Abstract: A new method for producing phycoerythrin with high optical density [OD] from the group selected from an algae whose life cycle has sexual reproduction, asexual reproduction, and vegetative propagation, such as Galaxaura oblongata, Halymenia ceylanica, Helminthocladia australis, and Porphyra dentata.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production process of biotin by fermentation using a genetically engineered microorganism, and DNA sequences and vectors to be used in such process.

Abstract: Migrastatin and a migrastatin analog can be produced by fermentation of Streptomyces platensis NRRL 18993 and used in pharmaceutical formulations to treat cancer and/or inhibit metastasis of cancer cells.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the increased production of biotin and the biotin precursor dethiobiotin using a bacterium that produces a lysine-utilizing DAPA aminotransferase. This method involves the use of a bacterium that is either grown in the presence of lysine or deregulated for lysine biosynthesis.

Abstract: Novel bacterial genes, microorganisms and processes for improving the manufacture of 5R clavams, eg. clavulanic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant polyketide synthase enzymes, polyketide modifying proteins, and other proteins involved in polyketide biosynthesis or function. The invention provides domains of geldanamycin and herbimycin polyketide synthases, polynucleotides that encode such enzymes, and to host cells in which such encoding polynucleotides can be advantageously expressed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved poppy straw of a stably reproducing Papaver somniferum for the extraction of thebaine and/or oripavine, the threshed straw having thebaine and oripavine constituting about 50% by weight or greater of the alkaloid combination consisting of morphine, codeine, thebaine and oripavine.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for making biotin from desthiobiotin by either contacting desthiobiotin with an enzyme reaction mixture containing bioB gene product and nifU gene product and/or nifS gene product and isolating the biotin or cultivating a microorganism transformed with DNA encoding the bioB gene product, nifU gene product and nifS gene product and isolating the biotin.

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

Abstract: This invention provides a protein comprising consecutive amino acids, the amino acid sequence of which is illustrated in FIG. 8 (SEQ. ID No.14) or, a fragment thereof having at least 15 amino acids, or a variant thereof, the sequence of which has at least 70% identity with the amino acid sequence of FIG. 8 (SEQ. ID No.14) over a length of at least 400 amino acids. This invention further provides a peptide comprising a fragment of salutaridinol 7-O-acetyltransferase protein of at least 6 consecutive amino acids which is not present in other plant acetyltransferases as illustrated in FIG. 2 (SEQ. IDs No.8 to 12). This invention further provides a nucleic acid molecule comprising consecutive nucleotides (i) the nucleic acid sequence of which is illustrated in FIG. 9 (SEQ. ID No.13) or FIG. 10 (SEQ. ID No.15), or (ii) a fragment thereof having a length of at least 45 nucleotides, or (iii) a variant thereof, the sequence of which has at least 70% identity with the sequence of FIG. 9 (SEQ. ID No.13) or FIG.

Abstract: A compound which has the following formula (1), 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of preparing geldanamycin by culturing Streptomyces hygroscopicus in an aqueous nutrient medium. The aqueous nutrient medium can comprise starch, a starch conversion enzyme, an assimilable source of protein and optionally a further assimilable source of carbon or can comprise an assimilable source of carbon and an assimilable source of protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel peptide derivatives, called memno peptides, of the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and (A)n have the meaning herein, obtainable by cultivation of Memnoniella echinata FH2272, DSM 13195 or mutants and variants of this, a process for their preparation and the use of the compounds as pharmaceuticals, for example against cardiac insufficiency.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a biologically active phenolic compound (+) catechin from Taxus wallichiana tissue cultures, said process comprising the steps of (a) inoculating the of explants on a culture medium supplemented with combinations of auxins and cytokinins, (b) incubating the cultures under continuous light or dark conditions for 4-6 weeks for callus initiation followed by subculturing at 4-6 weeks intervals, (c) extracting the fresh pulverized calli with polar solvents at room temperature; (d) evaporating the solvent to obtain a residue; and (e) treating the residue with a chlorinated solvent and isolating (+) catechin compound by filtration.

Abstract: This invention relates to tricyclo compounds useful for treatment and prevention of resistance by transplantation, graft-versus-host diseases by medulla ossium transplantation, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and the like, which can be represented by the following formula: 1

Abstract: Novel bacterial genes, microorganisms and processes for improving the manufacture of 5R clavams, eg. clavulanic acid.

Abstract: Improved purification methods for ansamitocins are disclosed.

