Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods wherein unique and advantageous combinations of gene mutations are used to direct carbon flow from sugars to a single product. The techniques of the subject invention can be used to obtain products from native pathways as well as from recombinant pathways. In preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides new materials and methods for the efficient production of acetate and pyruvic acid.

Abstract: Coryneform bacterium is modified so that an activity of acetyl-CoA hydrolase is decreased, and succinic acid is produced by using the bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having phytase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The polypeptides are related to a phytase derived from Hafnia alvei, the amino acid sequence of which is shown in the appended sequence listing as SEQ ID NO: 10. 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, in particular within animal feed.

Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in the ratio of peracetic acid formation to peracetic acid hydrolysis specific activities (PAAF/PAAH ratio). The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lactase solution comprising a lactase solution comprising less than 10 g/kg of poly and oligosaccharides, a process for the production of such a lactase solution from an untreated lactase solution, a sterilized lactase solution and to a process for the production of milk containing sterilized lactase, whereby such lactose is filter sterilized in-line with the milk production process.

Abstract: The invention relates to catalytic systems which are used to generate colors on a support. The inventive means are characterized in that they comprise one or more deactivated oxidation catalysts. The invention can be used to color organic or inorganic supports.

Abstract: Disclosed are variants of Humicola grisea Cel7A (CBH1.1), H. jecorina CBH1 variant or S. thermophilium CBH1, nucleic acids encoding the same and methods for producing the same. The variant cellulases have the amino acid sequence of a glycosyl hydrolase of family 7A wherein one or more amino acid residues are substituted.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated and substantially purified recombinant human arginase having sufficiently high enzymatic activity and stability to maintain Adequate Arginine Depletion in a patient. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the modified invention enzyme and method for treatment of diseases using the pharmaceutical composition.

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: Methods and compositions are provided for improving the production of products, such as fuel products like ethanol, in microorganisms. In particular, methods and compositions are described for improving ethanol production utilizing genes identified in Clostridium phytofermentans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method comprising treatment with cutinase for detoxification of feed products contaminated by the mycotoxin zearalenone.

Abstract: The invention provides novel extracts, proteins, and complexes that improve the polymerization activity of nucleic acid polymerases. Included within the aspects of the invention are methods for identifying compositions with a polymerase enhancing activity, methods for purifying and using these compositions, and specific extracts, proteins, and complexes that function to enhance polymerase activity. As an example, specifically described is nucleotide and amino acid sequence information for a Pyrococcus furiousus PEF (P45), which was used to produce a recombinant PEF.

Abstract: A method of predicting an intein insertion site in a protein that will lead to a switching phenotype is provided. The method includes identifying a plurality of C/T/S sites within the protein; selecting from the plurality of C/T/S/ sites those that are ranked 0.75 or higher by a support vector machine, within ten angstroms of the active site of the protein, and at or near a loop-?-sheet junction or a loop-?-helix junction. A method of controlling protein activity and hosts including proteins with controlled activity are also provided. Also, intein modified proteins and plants containing intein modified proteins are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an asymmetric enzymic process for preparing optically active organic compounds. The process according to the invention is carried out in what are termed miniemulsions. The invention also relates to an enzymic reaction mixture which exhibits a miniemulsion.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel cleavage agents and polymerases for the cleavage and modification of nucleic acid. The cleavage agents and polymerases find use, for example, for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences and variations in nucleic acid sequences. In some embodiments, the 5? nuclease activity of a variety of enzymes is used to cleave a target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the compound according to formula (I), below for the treatment of tumors, cancer and hyperproliferative diseases, among other conditions or disease states: Where X is H or F; R1 and R2 are independently H, an acyl group, a C1-C20 alkyl or ether group, a phosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate or a phosphodiester group, a (A) or (B) group; Where Nu is a radical of a biologically active compound such as an anticancer, antiviral or antihyperproliferative compound such that an amino group or hydroxyl group from said biologically active agent forms a phosphate, phosphoramidate, carbonate or urethane group with the adjacent moiety; each R8 is independently H, or a C1-C20 alkyl or ether group, preferably a C1-C12 alkyl group; k is 0-12, preferably, 0-2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate and has at least two amino acid substitutions relative to the wild-type hydrolase. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: A thermophilic mannanohydrolase enzyme may be used as an enzyme breaker for fracturing fluids containing hydratable polymers of guar and underivatized guar. The enzyme is effective in downhole temperatures exceeding 160° F.

