Abstract: A vector of the present invention has DNA encoding a protein or a product having the same effect as the protein, the protein containing an amino acid sequence from amino acid numbers 47 to 802 in SEQ. ID. NO:2. Expression of the DNA gives human chondroitin synthase. By using human chondroitin synthase, it is possible to produce a saccharide chain having a repeating disaccharide unit of chondroitin. The DNA or part thereof may be used as a probe for hybridization for the human chondroitin synthase.

Abstract: Problem to be Solved: To provide a new microorganism capable of producing a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a PHA synthase gene, an expression cassette including the gene, a vector including the expression cassette, a transformant transformed by the vector, a polypeptide having PHA synthase activity, a method for producing a PHA synthase and a method for producing a PHA. Solution: The new microorganism is capable of producing a polyhydroxyalkanoate comprising a 16S rRNA gene whose polynucleotide sequence shows 99% or more homology to a polynucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID No: 1, having an optimum temperature of an activity temperature range for the growth and PHA production of the microorganism of at least 45° C. and being capable of growing at a pH range from 6 to 10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated DGAT2 family member nucleic acid molecules, which encode diacylglycerol acyltransferase family members. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing DGAT2 family member nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a DGAT2 family member gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated DGAT2 family member proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-DGAT2 family member antibodies. Methods of use of the provided DGAT2 family member compositions for screening, diagnostic and therapeutic methods in connection with obesity disorders are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of disorders or dysfunctions characterized by autoimmune responses to the enzyme class of transglutaminases. The present invention provides a novel open structure of the transglutaminases in a stabilized form which renders new epitopes accessible for antibody-binding.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to methods and materials for producing simvastatin and related compounds such as huvastatin.

Abstract: The invention relates to covalent modification of proteins through their conjugation with other proteins. More particularly, the invention relates to the modulation of such conjugation involving the protein NEDD8. The invention provides compositions and methods for detecting and/or modulating the activation and/or conjugation of NEDD8, as well as compositions and methods for discovering molecules which are useful in detecting and/or modulating the activation and/or conjugation of NEDD8. The present invention arises from the purification and characterization of novel NEDD8 activating and conjugating enzymes.

