Abstract: The naturally-occurring amino acid selenocysteine (SEC) is incorporated uniquely and specifically in the context of a polypeptide displayed on the surface of an amplifiable genetic particle (phage, cell or spore) in response to incorporation signals engineered in the encoding DNA. In addition to conferring the unique activities of the selenol group to the chemistry of the displayed peptide, Sec also provides a unique handle for specific chemical modification of the display peptide. In addition to increasing the palette of available residues in a random peptide library to 21 possibilities, present invention also provides a means of tethering virtually any desired chemical functionality to the incorporated Sec.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a restriction endonuclease, which includes the steps of (a) screening a target DNA sequence for the presence of known methylase sequence motifs, (b) identifying any open reading frames which lie close to the methylase sequence motifs screened in step (a), and (c) assaying the protein products of these open reading frames for restriction endonuclease activity. Methods for identifying isoschizomers of known restriction endonucleases, which isoschizomers possess a desired physical property, such as thermostability, are also provided by the present invention, as are several novel restriction endonucleases isolated from M. jannaschii, MjaIII and MjaIV. Additionally, a gene was identified that encoded a previously observed endonuclease activity, designated MjaII. Also provided by the present invention are vectors suitable for cloning a DNA sequence encoding a cytotoxic protein, via independent transcription promotors which may be selectively controlled by several conditions.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a restriction endonuclease that includes: screening a target DNA sequence for the presence of known methylase sequence motifs, identifying any open reading frames which lie close to the screened methylase sequence motif and assaying the protein products of the open reading frames for restriction endonuclease activity.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a restriction endonuclease that includes: screening a target DNA sequence for the presence of known methylase sequence motifs, identifying any open reading frames which lie close to the screened methylase sequence motif and assaying the protein products of the open reading frames for restriction endonuclease activity.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a restriction endonuclease, which includes the steps of (a) screening a target DNA sequence for the presence of known methylase sequence motifs, (b) identifying any open reading frames which lie close to the methylase sequence motifs screened in step (a), and (c) assaying the protein products of these open reading frames for restriction endonuclease activity.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a restriction endonuclease, which includes the steps of (a) screening a target DNA sequence for the presence of known methylase sequence motifs, (b) identifying any open reading frames which lie close to the methylase sequence motifs screened in step (a), and (c) assaying the protein products of these open reading frames for restriction endonuclease activity. Methods for identifying isoschizomers of known restriction endonucleases, which isoschizomers possess a desired physical property, such as thermostability, are also provided by the present invention, as are several novel restriction endonucleases isolated from M. jannaschii, MjaIII and MjaIV. Additionally, a gene was identified that encoded a previously observed endonuclease activity, designated MjaII. Also provided by the present invention are vectors suitable for cloning a DNA sequence encoding a cytotoxic protein, via independent transcription promotors which may be selectively controlled by several conditions.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a restriction endonuclease, which includes the steps of (a) screening a target DNA sequence for the presence of known methylase sequence motifs, (b) identifying any open reading frames which lie close to the methylase sequence motifs screened in step (a), and (c) assaying the protein products of these open reading frames for restriction endonuclease activity. Methods for identifying isoschizomers of known restriction endonucleases, which isoschizomers possess a desired physical property, such as thermostability, are also provided by the present invention, as are several novel restriction endonucleases isolated from M. jannaschii, MjaIII and MjaIV. Additionally, a gene was identified that encoded a previously observed endonuclease activity, designated MjaII. Also provided by the present invention are vectors suitable for cloning a DNA sequence encoding a cytotoxic protein, via independent transcription promotors which may be selectively controlled by several conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to modified proteins and methods of their production. The modified proteins comprise a controllable intervening protein sequence (CIVPS) inserted into or adjacent a target protein, the CIVPS being capable of excision from or cleavage of the modified protein under predetermined conditions in cis or in trans, i.e., increase in temperature, exposure to light, unblocking of amino acid residues by dephosphorylation, treatment with chemical reagents or deglycosylation. If desired, the modified protein can be subjected to these conditions. The CIVPS may also be inserted into a region that substantially inactivates target protein activity. The CIVPS may be used in a number of applications including purification of the target protein in a one-step protocol.

Abstract: Multipurpose cloning in vitro phagemid vectors are disclosed, which vectors may be used to generate high specific-activity RNA probes. The multipurpose vectors also possess a bidirectional in vitro transcription system. Methods for constructing this system are also disclosed.