Abstract: A process for determining cell vitality and efficiency after gene transfer in eukaryotic cells by measuring reporter gene activity, which comprises determining in a reaction vessel the cell count of the transfected cells by a representative enzyme activity, and ascertaining in the same reaction vessel the efficiency of the gene transfer by determining the reporter gene activity after changing the pH.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel xylanases (referred to as XYL-IV) and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those xylanases. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells including those nucleic acid sequences, antibodies which bind to the xylanases of the present invention, methods for producing the xylanases of the present invention, and methods employing the xylanases of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a fungal host cell in a medium conducive for the production of the polypeptide, wherein the fungal host cell comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide operably linked to a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a consensus translational initiator sequence foreign to the nucleic acid sequence; and (b) isolating the polypeptide from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to the isolated consensus translational initiator sequences and to constructs, vectors, and fungal host cells comprising the consensus translational initiator sequences operably linked to nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for identifying nucleotide fragments that contain an open reading frame are provided. Compositions comprise a nucleotide sequence that encodes histidine tags in each of the three possible reading frames and vectors comprising such a nucleotide sequence. The vectors may be provided with cloning sites for insertion of nucleotide sequences 5′ or 3′ to the 3-frame His-tag DNA sequence.

Abstract: Methods are provided for locally administering an agent to a host. Specifically, the subject methods provide for the local administration of an agent to an interstitial space of a host. In the subject methods, an agent is retroinfused into a vessel of a host, typically a vein, under conditions sufficient for the agent to enter an interstitial space of the host proximal to the vessel location into which the agent is retroinfused. In practicing the subject methods, the agent is administered to the host in combination with the production of vascular stress at the site of administration, where the vascular tissue stress is sufficient to provide for transport of the agent from the vascular site of deposition into the target interstitial space. In a preferred embodiment, the agent is retroinfused at a pressure sufficient to provide for mechanical stress on the vessel proximal to the target interstitial space. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A method for transforming Schizosaccharomyces pombe which comprises integrating a vector into a chromosome of Schizosaccharomyces pombe through homologous recombination, wherein the vector has an expression cassette containing a heterologous protein structural gene and a promoter and a gene segment which induces homologous recombination of the chromosome and has lost a replication origin which functions in cells of an organism other than Schizosaccharomyces pombe required for construction of the vector.