Abstract: The present invention provides a centrosome assay for the identification of preferably, Eg5 inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel yeast strain, Eballistra lineata CM602 (KCTC 10945BP) and a phytase produced by the strain. The phytase is thermo- and pH-stable, and also shows a superior enzyme activity at a body temperature of a domestic animal, thus being useful as an additive of forage which may increase the utilization of organic phosphorus. Further, Eballistra lineata CM602 (KCTC 10945BP) strain may be used for a mass-production of enzyme by maximizing biosynthesis of phytase by means of gene recombination techniques, fermentation and optimization.

Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, which has an L-amino acid-producing ability and has been modified so that the kdp system is enhanced, is cultured in a medium to produce and accumulate an L-amino acid in the medium or cells of the microorganism, and the L-amino acid is collected from the medium or cells to produce the L-amino acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method consisting of bringing into contact, in one container, (a) an aqueous solution of a reaction mixture comprising at least one enzyme, and (b) an aqueous solution of a stabilizing mixture comprising (i) at least one protective agent against drying, (ii) at least one inhibitor of the condensation reaction between carbonyl or carboxyl groups and amine or phosphate groups, and (iii) at least one inert polymer capable of generating a mesh structure preventing the mobility of the dried reagents. The invention also consists of removing all or part of the water contained in the resulting aqueous solution. Said process is suitable for carrying out enzymatic reactions, for example, amplifying, sequencing and characterizing nucleic acids, performing hybridization tests and for the restriction analysis.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method for increasing enzymatic reactivity to a target substance immobilized on a support; and a method for reducing or suppressing an inhibitory effect of a support on enzymatic reaction. The above object is achieved by a method for increasing enzymatic reactivity to a target substance immobilized on a support by allowing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of saccharides, amino acids, polyhydric alcohols and derivatives thereof to exist; and a method for reducing or suppressing an inhibitory effect of a support immobilized with a target substance on enzymatic reactivity to the target substance by allowing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of saccharides, amino acids, polyhydric alcohols and derivatives thereof to exist.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a substance which is able to be an active ingredient for the improvement of dysfunction caused by nerve damage. An improving agent for dysfunction due to nerve damage of the present invention as a means for resolution thereof is characterized in that it comprises an endo-?-N-acetylglucosaminidase type enzyme which hydrolyzes an N-acetylglucosamide bond in a keratan sulfate backbone as an active ingredient. When the improving agent of the present invention is administered, clinical improvement is achieved in motor neuron dysfunction and sensory neuron dysfunction such as neuropathic pain represented by a pain caused by allodynia and hyperalgesic reaction of the object to be treated.

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic chemical and chemoenzymatic methods of producing simvastatin and various intermediates. In one aspect, enzymes such as hydrolases, e.g., esterases, are used in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having organophosphorous hydrolase 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 of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for the production of a human recombinant lysosomal enzyme in a cereal plant endosperm, comprising: a first step of cereal plant transformation whereby the lysosomal enzyme is obtained and confined in an endosperm, which is not eventually absorbed by the embryo, and the presence of large quantities of the lysosomal enzyme in the endosperm does not negatively affect seed viability and germination speed; the use, in the first step of cereal plant transformation, of an endosperm-specific promoter upstream the gene encoding said lysosomal enzyme, and of a signal peptide for a co-translational transfer of the newly synthesized lysosomal enzyme into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum of the endosperm cells for its tissue-specific accumulation; a second step of lysosomal enzyme accumulation inside the seed endosperm of a cereal plant.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate and has at least two amino acid substitutions relative to the wild-type hydrolase. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: A process for preparing optically active alkanols of the formula I in which n is an integer from 0 to 5; Cyc is an optionally substituted, mono- or polynuclear, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, and R1 is halogen, SH, OH, NO2, NR2R3 or NR2R3R4+X?, with R2, R3 and R4 independently of one another being hydrogen or a lower alkyl or lower alkoxy radical and X? being a counterion, which process comprises incubating in a medium comprising alkanone of the formula II ?in which n, Cyc and R1 are as defined above, an enzyme having a polypeptide sequence (i) SEQ ID NO: 1 or (ii) in which, compared to SEQ ID NO:1, up to 25% of the amino acid radicals have been altered by deletion, insertion, substitution or a combination thereof and which retains at least 50% of the enzymic activity of SEQ ID NO:1, with the compound of the formula II being enzymically reduced to give the compound of the formula I, and isolating the product formed.

