Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to epidermal lipoxygenase obtained from axolotl and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. In particular, in a first aspect the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing lipoxygenase obtained from axolotl or functional homologues thereof having a lipoxygenase activity, in particular for use in wound healing, bone healing or conditioning of injured tissue, e.g. in wound dressings. In a further aspect, the present inventions relates to cosmetical compositions containing said lipoxygenase. Finally, the present invention provides methods for identifying modulators of wound healing, scarring, etc. comprising the step of determining compounds able to alterate the lipoxygenase enzyme activity.

Abstract: A modified pyrroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase that exhibits a high selectivity for glucose is provided. A modified pyrroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase is disclosed in which the amino acid residue G at Position 99 of a pyrroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase (PQQGDH) represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or the amino acid residue G at Position 100 of the pyrroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase (PQQGDH) represented by SEQ ID NO: 3, is substituted by the amino acid sequence TGZN (where Z is SX, S, or N and X is any amino acid residue). The modified PQQGDH of the present invention may additionally comprise one or more mutations selected from the group consisting of Q192G, Q192A, or Q192S; L193X; E277X; A318X; Y367A, Y367F, or Y367W; G451C; and N452X (where X is any amino acid residue).

Abstract: Durability of formate dehydrogenase is improved with the use of formate dehydrogenase exhibiting high specific activity that is unpredictable from conventional findings. A specific amino acid substitution is introduced into Gibberella zeae-derived formate dehydrogenase. Mutant formate dehydrogenase exhibits durability that is extremely superior to that of wild-type formate dehydrogenase. Thus, the productivity of NADH that is produced using the mutant formate dehydrogenase can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid fragments encoding amino acid sequences for flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes in plants, and the use thereof for the modification of, for example, flavonoid biosynthesis in plants, and more specifically the modification of the content of condensed tannins. In particularly preferred embodiments, the invention relates to the combinatorial expression of chalcone synthase (CHS) and/or dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (BAN) and/or leucoanthocyanidine reductase (LAR) in plants to modify, for example, flavonoid biosynthesis or more specifically the content of condensed tannins.

Abstract: A method of converting hydroxymethylfurfural and is derivative species into hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation products is disclosed. The method includes contacting the hydroxymethylfurfural species in a mixture with an enzyme that oxidizes the hydroxymethylfurfural species while controlling hydrogen peroxide in the mixture. In one exemplary embodiment the enzyme is chloroperoxidase and the hydrogen peroxide is metered into the mixture to predominantly and selectively make at least one of formylfuran carboxylic acid or furan dicarboxylic acid. In another embodiment the enzyme is aryl alcohol oxidase and catalase is included in the mixture to remove unwanted hydrogen peroxide by product and the reaction predominantly makes at least one of dimethylfuran or formylfuran carboxylic acid. When the predominant product is a carboxylic acid or furan dicarboxylic acid, it can be recovered in substantially pure form by acid precipitation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the production of a biochemical selected among acetol and 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol comprising culturing a microorganism modified for an improved production of the biochemical selected among acetol and 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol in an appropriate culture medium and recovery of the desired biochemical which may be further purified wherein the microorganism expresses a YqhD enzyme which catalytic efficiency toward NADPH is increased. The present invention also relates to a mutant YqhD enzyme comprising at least one amino acid residue in the protein sequence of the parent enzyme replaced by a different amino acid residue at the same position wherein the mutant enzyme has retained more than 50% of the YqhD activity of the parent enzyme and the catalytic efficiency toward NADPH of the mutant YqhD is increased as compared with the catalytic efficiency toward NADPH of the parent enzyme.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode novel fatty acid desaturases and elongases from the organism Emiliana huxleyi. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing desaturase or elongase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for large-scale production of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), e.g. arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant superoxide dismutase polypeptides, compositions comprising the polypeptides, and nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides. The present disclosure provides methods of reducing oxidative damage in a cell, tissue, or organ. The present disclosure provides methods of identifying agents that increase superoxide dismutase activity.

Abstract: Described herein is a variant of wild type Gaussia luciferase that catalyzes glow-type emission kinetics suited for high-throughput functional screening applications. Polypeptides, functional fragments, variants, and nucleic acids that encode the enhanced luciferase are further described. One such polypeptide corresponds to wild type Gaussia luciferase with a substitution mutation of I for M at position 43 of the mature peptide. Methods of use, assay systems and kits that contain the polypeptides and/or nucleic acids are further described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity. More specifically, the invention relates to proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases.

