Abstract: A novel complex designated herein as rigolettone complex is produced by fermentation of Streptomyces aburaviensis strain C-38,242 (ATCC 39290). The complex and its purified bioactive components, jildamycin and mantuamycin, exhibit antitumor activity in mouse tumor systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparation of a novel lipase. The process is characterized by culturing a microorganism belonging to Staphylococcus capitis and capable of producing lipase in a culture medium to accumulate lipase in the cultured broth and recovering the lipase from the broth. Since the pH of this lipase is in a slightly alkali region and the lipase substantially completely converts glyceride to fatty acids and glycerin, it is useful for the economic preparation of fatty acids by the hydrolysis of fats or oils.

Abstract: Liposomes containing phosphatidylethanolamine, palmitoyl homocysteine or oleic acid or palmitic acid, fuse rapidly when the pH of the medium is reduced below 7. Liposome fusion was measured by (a) mixing of the liposomal lipids as shown by resonance energy transfer, (b) gel filtration and (c) electron microscopy. The presence of phosphatidylethanolamine or acid addition esters thereof in the liposomes greatly enhances fusion; whereas the presence of phosphatidylcholine inhibits fusion. During fusion of liposomes containing phosphatidylethanolamine:palmitoyl homocysteine (8:2), almost all of the encapsulate calcein is released. Inclusion of cholesterol (40%) in the liposomes substantially decreases leakage without impairing fusion. Those pH sensitive liposomes are fused to deliver biologically active molecules such as DNA, into living cells.

Abstract: An immunopropylactic and immunotherapeutic agent comprising human interleukin 2 of human cellular origin is disclosed along with a method of producing the agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to proteolytic enzymes with elastolytic properties from blood-sucking nematodes (hereinafter called HP enzymes). These enzymes are useful an anti-coagulants and as a means for dissolving fibrin clots. Because of their importance in the mechanism by which blood-sucking nematodes obtain nutrients from the host, HP enzymes would be an effective vaccine for prevention and treatment of these parasites. For the same reason, substances which inhibit HP enzymes would also be effective antithelminic agents.

Abstract: A vaccine for immunizing equines against strangles and a method of using the vaccine. The vaccine is made by isolating the causative organism Streptococcus equi (S. equi) from an abscess on a horse showing typical symptoms of strangles, and confirming the identity of the organism through standard biochemical techniques. The isolated S. equi is passed through a suitable growth medium (Todd-Hewitt broth) and two parts per million acriflavine hydrochloride is added. The acriflavine level is increased over a period of approximately eleven weeks to a concentration of about sixteen parts per million to yield an avirulent S. equi while retaining its antigenicity. The method of administering the vaccine consists of inoculating the horse intranasally with the attenuated S. equi.

Abstract: A plasmid with stabilized inheritance containing at least one production gene introduced colinearly by gene technology. The plasmid is characterized by a nucleic acid fragment colinearly introduced therein and constituted by the gene for valyl-tRNA synthetase; cell containing such plasmid; and a process for preparing the plasmid.

Abstract: This invention concerns recombinant RNA molecules comprising a recognition sequence for the binding of an RNA-directed RNA polymerase, a sequence for the initiation of product strand synthesis and a heterologous sequence of interest inserted at a specific site in the internal region of the recombinant molecule. Such recombinant RNA molecules are capable of serving as a template for the synthesis of complementary single-stranded molecules by RNA-directed RNA polymerase. The product molecules so formed are also capable of serving as a template for the synthesis of additional copies of the original recombinant RNA molecule. In a preferred embodiment of the invention Q.beta. replicase is used as the RNA-directed RNA polymerase.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the cloning and expression of Streptococcus pyogenes M protein genes, and, in particular, types 5, 6 and 24 genes in single-cell host organisms. The streptococcal M protein produced by the recombinant DNA techniques described herein may be formulated for use as immunogens in vaccines to protect against S. pyogenes infections. The gene for the M protein may further be employed as a molecular probe for the accurate identification of streptococci in infected body tissues and fluids.

