Abstract: The method of base sequence determination according to the present invention ensures an effective determination of a long DNA base sequence, by providing simultaneous determination of base sequences of two or more positions of the long DNA or base sequences of two or more DNAs, using the DNA probe chip which classifies and retains the DNA oligomers having various sequences, and using fluorophorelabeled primers which have the same sequencies as the oligomers in the chip and are labeled by various fluorophores, then followed by the extension of the determined base length by re-selection of the primers complementary to the sequence thus determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated DNA sequence of the short arm of chromosome 6 which is located within the autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 gene. This isolated DNA sequence is preferably located within a 3.36 kb EcoRI fragment, i.e., an EcoRI fragment containing about 3360 base pairs, of the SCA1 gene. The isolated sequence preferably contains a CAG repeat region. The number of CAG trinucleotide repeats (n) is.ltoreq.36, preferably n=19-36, for normal individuals. For an affected individual n>36, preferably n.gtoreq.43.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel murine cultured cell line which is derived from primary mouse embryo fibroblasts and which exhibits inducer-regulated growth kinetics. The cell line has the potential to grow either linearly or exponentially depending on exposure to an appropriate inducing agent. A corresponding cell line that does not respond to the inducing agent is also provided. The paired cell line system provides a valuable research tool for the development of therapeutic agents that target cells exhibiting deregulated growth kinetics, and also enables the identification of potential carcinogenic agents that alter stem cell renewal kinetics.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for determining whether a target nucleic acid sequence is present in a sample and methods for determining the amount of a target nucleic acid sequence present in a sample using flow-through hybridisation technology. This invention also provides different embodiments of these methods. Finally, this invention also provides devices where these methods are carried out.

Abstract: A system for evaluating one or more biochemical markers for evaluating individual cancer risk, cancer diagnosis and for monitoring therapeutic effectiveness and cancer recurrence, particularly of bladder cancer. The system uses automated quantitative fluorescence image analysis of a cell sample collected from a body organ. Cells are treated with a fixative solution which inhibits crystal formation. Cell images are selected and stored as grey level images for further analysis. Cell images may be corrected for autofluorescence using a novel autofluorescence correction method. A neural net computer may be used to distinguish true-positive images from false-positive images to improve accuracy of cancer risk assessment. Cells having images positive for a marker amy be compared to threshold quantities related to predetermined cancer risk.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting breast cancer cells is disclosed, which is not only as convenient and noninvasive as conventional cytological examination, but also is more accurate and objective than cytological examination. The invention establishes a method for detecting breast cancer cells, wherein the method judges cells examined to be breast cancer cells when aneusomy is detected on 1) either chromosome 1 or chromosome 11 or both, 2) either chromosome 1 or chromosome 17 or both or 3) at least any one of chromosomes 1, 11 and 17 of the cell sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening for the presence of a subpopulation of cancerous or precancerous cells in a heterogeneous cellular sample, such as a stool sample. The methods take advantage of the recognition that cellular debris from cancerous and precancerous cells is deposited onto only a longitudinal stripe of stool as the stool is forming in the colon. Accordingly, methods of the invention comprise obtaining a representative sample, such as a cross-sectional sample of stool in order to ensure that any cellular debris that is shed by colonic cells is obtained in the sample.

Abstract: The invention discloses a procedure for the preparation of the solubilized and purified gastrin releasing peptide receptor, in an active form, from a gastrin releasing peptide receptor source such as Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. The invention also discloses a method of using the solubilized gastrin releasing peptide receptor in drug screening assays to identify compounds having suitable binding affinity for the gastrin releasing peptide receptor.

Abstract: A method for one-step immunoassay of human type IV collagen, which uses a carrier immobilizing monoclonal antibody against human type IV collagen and a labelled polyclonal antibody against human type IV collagen, as well as a kit therefor and monoclonal antibodies which are particularly suited therefor.It is possible to accurately and quickly measure human type IV collagen in blood serum, for example, and obtain measurement results which accurately reflect pathological conditions.