Abstract: A highly active L-isoleucine dioxygenase from Bacillus thuringiensis is provided. A method for manufacturing (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxy-L-isoleucine or a salt thereof by reacting L-isoleucine in an aqueous solvent in the presence of L-isoleucine dioxygenase and isolating (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxy-L-isoleucine is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of one or more fermentation product from a sugar composition, comprising the following steps: a) fermentation of the sugar composition in the presence of a yeast belonging to the genera Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Candida, Pichia, Schizosaccharomyces, Hansenula, Kloeckera, Schwanniomyces or Yarrowia, and b) recovery of the fermentation product, wherein the yeast comprises the genes araA, araB and araD and the sugar composition comprises glucose, galactose and arabinose.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include polynucleotides that encode mutant Cnidarian luciferases that exhibit modulated properties as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferases, and the modulated properties include at least one of: modulated stability; enhanced light output; and modulated emission maximum. Embodiments of the present disclosure also include polypeptides or fragments thereof encoded by the polynucleotides, constructs including the polynucleotide, expression cassettes, cells, methods of producing the polynucleotides and polypeptides, antibodies, transgenic cells and/or animals, kits, and the like.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for predicting and controlling the stability of expressed polypeptides. The compositions and methods may be used to predict and as desired, increase or decrease the stability of proteins recombinantly expressed in mycobacteria, for example DesA3 expressed in Mycobacterium smegmatis. At the C terminus and the penultimate position, substitution to residues with charged side chains, large non-polar side chains, or no side chains can be used to reduce or inhibit the protein degradation. At the antepenultimate position from the C terminus, residues with no side chain or acidic side chains can increase the stability, i.e. reduce or inhibit the protein degradation. The combinational substitution of only the last three residues of polypeptides can make the polypeptides more stable during heterologous expression in mycobacterial hosts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fungal serine protease variants, which comprise an amino acid substitution of valine at position 208 of the parent Fusarium equiseti Fe_RF6318 serine protease, wherein the position of the substitution corresponds to the amino acid sequence of the mature Fe_RF6318 enzyme defined in SEQ ID NO:2. The variants have improved thermal stability and/or detergent stability compared to the parent Fe_RF6318 enzyme. Preferably the substitution is V208I and more preferably the variants comprise additional amino acid changes which further increase the stability. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding said protease variants as well as recombinant vectors and host cells for the production of the variants.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed directed at levetiracetam derivatives, immunogens, signal generating moieties, antibodies that bind levetiracetam and immunoassays for detection of levetiracetam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carbohydrate oxidases. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variant carbohydrate oxidases and to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides, and methods of using the variant enzymes, such as, in preparing dough and dough product compositions.

Abstract: A protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least one mutation selected from a Gly-4 to Ala mutation, a Glu-6 to His mutation, a Ser-14 to Thr mutation, an Ala-37 to Thr or Arg mutation, a Pro-50 to Gln mutation, a Glu-67 to Gly mutation, an Asp-80 to Tyr mutation, a Val-93 to Met mutation, an Arg-156 to Pro mutation, a Leu-164 to Met mutation, an Asn-202 to Asp mutation, a Thr-235 to Ala mutation, an Asn-348 to Tyr mutation, a Gly-362 to Arg mutation and a Val-473 to Ala mutation in the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ II NO:4. (2) A thermostable protein which comprises an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence having at least one variation described in (1) and having 1,5-anhydroglucitol dehydrogenase activity. These proteins act specifically on 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), have thermal stability and exhibit excellent storage stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for preventing or treating angiogenesis-mediated diseases or allergic diseases which contain, as an active ingredient, an EC-SOD protein or a vector having a polynucleotide encoding thereof. The EC-SOD protein or the vector having a polynucleotide encoding the EC-SOD protein has the effect on inhibiting angiogenesis by inhibiting the expression of VEGF and MMP-9 which induce angiogenesis. Therefore, the EC-SOD protein or the vector may be useful for preventing or treating angiogenesis-mediated diseases. And the EC-SOD protein or the vector having a polynucleotide encoding said EC-SOD protein also has the effect on inhibiting over-differentiation of Th2 cells which cause allergic diseases, inhibiting transcription factor (NF-? B), and reducing degranulation of human mast cells. Accordingly, the EC-SOD protein or the vector may be useful for preventing or treating allergy diseases.

Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus Hla polypeptides having various deletions, insertions, and/or mutations which are useful for immunisation are provided herein. Also provided herein are Hla heptamers which are non-haemolytic. Additionally, an effective Staphylococcus aureus vaccine may require several antigenic components, and so various combinations of S. aureus antigens, including Hla polypeptides having deletions, insertions, and/or mutations, are identified for use in immunisation. These polypeptides may optionally be used in combination with S. aureus saccharides.

