Abstract: A knock-out non-human animal, in particular a mouse, carrying a QPCTL knock-out mutation. Additionally, respective cells and cell lines and methods and compositions for evaluating agents that affect QPCTL, for use in compositions for the treatment of QPCTL-related diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: An I-CreI variant, wherein one of the two I-CreI monomers has at least two substitutions, one in each of the two functional subdomains of the LAGLIDADG core domain situated respectively from positions 28 to 40 and 44 to 77 of I-CreI, said variant being able to cleave a DNA target sequence from the glutamine synthetase gene. Use of said variant and derived products for improving expression system for the production of recombinant protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent alpha-amylase, the variant having improved stability or activity at low calcium conditions or at low pH.

Abstract: A method for producing a microfluidic device includes the following method steps: a) arranging a thermoplastic elastomeric film between a base substrate and a cover substrate, at least one of the substrates has at least one depression configured to form a microfluidic chamber with a depression opening on the side of the substrate facing the elastomeric film, b) applying pressing power to the arrangement to compress the elastomeric film between the base substrate and the cover substrate, in which process the thickness of the elastomeric film is reduced, c) forming, by laser beam welding, at least one weld joining the thermoplastic elastomeric film, the base substrate and the cover substrate, and d) removing the pressing power to prevent capillaries from forming between the base substrate and the cover substrate.

Abstract: Described herein are variant, recombinant ?-glucocerebrosidase proteins characterized as having increased stability relative to recombinant wild-type ?-glucocerebrosidase. Also provided herein are variant, recombinant ?-glucocerebrosidase proteins characterized as retaining more catalytic activity relative to recombinant wild-type ?-glucocerebrosidase. Further described herein are variant, recombinant ?-glucocerebrosidase proteins that can have amino acid variations at one or more of the following positions: 316, 317, 321 and 145. Methods of making the variant, recombinant ?-glucocerebrosidase proteins are also described as well as methods of treating patients having lysosomal storage diseases.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising high affinity for the uranyl ion are provided. Methods for binding uranyl using such proteins are likewise provided and can be used, for example, in methods for uranium purification or removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides with xylanase activity and uses thereof. The present invention also relates to method of modifying polypeptides with xylanase activity to affect, preferably to increase, xylanase activity and/or bran solubility.

Abstract: We describe a method of expressing a recombinant protein comprising mannose-terminated N-glycans from a host cell, the method comprising: (a) introducing a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant protein into a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell comprising a mutation in the GnT 1 gene (GenBank Accession Number AF343963) leading to loss of GnT 1 function; and (c) expressing the recombinant protein from the host cell, in which the expressed recombinant protein comprises a mannose-terminated glycan structure, and in which the method does not include a step of introducing functional GnT-I into the host cell. The method may be used for producing recombinant glucocerebrosidase with a mannose-terminated glycan structure, suitable for treatment or prevention of Gaucher's Disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of biosynthesizing a recombinant protein containing the biologically active peptide, the pharmaceutical composition containing the recombinant protein as well as the preparation of the recombinant protein. Simply speaking the consecutively multiple copies of the bioactive peptide are replaced in the amino acid sequence of a recombinant protein (so called peptide-protein). Then, a high concentration and high yield of the peptide-protein containing the consecutively multiple copies of the bioactive peptide is produced by the biosafety and edible strain of yeast without any endotoxin contamination.

Abstract: Derivatives of PSAs are synthesized, in which a reducing and/or non-reducing end terminal sialic acid unit is transformed into a N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) group. The derivatives may be reacted with substrates, for instance substrates containing amine or hydrazine groups, to form non-cross-linked/crosslinked polysialylated compounds. The substrates may, for instance, be therapeutically useful drugs, peptides or proteins or drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Compositions comprising collagenase G and collagenase H (in a ratio between 1:2.5 and 1:3.5), optionally formulated in hydrogels, and its uses as medicament for the treatment of diseases involving alterations of collagen, such as fibromatosis, palmar Dupuytren's contracture, La Peyronie's disease, Ledderhose's disease or retractable scars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing polydextrose by using a microdevice. It further relates to the use of a microdevice for the polycondensation reactions.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to modulated lysine variant species compositions comprising a protein, e.g., an antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, and methods, e.g., cell culture and/or protein purification methods, for producing such modulated lysine variant species compositions. Methods for using such compositions to treat a disorder, e.g., a disorder in which TNF? is detrimental, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses a pharmaceutical hemostatic liquid foam base preparation comprising albumin as foaming agent and a fibrinogen precipitating substance and optionally a coagulation inducing agent, wherein albumin as foaming agent is present in native form; a method for the production of a transient hemostatic liquid foam; the transient hemostatic liquid foam; and a kit for making the foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid polymerase capable of producing a non-DNA nucleotide polymer from a DNA nucleotide polymer template, said polymerase comprising amino acid sequence having at least 36% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, wherein said amino acid sequence is mutated relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 at one or more residues of the thumb region, said residues selected from: amino acids 651 to 679 (patch 10A); wherein said amino acid sequence is mutated relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 at residue E664. In one embodiment said polymerase comprises the mutations Y409G and E664K. In one embodiment said polymerase comprises amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO:12.

