Abstract: The invention concerns methods for preparing pristinamycin IIB and methods for preparing modified pristinamycin IIB.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides involved in the biosynthesis of cobalamines and/or cobamides, in particular coenzyme B12, genetic material responsible for expressing these polypeptides, and a method for preparing them, are described. A method for amplifying the production of cobalamines, and particularly coenzyme B12, using recombinant DNA techniques, are also described.

Abstract: A novel topoisomerase IV, nucleotide sequences coding for said enzyme, corresponding vectors, and the use of said enzyme for screening biologically active materials.

Abstract: Method for double-stranded DNA purification, by which a solution containing said DNA in a mixture with other components is passed over a support on which is covalently coupled in oligonucleotide capable of hybridizing with a specific sequence present on said DNA to form a triple helix.

Abstract: Double-stranded DNA molecules characterised in that they are circular and in that they essentially include one or more genes of interest.

Abstract: Enzyme combinations useful for destroying cells, particularly proliferative cells, are disclosed. In particular, a combination of the following enzymes has been found to enhance the toxicity of nucleoside analogues to proliferating cells: an enzyme that phosphorylates the non-toxic nucleoside analogue to generate a monophosphate analogue, an enzyme that phosphorylates the monophosphate analogue to generate a diphosphate analogue and an enzyme that phosphorylates the diphosphate analogue to generate a toxic triphosphate analogue. Vectors enabling the intracellular expression and transfer of the enzyme combinations, as well as their therapeutic use, particularly in anti-cancer gene therapy, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses the preparation of DNA, in particular plasmid DNA. More particularly it concerns the production of bacterial plasmid DNA to be used in gene therapy, in the form of plasmid, minicircle supercoiled, loose or linear.

Abstract: Double-stranded DNA molecules characterized in that they are circular and in that they essentially include one or more genes of interest.

Abstract: Novel group B streptogramine-like compounds of general formula (I), and a method for preparing streptogramines by muta-synthesis using a mutated micro-organism to influence the biosynthesis of at least one of the precursors of group B streptogramines, are disclosed. Novel nucleotide sequences involved in the biosynthesis of said precursors, and their uses, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence characterized in that it is derived from the wild nucleic acid sequence coding for a thymidine kinase, said nucleic acid sequence having at least one mutation in the region corresponding to the ATP binding site and conveniently a second mutation in the N-terminal region and/or C-terminal region. It also relates to variants of the wild thymidine kinase and their use in genic therapy.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for reducing recombination phenomena among nucleic acids. It also concerns the use of said method for producing defective viruses not contaminated by replication particles. The invention further concerns novel viral constructs.

Abstract: The invention discloses the preparation of DNA, in particular plasmid DNA. More particularly it concerns the production of bacterial plasmid DNA to be used in gene therapy, in the form of plasmid, minicircle supercoiled, loose or linear.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing streptogramins using genetically-modified microorganisms to influence the biosynthesis of at least one of the precursors of the group B streptogramins. Cultures of the genetically-modified microorganisms are supplemented with a least one precursor that is different from the streptogramin precursor whose biosynthesis is altered and the streptogramins produced are recovered.

Abstract: Method for double-stranded DNA purification, by which a solution containing said DNA in a mixture with other components is passed over a support on which is covalently coupled in oligonucleotide capable of hybridizing with a specific sequence present on said DNA to form a triple helix.

Abstract: Method for double-stranded DNA purification, by which a solution containing said DNA in a mixture with other components is passed over a support on which is covalently coupled in oligonucleotide capable of hybridizing with a specific sequence present on said DNA to form a triple helix.

Abstract: A circular DNA molecule, useful for gene therapy, comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence of interest, characterized in that the region allowing the replication thereof has an origin of replication with a functionality in a host cell that requires the presence of at least one specific protein foreign to said host cell. A method for preparing same, cells incorporating said DNA molecules and uses thereof in gene therapy are also described.

Abstract: A novel method for preparing recombinant adenoviruses and the use of such adenoviruses in gene therapy are disclosed. Plasmids used in the construction of said adenoviruses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme with amidase activity, particularly towards substrates of the oligomer type derived from PA 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence characterized in that it is derived from the wild nucleic acid sequence coding for a thymidine kinase, said nucleic acid sequence having at least one mutation in the region corresponding to the ATP binding site and conveniently a second mutation in the N-terminal region and/or C-terminal region. It also relates to variants of the wild thymidine kinase and their use in genic therapy.

Abstract: Cells with an alteration at least in the gene involved in betaine catabolism, their preparation and their use, in particular for producing metabolites and/or enzymes, are disclosed.