Abstract: Provided herein are recombinant microorganisms having two or more copies of a nucleic acid sequence encoding xylose isomerase, wherein the nucleic acid encoding the xylose isomerase is an exogenous nucleic acid. Optionally, the recombinant microorganisms include at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding a xylulose kinase and/or at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding a xylose transporter. The provided recombinant microorganisms are capable of growing on xylose as a carbon source.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for producing reduced cholesterol animal foodstuffs and products by feeding livestock and other food-producing animals with feed supplemented with microbial cultures containing hypocholesterolemic compounds produced by microorganisms comprising said microbial cultures. The invention provides low cholesterol poultry, eggs, meat, whole milk, and dairy products.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insecticidal fermentation broth of an actinomycete, where the fermentation broth contains an optimized ratio of active dunaimycins to inactive dunaimycins.

Abstract: The method separates emulsions derived from whole-cell biotransformations, including stable emulsions derived from typical biocatalytic two-phase processes that result with such a biotransformation. A supercritical extraction to obtain the valuable product can follow directly, because of the use of compressed or supercritical gas as the separation agent. It is unimportant whether the valuable product is present in the aqueous or the organic phase. Recycling of the organic phase is possible, since the surfactant cell components decisively responsible for the formation of the stable emulsion can be separated off via sedimentation, because of the treatment. The achieved separation remains in existence even after the gas has gassed out, so that aside from extraction, other methods for product isolation can also follow, if necessary.

Abstract: Product R, a novel therapeutic composition for treating viral infections and stimulating the immune system comprises a unique peptide having 31 amino acids and another unique peptide having 21 amino acids and connected with an oligo-nucleotide through a diphosphodiester or diphosphodithioate ester linkage. The composition has a light absorption spectrum with typical absorption ratios of 1.998 at 260 mn/280 nm and 1.359 at 260 nm/230 nm.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.

Abstract: Product R, a novel therapeutic composition for treating viral infections and stimulating the immune system, comprises a unique peptide having 31 amino acids and another unique peptide having 21 amino acids and connected with an oligo-nucleotide through a diphosphodiester or diphosphodithioate ester linkage. The composition has a light absorption spectrum with typical absorption ratios of 1.998 at 260 nm/280 nm and 1.359 at 260 nm/230 nm.

Abstract: Provided is a method for obtaining a macrolide, especially tacrolimus, ascomycin, pimecrolimus, sirolimus, or everolimus, from biomatter.

Abstract: Provided is a method for obtaining a macrolide, especially tacrolimus, from biomatter.

Abstract: A protein, which is an aminoketone asymmetric reductase, having an effect of producing d-pseudoephedrine by acting on 1-2-methylaminopropiophenone, and having the following physiochemical properties: substrate: 1-2-methylaminopropiophenone optimum pH: pH 8.1 optimum temperature: 55° C. coenzyme: NADP molecular weight: about 28500 Da homotetramer and a nucleic acid coding the protein.

Abstract: A process of obtaining ?-keto butyrate by bioconversion is disclosed. The molecule is accumulated in the medium and is apt to subsequent processing to food ingredients, such as top-note flavors. A suitable strain is a natural ilv-3 mutant Neurospora crassa strain, which is capable of accumulating ?-keto butyrate in the fermentation medium. By adjusting specific medium parameters, up to 8 g/l medium of ?-keto butyrate can be accumulated.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process for preparation of an optically active 7-substituted 3-(2-aminopropyl)indole compound and an intermediate therefor. In the above preparation process, 7-substituted indole is reacted with L- or DL-serine in the presence of a tryptophan-synthesizing enzyme originating in microorganisms to form corresponding 7-substituted L-tryptophan, and it is subjected, if necessary, to reduction, protection, exchange and elimination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing geranylgeraniol and analogous compounds thereof, which comprises culturing yeast cells (ascomycetes and deuteromycetes), bacterial cells, actinomycete cells or filamentous fungus cells, all of which are capable of producing geranylgeraniol and analogous compounds thereof, in a medium to produce and accumulate geranylgeraniol and analogous compounds thereof in the cells and/or in the extracellular environment; and then collecting these compounds. The present invention enables inexpensive mass production of geranylgeraniol and analogous compounds thereof by using microorganisms capable of producing geranylgeraniol, farnesol and/or nerolidol useful as biosynthetic intermediates of terpenes, carotenoids and/or steroids.

