Abstract: A recombinant DNA molecule comprising a plasmid vector having operationally inserted therein a gene coding for homoserine kinase is disclosed along with bacteria containing this recombinant DNA molecule and methods of using these bacteria to produce amino acids in large quantities.

Abstract: This invention provides a plasmic which, when introduced into a suitable host cell and grown under appropriate conditions, effects expression of a gene on the plasmid and production of a polypeptide having reverse transcriptase activity. The plasmid is a double-stranded DNA molecule which includes in a 5' to 3' order the following: a DNA sequence which includes an inducible promoter; a DNA sequence which includes an ATG initiation condon; the central portion of the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MuLV) pol gene, said central portion including a DNA sequence which encodes the polypeptide having reverse transcriptase activity; a DNA sequence which contains a gene associated with a selectable or identifiable phenotypic trait which is manifested when the vector is present in the host cell; and a DNA sequence which contains an origin of replication from a bacterial plasmid capable of autonomous replication in the host cell.

Abstract: Cloning and expression vectors for hepatitis B HBxAg, cell cultures containing those vectors, polypeptides related to HBxAg and diagnostic systems and methods for assaying for the presence of HBxAg and anti-HBxAg antibodies in a body sample are disclosed.

Abstract: An undifferentiated symbiotic combination of lichen flora induced from a tissue of lichen flora and having a capability of producing any lichenous substance.

Abstract: An oligopeptide is prepared by use of a vector wherein DNA coding for the intended oligopeptide has been introduced into a plasmid including a leader gene and an alpha-amylase structural gene.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of isolating deletion mutants of Vibrio cholerae, wherein the deletion is predetermined by digestion with restriction endonucleases of known specificity. The deletions are inserted into the Vibrio cholerae chromosome by in vivo recombination betweem a plasmid carrying the desired deletion, with adjacent flanking sequences, and the Vibrio cholerae chromosome. The invention includes the isolation and characterization of a new Vibrio cholerae strain having a deletion in the tox gene, as defined by Acc I restriction endonuclease sites.

Abstract: A process for producing GIF-2, an antimicrobial peptide, by culturing Bacillus cereus, FERM BP-746, under conditions sufficient to produce GIF-2 and recovering GIF-2 from the culture medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing histidine by transforming a host microorganism belonging to the genus Corynebacterium or Brevibacterium with a recombinant DNA of a DNA fragment containing a gene involved in the biosynthesis of histidine and a vector DNA, culturing the transformant in a nutrient medium, accumulating histidine in the culture medium and recovering histidine therefrom.

Abstract: A plasmid cloning vector containing both transcriptional and translational regulatory sequences derived from the bacteriophage lambda genome was constructed to achieve high level expression of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes. The system utilizes a plasmid vehicle carrying the strong, regulatable lambda promoter, P.sub.L, and host lysogens into which this vector can be stabily transformed. The lysogen synthesizes sufficient repressor (cI) to control P.sub.L expression and thereby stabilize plasmids which carry such a highly efficient promoter. Use of a temperature sensitive repressor permits simple, rapid induction of P.sub.L transcripts at any given time. Efficient transcription of essentially any coding sequence is assured by providing the phage lambda antitermination factor, N, and a site on the transcription unit for its utilization (Nut site). This pAS1 plasmic closely resembles the earlier constructed pKC30cII, also a regulatory protein which activates promoters for lysogenic development.

Abstract: The cDNA clone representing the full size human type IV collagenase (gelatinase) is disclosed.

Abstract: Biologically active heterodimeric human FSH composed of an alpha subunit and a beta subunit, each subunit being synthesized by a cell having an expression vector containing heterologous DNA encoding the subunit.

Abstract: A method for stabilization of extra-chromosomal elements in bacteria during cultivation which comprises transformation of a host bacterium having a defect in a chromosomal gene needed for the synthesis or maintenance of the cell envelope with an extra-chromosomal element capable of complementing the chromosomal gene defect of the host bacterium, the extra-chromosomal element also including an expressible DNA-sequence coding for a desired product.

Abstract: Hybrid, third generation, plasminogen activators containing plural, heterologous polypeptide kringles prepared by recombinant DNA techniques as well as the genes coding for the activators, Vectors containing those genes and a method for using the plasminogen activators as thrombolytic agents, are disclosed.

Abstract: Shuttle vector systems are provided for the regulated expression of subject genes in transformed hosts. A promoter/operator which does not originate with the transformed host cell controls expression of the subject gene and a repressor, which also does not originate with the host cell, regulates the promoter/operator. According to this invention, promoter/operator--repressor functionalities from one bacterium are used in other bacteria, thereby obviating the need to locate homologous expression regulatory sequences for each bacterial host.

Abstract: An antibiotic has been isolated from fermentation of a new Streptomyces culture. The new ionophore is active as an antibacterial and anticoccidial agent.

Abstract: A fibrinolytically active hybrid protein which comprises one chain of a 2-chain protease linked to a chain of a different 2-chain protease, or to the same chain of the same protease, at least one of the chains in the hybrid protein being derived from a fibrinolytically active protease, such that the hybrid protein has a catalytic site essential for fibrinolytic activity which is optionally blocked by a removable blocking group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bacterial process for producing phenylalanine. The process utilizes a Corynebacterium or Brevibacterium host which is transformed with a recombinant DNA. The recombinant DNA harbors a DNA containing a gene which encodes chorismate mutase or prephenate dehydratase. The transformed microorganism is then cultured in order to accumulate phenylalanine in the culture medium and the phenylalanine is recovered therefrom.

Abstract: A phosphorous-containing analog-ligand having a conformation that substantially corresponds to the conformation of an amide- or ester-forming transition state is used to induce production of receptor molecules whose antibody combining sites have amide or ester synthase catalytic activity when reacted with a ligand containing (i) a carbonyl carbon atom and (ii) an amine or alcohol group that are structurally capable of forming a preselected carboxylic amide or ester bond.

Abstract: A mixture containing a single-chain tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and/or double-chain tPA is brought into close contact with a column carrying an immobilized Erythrina trypsin inhibitor as an affinity agent. Adsorbed protiens are eluted with eluents having different pHs with or without arginine or benzamidine, so that single-chain tPA is obtained in the eluent with a pH at least 4.5 and double-chain tPA is obtained in the eluent with a pH lower than 4.5.

Abstract: A Marek's disease vaccine comprising either a revertant virus derived by backpassaging an attenuated serotype 1 Md11 virus or an antigenic component of the virus is characterized by increased levels of replicative ability and protectivity in chickens as compared to the original attenuated strain. Revertants of the invention are exemplified by a clone identified as Md11/75C/R2 and can be formulated into monovalent and polyvalent vaccines.