Abstract: Panels which consist of individual members, said members comprising proteins, wherein at least one of the members of the panel is a protein other than an immunoglobulin (Ig) or fragment thereof and wherein the presence of said non-Ig protein enriches the panel are described herein. These panels can be tested for reactivity with an analyte to create a profile. Such profiles can be used in pattern matching, analysis of samples and other analyses. Illustrated herein using such panels is a method to determine reactivity of a candidate compound with a target "receptor" which method does not require the physical presence of the receptor. By providing a formula for treating data obtained from a reference panel of this type which is predictive of reactivity with the target receptor, the compound to be tested can be physically assessed with respect to the reference panel, the formula applied, and reactivity with the actual target receptor may be predicted.

Abstract: An assay and test kit of the determination of LKM-1 autoantibodies in test samples suspected of containing anti-LKM-1 autoantibodies. The method uses a solid phase which preferably is a microparticle. The method is standardized and can be performed in automated systems, allowing quantitation of the amount of anti-LKM antibody in test samples.

Abstract: The application describes the identification of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encoded gene and rapid methods for construction of plasmids efficiently expressing this or other genes. The EBV gene can be purified and used as an antigen for diagnosis and therapy of EBV related diseases.

Abstract: Fluorogenic substrates of the general formula I ##STR1## in which one of X and Y is a fluorescent donor moiety and the other is a quencher (which may or may not re-emit); R' is selected from the group consisting of H, lower (i.e., alkyl of 1 to about 5 carbon atoms) and (CH.sub.2 OH).sub.n OH, in which n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; R" is selected from the group consisting of H, physiologically acceptable metal and ammonium cations, --CHR.sup.2 OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.n CH.sub.3, --CHR.sup.2 OCOC(CH.sub.3).sub.3, acylthiomethyl, acyloxy-alpha-benzyl, delta-butyrolactonyl, methoxycarbonyloxymethyl, phenyl, methylsulphinylmethyl, beta-morpholinoethyl, dialkylaminoethyl, acyloxyalkyl, dialkylaminocarbonyloxymethyl and aliphatic, in which R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of H and lower alkyl; A is selected from the group consisting of S, O, SO, SO.sub.2 and CH.sub.2 ; and Z' and Z" are linkers for the fluorescent donor and quencher moieties. The substrates are useful in conjunction with .beta.

Abstract: An kit for an assay for measuring activated factor VII (factor VIIa) is disclosed which employs a reagent comprising truncated tissue factor (tTF), a soluble mutant form of tissue factor (TF) that retains the cofactor function of TF toward factor VIIa, but does not support the conversion of factor VII to VIIa. As a result, the tTF assay for factor VIIa is free from interference from factor VII in the plasma and is therefore specific for factor VIIa. The assay is much simpler than existing assays, because it is a single-stage clotting assay performed almost identically to a prothrombin time (PT) assay. It is also considerably more sensitive than current assays for factor VIIa in plasma. Since the tTF assay is calibrated against a factor VIIa standard, it yields an absolute concentration of factor VIIa in ng/ml.

Abstract: An assay for detecting microbial protease activity in clinical and laboray samples is described which comprises gathering a sample suspected of containing certain microorganisms having the desired protease activity; immobilizing the microorganisms in the sample on a solid phase substrate; contacting the immobilized microorganisms with an enzymatic substrate producing an enzymatic substrate end-product; contacting the enzymatic substrate end-product with a chemical enhancing reagent producing a detectable chromogenic reaction which varies in intensity with the level of protease activity in the sample; and detecting the chromogenic reaction whereby the semi-quantitative presence of the protease activity in the sample is determined.

Abstract: As to reaction solutions in which the amount of each potassium ferricyanate, glucose oxidase and glucose substrate are set at a constant value while glucose concentrations are varied, intensity changes of peaks at a shift wavenumber of 2081 cm.sup.-1 in light scattering spectra are measured every 10 seconds, the maximum values of the intensity changes of the peaks at the respective glucose concentrations obtained, for obtaining a calibration curve from correlations between the maximum values of the reaction velocities and the glucose concentrations. The calibration curve is employed for carrying out quantitative measurement of an unknown sample.