Abstract: The present invention provides pravastatin sodium substantially free of pravastatin lactone and epiprava, the C-6 epimer of pravastatin. The present invention further provides a novel process for recovering pravastatin sodium from a fermentation broth in such high purity. The process includes the stages of forming an solution of the compound by extraction, obtaining an ammonium salt of pravastatin from the solution, purifying the ammonium salt of the compound and transposing the salt of the compound to pravastatin sodium.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoates comprising a monomer unit having the following chemical formula (2): (where the reference characters R represents an arbitrarily selected substituent and x represents an integer of 0 to 8) is produced by culturing a microorganism in a culture medium containing a substituted fatty acid ester having the following chemical formula (1): (where the reference characters R and R? separately denote an optional substituent and x represents an integer of 0 to 8). The microorganism is capable of taking the substituted fatty acid ester into the cells and synthesizing the desired polyhydroxyalkanoate in the culture medium.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol, the method comprising the step of allowing at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of microorganisms belonging to the genus Morganella and others, to act on an enantiomeric mixture of an &agr;-aminoketone or a salt thereof having the general formula (I): to produce an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol with the desired optical activity having the general formula (II) described below in a high yield as well as in a highly selective manner:

Abstract: A nitrile compound having a complicated structure (e.g., 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile) is converted into an amide compound with high production efficiency, by using a novel microorganism of which the gene 16S rRNA has a specific base sequence. As the microorganism, Rhodococcus sp. Cr4 strain and Rhodococcus sp. Am8 strain or the like is employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of manufacturing sulfuric acid from elemental sulfur-bearing materials using biological oxidation processes and optimizing such processes by controlling temperature, aeration, and the biological oxidation rates of the sulfur-containing reaction solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antibiotic substance of microbial origin, arbitrarily denominated GE23077 complex and the individual factors which constitute it, a mixture of said factors in any proportion, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and compositions thereof, and their use as an antibacterial agent having a selective inhibitory activity against E. coli RNA polymerase.

Abstract: There is provided a method of production of an immunostimulatory &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation, comprising the step of autolysis of cells of a microorganism at a pH of 5 to 6 and a temperature of 35 to 60° C. for 6 to 48 hours, and separating solid material roam the autolysed product. The &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation may be incorporated as a food component or be used as a pharmaceutical for treatment of conditions such as immuno-suppression, hypercholesterolaemia, hypoglycaemia and heavy metal excretion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing erythritol by fed-batch and repeated fermentation of sugars by microorganisms which produce erythritol, characterised by the fact that the fermentation is started by introducing said microorganisms into a fermentation medium containing a concentration of sugars lower than 200 g/l, and the fermentation is continued by carrying out at least one fermentation cycle which comprises: at least one phase of adding substrates so as to maintain the concentration of total sugars at a value of between 0 and 200 g/l, at least one phase of separation of the fermentation medium into a concentrated fraction of microorganisms and another fraction enriched with erythritol, when there is total consumption of sugars, at least one phase of recycling recovered and concentrated microorganisms in the fermentation medium.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a new microorganism Streptomyces exfoliatus YJ-118 and a method for producing pravastatin sodium by using this microorganism which shows a strong tolerance to ML-236B and a high hydroxylation activity of ML-236B to pravastatin.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for use in modulating neurotrophin activity, wherein the active agent is at least one compound which potentiates neurotrophin activity. A preferred class of active agents is K-252 compounds, including both microbial metabolites and derivatives thereof. Neurotropin activity is modulated by administration of an effective amount of at least one compound which potentiates neurotrophin activity. Potentiation of NT-3 by K-252b, K-252a, KT5720, and KT5823 provides a model for therapeutic intervention in a variety of neuropathological conditions.

