Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polypeptides derived from endolysins from a bacteriophage of Clostridium perfringens and to nucleic acid molecules encoding the same, as well as compositions thereof. The invention also provides uses of such polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases associated with microbial cells such as Clostridium perfringens. In particular, the invention provides a polypeptide having endolysin activity derived from bacteriophage ?CP51 of Clostridium perfringens and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a fragment, variant, derivative or fusion thereof which is capable of binding specifically to and/or lysing cells of Clostridium difficile, and means for producing the same, with the proviso that the fragment, variant, derivative or fusion is not a naturally occurring lysin of a bacteriophage of Clostridium difficile. The invention further provides methods for killing bacterial cells, such as cells of Clostridium difficile, and for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and conditions associated with infection of the same. The invention also provides diagnostic kits for use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or a variant, derivative or fusion thereof, which is capable of binding specifically to and lysing cells of Clostridium difficile, wherein the polypeptide exhibits greater lytic activity on cells of Clostridium difficile than the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention further provides means for producing the same, methods for killing bacterial cells such as cells of Clostridium difficile, as well as methods for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and conditions associated with infection of the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polypeptides derived from endolysins from a bacteriophage of Clostridium perfringens and to nucleic acid molecules encoding the same, as well as compositions thereof. The invention also provides uses of such polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases associated with microbial cells such as Clostridium perfringens. In particular, the invention provides a polypeptide having endolysin activity derived from bacteriophage ?CP51 of Clostridium perfringens and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, including live organisms, nucleic acid and amino acid sequences, constructs and cells comprising these, which are used to competitively exclude pathogenic organisms from the alimentary canals of vertebrates to achieve prophylaxis or therapeutic effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or a variant, derivative or fusion thereof, which is capable of binding specifically to and lysing cells of Clostridium difficile, wherein the polypeptide exhibits greater lytic activity on cells of Clostridium difficile than the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention further provides means for producing the same, methods for killing bacterial cells such as cells of Clostridium difficile, as well as methods for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and conditions associated with infection of the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or a fragment, variant, derivative or fusion thereof which is capable of binding specifically to and/or lysing cells of Clostridium difficile, and means for producing the same, with the proviso that the fragment, variant, derivative or fusion is not a naturally occurring lysin of a bacteriophage of Clostridium difficile. The invention further provides methods for killing bacterial cells, such as cells of Clostridium difficile, and for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and conditions associated with infection of the same. The invention also provides diagnostic kits for use in such methods.

Abstract: A method of producing vanillin comprising the steps of: (1) providing trans-ferulic acid or a salt thereof; and (2) providing trans-ferulate: CoASH ligase activity (enzyme activity I), trans-feruloyl ScoA hydratase activity (enzyme activity II), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl-&bgr;-hydroxy-propionyl SCoA (HMPHP SCoA) cleavage activity (enzyme activity III). Conveniently the enzymes are provided by Pseudomonas fluorescens Fe3 or a mutant or derivative thereof. Polypeptides with enzymes activities II and III and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Use of the polypeptides or the polynucleotides in a method for producing vanillin is also provided.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a transgenic plant which, by presence of a transgene, is able to produce p-hydroxybenzoic acid or a &bgr;-D-glycoside or &bgr;-D-glucose ester thereof. A method is also disclosed for producing p-hydroxybenzoic acid or a &bgr;-D-glycoside or &bgr;-D-glucose ester thereof using a transgenic plant of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of producing vanillin comprising the steps of: (1) providing trans-ferulic acid or salt thereof; and (2) providing trans-ferulate; CoASH ligase activity (enzyme activity I) trans-feruloyl SCoA hydratase activity (enzyme activity II), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl-&bgr;-hydroxy-propionyl SCoA (HMPHP SCoA) cleavage activity (enzyme activity III). Conveniently the enzymes are provided by Pseudomonas fluorescens Fe3 or a mutant or derivative thereof. Polypeptides with enzymes activities II and III and polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides. Use of said polypeptides or said polynucleotides in a method for producing vanillin.

Abstract: A method of producing vanillin comprising the steps of: (1) providing trans-ferulic acid or a salt thereof; and (2) providing trans-ferulate: CoASH ligase activity (enzyme activity I), trans-feruloyl ScoA hydratase activity (enzyme activity II), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl-&bgr;-hydroxy-propionyl SCoA (HMPHP SCoA) cleavage activity (enzyme activity III). Conveniently the enzymes are provided by Pseudomonas fluorescens Fe3 or a mutant or derivative thereof. Polypeptides with enzymes activities II and III and polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides. Use of said polypeptides or said polynucleotides in a method for producing vanillin.