Abstract: Compositions comprising thrombin and collagen and methods of preparation thereof are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a composition comprises thrombin and collagen in an aqueous buffer solution, wherein the buffer solution includes at least one of a first compound represented by Formula I: R1—C(O)—O?M+, wherein R1 is —CH3, —CH2CH2C(O)OH, or —CH2CH2C(O)O?M+, and wherein M+ is a monovalent ion; or a second compound represented by Formula II: R2—C(O)—O?M2+?O—C(O)—R2, wherein R2 is —CH3 or —CH2CH3, and wherein M2+ is a divalent ion. In one embodiment, the buffer solution includes sodium acetate, calcium propionate, and sorbitol.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for producing translational components that expand the number of genetically encoded amino acids in vertebrate cells. The components include orthogonal tRNA's, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, orthogonal pairs of tRNA's/synthetases and unnatural amino acids. Proteins and methods of producing proteins with unnatural amino acids in vertebrate cells are also provided. The present invention provides vertebrate cells with translation components, e.g., pairs of orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (O-RSs) and orthogonal tRNA's (O-tRNA's) and individual components thereof, that are used in vertebrate protein biosynthetic machinery to incorporate an unnatural amino acid in a growing polypeptide chain, in a vertebrate cell.

Abstract: Inflammatory and other cellular response-modulating compositions are provided comprising aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase polypeptides, including active fragments and/or variants thereof. Also provided are methods of using such compositions in the treatment of conditions that benefit from the modulation of inflammation, such as inflammatory diseases or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention allows a screening method for identifying novel drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis as well as a diagnostic method for identifying clinical strains that are resistant to these novel drugs. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for screening in vitro drug candidates for the treatment of tuberculosis by interfering with the arabinogalactan biosynthesis, the said method comprising a step of putting into contact a Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell culture over-expressing a protein that performs the transformation of decaprenyl-P-ribose to decaprenyl-P-arabinose and that can be encoded by rv3790 gene or homologues thereof or any open-reading artificial frame whose gene product is identical or homologue to Rv3790 protein, with a drug candidate and then evaluating the percentage of inhibition caused by the drug candidate against a control in an assay test, such as an antibacterial test or an enzymatic test.

Abstract: A resin connected by amide bond to pyridyl sulfide or methylthiosulfonate can be conjugated to a post traditionally modified protein/peptide to allow determination of presence and kind and optionally location of cysteine modification(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel recombinant fungal strain of Trichoderma sp. MTCC 5659 useful for enhancing the nutritional value and growth of plants. The invention further relates to a formulation useful as bioinoculant, wherein the said formulation comprises MTCC 5659 optionally along with a carrier. The claimed strain has been developed via the protoplast fusion technique of two parent Trichoderma strains and is useful for stimulating the content of amino acids, trace elements, chlorophyll and plant growth and yield attributing characters.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an acetyl-CoA pathway and the capability of utilizing syngas or syngas and methanol. In one embodiment, the invention provides a non-naturally occurring microorganism, comprising one or more exogenous proteins conferring to the microorganism a pathway to convert CO, CO2 and/or H2 to acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), methyl tetrahydrofolate (methyl-THF) or other desired products, wherein the microorganism lacks the ability to convert CO or CO2 and H2 to acetyl-CoA or methyl-THF in the absence of the one or more exogenous proteins. For example, the microbial organism can contain at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme or protein in an acetyl-CoA pathway. The microbial organism is capable of utilizing synthesis gases comprising CO, CO2 and/or H2, alone or in combination with methanol, to produce acetyl-CoA.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polypeptides which exhibit asparaginase activity and little to no glutaminase activity. The polypeptides have sequences which correspond to W. succinogenes asparaginase, but have an amino acid residue other than proline at amino acid position 121. The polypeptides exhibit higher kinetic rates of asparaginase activity to glutaminase activity as compared to W. succinogenes asparaginase and Elspar®, an E. coli asparaginase.

Abstract: At least at least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for using a high pressure-resistant enzyme in a high pressure condition; a method for promoting the activity of the high pressure-resistant enzyme by means of a high pressure treatment; a composition, which contains the high pressure-resistant enzyme, for decomposing proteins under a high pressure condition; a composition, which contains the composition for decomposing proteins, for preparing natural flavoring substances; a container for high pressure treatment, which contains the composition for decomposing proteins; and a method for measuring the activity of the high pressure-resistant enzyme, which comprises a step of decomposing an azocasein solution serving as a substrate by using the high pressure-resistant enzyme treated under a high pressure condition.