Abstract: Fast and simple method of detecting the presence of chloramphenicol, a harmful compound if present in food products. The method makes use of a mutant chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) and a fluorophore-linked chloramphenicol in a system where chloramphenicol and the fluorophore-linked chloramphenicol competes for the active site of the mutant CAT. Because the fluorophore-linked chloramphenicol reduces its fluorescence upon binding to the active site and vice versa increases its fluorescence upon being displaced from the active site by the presence of unmodified chloramphenicol in a sample, the increase of fluorescence caused by a testing sample indicates the presence of chloramphenicol.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for suppressing foam formation by identifying a gene involved in foam formation during culture of an acetic acid bacterium and reducing or deleting the function of a protein encoded by the gene, a method for more efficiently producing vinegar that contains a high concentration of acetic acid by using an acetic acid bacterium in which foam formation has been suppressed by the above method, and vinegar produced by the above production method. An acetic acid bacterium with suppressed foam formation was obtained by isolating a gene encoding a protein involved in foam formation during culture of an acetic acid bacterium, then by altering the gene by a modification to reduce or delete the function of a protein involved in foam formation. Further provided is a method for efficiently producing vinegar with higher concentration of acetic acid with the use of the acetic acid bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention has objects to provide a glucan useful as water-soluble dietary fiber, its preparation and uses. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a branched ?-glucan, which is constructed by glucose molecules and characterized by methylation analysis as follows: (1) Ratio of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol to 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is in the range of 1:0.6 to 1:4; (2) Total content of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol and 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is 60% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; (3) Content of 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-triacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher but less than 10% in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; and (4) Content of 2,4-dimethyl-1,3,5,6-tetraacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; a novel ?-glucosyltransferase which forms the branched ?-glucan, processes for producing them, and their uses.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel glycosyltransferase proteins produced by ascomycetous filamentous fungi (preferably species belonging to the genus Trichoderma, more preferably Trichoderma viride), as well as genes encoding the same. Among novel enzyme proteins provided by the present invention, particularly preferred is an enzyme protein obtained from the culture supernatant of Trichoderma viride strain IAM5141. The novel enzymes of the present invention allow glycosylation of flavonoid compounds to thereby improve their water solubility.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel glycerol 3-phosphateacyltransferase gene and use thereof. The object of the present invention can be solved by providing a nucleic acid having a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, 4, or 8, SEQ ID NO: 3, 6, or 11, or SEQ ID NO: 7 or 12 and a mutant thereof. The present invention also provides a protein having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, 5, or 9 and a mutant thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibitors of GSK-3 and methods for producing these inhibitors. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inhibitors and methods of utilizing those compositions in the treatment and prevention of various disorders, such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the invention relates to molecules or molecular complexes which comprise binding pockets of GSK-3? or its homologues. The invention relates to a computer comprising a data storage medium encoded with the structure coordinates of such binding pockets. The invention also relates to methods of using the structure coordinates to solve the structure of homologous proteins or protein complexes. The invention relates to methods of using the structure coordinates to screen for and design compounds that bind to GSK-3? protein or homologues thereof. The invention also relates to crystallizable compositions and crystals comprising GSK-3? protein or GSK-3? protein complexes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing 2R,4R-Monatin with a good yield using inexpensive L-Trp rather than expensive D-Trp as a stating material. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for producing 2R,4R-Monatin or a salt thereof, comprising: (1) contacting L-tryptophan with a deamination enzyme to form indole-3-pyruvate; (2) contacting the indole-3-pyruvate and pyruvate with an aldolase to form 4R-IHOG; and (3) contacting the 4R-IHOG with a D-aminotransferase in the presence of a D-amino acid to form the 2R,4R-Monatin; and the like. In (3), it is preferable to use a D-aminotransferase having no or low ability to form D-tryptophan from indole-3-pyruvate.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for extracting a Staphylococcus aureus antigen which comprises using an extraction reagent with a pH of no higher than 5.0, containing one or more acids selected from among hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and nitric acid, to extract a Staphylococcus aureus antigen comprising a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus antigen and/or a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus antigen, from Staphylococcus aureus in a specimen. The invention further provides a method for assessing Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Provided herein are chondroitin sulfate inhibitors, including modulators of glycosylation, and/or sulfation of galactose or N-acetyl galactosamine glycosaminoglycans.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides involved in cryptophycin biosynthesis and the nucleic acid molecules that encode such polypeptides. The nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides of the invention or variants thereof can be used in the methods of the invention to produce cryptophycins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant process for the production of truncated or mutated dextransucrases while conserving the enzymatic activity or their specificity in the synthesis of the ?-1,6 bonds. The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences of truncated or mutated dextransucrases, vectors containing the nucleic acid sequences and host cells transformed by sequences encoding truncated or mutated dextransucrases. In another aspect, the invention concerns a method for producing, in a recombinant manner, truncated or mutated dextransucrases which conserve their enzymatic activity or which conserve their specificity in the synthesis of ?-1,6 bonds and can produce, from saccharose, dextrans with high molar mass and modified rheological properties compared with the properties of dextran obtained with the native enzyme and isomalto-oligosaccharides with a controlled molar mass and dextrans.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions and methods for evaluating the potential of candidate polypeptides to associate with glyphosate with a higher binding affinity, higher binding specificity, or both or to have N-acetyltransferase activity with a higher catalytic rate when compared to a native glyphosate acetyltransferase (GLYAT) polypeptide through the provision and comparison of three-dimensional molecular structures of the candidate polypeptides and the GLYAT polypeptides provided herein. The methods further provide for identification of polypeptides with these advantageous properties using the three-dimensional molecular structures of GLYAT polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extremely useful and novel ?-galactoside-?2,6-sialyltransferase having an optimum reaction pH in a neutral to alkaline range, and a nucleic acid encoding the sialyltransferase. The present invention further provides a vector carrying a nucleic acid encoding the sialyltransferase, and a host cell transformed with the vector, as well as a method for producing a recombinant ?-galactoside-?2,6-sialyltransferase.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a novel diacylglycerol acyltransferase. The present invention relates to a diacylglycerol acyltransferase, a polynucleotide encoding the same, and so on. The present invention provides a polynucleotide comprising the nucleotide sequence of, e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4, a polynucleotide encoding a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, an expression vector and transformant comprising the polynucleotide, a method for producing a lipid or fatty acid composition using the transformant, or a food, etc. comprising the lipid or fatty acid produced by the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving the introduction of DNA into bacterial host cells.

Abstract: A method of identifying a biofilm that includes non-typeable Haemophilus influenza (NTHi) including a step of screening a sample for the presence of one or more biofilm-specific proteins that are expressed by NTHi. In some cases, an NTHi biofilm-related disease in a subject is diagnosed. Also disclosed are protein microarrays for screening biofilm-specific proteins in a sample, formulations comprising one or more biofilm-specific proteins or fragments thereof, and methods for inducing an immune response in a patient against a biofilm-related infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are metabolically-modified microorganisms useful for producing biofuels. More specifically, provided herein are methods of producing higher alcohols including C5-C8 alcohol from a suitable substrate.