Abstract: Purified genes encoding a T cell surface antigen from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding this antigen are provided. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing yield related traits by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a BET1-like polypeptide. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding this BET1-like polypeptide, which plants have enhanced yield-related traits relative to corresponding wild type plants or other control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention. The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for improving various plant growth characteristics by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a CRT (Calreticulin). The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a Calreticulin, which plants have improved growth characteristics relative to corresponding wild type plants or other control plants.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel purified polypeptide having laccase activity and the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide. The disclosed polypeptide works at moderately high temperatures from below 20° C. to about 70° C., both acidic and alkaline pH conditions, high salt concentrations and in the presence of organo solvents. The high stability of the enzyme enables its wide applications under even extreme conditions. The invention also provides methods of producing the laccase enzyme.

Abstract: Bi-cistronic plasmids used for the expression of formate dehydrogenase (FDH) and modified phenylalanine dehydrogenase (PDHmod) are provided.

Abstract: The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 (IDO2) and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: Compounds and related compositions and methods as can be used to selectively inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthase and as can be employed in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: A composition having an agent adapted to affect a multimeric protein by binding to a binding site of the multimeric protein and thereby affecting an equilibrium of units, wherein the multimeric protein has an assembly having a plurality of said units, wherein each of the units has a first complementary surface and a second complementary surface and wherein the first complementary surface of one unit is associated with the second complementary surface of another unit, provided that the assembly is at least one of different quaternary isoforms on a condition that in the multimeric protein (1) a structure of each of the units determines a structure of the different quaternary isoforms, (2) the units are in the equilibrium and (3) the structure of the different quaternary isoforms influences a function of the multimeric protein.

Abstract: A method of detecting, diagnosing and prognosticating atherosclerosis by measuring the activities of ?6 and ?5 desaturases is described. It is suggested that enhancing the activities of ?6 and ?5 desaturases results in an increase in the plasma, leukocyte, platelet and endothelial cell levels of ?-linolenic, dihomo-?-linolenic, arachidonic, stearidonic, 20:4 ?-3, eicosapentaneoic and docosahexaenoic acids and PGE1 (prostaglandin E1), prostacyclin (PGI2), prostaglandin I3 (PGI3), lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, nitric oxide, and nitrolipids that prevent, arrest and reverse atherosclerosis. The invention is also directed to the delivery of proteins, peptides, lipids, lipoproteins, glycolipids, statins and troglitazones and their derivatives, and other compounds (synthetic or natural), cDNA clones and genes of ?6 and ?5 desaturases to enhance the activities of ?6 and ?5 desaturases in vivo to prevent, arrest, reverse and treat atherosclerosis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that relate to the bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes, particularly the bioremediation of vinyl chloride by Dehalococcoides-like organisms. An isolated strain of bacteria, Dehalococcoides sp. strain VS, that metabolizes vinyl chloride is provided; the genetic sequence of the enzyme responsible for vinyl chloride dehalogenation; methods of assessing the capability of endogenous organisms at an environmental site to metabolize vinyl chloride; and a method of using the strains of the invention for bioremediation.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and compositions for reducing turf thatch and/or preventing turf thatch buildup.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encodes a novel fatty acid nECR. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing nECR nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for large-scale production of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), e.g., ARA, EPA and DHA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ?6 desaturases, which have the ability to convert linoleic acid [“LA”; 18:2 ?-6] to ?-linolenic acid [“GLA”; 18:3 ?-6] and/or ?-linolenic acid [“ALA”; 18:3 ?-3] to stearidonic acid [“STA”; 18:4 ?-3]. Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding ?6 desaturases, along with methods of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids [“PUFAs”] using these ?6 desaturases in oleaginous yeast, are disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a mutant luciferase having luciferase activity with an altered emission spectrum. A specific amino acid residue(s) is substituted in a luciferase derived from Cypridina noctiluca and then the resulting mutant luciferase having luciferase activity with an emission spectrum differing from that of the wild-type luciferase is screened for.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for assaying oxygenase activity the method comprising monitoring oxygenase activity of Mina53.

Abstract: A method for lowering elevated uric acid levels in patients is disclosed and consists of administering to the patients an intravenous injection of PEG-uricase having a dosage from about 4 to about 12 mg.

Abstract: Cell-free synthesis of hydrogen from glucose and cellulosic hydrolysates is provided. Bacterial cells are modified to express high levels of (i) active [FeFe] hydrogenase; (ii) ferredoxin; and (iii) ferredoxin-NADP-reductase (FNR). The cells are then lysed and the lysate is combined with substrate during a production phase, where H2 is produced. The substrate is typically a sugar, e.g. glucose, cellulose hydrolysates, fructose, and the like, including pentose sugars capable of entering the bacterial pentose phosphate cycle. The reaction mixture may be further supplemented with one or more of niacin as a precursor to nicotinamide; a nuclease, particularly a ribonuclease, to break down nucleic acids and generate adenine; and iodoacetamide to inactivate the normal cellular glycolytic pathway and thus maximize conversion yields.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assessing the viability of a thawed cell wherein the cell is a gamete, an embryo, a karyoplast, a putative stem cell population, a stem cell precursor population or a stem cell population. The method includes incubating the thawed cell in a culture medium including a plurality of amino acids and determining the change in concentration in the medium of at least one amino acid.