Abstract: A microorganism that is a mutant bacterial strain of the species Actinosynnema pretiosum, designated PF4-4, (ATCC PTA-3921), being capable of producing maytansinoid ansamitocins such as ansamitocin P-3 in improved yield compared to previous known strains, and capable of growth under varied culture conditions, and methods of producing maytansinoid ansamitocins by culturing PF4-4 in a suitable growth medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparation of optically active azabicyclo heptanone derivatives using lactamases that will react with racemic −lactam of formula (I) to give a single enantiomer of lactam (III) and the corresponding ring opened compound of formula (IV) in an enantiomerically pure form.

Abstract: The invention provides a biosynthetic gene cluster for mitomycin, as well as methods of using gene(s) within the cluster to alter biosynthesis.

Abstract: Novel bacterial genes, microorganisms and processes for improving the manufacture of 5R clavams, eg. clavulanic acid.

Abstract: Novel bacterial genes, microorganisms and processes for improving the manufacture of 5R clavams, eg. clavulanic acid.

Abstract: The rapamycin gene cluster is an example of a gene cluster which includes a gene (rapL) leading to the formation of a precursor compound (pipecolic acid, in this case) which is required for inclusion in the larger product (rapamycin) produced by the enzymes encoded by the cluster. We have produced a mutant strain containing a rapamycin gene cluster in which the rapL gene is disabled. The strain does not naturally produce rapamycin but does so if fed with pipecolic acid. By feeding with alternative carboxylic acids we have produced variants of rapamycins. Tests have shown biological activity.

Abstract: The invention discloses a yeast with high biotin-productivity and the preparation method thereof. The yeast is transformed by an integrated plasmid, which includes a biotin synthase gene, an assistant DNA sequence for the integration of the plasmid into a host genome, a promoter sequence, and a selection marker.

Abstract: Improved purification methods for ansamitocins are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides process for making biotin from desthiobiotin either contacting desthiobiotin with an enzyme reaction mixture containing bioB gene product and nifU gene product and/or nifS gene product and isolating the biotin or cultivating a microorganism transformed with DNA encoding the bioB gene product, nifU gene product and nifS gene product and isolating the biotin.

Abstract: A process for the isolation of clavulanic acid and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, such as potassium clavulanate, from the aqueous fermentation broth of a clavulanic acid-producing microorganism comprises the microfiltration of the broth without prior treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacterial strains useful for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid. The present invention further relates to the use of these strains for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by fermentative conversion of L-sorbose. The present invention further relates to the use of these novel bacterial strains for the production of pyrroloquinoline quinone and a nontoxic lipopolysaccharide. Also described is the strains of the present invention transformed by a vector.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding a novel SAM synthetase of Streptomyces fradiae. Also provided are vectors and transformed heterologous host cells for expressing the SAM synthetase and a method for preparing S-adenosylmethionine from recombinant host cells transformed with the SAM synthetase gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding an aveC gene product, which polynucleotide molecules can be used to alter the ratio or amount of class 2:1 avermectins produced in fermentation cultures of S. avermitilis. The present invention further relates to vectors, host cells, and mutant strains of S. avermitilis in which the aveC gene has been inactivated, or mutated so as to change the ratio or amount of class 2:1 avermectins produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacterial strains useful for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid. The present invention further relates to the use of these strains for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by fermentative conversion of L-sorbose. The present invention further relates to the use of these novel bacterial strains for the production of pyrroloquinoline quinone and a nontoxic lipopolysaccharide. Also described is the strains of the present invention transformed by a vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacterial strains useful for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid. The present invention further relates to the use of these strains for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by fermentative conversion of L-sorbose. The present invention further relates to the use of these novel bacterial strains for the production of pyrroloquinoline quinone and a nontoxic lipopolysaccharide. Also described is the strains of the present invention transformed by a vector.

Abstract: The use of enzymes which catalyze the production of starter and extender units for polyketides is described. In addition, modified loading modules are described, which can accept a variety of starting units such as substituted benzoates, and which can be used to generate substituted derivatives of natural products. These enzymes may be used to enhance the yield of polyketides that are natively produced or polyketides that are rationally designed. By using these techniques, the synthesis of a complete polyketide has been achieved in E. coli. Production can be enhanced in microbial organisms of polyketides and other secondary metabolites by delaying production until after exponential phase and by maintaining relatively constant nutrient levels in the medium. In addition, polyketide production can be enhanced by providing an expression system for a thioesterase II. Thus, by modifying the host organism and changing the culture conditions, synthesis of a secondary metabolite can be enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel enantioselective bioreduction using a yeast microorganism for the preparation of the chiral allylic alcohols of structural formula I (R is hydrogen or methyl) which are useful in the asymmetric synthesis of integrin &agr;v&bgr;3 receptor antagonists.

