Abstract: A DNA sequence of the yeast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAP-DH) promoter and a process for preparing a heterologous protein utilizing said DNA sequence as a promoter are disclosed, said GAP-DH promoter comprising a region upstream of an initiator codon of the GAP-DH protein up to -164 bp as a minimum unit. Since the GAP-DH promoter is small in size, a physiologically active substance can be expressed in yeasts effectively and recombination of DNA can be simplified.

Abstract: A cDNA clone (.lambda.RAL-1) that encodes a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 42,000 in vivo and which clone binds with O. volvulus antisera.A recombinant antigen produced by the aforementioned clone, which antigen stimulates T cells from infected individuals to proliferate.A DNA which codes for an O. volvulus peptide sequence, the sequence containing three repeats of the polypeptide sequence KKPEDWD.

Abstract: Plasmids carrying one or more genes which confer phage insensitivity upon Streptococcus lactis or Streptococcus lactis subsp. diacetylactis as well as Streptococcus cremoris bacteria in which the insensitivity is not destroyed at temperatures of up to 40.degree. C. are described. DNA fragments are also described which encode phage insensitivity. Such plasmids and DNA fragments are suitable for conferring phage insensitivity upon bacteria or food starter cultures containing bacteria.

Abstract: Novel oligopeptides are provided having serologic activity for the a determinant of hepatitis B virus surface antigen. Included in the oligopeptide chain are a sequence of at least two cysteines and a lysine in proximity to the cysteines. The oligopeptides can find use in immunoassays, the formulation of vaccines, and the production of antisera.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are DNA gene segments, biologically functional plasmids and recombinant plasmids, and microorganism host cells containing such plasmids, all of which contain toluene monooxygenase genes from Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1 and which are useful in a method for the microbial bioconversion of selected phenyl compounds to selected phenolic compounds. In particular, the method is useful for making p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid which is a valuable chemical intermediate in the preparation of certain antibiotics and certain .beta.-adrenergic blocking agents.

Abstract: Synthetic human interleukin-1.alpha. genes are provided whose codons are selected from those preferred by bacteria. High expression levels are obtained in an E. coli expression system for both native interleukin-1.alpha. and several mutant interleukin-1.alpha.'s.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for efficient production of polypeptides having insulin activity. The proinsulin gene is joined to secretion and processing signals for expression and secretion in yeast. The product may be obtained in enhanced yield in the nutrient medium.Cell line pyinse was deposited at the A.T.C.C. on Apr. 6, 1983 and given Accession No. 20670.

Abstract: An isolated gene coding for phenylalanine dehydrogenase of a microorganism belonging to a genus selected from the group consisting of the genera Bacillus and Sporosarcina origin; plasmids containing the gene; microorganism transformed with the plasmid, a process for the production of phenylalanine dehydrogenase using the microorganism; and a process for the production of L-phenylalanine using the enzyme.

Abstract: Purified BMP-2 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. They may be used in the treatment of bone and cartilage defects and in wound healing and related tissue repair.

Abstract: A DNA sequence comprising:(a) a hybrid first yeast promoter comprising the functional segment of the DNA sequence encoding the upstream activation site of a gene selected from the group consisting of GAL1, GAL7 and GAL10, operably linked to the functional segment of the transcription initiation site of MF-.alpha.-1;(b) the functional segment of a signal sequence substantially comprising preferred yeast codons;(c) the functional segment of the DNA sequence comprising a Saccharomyces GAPDH transcription terminator;(d) the functional segment of the Saccharomyces 2.mu. circle replication origin; and(e) the functional segment of the yeast LEU2-d selectable marker. The DNA sequence may further comprise, inserted in phase between the signal sequence and transcription terminator, the functional segment of a DNA sequence encoding a heterologous target peptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to subtilisin enzymes which have been modified by mutating a nucleotide sequence (gene) coding for the subtilisin. The modified subtilisin enzymes have enhanced thermal stability.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a human esterases and in particular to the human esterase D enzyme and identification of its amino acid sequence, to a human esterase D cDNA and identification of its nucleotide sequence, to localization of the human esterase D gene and identification of its sequence, to specific human esterase D antibodies and to a method of purifying esterase D. The present invention also relates to using the cloned human esterase D cDNA as a genetic marker and a diagnostic tool for retinoblastoma, Wilson's disease and other hereditary or acquired diseases controlled by genes located at the 13 chromosome 13q14 region. The invention further relates to an esterase D cDNA probe for cloning the retinoblastoma gene and to the use of the cloned human esterase cDNA as a prognostic tool for determination of genetic predisposition to retinoblastoma or Wilson's disease and for population screening.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant plasmids containing in DNA sequences coding for human preproparathyroid hormone. The invention further provides microorganisms, for example E. coli, transformed by these plasmids. Finally, the invention also provides a plasmid for insertion into yeast and a transformed yeast in which the plasmid contains DNA coding for parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone is then secreted by the transformed yeast.

