNAs, transformants containing the plasmids, and methods of producing the proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a PLK protein, which is characterized in that it comprises (a) the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No: 1 or (b) variants of the sequence from (a).

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides having specificity for fibronectin-binding and vitronectin-binding integrins, and in particular for &agr;5&bgr;1 integrin. These peptides are characterized by having the ability to interfere with extracellular matrix protein binding to integrins; to block attachment of cells expressing these integrins to extracellular matrix proteins; and to promote cell attachment when coated onto a surface.

Abstract: Expression plasmids comprising a nucleic acid sequence of interest controlled by a T7 bacteriophage promoter and a stabilizing region comprising all or part of the par region of the RP4 plasmid or a derivative thereof. The invention also concerns the use of said plasmids in the production of recombinant products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel collagens and polynucleotide sequences encoding these novel proteins. The present invention further relates to specific collagens and derivatives, specifically .alpha.3(IX) collagen and recombinant trimeric type IX collagen protein.

Abstract: This invention provides an imaging agent which comprises a polypeptide labeled with an imageable marker, such polypeptide having an amino acid sequence substantially present in the fibrin binding domain of naturally-occurring human fibronectin and being capable of binding to fibrin. The invention further provides a method wherein the imaging agent is used for imaging a fibrin-containing substance, i.e., a thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque. Further provided are plasmids for expression of polypeptides having an amino acid sequence substantially present in the fibrin binding domain of naturally-occurring human fibronectin and being capable of binding to fibrin, hosts containing these plasmids, methods of producing the polypeptides, methods of treatment using the polypeptides, and methods of recovering, refolding and reoxidizing the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel phospholipase A.sub.2 enzyme, polynucleotides encoding such enzyme and methods for screening unknown compounds for anti-inflammatory activity mediated by the arachidonic acid cascade.

Abstract: The present invention describes the identification, purification, recombinant production and characterization of novel O-fucosyltransferase enzymes.

Abstract: The invention provides a human disease associated acidic protein and polynucleotides which identify and encode DAAP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of DAAP.

Abstract: The invention provides a human disease associated acidic protein and polynucleotides which identify and encode DAAP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells. agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of DAAP.

Abstract: This invention relates to genes involved in regulating programmed cell death, the proteins encoded by such genes and methods for controlling programmed cell death by regulating the activity of the cell death gene products.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to autotaxin. In particular, the present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding autotaxin; recombinant DNA molecules containing the DNA segment; cells containing the recombinant DNA molecule; a method of producing autotaxin; antibodies to autotaxin; and identification of functional domains in autotaxin.

Abstract: This invention relates to proteins encoded by the cell death genes that are involved in regulating programmed cell death. In particular, the invention describes the cell death protein Ich-1 (Caspase-2) and its alternative splicing products Ich-1.sub.L and Ich-1.sub.S. Methods for controlling programmed cell death by regulating the activity of the cell death gene products are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a human actVA-ORF4-like protein (A-ORFP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode A-ORFP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of A-ORFP.