Abstract: This invention relates to aggrecanase polypeptides and aggrecanase polypeptide/ligand complexes, crystals of aggrecanase and aggrecanase polypeptide/ligand complexes, and related methods and software systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the modulation of transactivation of receptor tyrosine kinases by G protein or G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) mediated signal transduction in a cell or an organism comprising inhibiting the activity of the metalloprotease TACE/ADAM17 and/or the activity of the receptor tyrosine kinase ligand amphiregulin.

Abstract: It is described a polypeptide molecule able to selectively modulate uric acid conversion into S(+)-allantoin. A pharmaceutical composition for treating uric acid related disorders and a process to selectively modulate uric acid conversion into S(+)-allantoin are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tumor marker more highly specific to renal cancer. The present invention provides a method for identifying the morbidity of renal cancer. A tumor marker for renal cancer comprising proteins identified from renal cancerous tissue. A method for identifying the morbidity of renal cancer by using the tumor marker for renal cancer. The method comprises measuring the level of the protein in a sample derived from a person of interest who is to be examined to identify the morbidity of renal cancer; and comparing an obtained measured level to a normal level of the protein, wherein an upregulation or a downregulation of the obtained measured level compared to the normal level is used as one of indexes indicating that there is a high possibility that the person of interest has renal cancer.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel bacterial phytases, and their respective production methods. More particularly, the invention concerns novel phytases derived from bacteria of genus Acidocella, and polynucleotides coding for said phytases. The invention also concerns vectors containing said polynucleotides, and transformed host organisms expressing said phytases in their tissues. The invention further concerns novel bacterial extracts comprising at least a phytase activity.

Abstract: The invention provides yeast strains, and polypeptides encoded by genes of such yeast strains, that have enantiospecific meso-epoxide hydrolase activity. The invention also features nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, vectors containing such nucleic acid molecules, and cells containing such vectors. Also embraced by the invention are methods for obtaining containing such nucleic acid molecules, and cells containing such vectors.

Abstract: An I-CreI variant, wherein one of the 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 26 to 40 and 44 to 77 of I-CreI, said variant being able to cleave a DNA target sequence from a RAG gene. Use of said variant and derived products for the prevention and the treatment of a SCID syndrome associated with a mutation in a RAG gene.

Abstract: This invention is related, in part, to sulfatase enzymes and methods of their use.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated or purified peptide that binds at least one plasma protein. In one embodiment, the isolated or purified peptide binds to fibrinogen, comprises no more than 10 amino acids, and comprises an amino acid sequence Xaa1-Xaa2-Xaa3-Xaa4-Xaa5, an amino acid sequence Gly-Xaa6-Arg-Xaa7, or an amino acid sequence selected from specific amino acid sequences provided herein. Alternatively, the isolated or purified protein binds to ?1 proteinase inhibitor and/or a protein complex comprising Apo-A1 lipoprotein and paraoxonase. The peptide comprises no more than 10 amino acids and comprises an amino acid sequence Xaa8-Xaa8-Xaa1-His-Xaa1-Xaa3, and amino acid sequence His-Xaa8-Xaa9-Xaa1-Xaa10-Xaa2, or an amino acid sequence selected from specific amino acid sequences provided herein. In addition, the invention provides isolated or purified peptide that binds to von Willebrand Factor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance to plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a polypeptide that confers resistance or tolerance to glyphosate herbicides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants. Compositions also comprise transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules corresponding to glyphosate resistant nucleic acid sequences are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3 or the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1 and 2.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the engineering of a human enzyme with arginine hydrolytic activity suitable for human therapy. An enzyme comprising of a human sequence is not likely to induce adverse immunological responses and thus is expected to constitute a superior therapeutic. Since the human genome does not encode arginases with the proper high affinity catalytic properties (i.e., for example, a low Km and high catalytic activity, kcat) an appropriate arginase can be engineered by modifying an enzyme with related catalytic activity. For example, the human enzyme PAD4 can hydrolyze arginine in peptide substrates but does not have activity for free arginine. First, a high throughput assay was developed for detecting arginine activity by monitoring the formation of the hydrolytic product citrulline. Then, using a combination of rational design and iterative mutation and screening PAD4 mutants were identified and isolated exhibiting high affinity free arginine metabolic activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a coating, a textile finish, a wax, elastomer, a filler, an adhesive, or a sealant, as well as polymeric materials such as a plastic, a laminate, a composite, that includes an enzyme that degrades cell wall or cell membrane components (e.g., a lysozyme, lytic transgrycosylase) alone or in combination with other enzymes such as a lipolytic enzyme, a sulfuric ester hydrolase, an organophosphorus compound degradation enzyme, or an antimicrobial peptide. Also disclosed herein are methods of retarding or preventing microbial growth on or in a coating, paint, textile finish, wax, elastomer, adhesive, sealant, filler, or a polymeric material, where such a surface material includes an enzyme that degrades cell wall or cell membrane components (e.g., a lysozyme, lytic transgrycosylase).

