Abstract: There is described a method for analyzing ubiquitin polymers using linkage-specific deubiquitinase enzymes. Novel specificities of deubiquitinase enzymes are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a chimeric E2 enzyme comprising a Ubc domain fused to a heterologous ubiquitin binding domain (UBD). The chimeric enzymes of the invention may be useful in producing elevated levels of free polyubiquitin.

Abstract: There is described a method for analyzing ubiquitin polymers using linkage-specific deubiquitinase enzymes. Novel specificities of deubiquitinase enzymes are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing free polyubiquitin chains linked through a single desired lysine residue, comprising the steps of: (a) selecting an E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme which is homologous to mammalian HECT E3 ligases and possesses the desired lysine residue specificity; (b) incubating the E3 enzyme with an E1 ubiquitin activating enzyme, an E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme and monomeric ubiquitin; and (c) if undesired linkages are present, removing the undesired linkages by exposure to a DUB enzyme having the appropriate specificity.

Abstract: The invention provides a chimeric E2 enzyme comprising a Ubc domain fused to a heterologous ubiquitin binding domain (UBD). The chimeric enzymes of the invention may be useful in producing elevated levels of free polyubiquitin.

Abstract: The invention provides a chimeric E2 enzyme comprising a Ubc domain fused to a heterologous ubiquitin binding domain (UBD). The chimeric enzymes of the invention may be useful in producing elevated levels of free polyubiquitin.

Abstract: A method for selecting a compound for modulating the activity of phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1 (PDKI) is provided. The method may comprise modelling a three dimensional structure of a plurality of molecules in a computer, comparing with the three dimensional structure of the compounds with that of a reference structure such as at least part of a protein kinase catalytic domain of PDK1, and selecting the compound based on a predicted interacting ability of the molecules to the protein kinase catalytic domain. Also a method for selecting a compound for modulating the activity of hydrophobic pocket containing protein kinase is provided. In this method, the reference structures may be one or more of a phosphate binding pocket of PDK1, a hydrophobic pocket of PDK1, and ?C helix or region interacting therewith of PDK1.

Abstract: A liquid reactant metal alloy (210) includes at least one chemically active metal for reacting with non-radioactive material in a mixed waste stream being treated. The reactant alloy (210) also includes at least one radiation absorbing metal. Radioactive isotopes in the waste stream alloy with, or disperse in, the chemically active and radiation absorbing metals such that the radiation absorbing metals are able to absorb a significant portion of the radioactive emissions associated with the isotopes. Non-radioactive constituents in the waste material are broken down into harmless and useful constituents, leaving the alloyed radioactive isotopes in the liquid reactant alloy. The reactant alloy may then be cooled to form one or more ingots in which the radioactive isotopes are effectively isolated and surrounded by the radiation absorbing metals. These ingots comprise storage products for the radioactive isotopes.