Abstract: Modulators of neurotransmitter release including substituted guanidines, N"-aminoguanidines, and N,N'N",N"'-tetrasubstituted hydrazinedicarboximidamides, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods involving the use of such neurotransmitter release modulators for the treatment or prevention of pathophysiologic conditions characterized by the release of excessive or inappropriate levels of neurotransmitters. Also disclosed are screening assays for compounds which selectively inhibit glutamate release. Also disclosed are methods of blocking voltage sensitive sodium and calcium channels in mammalian nerve cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides specific binding solid phase assay methods and kits for the detection of the presence or absence of a microorganism by directly staining the microorganism and specifically capturing the stained microorganism on a solid support. The methods find particular utility in the detection of Candida. The methods may simultaneously detect the presence or absence of multiple microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the specific detection of Pseudomonas fluorescens and for the selective growth of this bacterium. In a preferred embodiment, selective growth of P. fluorescens is effected by the combination of Irgasan, carbenicillin and nitrofurantoin in a bacteriological medium comprising suitable nutrients for its growth. Also provided is a fast, reliable and economical method for the assessment of microbial quality of a fresh animal product, such as poultry, beef, fish, shellfish, milk or the like, using media selective for the growth of P. fluorescens and detection methods for microbial growth in the selective media.

Abstract: The bacterial serine protease, subtilisin BPN', has been mutated so that it will efficiently and selectively cleave substrates containing dibasic residues. A combination mutant, where Asn 62 was changed to Asp and Gly 166 was changed to Asp (N62D/G166D), had a larger than additive shift in specificity toward dibasic substrates. Suitable substrates of the variant subtilisin were revealed by sorting a library of phage particles (substrate phage) containing five contiguous randomized residues. This method identified a particularly good substrate, Asn-Leu-Met-Arg-Lys-, that was selectively cleaved in the context of a fusion protein by the N62D/G166D subtilisin variant. Accordingly, this variant subtilisin may be useful for cleaving fusion proteins with dibasic substrate linkers and processing hormones or other proteins (in vitro or in vivo) that contain dibasic cleavage sites.

Abstract: The al-3 and related promoters can be used to provide light-regulated recombinant production of heterologous proteins in filamentous fungi. Expression systems utilizing these promoters can be placed in vectors which also optionally contain selectable marker means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of body weight disorders, including, but not limited to, obesity. Specifically, the present invention identifies and describes genes which are differentially expressed in body weight disorder states, relative to their expression in normal, or non-body weight disorder states, and/or in response to manipulations relevant to appetite and/or weight regulation. Further, the present invention identifies and describes genes via the ability of their gene products to interact with gene products involved in body weight disorders and/or appetite and/or body weight regulation. Still further, the present invention provides methods for the identification and therapeutic use of compounds as treatments of body weight disorders. Additionally, the present invention describes methods for the diagnostic evaluation and prognosis of various body weight disorders, and for the identification of subjects exhibiting a predisposition to such conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns new tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factors, designated TRAFs. The new factors are capable of specific association with the intracellular domain of the type 2 TNF receptor (TNF-R2) and CD40, and are involved in the mediation of TNF and CD40 ligand biological activities.

Abstract: A pre-coelenterazine peptide comprising a modified A. victoria GFP having an amino acid sequence in which Ser.sup.65 is replaced with Tyr. There is further provided a polynucleotide encoding the pre-coelenterazine peptide, allowing synthesis of large, pure amounts of coelenterazine.

Abstract: This invention provides a family of insecticidally effective peptides which may be isolated from Tegenaria spider venom, DNA encoding such insecticidally effective peptides and methods for controlling invertebrate pests.

Abstract: DNA constructs coding for a chimeric polypeptides containing fragments of cartilage matrix proteins that can bind collagen and their protein products are described. Also, the invention relates to purified chimeric polypeptides, and methods of their production and purification from transformed cells as well as their use as agents in therapeutics and clinical imaging. In addition, the invention disclosed a method for forming collagen fibrils using the chimetic polypeptide.

Abstract: A transmembrane water channel protein is isolated in highly purified form from human erythrocytes. An identical protein is also found in kidney tubules. cDNA encoding this protein has been isolated and its amino acid sequence determined. cDNA encoding a transmembrane water channel protein has also been obtained from salivary gland, and an identical protein is found in lacrimal gland, cornea, and lung tissue. The amino acid sequence of the protein has been deduced from the cDNA, and the protein has been designated Aquaporin-5. Using the nucleic acid or protein sequence provided herein, the protein may be produced by recombinant DNA techniques. Expression of the protein may be determined by either immunoassay or in situ hybridization assay.