Abstract: A polynucleotide encoding a protein as defined in the following (a), (b) or (c): (a) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; (b) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 with one or several amino acids substituted, deleted, inserted or added, and having a tannase activity; (c) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence showing 90% or more homology to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, and having a tannase activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cyanide-tolerant nitrile hydratases especially from Pseudomonas putida or Pseudomonas marginalis strains which exhibit increased cyanide tolerance. Also disclosed are methods of preparing amides from nitriles in the presence of cyanides and polynucleotide sequences coding for cyanide-tolerant nitrile hydratases.

Abstract: The invention provides fungal polypeptides from Trichoderma reesei that possess anti-microbial activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, compositions comprising the polypeptides and polynucleotides, and methods of use, thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated leukotriene A4 (LTA4) hydrolase, which LTA4 hydrolase is present in its naturally occurring three dimensional form. It is the first three-dimensional structure of any protein component of the leukotriene cascade and enables a description of the structural basis and molecular mechanisms for the two catalytic activities of LTA4 hydrolase. Further, the invention also relates to LTA4 hydrolase complexed with an inhibitor. The structural information provided by the present invention will make possible rational design of enzyme inhibitors, which may be developed into clinically useful anti-inflammatory drugs.

Abstract: Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and variations thereof are provided. Further provided are methods of at least partially degrading xylotriose and/or xylobiose using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and variations thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides lipolytic enzyme variants having improved in-detergent stability and polynucleotides encoding same. Lipolytic enzyme variants with improved in-detergent stability are obtained by substituting certain specified amino acid residues in a parent lipolytic enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention refers to human EGLN2 variants having at position 58 of the amino acid sequence a serine or a leucine and their use in the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic or coronary heart diseases, in particular stroke, prolonged reversible ischemic neurological deficit (PRIND), transitoric ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction and/or early myocardial infarction.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion proteins including at least a swollenin and at least a plant cell-wall degrading enzyme, the swollenin, and plant cell-wall degrading enzyme, being recombinant proteins corresponding to native proteins in fungi, or mutated forms thereof. The invention also relates to the use of fusion proteins as defined above, for carrying out processes of plant cell-wall degradation in the frame of the preparation, from plants or vegetal by-products, of compounds of interest located in plant cell-wall, or in the frame of the bleaching of pulp and paper, or for biofuel production, or food industries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide termed ply_pitti26 comprising the sequence as depicted in SEQ ID NO:1 as well as variants of this polypeptide. Furthermore, the present invention relates to nucleic acids and vectors encoding for said polypeptide and variants thereof as well as host cells comprising these nucleic acids and/or vectors. Finally, the present invention relates to the uses of said polypeptide, variants thereof, nucleic acid sequences, vectors and host cells, in particular for the treatment or prophylaxis of a subject infected by or exposed to Staphylococci.

Abstract: Use of a DNA polymerase enzyme as a single stranded RNA exoribonuclease.

Abstract: Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods of at least partially degrading, cleaving, or removing polysaccharides, lignocellulose, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, chitin, polyhydroxybutyrate, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan, or mannan-decorating groups using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for computationally designing enzymes. These techniques can be used to design variations of naturally occurring enzymes, as well as new enzymes having no natural counterparts. The techniques are based on first identifying functional reactive sites required to promote the desired reaction. Then, hashing algorithms are used to identify potential protein backbone structures (i.e., scaffolds) capable of supporting the required functional sites. These techniques were used to design 32 different protein sequences that exhibited aldol reaction catalytic function, 31 of which are defined in the Sequence Listing. Details of these 31 different synthetic aldolases are provided, including descriptions of how such synthetic aldolases can be differentiated from naturally occurring aldolases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tumor marker and a method capable of identifying the morbidity of colon cancer. A tumor marker including a protein identified from a colon cancer tissue. A method for identify the morbidity of colon cancer using the tumor marker. The method includes: measuring the level of the protein in a sample derived from a person of interest who should be examined to identify the morbidity of colon cancer; and comparing the measured level to the normal level of the protein, wherein a higher or lower measured level than the normal level is used as one indicator indicating that there is a high possibility that the person of interest has colon cancer.

Abstract: A composition containing a thermolabile protein admixed with a liquor waste. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a composition which contains a protein with enhanced thermostability.