Abstract: Described herein is the creation and use of Thermotoga-E. coli shuttle vectors; an embedded cultivation method that greatly simplifies the cultivation methods for Thermotoga previously used; and the subcloning, characterization, and use of a Thermotoga Restriction-modification system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a methodology for improving a yield of 2R,4R-Monatin. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for producing 2S,4R-Monatin or a salt thereof, comprising contacting 4R-IHOG with an L-amino acid aminotransferase in the presence of an L-amino acid to form the 2S,4R-Monatin; a method for producing 2R,4R-Monatin or a salt thereof, comprising isomerizing the 2S,4R-Monatin to form the 2R,4R-Monatin; and the like. These production methods may further comprise condensing indole-3-pyruvate and pyruvate to form the 4R-IHOG, and deaminating a tryptophan to form the indole-3-pyruvate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polypeptides having transaminase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in the respective adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam. The method can include culturing an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount to produce the respective product, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA demethylases comprising Elp1, Elp2, Elp3, Elp4, Elp5 and/or Elp6. The invention also provides methods of modulating gene expression, for example, for the treatment of cancer or to modify the cellular transcription program (e.g., for regenerative medicine). Also provided are methods of identifying compounds that modulate the DNA demethylase activity of the DNA demethylases of the invention.

Abstract: Human cystathionine ?-synthase variants are disclosed, as well as a method to produce recombinant human cystathionine ?-synthase and variants thereof. More particularly, the role of both the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of human CBS has been studied, and a variety of truncation mutants and modified CBS homologues are described. In addition, a method to express and purify recombinant human cystathionine ?-synthase (CBS) and variants thereof which have only one or two additional amino acid residues at the N-terminus are described.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides, including enzymes, structural proteins and binding proteins, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Polypeptides, including enzymes and antibodies, and nucleic acids of the invention can be used in industrial, experimental, food and feed processing, nutritional and pharmaceutical applications, e.g., for food and feed supplements, colorants, neutraceuticals, cosmetic and pharmaceutical needs.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE) molecules with high cytotoxicity and reduced immunogenicity, compositions containing the improved (PE), and methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cells producing at least one polypeptide of interest and expressing one or more recombinant nuclease encoding gene(s) thereby producing the nuclease(s), and methods for producing a polypeptide of interest essentially free from contaminating DNA, said method comprising the steps of: (a) cultivating a cell that produces at least one polypeptide of interest and expresses one or more recombinant nuclease encoding gene(s) thereby producing the nuclease(s); and (b) isolating the polypeptide of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tnaluronidase. The hyaluronidase can be produced by the strain Streptomyces aitinocidm 77, Exemplary characteristics of the hyaluronidase include specific C-terminal or other amino acid sequences, including full-length sequences, and improved physico-chemical and actix itj properties as compared to known h> al?ronidase preparatkiiis. Described are also various uses of the hyaiur?nidasc, including topical administration of the h> aiuronidasc to improve skin penetration of a co-administered active substance.

Abstract: Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-dependent glutamate methyltransferases are disclosed that can methylesterify one or more glutamic acid or aspartic acid residues of PCNA.

Abstract: The invention is related to processing enzyme comprising an N-terminally attached tag derived from highly basic proteins from thermophilic bacteria. The processing enzymes are useful for modifying proteins. They can be produced in high yields and can be effectively separated from the modified protein after use.

Abstract: Promoter regions associated with the Yarrowia lipolytica esterase/lipase (EL1) gene are disclosed and have been found to be particularly effective for the expression of heterologous genes in yeast. These promoter regions will be useful for driving high-level expression of genes involved in the production of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel restriction/modification system in Caldicellulosiruptor bescii. The discovered restriction enzyme is a HaeIII-like restriction enzyme that possesses a thermophilic activity profile. The restriction/modification system also includes a methyltransferase, M.CbeI, that methylates at least one cytosine residue in the CbeI recognition sequence to m4C. Thus, the invention provides, in various aspects, isolated CbeI or M.CbeI polypeptides, or biologically active fragments thereof; isolated polynucleotides that encode the CbeI or M.CbeI polypeptides or biologically active fragments thereof, including expression vectors that include such polynucleotide sequences; methods of digesting DNA using a CbeI polypeptide; methods of treating a DNA molecule using a M.CbeI polypeptide; and methods of transforming a Caldicellulosiruptor cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fusion proteins that can be used to assay gene transfer and expression both in vitro and in vivo. The fusion proteins contain a reporter protein, e.g. a somatostatin receptor, fused to a second protein, which may be a protein fusion tag. Alternatively, a fusion protein may be fused to a leader sequence. A leader sequence may localize an expressed protein, e.g. localize a fusion protein to the cell membrane. The invention includes nucleic acids encoding the fusion proteins and methods of assaying for gene expression.