Abstract: This invention relates to tricyclo compounds useful for treatment and prevention of resistance by transplantation, graft-versus-host diseases by medulla ossium transplantation, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and the like, which can be represented by the following formula: to a process for their production, to a pharmaceutical composition containing the same and to a use thereof.

Abstract: A gene construct comprising a biotin gene having the sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or SEQ ID No. 3, organisms which comprise this gene construct, the use of these sequences or of the gene construct for preparing biotin, and a process for preparing biotin are described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the increased production of biotin and the biotin precursor dethiobiotin using a bacterium that produces a lysine-utilizing DAPA aminotransferase. This method involves the use of a bacterium that is either grown in the presence of lysine or deregulated for lysine biosynthesis.

Abstract: A process for producing a compound of the general formula (I): (wherein R1 represents hydrogen, a lower alkanoyl group or a lower alkyl group; R2 and R3 each represents hydrogen or a lower alkanoyl group) characterized in that a compound of the general formula (II): (wherein R1, R2 and R3 are respectively as defined above) is reacted with a culture of a strain of microorganism belonging to the genus Fusarium or its cells harvested by filtering the broth.

Abstract: The present invention provides structure-based combinatorial libraries of compounds containing the functional group minima of picornaviruses including poliovirus and rhinovirus. The libraries can be used to screen for therapeutical antiviral compounds, e.g., anti-picornaviral capsid-binding compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula I 1

Abstract: The present invention provides a transformed yeast strain containing a DNA sequence transcriptionally linked to a promoter functional in such yeast cells, which when expressed in a suitable host cell, encodes at least one polypeptide having riboflavin biosynthetic activity. Using such transformants, improved levels of riboflavin production are achieved. Processes of producing riboflavin from such transformants are also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved poppy straw of a stably reproducing Papaver somniferum for the extraction of thebaine and/or oripavine, the threshed straw having thebaine and oripavine constituting about 50% by weight or greater of the alkaloid combination consisting of morphine, codeine, thebaine and oripavine.

Abstract: Spirolaxine, the compound of formula (I) wherein R is H, and the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein R is (C1-C5) alkyl or CH3(CH2)nCO and n is 1, 2, 3 or 4 are useful in treating gastroduodenal diseases such as gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer caused by Helicobacter pylori. Spirolaxine and spirolaxine methyl ether are isolated from the fermentation of Sporotrichum pruinosum ATCC 74278. Spirolaxine and the compounds of formula (I) are also useful in combination with H2 antagonist, colloidal bismuth subcitrate and other antibiotics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the microbial oxidation of 2-methylquinoxaline to 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid which comprise contacting 2-methylquinoxaline with a microorganism, or a suitable mutant thereof, and incubating the resulting mixture under conditions sufficient to yield an amount of said 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid. The present processes optionally further comprise the isolation and purification of 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for making biotin from desthiobiotin by either contacting desthiobiotin with an enzyme reaction mixture containing bioB gene product and nifU gene product and/or nifS gene product and isolating the biotin or cultivating a microorganism transformed with DNA encoding the bioB gene product, nifU gene product and nifS gene product and isolating the biotin.

Abstract: DNA comprising a regulatory gene for clavulanic acid biosynthesis. DNA is no greater than 7 kb in length and has the configuration of restriction sites shown in FIG. 1 or a fragment thereof. Use of DNA in a method for producing clavulanic acid in a host.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an enzymatic oxidative deamination process of a dipeptide monomer to prepare an intermediate useful to prepare compounds having endopeptidase and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition activity.

Abstract: Shermilamine D, a novel cytotoxic pyridoacridine alkaloid of Formula 1, has been isolated from the tunicate Cystodytes violatinctus. The structure of the compound has been established on the basis of 1-D and 2-D NMR data.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to novel antibiotics, XENORXIDES of formula shown below, wherein R1, R2=hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, acyl, aryl, aralkyl, or heterocyclyl group; R3=hydrogen, alkyl cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl group, produced by bacterial symbiont Xenorhabdus bovienii and/or other Xenorhabdus species, and/or by oxidation of the corresponding dithiolopyrrolone derivatives with oxygen and Xenorhabdus species, and/or its cell-free filtrate, the additional salts thereof, the compositions thereof and their use as medicaments and/or agrochemicals, particularly in the treatment of infectious diseases involving microorganisms susceptible to them, including drug-resistant Staphylococcus.

Abstract: Intermediate compounds, including 2-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxymethyl)-3,4-[(dimethylmethylene)dioxy]-5-hydroxy-tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-8-ene, which are useful for the synthesis of neplanocin A having strong antitumor activity. Improved processes for the preparation of neplanocin A, starting from optically active 2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxy-tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]deca-3,8-diene and via a key step comprising a retro-Diels-Alder reaction of the above intermediate.