Abstract: Antibodies which are antagonists of the human HGF receptor (MET), wherein the antibodies specifically bind to amino acid residues 568-741 of human MET (SEQ ID No: 1) with high affinity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated mutant eubacterium comprising at least one mutation resulting in a substitution of at least one amino acid in the beta-subunit of the RNA-polymerase encoded for by the rpoB-gene providing an altered production of a product of interest when said production of a product of interest is compared to the production of the same product in an isogenic wild type strain grown at identical conditions, wherein the substitution of at least one amino acid occurs at any of positions 469, 478, 482, 485, or 487 of SEQ ID NO:2, or at the equivalent positions in any eubacterial RNA-polymerase beta-subunit family member. Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for producing at least one product of interest in a mutant eubacterium and to a use of the mutant eubacterium according to the invention for producing at least one product of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods directed to chimeric DNA polymerases, which comprise a mutated DNA binding polypeptide domain and a mutated or wild-type DNA polymerase polypeptide domain.

Abstract: The present invention provides molecular biosensors capable of signal amplification, and methods of using the molecular biosensors to detect the presence of a target molecule.

Abstract: A method of producing a sugar liquid from cellulose-containing biomass includes (1) to (4): (1) subjecting a cellulose-containing biomass to a dilute sulfuric acid treatment and thereafter separating the treated cellulose-containing biomass into a dilute sulfuric acid-treated liquid and a cellulose-containing solid content; (2) adding a cellulase to the cellulose-containing solid content to hydrolyze the cellulose and thereafter obtaining a sugar liquid; (3) filtering the dilute sulfuric acid-treated liquid through a nanofiltration membrane at pH 2.5 or lower to thereby separate a sugar concentrated liquid as a retentate and at the same time recover a sulfuric acid aqueous solution as a permeate; and (4) reusing the whole amount or a part of the sulfuric acid aqueous solution obtained in (3) in the dilute sulfuric acid treatment in (1).

Abstract: Provided is a separatome-based recombinant peptide, polypeptide, and protein expression and purification platform based on the juxtaposition of the binding properties of host cell genomic peptides, polypeptides, and proteins with the characteristics and location of the corresponding genes on the host cell chromosome, such as that of E. coli, yeast, Bacillus subtilis or other prokaryotes, insect cells, mammalian cells, etc. This platform quantitatively describes and identifies priority deletions, modifications, or inhibitions of certain gene products to increase chromatographic separation efficiency, defined as an increase in column capacity, column selectivity, or both, with emphasis on the former. Moreover, the platform provides a computerized knowledge tool that, given separatome data and a target recombinant peptide, polypeptide, or protein, intuitively suggests strategies leading to efficient product purification.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a microorganism for the production of methionine, wherein said microorganism is modified to enhance the transhydrogenase activity of PntAB. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the activity of the transhydrogenase UdhA is attenuated in said microorganisms. The invention also related to a method for producing methionine by fermentation.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A method of producing butanal by optimizing the growth of Streptomyces using cellulose as food source, overexpressing a key ‘gate’ enzyme in butyric acid/butyraldehyde production, and knocking out the isobutyryl-CoA synthase gene to shunt the pathway. Optionally, the produced butanal can be isolated and converted into butanol.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Isolated monomeric aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase polypeptides and polynucleotides having non-canonical biological activities are provided, as well as compositions and methods related thereto.

Abstract: Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods for modulating or altering recombination inside or outside of a cell using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and/or nucleic acid sequences from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a designer or recombinant ubiquitin ligase molecule that includes a toxin binding domain that is specific for a toxin active fragment, wherein the toxin active fragment is an enzymatically active fragment of one or more toxins or toxin serotypes; and an E3-ligase domain that comprises an E3-ligase or polypeptide that facilitates E2-mediated ubiquitination of the toxin active fragment. In an embodiment, the composition further includes a delivery system that allow the designer ubiquitin ligase to enter the cell. The present invention further includes methods for treating an individual intoxicated with a toxin by administering the designer ubiquitin ligase of the present invention.