Abstract: The method of detoxification of yperite—bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide—by the use of a haloalkane dehalogenases or their compositions, the method of preparation of dehalogenationating enzymes and of decontamination compositions which contains at least one wild type and/or modified haloalkane dehalogenase (EC 3.8.1.5) as an chemically active component. The preferred dehalogenases are LinB from Sphingomonas paucimobilis UT26, DhaA from Rhodococcus rodochrous NCIMB 13064, DmbA from Mycobacterium bovis 5033/66. Decontamination is utilizable for detoxification of yperite from the surfaces of instrumentality, constructional objects, human or animal skin and elements of environment by the treatment of yperite with the detoxification composition according the invention at +10° C. to +70° C., preferably at about +40° C. and pH from 4 to 12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteomic markers for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, compositions for detecting changes of these proteomic markers, kits for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, methods for detecting proteomic markers including these compositions, methods for screening drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma using these proteomic markers, and antibodies specific for these proteomic markers.

Abstract: Variants with increased acyl transferase activity can be designed on the basis of a three-dimensional model by making amino acid alterations near the active Ser of lipolytic enzymes such as C. antarctica lipase A or the lipase/acyl transferase from C. parapsilosis.

Abstract: The use of the human or animal MCM9 gene, or parts of the gene, or transcripts thereof, or antisense nucleic acids able to hybridize with part of the gene or transcripts, or silencing RNA derived from parts of the transcripts and able to repress the MCM9 gene, or proteins or peptidic fragments translated from the transcripts, or antibodies directed against the proteins or peptidic fragments, for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a human or animal pathology linked to a dysfunction of the expression of the MCM9 gene, or of human or animal cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and means such as polynucleotides, recombinant expression cassettes and recombinant vectors, for reducing the accumulation of cadmium in a plant, and a transgenic plant expressing a variant of a plant P1B-type ATPase of the Zn2+/Co2+/Cd2+/Pb2+ subgroup, said transgenic plant displaying a reduced accumulation of cadmium in the aerial parts.

Abstract: In a method of producing biofuel using brown algae, Bacterium antarctica is used as a hydrolysis catalyst for saccharification to obtain monosaccharides from the brown algae. The saccharification with the hydrolysis catalyst is effective in saccharification of the brown algae.

Abstract: A DNA fragment containing a gene which encodes a specific gene regulatory region alone or the gene regulatory region together with a signal peptide; a recombinant vector containing the DNA fragment; a transformant containing the recombinant vector; and a method of producing a recombinant protein by using the transformant. According to the invention, it is possible to produce a protein in a large amount at a high efficiency regardless of the kind of the recombinant protein.

Abstract: The invention encompasses the use of a lipolytic enzyme obtainable from one of the following genera: Streptomyces, Corynebacterium and Thermobifida in various methods and uses, wherein the lipolytic enzyme hydrolyzes a glycolipid or a phospholipid or transfers an acyl group from a glycolipid or phospholipids to an acyl acceptor. The present invention also relates to a lipolytic enzyme that hydrolyzes at least a galactolipid or transfers an acyl group from a galactolipid to one or more acyl acceptor substrates, wherein the enzyme is obtainable from Corynebacterium species.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods that are useful for the production of a compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase II activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Cis-aconitate decarboxylase mutants having one or more mutations in a C-terminal region as compared with a wild-type cis-aconitate decarboxylase of Aspergillus terreus.