Abstract: Methods for delivering non-mitochondrial proteins to mitochondria are provided. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs comprising a coding sequence encoding a DNA-binding polypeptide, fused to a mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) and a nuclear export signal (NES), and the encoded proteins. The construct successfully delivers DNA binding proteins to the mitochondrion. A chimeric methylase based on the above construct is successfully delivered to mitochondria, resulting in modification of mtDNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to targeted post translational modifi-cation of metallo-beta-lactamase by truncation and inser-tion of a dipeptide at the amino terminal end to reduce amino terminal heterogeneity in a recombinant DNA pro-duction system. A protein K-T-E-?BL is expressed, and modified by host proteases to E-?BL. Appropriate nucleotide molecules, vectors and hosts are also de-scribed. E-?BL is useful in a pharmaceutical composition for treating antibiotic induced adverse effects in the intes-tine of patients treated with beta-lactam antibiotics.

Abstract: A novel biotechnological process for the preparation of nitriles, starting from amides, is described. Micro-organisms of the genus Amycolatopsis, Actinomadura or Rhodococcus are employed for this process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant DNA molecule, which, upon expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell, encodes a polypeptide having phytase activity, wherein the recombinant DNA molecule comprises a DNA sequence selected from a) DNA sequences that have been obtained by variations of the mature wild-type E. coli phytase sequence, wherein at least one amino acid in the region of position 189 to 211 and/or an amino acid in the region of position 137 to 152 is mutated as compared to the wild-type sequence, b) DNA sequences having a homology of 70% to 100% to the sequences according to a), c) DNA sequences that are related to the sequences according to a) and b) due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, wherein the recombinant DNA molecule is, upon expression in a suitable host cell, associated with an increased activity of the thus encoded protein in the culture supernatant, as well as the proteins encoded by the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crystallized form of the E223Q Y365F mutant of the light chain of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) protein as well as the atomic structure of this mutant protein. The present invention also provides crystals of the E223Q Y365F mutant of the BoNT/A light chain in complex with the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) domain of the SNAP-25 (synaptosome-associated protein-25 kDa) protein as well as the atomic structure of this complex. The present invention further provides a method of determining whether an agent mimics a region of the SNAP-25 protein that interacts with BoNT/A. With this method, a three-dimensional representation of the SNAP-25 region is used to computationally compare the agent with the three-dimensional representation of the SNAP-25 region.

Abstract: A nucleotide acid sequence is provided encoding a peptidylarginine deiminase 6. The gene is found to be expressed in gonads only and may be used as target for male and female contraception. Its encoded protein can be used to screen for small molecular weight modulators of the enzyme activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mutants of lysine decarboxylase, nucleic acids encoding the mutants, and vaccines comprising the mutants for inhibiting and reducing the development of periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. The vaccine composition comprises a recombinant lysine decarboxylase mutant which is based on a native version of the enzyme from E. corrodens and induces production of antibodies that inhibit the activity of the lysine decarboxylase enzyme in the oral cavity. The recombinant lysine decarboxylase mutant, in one version, comprises a mutation at residue 365 or at other locations within the active site, and in a preferred embodiment is produced from E. coli in large amounts and to form inclusion bodies. The purified inclusion bodies can then be used in the vaccine composition to induce in vivo production of antibodies that inhibit the activity of native E. corrodens lysine decarboxylase.

Abstract: The invention relates to the abfB-1 gene of Penicillium funiculosum that codes for a type B ?-L-arabinofuranosidase. This enzyme ?-L-arabinofuranosidase can be incorporated in nutritional additives or in foods for animals for which it improves the digestibility and thus the nutritional value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a debriding composition obtained from bromelain and to methods of producing same. Particularly, the present invention relates to a debriding composition obtained from bromelain comprising proteolytic enzymes having molecular weights of about 23 kDa, being essentially devoid of bromelain inhibitors, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising same. The debriding compositions and the pharmaceutical compositions comprising same are particularly useful in debriding eschar tissues and in wound healing.

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

Abstract: The object of the invention is formulations and methods without chaotropic components for the isolation of nucleic acids with binding to a solid phase, in particular of DNA, from arbitrary complex starting materials containing a lysis/binding buffer system manifesting at least one anti-chaotropic salt component, the concentration of the anti-chaotropic salt components being between 0.001 mM and 0.1 M, preferably 0.1 mM, and further a solid phase and washing and elution buffers which are known per se. The lysis/binding buffer system can exist as an aqueous solution or as a solid formulation in ready-to-use reaction vessels. As a solid phase, all carrier materials applied for isolation by means of chaotropic reagents can function, preferably glass fibre fleeces, glass membranes, silicone carriers, ceramics, zeoliths or materials possessing negatively functionalised surfaces or manifesting chemically modified surfaces which can be converted to a negative charging potential.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved methods for extracting and purifying limit dextrinase enzymes from cells, in particular plant cells. The process of the invention includes heating a cell homogenate at 4O° C., in the presence of divalent cations thus increasing the specific activity of the limit dextrinase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel phytase-comprising enzyme granules, the particles of which have a weight-average particle size in the range from 300 to 800 ?m and the specific phytase activity of which, expressed in FTU/g, is at least 13 000 and does not exceed a value of FTUmax=6000[FTU g?1]·D?3·mm3, D being the weight-average particle diameter of the granule particles in mm. The invention further relates to phytase-comprising enzyme granules for feeds, the particles of which have a weight-average particle size in the range from 300 to 800 ?m and the specific phytase activity of which, expressed in FTU/g, is at least 7000, and does not exceed a value of FTUmax=2000[FTU g?1]·D?3·mm3, D being the weight-average particle diameter of the granule particles in mm. The invention also relates to the use of the phytase-comprising enzyme granules in feed compositions and, in particular, pelleted feed compositions, which are obtainable using the phytase-comprising enzyme granules.