Abstract: A method of producing 1-menthyl-&agr;-D-glucopyranoside is provided, wherein microorganisms capable of producing 1-menthol glycoside from 1-menthol are added to sugars and 1-menthol. Bacteria selected from the group consisting of Xanthomonas species, Stenotrophomonas species and Arthrobacter species may be used as the microorganisms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new Streptomyces candidus strain, and relevant uses thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid test medium by use of an immunochromatographic test strip through which the test fluid can flow by capillarity. The test strip has at least two capture bands and optionally one or more collection bands which capture labeled anti-analyte antibody to provide a detectable signal. The signals from the label is quantitatively detected in each of the bands to provide a pattern of signals which is unique to the concentration of analyte in the test fluid. The pattern of signals are mathematically combined to create a monotonous dose-response curve to thereby factor out the high analyte hook effect which can be present in this type of assay.

Abstract: Strains of Aureobasidium pullulans (de bary) Arnaud can be used for the commercial production of gluconic acid by fermentation in aqueous liquid containing sugar, which in continuous culture from glucose form greater than or equal to 90% and greater than or equal to 90% molar selectivity. The process is conducted with an Fe and Mn optimized medium with a nitrogen-independent (N-independent) ion concentration. The iron (Fe) concentration with 3 g/l NH.sub.4 Cl is greater than or equal to 0.5 mM, and the manganese (Mn) concentration with 3 g/l NH.sub.4 Cl is greater than or equal to about 0.5 mM manganese (Mn). The pH is regulated between about 4.5 and about 8, in particular at 6.5-7, and the temperature between 24 and 32.degree. C., in particular at 29-30.degree. C. Particularly successful strains are Aureobasidium pullulans (de bary) Arnaud with the registration numbers DSM 7085, DSM 7086, DSM 7087, and DSM 7088.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selectively enhancing the production of factors A.sub.2 and/or A.sub.3 of antibiotic A/16686 either to isolate these single components or to enrich the complex in one or both the above components, which comprises adding an appropriate precursor of the desired antibiotic factor to an A/16686 producing culture during fermentation.

Abstract: New glycopeptide antibiotic A82846, comprising A82846A, A82846B and A82846C, is produced by Nocardia orientalis strains NRRL 18098, NRRL 18099 and NRRL 18100. The A82846 antibiotics have activity against Gram-positive bacteria comparable to that of vancomycin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for selectively enhancing the production of factors A, and/or B.sub.0 of antibiotic A 40926 either to isolate these single components in better yields or to enrich the complex in one or both the above components, which comprises adding an appropriate precursor of the desired antibiotic factor to an A 40926 producing culture during fermentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulatory factor substantially containing an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1 and having the action of activating a nitrilase gene promoter, a regulatory factor gene containing DNA coding substantially for said regulatory factor, a recombinant plasmid containing said regulatory factor gene, a nitrilase gene containing a promoter region and a DNA region capable of replicating in a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus, and a transformant transformed with said recombinant plasmid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a .gamma.-cyclodextrin glucanotransferase having novel properties, to a process for the production of the .gamma.-cyclodextrin glucanotransferase which comprises culturing a strain belonging to the genus Brevibacterium capable of producing cyclodextrin glucanotransferase, thereby allowing the strain to produce the .gamma.-cyclodextrin glucanotransferase in a culture medium, and subsequently collecting the enzyme, to a process for the production of cyclodextrin which comprises allowing the cyclodextrin glucanotransferase to react with substrate dissolved in a solution, thereby effecting formation of .gamma.-cyclodextrin as a main product, and to a method for increasing .gamma.-cyclodextrin yield without accompanying yield increase of total cyclodextrin, which comprises adding ethyl alcohol to a reaction solution in which .gamma.-cyclodextrin and .beta.-cyclodextrin are formed from starch by the action of .gamma.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds which inhibit farnesyl-protein transferase (FPTase) and the farnesylation of the oncogene protein Ras. The invention is further directed to chemotherapeutic compositions containing the compounds of this invention and methods for inhibiting farnesyl-protein transferase and the farnesylation of the oncogene protein Ras. Furthermore, Actinoplanes sp. ATCC 55532 and Streptomces sp. ATCC 55550 are microorganisms which are capable of producing the disclosed compounds which are classified as carboxylic acid esters. In addition a method for preparing the compounds is disclosed which includes cultivating strain ATCC 55532 or strain ATCC 55550. The strains are independently capable of producing the carboxylic acid ester compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain antibiotic compounds, designated N787-182 compounds herein and derivatives thereof, which are antiparasitic agents, active against insect pests, acari, free-living nematodes and endo- and ectoparasites. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical and other compositions containing such compounds, methods of using such compounds, the microorganism Streptomyces hygroscopicus ATCC 53718 and mutants or genetically transformed or recombinant form thereof, and processes for producing such compounds.