Abstract: The structural genes and their regulatory DNA sequences of an alcohol oxidase (MOX) and a dihydroxyacetone synthase (DHAS) of Hansenula polymorpha have been isolated and the nucleotide sequences determined. The invention relates to the use of the MOX gene, as well as the use of the regulatory DNA sequences of MOX and/or DAS in combination with the MOX gene, optionally after modification thereof, or other oxidase genes, or other genes, to produce engineered microorganisms, 0in particular yeasts. Said engineered microorganisms can produce oxidases or other enzymes in yields that allow industrial application on a large scale. Moreover, said engineered microorganisms can produce oxidases having improved properties with respect to their application in oxidation reactions and/or in bleaching and detergent products.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel homeobox-type pancreatic islet transcription factor proteins useful to bind to tissue-specific elements (TSEs) within a pancreatic islet hormone gene promoter and modulate hormone gene expression both in vivo and in vitro. Nucleic acid sequences encoding such transcription factor proteins and assays employing same are also disclosed. The invention transcription factor proteins can be employed in a variety of ways, for example, to modulate RNA transcription, for production of antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions and methods employing such proteins and/or antibodies.

Abstract: A process for the recombinant production of proteins in the yeast Hansenula comprises transforming Hansenula with an expression cassette which comprises the following structural elements encoded:L-A-P-GENwhereL is a leader sequence,A is an adaptor producing an alpha-helix structure,P is a processing signal andGEN is a structural gene for the required protein.

Abstract: Novel nucleic acid sequences, vectors for expressing same, and uses of said sequences, in particular in actinomycetes fermentation methods.

Abstract: Amplified DNA is prepared for sequencing by contacting with exonuclease I and alkaline phosphatase which degrade undesirable excess primers dNTPs and non-specifically amplified single stranded DNA therein. The enzymes are provided in a kit.The method for sequencing DNA includes the following steps: providing a polynucleotide primer complementary to a region of the DNA, providing the DNA to be sequenced, and contacting that primer and DNA together in the presence of a DNA polymerase and between 1 and 3 dNTPs, at least one of the dNTP being labelled. The primer and DNA are contacted under conditions which allow extension of the primer by addition of one or more of the dNTPs to the primer to form an extended primer. The primer and DNA are then dissociated, generally by heating, and the contacting and dissociating steps repeated a plurality of times (usually 10-200 times).

Abstract: Methods are provided for the determination of telomere length. These methods can be used for diagnosis of cancer and the staging of cancer, and diagnosis of senecesence in cells. Also, the instant methods can be used to determine stages of diseases such as atherosclerosis or HIV infection, and can be used to diagnose infertility.

Abstract: There is disclosed a quantitative sensitive method to enable the detection of point mutations at a known site to a diagnostic kit which uses a multi step (for example, four steps) or a single step reaction. The method uses selective polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of mutant test gene sequences involving first stage amplification of both mutant and wild-type sequences, first stage restriction enzyme digestion of only wild-type sequences, second stage amplification of undigested amplified fragments enriched in mutant sequences and second stage digestion of previously undigested wild-type sequences. Long and short tail primers are used in the first and second stages of amplification respectively to enable selective amplification (in the second stage) of only previously amplified material and none of the original test genomic DNA.

Abstract: Regulatable RNA molecules such as regulatable ribozymes, nucleic acids encoding such regulatable ribozymes, and methods of making and using such regulatable ribozymes are disclosed. Regulatable ribozymes comprise a ligand-binding RNA sequence and a ribozyme sequence capable of cleaving a separate targeted RNA sequence, wherein upon binding of the ligand to the ligand-binding RNA sequence, the activity of the ribozyme sequence against the targeted RNA sequence is altered. The ligand may be either an inorganic or an organic molecule and may be a co-drug which can be administered to specifically regulate the ribozyme activity. Regulatable RNA molecules other than ribozymes are also disclosed, such as regulatable mRNA molecules which comprise a ligand-binding RNA sequence separate from the coding sequence, wherein upon binding of a ligand to the ligand-binding RNA sequence, translation of the regulatable mRNA is altered.