Abstract: A method for a chemoselective and regioselective enzyme mediated oxidation of carbon-hydrogen bonds of substrates using a Geobacillus kaustophilus ‘Old Yellow Enzyme’ is provided. It is shown that OYEs can be used to facilitate the bioxidation of substrates, such as testosterone. It is also shown that the use of OYEs allows for the production of oxidized substrates in one step reactions, which are otherwise not accessible or only accessible after complex and inefficient multi-step reactions. In addition, the OYE used shows high stability at high temperature. An exemplary embodiment is provided showing the use of an OYE to convert testosterone to 6?-hydroxytestosterone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to regulation of angiogenesis. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and using agents, including small organic molecules, antibodies, peptides, cyclic peptides, nucleic acids, antisense nucleic acids, RNAi, and ribozymes, that modulate angiogenesis; as well as to the use of expression profiles and compositions in diagnosis and therapy of angiogenesis and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoglucanase nucleic acid sequence, designated egl7, and the corresponding EGVII amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding EGVII, recombinant EGVII proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a polypeptide comprising using a signal peptide, to nucleic acid constructs comprising a first nucleotide sequence encoding the signal peptide and a second nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide which is foreign to the first nucleotide sequence. Furthermore, it also relates to expression vectors and host cells comprising the nuclei acid construct.

Abstract: Provided are nucleic acid molecules comprising at least a functional fragment of the capreomycin biosynthetic gene cluster, polypeptides encoded by the cluster and recombinant host cells transformed with any of the nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein. Various methods using any of the vectors or expression cassettes that encode one or more of the gene products of the cluster are provided for heterologous production of capreomycin and capreomycin derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variant phytase enzymes having altered properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel enzymes and novel methods for producing the same. More specifically this invention relates to a variety of fungal enzymes. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such enzymes, compositions, recombinant and genetically modified host cells, and methods of use are described. The invention also relates to a method to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material and novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass. The invention also relates to a method to release cellular content by degradation of cell walls. The invention also relates to methods to use the novel enzymes and compositions of such enzymes in a variety of other processes, including washing of clothing, detergent processes, biorefining, deinking and biobleaching of paper and pulp, and treatment of waste streams.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prompt and easy asbestos detection method and a method for screening a candidate for an agent aiming at preventing or treating a disease for which asbestos is a causative or worsening factor. It is possible to quickly and easily detect asbestos in a sample by finding a protein capable of binding specifically to asbestos, allowing the protein or a fusion protein of the protein and a reporter protein to bind to asbestos in the sample, and then detecting the protein or the fusion protein having been bound to asbestos. A substance inhibiting the binding of actin to asbestos, which has been found out as a protein capable of binding specifically to asbestos, is a candidate for an agent aiming at preventing or treating a disease for which asbestos is a causative or worsening factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying butyrylcholinesterase from various biological fluids. Biological fluids include, e.g., blood, blood fractions, plasma, and bioreactor broths, and other such mixtures containing butyrylcholinesterase. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for the production of purified, virally inactivated butyrylcholinesterase by contacting a biological fluid containing butyrylcholinesterase with a cationic exchange chromatography material, with an affinity chromatography material, and treating the fluid with solvent detergent. The resulting purified butyrylcholinesterase can also be subjected to a pasteurization step, and formulated in a sodium chloride/sodium phosphate solution for storage or lyophilization.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the enzyme-mediated, site-specific, in-vivo precipitation of a water soluble molecule in an animal. The enzyme is either unique to tumor cells, or is produced within a specific site (e.g., tumor) at concentrations that are higher than that in normal tissues. Alternatively, the enzyme is conjugated to a targeting moiety such as an antibody or a receptor-binding molecule.

Abstract: Described are DNA sequences encoding a polypeptide exhibiting phytase activity, the corresponding encoded phytase polypeptide, a process for preparing the polypeptide and the use thereof for various industrial applications.