Abstract: A novel trehalase inhibitor having the following physicochemical properties:(1) Activity: a specific inhibitory activity to trehalase;(2) Form: white powder, water-soluble;(3) Somogy-Nelson test: negative(4) Rydon-Smith test: positive(5) Optical rotation [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.23 : 113.8.degree. (C, 0.1, H.sub.2 O)(6) Molecular weight: 335 ([M+H].sup.+ =336)(7) Ultraviolet absorption spectrum: 258.5 nm (max.)(8) .sup.13 C-NMR(ppm): 28.9, 41.0, 56.9, 58.4, 64.3, 65.0, 71.3, 74.0, 75.2, 75.8, 76.0, 77.1, 123.0, 144.

Abstract: A certain fermentation product of Actinomadura strain Q473-8 yield, when suitably treated, a novel compound having both antibiotic and antitumor activities.

Abstract: This invention relates to the substance Trehalostatin which is a white powder soluble in water but hardly or only slightly soluble in hexane, benzene, ethers and petroleum ether, shows no absorption maxima at 220 nm or above in its ultraviolet visible light absorption spectrum, is positive in Rydon-Smith reaction and negative in nynhydrin reaction, 3,6-dinitrophthalic acid reaction and Elson-Morgan reaction, and has an RF value of 0.37 in Merck Kieselgal 50 F.sub.254 thin-layer chromatography using 3:1:2 mixture on n-butanol, acetic acid and water as a developing solvent, Rt of 11.0 minutes in YMC PA03 (0.7 .times.27 cm) high performance liquid chromatography using 65% v/v acetonitrile (in H.sub.2 O) as a solvent at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min, a molecular weight of 366, [alpha].sub.D of +115.degree., and specific NMR spectrum.Also disclosed is a process for preparing trehalostatin and a specific strain of Amycolatopsis trehalostatica which has FERM accession number BP-2784.

Abstract: A novel trehalase inhibitor having the following physicochemical properties:(1) Activity: a specific inhibitory activity to trehalase;(2) Form: white powder, water-soluble;(3) Somogy-Nelson test: negative(4) Rydon-Smith test: positive(5) Optical rotation [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.23 : 113.8.degree. (C, 0.1 H.sub.2 O)(6) Molecular weight: 335 ([M+H].sup.+ =336)(7) Ultraviolet absorption spectrum: 258.5 nm (max.)(8) .sup.13 C-NMR(ppm): 28.9, 41.0, 56.9, 58.4, 64.3, 65.0, 71.3, 74.0, 75.2, 75.8, 76.0, 77.1, 123.0, 144.