Abstract: A functional microbially fermented tea extract containing a novel polyphenol derivative and a method for producing the same are provided. A functional microbially fermented tea extract containing various extracts and a novel polyphenol derivative is produced by subjecting, to an extraction treatment, a microbially fermented tea leaf obtained by culturing one species selected from Aspergillus sp. (PK-1), Aspergillus oryzae (NBRS 4214) sp. (AO-1), Aspergillus awamori (NBRS 4122) sp. (SK-1), and Eurotium sp. (KA-1) with a tea leaf. Furthermore, for example, a functional fermented tea extract enriched with a novel polyphenol derivative is produced.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and related uses are provided relating to cleaving modified DNA. For example, a set of DNA fragments obtainable by enzymatic cleavage of a large DNA is described where at least 50% are similarly sized and have a centrally positioned modified nucleotide. In addition, an enzyme preparation is provided that includes one or more enzymes that recognize a modified nucleotide in a DNA and cleave the DNA at a site that is at a non-random distance from the modified nucleotide. The one or more enzymes are further characterized by an N-terminal conserved domain with greater than 90% amino acid sequence homology to WXD(X)10YXGD. The related uses include creating a methylome, methods of purifying DNA fragments containing a modified nucleotide and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to glucoamylase variants. In particular, the invention relates to variants in the starch binding domain (SBD) of a glucoamylase. The invention also relates to variants having altered properties (e.g., improved thermostability and/or increased specific activity) as compared to a corresponding parent glucoamylase. The present invention also provides enzyme compositions comprising the variant glucoamylases; DNA constructs comprising polynucleotides encoding the variants; and methods of producing the glucoamylase variants in host cells.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods of delivering substances in a dry mode, wherein the compositions include a surface layer disposed on the outer surface of the composition that is permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen. The compositions may be used to deliver microorganisms to remove contaminates, such as oil, chemical, waste, or sewage, from soil, water, or air. In other embodiments, the compositions can also be used for delivering liquid food, liquid food additives, liquid biotech agricultural ingredients, conventional liquid agricultural ingredients, liquid human wellness and dietary supplements, and liquid fragrances and beauty products.

Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacterial strains, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strains are genetically modified so that they comprise a deregulation of their endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, as well as to methods of producing organic acids, in particular succinic acid, by making use of such microorganism. The present invention also relates to the downstream processing of the produced organic acids by cation exchange chromatography.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded therefrom are provided. These include mutated PON enzymes with increased, modified or substantially the same substrate specificity as compared to respective wild-type PON. Also provided are kits and methods using these enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, chimeric DNA polymerases containing heterologous domains having sequences derived from at least two DNA polymerases that have at least one distinct functional characteristics (e.g., elongation rate, processivity, error rate or fidelity, salt tolerance or resistance) and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention can combine desired functional characteristics (e.g., high processivity; high elongation rate; thermostability; resistance to salt, PCR additives (e.g., PCR enhancers) and other impurities; and high fidelity) of different DNA polymerases in a chimeric polymerase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to host cells transformed with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a eukaryotic xylose isomerase obtainable from an anaerobic fungus. When expressed, the sequence encoding the xylose isomerase confers to the host cell the ability to convert xylose to xylulose which may be further metabolized by the host cell. Thus, the host cell is capable of growth on xylose as carbon source. The host cell preferably is a eukaryotic microorganism such as a yeast or a filamentous fungus. The invention further relates to processes for the production of fermentation products such as ethanol, in which a host cell of the invention uses xylose for growth and for the production of the fermentation product. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding eukaryotic xylose isomerases and xylulose kinases as obtainable from anaerobic fungi.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enzyme based methods for separating protein from protein-rich materials derived from plant seeds, fruit, or other biomass and products made therefrom. The protein content in the resulting products is improved by separating and removing the carbohydrates from around the proteins in, for example, soybean meal. This removal is facilitated by the enzymatic hydrolysis of poly- and oligomeric carbohydrates into monosaccharides and other water soluble sugars. The present invention provides for the production of three streams of useful materials. The first is an enriched protein material comparable to the known SPCs but without significant quantities of undigestible oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. The second is an SPI made from the soluble protein in the hydrolysate which is valuable for high-quality feed, food and industrial uses.

Abstract: Provided are non-wild-type organophosphorus acid anhydrolases that are capable of degrading (ethyl {2-[bis(propan-2-yl)amino]ethyl}sulfanyl) (methyl)phosphinate and other V-agents. Particular embodiments include an organophosphorus acid anhydrolase including an amino acid substitution at position 212.

Abstract: Disclosed are DNA polymerases having increased reverse transcriptase efficiency, mismatch tolerance, extension rate and/or tolerance of RT and polymerase inhibitors relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the DNA polymerases.

Abstract: The method contains the following steps. In step A, supersonic waves are applied to Mountain Litsea fruits for excitation and sterilization. In step B, the inferior fruits and the cleaning water are removed from the water tank, placed in a fermentative tank, and left for fermentation. After the fermentation, a pressing and separation process is conducted. In step C, the superior fruits are placed in a separate fermentative tank for fermentation into mofetil alcohol. In step D, the superior fruits are alternatively mixed with pure water, crushed, and placed in a boiler for aging and sterilization. Then the crushed and aged fruits are placed in yet another fermentative tank with pure water for fermentation. After the fermentation, a pomace separation process is conducted. The separated pomace becomes a Mountain Litsea wine lees, whereas the separated water becomes a Mountain Litsea enzymatic liquid.