Abstract: A therapeutic composition that includes an active portion of the lysyl oxidase pro-peptide in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier substance and methods of using such a therapeutic composition are disclosed. The active agent does not have lysyl oxidase enzymatic activity. Preferably, the active polypeptide is active in inhibiting cell growth in soft agar and active in inhibiting tumor formation. In addition, the active polypeptide preferably comprises an active portion of the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO.: 1 or SEQ ID NO.: 2, or conservative substitions thereof. Alternatively, the active polypeptide comprises a polypeptide comprising an active portion of an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 3-8, or conservative substitions thereof.

Abstract: Novel cyclodextrin glycosyl transferases (CGTase) can be produced by anaerobic cultivation of strains of Thermoanaerobacter or Thermoanaerobium. They are more thermostable than known CGTases and have temperature optimum about 95.degree. C.The novel CGTases can be used for starch liquefaction at pH 4.5 and temperature exceeding 100.degree. C. in the production of dextrose or ethanol. They can also be used for conversion of liquefied starch to cyclodextrin at a temperature of 80.degree.-90.degree. C.A method for enzymatically converting solid and liquefied starch into cyclodextrin using cyclodextrin glycosyl transferases (CGTase) elaborated by thermophilic obligate anaerobic strains belonging to the genus Clostridium. These CGTases are characterized by thermostability and a capability to liquefy starch and/or to convert liquefied starch to cyclodextrin at pH 5.0-5.5 and 60.degree.-90.degree. C.

Abstract: A mixed enzyme product comprising a mixture of the alpha-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis and the alpha-amylase from B. stearothermophilus, said mixture containing from 10%-90%, preferably 25%-90%, more preferably 25%-75% by activity as NU/g DS of the Bacillus licheniformis enzyme and is usable with advantage for liquefaction of starch or starchy grains.