Abstract: Disclosed are active compounds BU-4726G-A and BU-4726G-B which contain a quinone chromophore and hydroquinone chromophore, respectively. The compounds are produced by fermentation of Streptomyces exfoliatus AA4510. The compounds possess antimicrobial, and K.sub.ATP channel blocking activities.

Abstract: This invention concerns 2-acyl-4,5,8,8a-tetrahydro-4-oxycyclopropan[c]pyrrol(3,2-e) indole derivatives of Formula I': ##STR1## the compounds of Formula I' are useful as uv light absorber substances, as chemical intermediates and as prodrugs of known spirocyclopropylpyrroloindole CC-1065 analogs. Representative Formula I' compounds have been shown to possess useful ranges of antitumor activity in standard laboratory animal tests.

Abstract: A method and multilayer analytical element for the determination of catechol and catechol generating substances such as salicylate is described. A series of enzymatic conversions involving tyrosinase is used to convert catechol to o-quinone and the latter to convert a leuco dye to a colored dye.

Abstract: A certain fermentation product of Actinomadura strain Q473-8 yields, when suitably treated, a novel compound having both antibiotic and antitumor activities.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing an immunosuppressant, "demethimmunomycin" (L-683,7411) a C-31 demethylated analog of L-683,590 under fermentation conditions utilizing the microorganism, Actinoplanacete sp, (Merck Culture Collection MA 6559) ATCC No. 53771. The macrolide immunosuppressant is useful in preventing human host rejection of foreign organ transplants, e.g. bone marrow and heart transplants.

Abstract: Production of an antiviral antibiotic complex, BU-3889V and its bioactive components A.sub.1, A.sub.2, A.sub.3, D.sub.1, D.sub.2 and D.sub.3, by fermentation of a BU-3889V producing strain of the new microorganism Amycolatopsis orientalis ATCC-53884 is disclosed. Complex BU-3889V is recovered and the components separated by the use of ion exchange chromatography techniques. The bioactive components are characterized by their physico-chemical characterizing properties. The products have been found to be effective to inhibit viruses including herpes simplex virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and influenza virus.

Abstract: A certain fermentation product of Actinomadura strain Q473-8 yields, when suitably treated, a novel compound having both antibiotic and antitumor activities.

Abstract: Novel physiologically active substance, kanglemycin C, having a molecular weight of 326 and is isolated from the fermentation broth of Nocardia mediterranei var. kanulensis 1747-64 which belongs to the genus Nocardia. Kanglemycin C has an immunosuppressive activity and inhibits proliferation of tumor cells in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microorgaisms which produce the aroma and flavor of traditional Korean soybean paste. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the soybean paste which comprises inoculating a pure boiled soybean medium with Bacillus subtilis PM3 or Bacillus subtilis SS9 and culturing it at 25.degree.-35.degree. C. for 40-60 days to produce the soybean paste. The present invention further relates to a method for producing the soybean paste, which comprises inoculating a pure boiled soybean medium with Bacillus subtilis PM3 or Bacillus subtilis SS9 together with a fusant yeast ST723-F31 or Bacillus licheniformis SSA3-2M1 and culturing them at 25.degree.-35.degree. C. for 40-60 days to produce the soybean paste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel .alpha.-glucosidase inhibitor, pradimicin Q, having the following formula ##STR1## and its pharmaceutically acceptable base salts.

Abstract: New glycopeptide antibiotics MM 49728, MM 55266, MM 55267/1, MM 55267/2 and MM 55268 are produced by fermentation of Amycolatopsis sp. NCIB 40089.

Abstract: Engineered DNA encoding a pre-protein which comprises a Streptomyces chitinase signal sequence and a desired mature protein. Preferably, the signal sequence is from the S. plicatus endochitinase gene. The engineered DNA is included in a host organism causing the host to produce and secrete the mature protein. Where the mature protein is a chitinase, the invention is used in methods of controlling chitinase-sensitive pests.