Abstract: The invention relates to ?-1,3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase polypeptides, nucleic acids that encode the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A method of producing one or more of a carbohydrate ester, a protein ester, a protein subunit ester or a hydroxyl acid ester, which method comprises admixing an acyl donor, an acyl acceptor and water to produce a high water environment comprising 5-98% water, wherein said acyl donor is a lipid substrate selected from one or more of the group consisting of a phospholipid, a lysophospholipid, a triacylglyceride, a diglyceride, a glycolipid or a lysoglycolipid and said acyl acceptor is selected from one ore more of the group consisting of a carbohydrate, a protein, a protein subunit, or a hydroxyl acid; and contacting the admixture with a lipid acyltransferase, such that said lipid acyl transferase catalyses one or both of the following reactions: alcoholysis or transesterification.

Abstract: An enzyme which transfers N-acetylgalactosamine to N-acetylglucosamine via a ?1-4 linkage was isolated and the structure of its gene was explained. This led to the production of said enzyme or the like by genetic engineering techniques, the production of oligosaccharides using said enzyme, and the diagnosis of diseases on the basis of said gene or the like. The present invention uses a protein having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 26 or 27 in the Sequence Listing or a variant of said amino acid sequence wherein one or more acids are substituted or deleted, or one or more acids are inserted or added and having the activity of transferring N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) to N-acetylglucosamine serving as a substrate via a ?1-4 linkage and nucleic acids encoding said protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel lactose phosphorylase enzymes and the uses thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to lactose phosphorylase enzymes created by mutation of a cellobiose phosphorylase from Cellulomonas uda. By introducing mutations in this enzyme, the activity can be switched from cellobiose phosphorylase into lactose phosphorylase.

Abstract: A composition comprising a thermostable DNA polymerase; and a PCR inhibitor blocking agent, wherein the PCR inhibitor blocking agent is present in an amount effective to enhance tolerance of an assembled PCR to a PCR inhibitor.

Abstract: 4-(Indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate, which is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of monatin, may be synthesized from indole pyruvic acid and pyruvic acid (and/or oxaloacetic acid) by using a novel aldolase derived from the genus Pseudomonas, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, or Xanthomonas.

Abstract: The invention relates to new proteins called alkylcytosine transferases (ACTs) derived from O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase, and to substrates for ACTs specifically transferring a label to these ACTs and to fusion proteins comprising these. The substrates according of the invention are substituted cytosines of formula (I) wherein R1 is an aromatic or a heteroaromatic group, or an optionally substituted unsaturated alkyl, cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl group with the double bond connected to OCH2—; R2 is a linker; and L is a label or a plurality of same or different labels. The invention further relates to methods of transferring label L from these substrates of formula (I) to ACTs and ACT fusion proteins. The system of ACT-compound of formula (I) is particularly suitable for double labelling studies together with the known system O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT)-benzylguanines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding glycosyltransferases, the proteins encoded thereby, and to methods for synthesizing oligosaccharides using the glycosyltransferases of the invention. In particular, the present application is directed to identification a glycosyltransferase locus of Neisseria gonorrhoeae containing five open reading frames for five different glycosyltransferases. The functionally active glycosyltransferases of the invention are characterized by catalyzing reactions such as adding Gal ?1?4 to GlcNAc or Glc; adding GalNAc or GlcNAc ?1?3 to Gal; and adding Gal ?l?4 to Gal. The glycosyltransferases of the invention are particularly suited to the synthesis of the oligosaccharides Gal?1?4GlcNAc?1?3Gal?1?4Glc (a mimic of lacto-N-neotetraose), GalNAc?1?3Gal?1?4GlcNAc?1?3Gal?1?4Glc?1?4 (a mimic ganglioside), and Gal?1?4Gal?1?4Glc?1?4Hep?R (a mimic of the saccharide portion of globo-glycolipids).

Abstract: The invention is related to processing enzyme comprising an N-terminally attached tag derived from highly basic proteins from thermophilic bacteria. The processing enzymes are useful for modifying proteins. They can be produced in high yields and can be effectively separated from the modified protein after use.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a composition possessing cell-free protein synthesis activity with reduced contaminating lipopolysaccharide, and a method for producing a protein using the same are provided. When ribosome display is performed using the composition and method for protein production of the present invention, the background that is caused by non-specific binding is reduced, so that a nucleic acid that encodes the desired polypeptide can be selected with high accuracy and high efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a improved process for the biotechnological production of compounds for which ribose-5-phosphate, ribulose-5-phosphate or xylulose-5-phosphate is biosynthetic precursor like riboflavin (vitamin B2), FAD, FMN, pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6), guanosine, GMP, adenosine, AMP. The invention further pertains to the generation of the organism producing those compounds. It furthermore relates to the generation of mutated transketolases that allow normal growth on glucose but reduced growth on gluconate when introduced into the production strains and to polynucleotides encoding them.