Abstract: This invention provides for a composition base and method of formulation to allow for oral vaccine delivery. The composition base is mixed with the oral vaccine and includes a carbohydrate composition having a dextrose equivalency value within the approximate range of 35-50. The buffer composition includes an electrolyte composition blended with the carbohydrate composition and the blended carbohydrate and electrolyte compositions are mixed each with respect to the other and then with the vaccine for oral ingestion by a user.

Abstract: L-aspartic acid is produced by repeating the following respective steps:(1) a reaction step of producing ammonium L-aspartate from an aqueous solution containing monoammonium maleate in accordance with an isomerization reaction and an enzyme reaction caused by aspartase in the presence of ammonia;(2) an ammonia-eliminating step of converting substantially all produced ammonium L-aspartate into monoammonium salt by distilling or stripping a reaction solution obtained in the step (1);(3) a crystallization step of crystallizing L-aspartic acid and producing monoammonium maleate from a solution obtained in the step (2) by adding maleic acid, maleic anhydride or both;(4) a solid-liquid separation step of separating L-aspartic acid crystals precipitated in the step (3) from a mother liquor containing monoammonium maleate; and(5) a recycle step of supplying the mother liquor containing monoammonium maleate obtained in the step (4) to the step (1) to be used as a raw material for the reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing increased amounts of a protein of interest in a cell by induction. The method includes transfecting a cell with multiple copies of an expression vector, each copy of which includes an expressible gene encoding an enzymatically functional dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and an expressible gene encoding a protein of interest. Transfected cells are cultured in the presence of methotrexate (MTX) to produce a plurality of clones. A clone containing plural copy number of the vectors which co-express DHFR and the protein of interest is then selected and cultured. The cultured clone is treated with MTX to enhance the expression of the protein of interest by inducing an increase in transcription without substantially amplifying the genes encoding the protein of interest and DHFR.

Abstract: A method for in vitro packaging of adeno-associated viral particles is described. The procedure involves the preparation of cell-free extracts containing all the essential components for packaging. Homogeneous purified substrate DNA for packaging may be prepared separately. The in vitro packaged AAV particles are useful in transduction of mammalian cells and for gene therapy in animals. In one described method, the DNA packaged into AAV particles is not limited by the size constraints characteristic of in vivo packaged AAV particles.

Abstract: A process is described for producing fertile hybrid seed or hybrid seed comprising fertile and sterile seed using male-sterile plants created by employing molecular techniques to manipulate anti-sense gene and other genes that are capable of controlling the production of fertile pollen in plants. Said plants are functionally male-sterile plants with pollen from male-fertile plants. Hybrid seed production is simplified and improved by this invention and can be extended to plant crop species for which commercially acceptable hybrid seed production methods are not currently available.

Abstract: Cells for implantation into a patient are packaged within a barrier of immunoprotective tissue prior to implantation to obviate or minimize rejection of the cells. The preferred immunoprotective tissue for forming the barrier is cartilage. The tissue is formed into a layer that is thin enough to allow diffusion of nutrients and gases into the center of a cell mass packaged within the immunoprotective tissue. Typically the layer is less than 300 microns, preferably between 5 and 20 microns. Cells to be implanted, typically dissociated parenchymal cells including hepatocytes, Islets of Langerhans, or other cells having metabolic functions, are then placed on the tissue layer, and the layer is folded to seal the cells to be implanted within the tissue layer. In the preferred embodiment, the dissociated cells are first seeded onto a polymeric fiber matrix.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a labeled protein, immobilized protein or protein-bioactive agent composition by attaching a label, support or bioactive agent to a protein by exopeptidase catalysis at a site that is remote from the active site of the protein. More specifically, an amine or alcohol group of an amino acid, amine or alcohol nucleophile is reacted by exopeptidase catalysis with a C-terminus carboxylic acid group of a protein such as an antibody, enzyme or hormone to couple the nucleophile to the protein to form an adduct, and the adduct is bound to an auxiliary substance such as a support, label or bioactive agent or its combination with a linker arm by reacting a reactive substituent of the nucleophile with a reactive group of the auxiliary substance. Alternatively, the nucleophile is bound to the auxiliary substance or its combination with a linker arm to form an intermediate, and the intermediate is coupled by exopeptidase catalysis to the protein.