Abstract: Described herein is the secretion from yeast of heterologous protein via a preprotein in which the heterologous protein is fused to the signal peptide of a yeast protein. The preprotein is processed by the cells to produce and secrete mature heterologous protein.

Abstract: DNA constructs that are useful for providing secretory expression of heterologous polypeptides in yeast comprising a DNA sequence that includes a Kluyveromyces .alpha.-factor leader sequence linked to the heterologous polypeptide by a yeast processing signal. Constructs employing the K. lactis .alpha.-factor leader and processing signal sequences, with and without spacer, linked to prochymosin are exemplified.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for recovering hepatitis B surface antigen from recombinant Pichia pastoris cells comprising:(a) lysing said yeast cells in the presence of a buffered chaotropic salt and separating the hepatitis B surface antigen-containing supernatant from said lysed cells;(b) subjecting the heptatis B surface antigen-containing supernatant obtained in step (a) to conditions suitable to precipitate lipids and contaminant proteins from said supernatant;(c) subjecting the hepatitis B surface antigen-containing supernatant obtained in step (b) to diafiltration;(d) contacting the hepatitis B surface antigen-containing retentate obtained in step (c) with silica;(e) washing contaminant proteins from the resulting silica-adsorbed hepatitis B surface antigen with a buffer having a pH within the range of 6-8;(f) eluting the hepatitis B surface antigen from the silica with a buffered eluant having a pH within the range of 9.5-11.0 containing from 0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a fusion protein of epidermal growth factor (EGF) attached through a Glu-residue, treatment of the fusion protein with a Staphylococcus aureus protease specific for cleaving peptides at a Glu-linkage thereby producing large amounts of the 53 amino acid EGF sequence.The treatment conditions optimize production of large amounts of the 53 amino acid sequence relative to the 51 amino acid sequence minus the 52 Leu and 53 Arg residues and take full advantage of the selectivity of the protease.

Abstract: Eucaryotic host cells are disclosed which contain a DNA molecule encoding an eIF-2.alpha. mutant and preferably a DNA sequence encoding a desired heterologous protein. The DNA sequences are linked to expression control sequences permitting expression of the mutant eIF-2.alpha. gene and the heterologous gene. Culturing such cells provides a method for the production of the desired heterologous protein. The mutations eliminate one or both serine residues at positions 48 and 51 of the eIF-2 sequence. In another aspect of the invention, the eIF-2 5'-untranslated sequence was observed to have effects on translation of heterologous mRNAs.

Abstract: The toxin gene encoding a protein toxic to beetles of the order Coleoptera, named M-7, has been cloned and expressed. M-7 is a novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain which has been deposited with a recognized culture repository. The microbe is now known as B. thuringiensis strain san diego.

Abstract: Novel DNA constructs comprising yeast regulatory regions plus the structural coding region for human tumor necrosis factor, are disclosed. These novel constructs are incorporated into a variety of linear and circular plasmids. Such plasmids are used for yeast transformation and ultimately for the production of human tumor necrosis factor by yeast.