Abstract: Cis-aconitate decarboxylase mutants having one or more mutations in a C-terminal region as compared with a wild-type cis-aconitate decarboxylase of Aspergillus terreus.

Abstract: A subject of the present invention is mutated hyperthermophilic phosphotriesterases (PTEs) possessing a lactonase activity, and their uses as bioscavengers within the context of the decontamination of the surfaces of materials, of the skin or mucous membranes, contaminated with organophosphorus compounds, or within the context of the preparation of medicaments which can be used within the context of the prevention or treatment of an external contamination or of an internal poisoning by ingestion or inhalation by organophosphorus compounds, or within the context of the pollution control of water polluted with organophosphorus compounds.

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: Methods and compositions for targeted modification of chromatin structure, within a region of interest in cellular chromatin, are provided. Such methods and compositions are useful for facilitating processes such as, for example, transcription and recombination, that require access of exogenous molecules to chromosomal DNA sequences.

Abstract: The ospF gene of Shigella flexneri encodes a phosphatase, which is a member of a new class of phosphatases. The OspF phosphatase inhibits the activity of several proteins either by direct protein modification or transcription downregulation. These proteins include MAP kinase, IL-8, CCL20, IL-12, AP1, CREB, RPA p32, and BCL2 related proteins. Methods for treating diseases using OspF phosphatase, methods for identifying agents that modulate OspF phosphatase's activity, methods for identifying agents that mimic OspF phosphatase's activity, and immunogenic compositions comprising OspF phosphatase are provided. A strain of Shigella flexneri containing an inactivated ospF gene is also provided.

Abstract: A reaction medium for enzyme-catalyzed reactions is provided, comprising an oil-in-water emulsion including water, an emulsifier, an oil phase and at least one interfacially active enzyme, where the emulsion is produced by the phase inversion temperature process and has a droplet size of 50 to 400 nm. A method for the enzyme-catalyzed esterification, transesterification or hydrolysis of fatty acid alkyl esters and/or triglycerides is also provided where the oil-in-water emulsion is used as the reaction medium.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nasopharyngeal cancer malignancy biomarker and a method thereof, wherein relative TP expression is used to evaluate the malignancy of nasopharyngeal cancer. The biomarker of the present invention assists the currently-existing inspections to find out cancer in the early stage and achieve early diagnosis and early therapy. The present invention also functions as an effective indicator to monitor the metastasis and relapse of nasopharyngeal cancer.

Abstract: A chitinosanase obtainable from the fungus Alternaria alternate. The chitinosanase specifically cleaves a GlcNAc-GlcN glycosidic bond in a chitosan, possesses a relative molecular weight as determined by SDS-PAGE of about 18 kDa, has an optimum pH of about 4 and has an optimum temperature of about 70° C.

Abstract: Methods of producing cyclic peptides and splicing intermediates of peptides in a looped conformation are disclosed. The methods utilize the trans-splicing ability of split inteins to catalyze cyclization of peptides from a precursor peptide having a target peptide interposed between two portions of a split intein. The interaction of the two portions of the split intein creates a catalytically-active intein and also forces the target peptide into a loop configuration that stabilizes the ester isomer of the amino acid at the junction between one of the intein portions and the target peptide. A heteroatom from the other intein portion then reacts with the ester to form a cyclic ester intermediate. The active intein catalyzes the formation of an aminosuccinimide that liberates a cyclized form of the target peptide, which spontaneously rearranges to form the thermodynamically favored backbone cyclic peptide product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for modulating the migratory activity of cells expressing CD38 for the treatment of disorders including, but not limited to, inflammation, ischemia, asthma, autoimmune disease, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, infection with pathogenic organisms, such as parasites, and transplant rejection. Such cells include, for example, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, macrophages and dentritic cells. The invention further relates to drug screening assays designed to identify compounds that modulate the ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity of CD38 and the use of such. compounds in the treatment of disorders involving CD38 modulated cell migration. Additionally, the invention relates to the isolation and characterization of a CD38 homologue from the parasitic flatworm, Schistosoma mansoni.