Abstract: A novel universal dominant selectable marker cassette is disclosed. The marker comprises the coding sequences for aminoglycoside phosphotransferase I (APH-I) which has been modified and truncated so as to render its use in recombinant vectors more convenient. The modified, truncated sequence (mtAPH-I) gene is capable, upon expression, of conferring resistance to a number of antibiotics on the host. One of these antibiotics, G418, is toxic to eucaryotic as well as procaryotic hosts. Also disclosed are methods of constructing fusion proteins having N-terminal sequences corresponding to a desired peptide sequence, and C-terminal sequences comprising the amino acids encoded by mtAPH-I.

Abstract: A highly sensitive, immunoassay method for determining the amount of an analyte in a sample containing a known analyte in an unknown concentration is provided. Sample; a polypeptide-labeled analog of the analyte, an antibody specific for said analyte, a polypeptide partner capable of non-covalently binding with the polypeptide-labeled analyte to form a complex having catalytic activity, and a substrate capable of being converted to a reporter molecule by the catalytic activity of said complex are brought together in a medium. The polypeptide-labeled analyte analog is capable of competitively binding to the antibody and the polypeptide partner, the antibody inhibiting the formation of a catalytically active complex in the absence of analyte, and the concentration of the antibody, polypeptide partner and polypeptide-labeled analyte are such as to cause varying amounts of analyte to be directly related to the conversion of the substrate to the reporter molecule.

Abstract: Vectors suitable for effecting expression of lamB protein in a desired procaryotic host, and methods for their construction, are disclosed. Transformation with these vectors results in the ability of the procaryotic host to sustain infection by lambda phage.

Abstract: A novel serine esterase produced by cytotoxic T lymphocytes is insolated and characterized. The protein appears to be membrane bound and has a reduced apparent molecular weight of about 28,000 daltons. Inhibition of the esterase correlates with inhibition of the cells' cytolytic activity. The serine esterase is useful in making antibody and as a target for the inhibition of cytolytic activity by T-lymphocytes, both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: Yeasts of the genus cryptococcus, preferably of the species C. Laurentii, form, in the presence of aminoacids, an L-aminoacid oxidase which stereospecifically converts L-aminoacids and their derivatives into the corresponding .alpha.-ketoacids. The immobilized cells are advantageously used for this conversion, which can also be used to resolve racemates.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA expression vectors for use in Bacillus and other host cells are disclosed. The vectors comprise the veg promoter sequence of Bacillus subtilis, a novel ribosome binding site-containing sequence and a sequence that codes for a functional polypeptide. The ribosome binding site-containing sequence is synthesized in accordance with conventional procedures while the veg promoter sequence can be obtained from E. coli K12 JA221/pMS480 (NRRL B-15258). Various sequences that codes for functional polypeptides and method for their expression in Bacillus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and compositions for the treatment of fireblight disease in plants are described. The compositions include a phage for Erwinia amylovora which produces fireblight and an enzyme produced by the phage which depolymerizes a polysaccharide produced by Erwinia amylovora which is the cause of the fireblight disease. Purified enzyme preparations are described.

Abstract: An enzyme conjugate composition comprising an enzyme conjugate, a calcium salt and a polyethylene glycol is disclosed. The enzyme conjugate composition is effectively stabilized by the presence of the calcium salt and the polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: This invention is a method of producing L-serine by causing glycine to react with formaldehyde by using the culture solution or the microbe cells of a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia, having the ability of producing serine hydroxymethyltransferase and not having the practical ability of producing L-serine from glycine alone or enzymatic matter obtained through the treatment of the above culture solution or microbe cells.In this invention, the yield of L-serine can be increased either by carrying out the reaction while maintaining aldehyde concentration at 20 mM or below or by using microbe cells of the aforementioned microorganism after they are caused to contact glycine.

Abstract: The actinomycete "Actinomadura sp." designated in our culture collection as Strain No. G455-101 has been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection under the Accession Number ATCC No. 31491. The taxonomic description of this microorganism is presented in detail in the specification as are instructions for fermenting aqueous nutrient media with it to produce the BBM 928 antibiotic complex. The BBM 928 complex has utility as an antibacterial agent against gram-positive and acid fast bacteria and exhibits antitumor activity against experimental animal tumors.

Abstract: A viral genomic DNA and fragments thereof which are complementary to genomic RNA of human leukemia virus and a recombinant DNA molecules containing the genomic DNA or fragments thereof. The genomic DNA and fragments thereof and the recombinant DNA molecules are useful for the diagnosis, prevention and therapy of human leukemia.