Abstract: The sorbitol oxidase of the present invention catalyzes the reaction in which D-sorbitol is oxidized D-glucose and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A glucose oxidase obtained from a Cladosporium oxysporum strain, designated as CBS 163.94, characterized by a pH-optimum in he range pH 6-7, having more than 75% of maximum activity at pH 8, determined at 30.degree. C. with D-glucose as substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method to inhibit the binding between the p85 and p110 subunits of said PI3-kinase and thus a method to modulate PI3-kinase activity and modulate the response of cells to external stimuli. In particular, disabling, by conventional means, residues located in the inter-SH2 domain of said p85 subunit, specifically a region containing amino acid residue 478 to amino acid residue 513 of p85.alpha. subunit, or amino acid residue 445 to amino acid residue 485 of p85.beta. subunit of said PI3-kinase. Interference with these binding regions will affect binding between the subunits and results in inhibiting PI3-kinase activity. This invention further relates to a methods to modulate the serine kinase activity of the PI3-kinase which can be achieved by disabling the DRHNSN sequence of the p110 subunit and can also be used to effect changes in overall PI3-kinase activity. This invention is further related to an (ant)agonist which affects serine kinase activity of PI3-kinase.

Abstract: A method for isolating and identifying modified para-nitrobenzyl esterases which exhibit improved stability and/or esterase hydrolysis activity toward selected substrates and under selected reaction conditions relative to the unmodified para-nitrobenzyl esterase. The method involves preparing a library of modified para-nitrobenzyl esterase nucleic acid segments (genes) which have nucleotide sequences that differ from the nucleic acid segment which encodes for unmodified para-nitrobenzyl esterase. The library of modified para-nitrobenzyl nucleic acid segments is expressed to provide a plurality of modified enzymes. The clones expressing modified enzymes are then screened to identify which enzymes have improved esterase activity by measuring the ability of the enzymes to hydrolyze the selected substrate under the selected reaction conditions.

Abstract: Chondroitinase II, a protein having an isoelectric point of approximately 8.4-8.45 and an apparent molecular mass of 112 kDa when electrophoresed in a 4 to 20% gradient acrylamide gel in 25 mM Tris/192 mM glycine buffer at pH 8.5 in the presence of about 0.1% (w/v) SDS, has been isolated and purified. A process for the copurification by affinity chromatography of the chondroitinase I and chondroitinase II proteins produced by Proteus vulgaris is also provided. The proteins can be further purified by metal chelating chromatography. Therapeutic or surgical compositions of isolated chondroitinases I and II or the copurified mixture of chondroitinase I and II are also disclosed. These compositions are used in a method for selectively and completely disinserting the vitreous body from the neural retina of an eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteases obtained from a strain of Bacillus sp. AC13, and having (a) an apparent molecular weight of approximately 30 kD as determined by SDS-PAGE; (b) an isoelectric point of approximately 9.3 as determined by isoelectric focusing on LKB Ampholine PAG plates; (c) a pH optimum above 10 determined at 25.degree. C. with casein as substrate; (d) a temperature optimum in the range of 45.degree.-55.degree. C. determined at pH 9.5 with casein as substrate; and (e) immunochemical properties identical or partially identical to those of a protease derived from Bacillus sp. AC13, NCIMB No. 40482.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutations of the subtilisin gene, some of which result in changes in the chemical characteristics of subtilisin enzyme. Mutations are created at specific nucleic acids of the subtilisin gene and, in various specific embodiments, the mutant enzymes possess altered chemical properties including, but not limited to, increased stability to oxidation, augmented proteolytic activity, and improved washability. The present invention also relates, but is not limited to, the amino acid and DNA sequences for two proteases derived from Bacillus lentus variants, subtilisin 147 and subtilisin 309, as well as mutations of these genes and the corresponding mutant enzymes.

Abstract: New broad spectrum strains of bread-making yeast havinga high multiplication yield,good nitrogen assimilation,preferably good resistance to drying,characterized by the fact that they simultaneously have all the following enzymatic activities:maltose-permease activity after growth of the yeast on glucose medium in the absence of maltose (Test T.sub.1): at least 9 units;maltase activity after growth of the yeast on glucose medium in the absence of maltose (Test T.sub.2): at least 80 units; andinvertase activity (Test T.sub.3): less than 10 units and preferably more than 2 units.