Abstract: Alleles of the thrA gene from Enterobacteriaceae encoding desensitized aspartokinase I-homoserine dehydrogenase I enzymes and methods for the fermentative production of L-threonine using bacteria containing these alleles.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to produce a luminescent probe that has less biological effects, efficiently emits visible to near-infrared light, which is excellent for the imaging of individuals, and the use thereof. The present invention provides a sugar chain-containing-luciferase derivative, wherein an organic fluorescent dye is bonded to the luciferase through the sugar chain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cloning stable stress tolerant superoxide dismutase from diverse plant species using universal primers.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods that involve using bleaching enzymes in dish detergents. In some preferred embodiments, the bleaching enzyme comprises at least one laccase, while in some alternative preferred embodiments, the bleaching enzyme comprises at least one glucose oxidase suitable for use in dish detergents. In some additional preferred embodiments, the dish detergents are machine dish detergents.

Abstract: A process for producing a cross-linked crystallized protein complex, which comprises: a first step of concentrating a crude protein derived from an animal or plant; a second step of encapsulating the protein in a gel, to thereby allow the protein to undergo air oxidation, and then extracting a protein complex from the gel; a third step of allowing the extracted protein complex to undergo crystallization and precipitation; and a fourth step of cross-linking the precipitated protein complex. Alternatively, by use of a fifth step of drying (FD) the obtained crosslinked crystallized protein complex, to thereby form a powder. As a result, there is provided an enzyme which is stable at room temperature storage, and has an activity in catalyzing an asymmetric oxidation reaction. That is, there is provided a useful material which enables an efficient enzyme-mimetic reaction under a mild condition.

Abstract: Described herein are composite materials and methods of using them for the separation or purification of enantiomers. In certain embodiments, the composite material comprises a support member, comprising a plurality of pores extending through the support member; and a macroporous cross-linked gel, comprising a plurality of macropores, and a plurality of pendant chiral moieties. In certain embodiments, the composite materials may be used in the separation or purification of a chiral small molecule.

Abstract: The invention describes novel pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of virus infections and cancer. The pharmaceutical compositions include mutant oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) that have either enhanced cell permeability, reduced oxidative potential, improved antiviral activity, improved enzymatic activity, or absent enzymatic activity. The pharmaceutical compositions have improved drug properties and retain or have enhanced antiviral activity relative to their native forms. The pharmaceutical compositions further include chemically modified oligoadenylate synthetases, such chemical modifications being designed to increase serum stability and reduce immunogenicity in vivo. Such chemical modifications further increase drug stability and manufacturability in vitro. Compositions composed of more than ninety novel modifications are described. Also described are antibodies to polypeptides of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for the evolution of NADPH binding ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes to acquire NADH binding functionality are provided. Specific mutant ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes isolated from Pseudomonas that have undergone co-factor switching to bind NADH are described.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel alcohol dehydrogenase, a gene for the alcohol dehydrogenase, a vector including the gene, a transformant transformed with the vector, and a method for producing an optically active alcohol by utilizing them. A feature of the present invention directs to a novel polypeptide isolated from Candida maltosa, a DNA coding for the polypeptide, and a transformant producing the polypeptide. Another feature of the present invention directs to a method for producing an optically-active alcohol by reducing a carbonyl compound with the polypeptide or the transformant.

Abstract: Mutant delta-5 desaturases, having the ability to convert dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid [DGLA; 20:3 omega-6] to arachidonic acid [ARA; 20:4 omega-6] and/or eicosatetraenoic acid [ETA; 20:4 omega-3] to eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA; 20:5 omega-3] and possessing at least one mutation within the HPGG (SEQ ID NO:7) motif of the cytochome b5-like domain and at least one mutation within the HDASH (SEQ ID NO:8) motif are disclosed. Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding delta-5 desaturases, along with a method of making long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids [“PUFAs”], are also disclosed.

Abstract: The formation of acrylamide during heat treatment in the production of a food product is reduced by treating the raw material with an enzyme before the heat treatment. The enzyme is capable of reacting on asparagine or glutamine (optionally substituted) as a substrate or is a laccase or a peroxidase.

Abstract: Polypeptide with an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID No. 1 or a variant in which up to 10% of the amino acids have been altered by insertions, deletions or substitution.