Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating TCR genes, using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain in conditions able to preserve cell viability. Polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and/or cells comprising ZFNs are also provided. Disclosed herein are also methods and compositions for expressing a functional exogenous TCR in the absence of endogenous TCR expression in T lymphocytes, including lymphocytes with a central memory phenotype. Polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR and/or cells comprising exogenous TCR are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel genes encoding Class II acyl-ACP thioesterases and variants thereof that are active on C8, C10, C12, C14, C16, and C18 acyl-ACP substrates. The thioesterases can be introduced into transgenic organisms, including microorganisms and photosynthetic organisms, for producing fatty acids and fatty acid products.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide strategies, methods, and reagents for selecting a site-specific endonuclease based on determining its target site preferences and specificity. Methods and reagents for determining target site preference and specificity are also provided.

Abstract: A method of increasing production of fatty acids comprising introducing into a host cell or organism and expressing therein an acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (TE) from Bryantella formatexigens or a mutant thereof; a method of making a mutant B. formatexigens acyl-ACP TE; a method of making a chimeric Cuphea viscosissima acyl-ACP TE; a nucleic acid encoding a mutant acyl-ACP TE or a chimeric C. viscosissima acyl-ACP TE; a host cell or organism comprising the nucleic acid; a mutant acyl-ACP TE or chimeric C. viscosissima acyl-ACP TE; a method of altering the specificity of a plant acyl-ACP TE; and a method of altering the level of activity of a plant acyl-ACP TE.

Abstract: The present invention provides various GH61 protein variants comprising various amino acid substitutions. The GH61 protein variants have an improved ability to synergize with cellulase enzymes, thereby increasing the yield of fermentable sugars obtained by saccharification of biomass. In some embodiments, sugars obtained from saccharification are fermented to produce numerous end-products, including but not limited to alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a compound that includes a lysosomal enzyme and a targeting moiety, for example, where compound is a fusion protein including iduronate-2-sulfatase and Angiopep-2. In certain embodiments, these compounds, owning to the presence of the targeting moiety can crossing the blood-brain barrier or accumulate in the lysosome more effectively than the enzyme alone. The invention also features methods for treating lysosomal storage disorders (e.g., mucopolysaccharidosis Type II) using such compounds.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a Gram negative bacterial cell that is transformed with a nucleic acid molecule that encodes a Gram positive twin-arginine translocase and including methods for the production of polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides enzyme catalysts for Diels-Alder reactions, including intermolecular Diels-Alder reactions, as well as protein scaffolds for making such enzyme catalysts. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making the enzyme catalysts, including by de novo computational design. The present invention thereby provides enzyme catalysts capable of catalyzing a desired Diels-Alder reaction, including with a specified or desired stereo-selectivity.

Abstract: Hybrid nuclease molecules and methods for treating an immune-related disease or disorder in a mammal, and a pharmaceutical composition for treating an immune-related disease in a mammal.

Abstract: Site-specific Listeria integration vectors and methods for their use are provided. The subject vectors include a bacteriophage integrase gene and a bacteriophage attachment site, where in many embodiments the bacteriophage that is the source 0 of these elements is a listeriophage. In certain embodiments, the subject vectors further include a multiple cloning site, where the multiple cloning site may further include a polypeptide coding sequence, e.g., for a heterologous antigen. The subject vectors and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including the study of Listeria species and the preparation of Listeria vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing derivatives from cultured cells. In addition, the present invention provides methods for conversion of prenyl derivatives, obtained from biological or petrochemical sources, to isoprene by employing chemical or biological catalysts. The present invention also provides compositions that include the cultured cells or isoprene or prenyl derivatives produced there from.

Abstract: Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) polypeptide variants of the presently-disclosed subject matter have enhanced catalytic efficiency for (?)-cocaine, as compared to wild-type BChE. Pharmaceutical compositions of the presently-disclosed subject matter include a BChE polypeptide variant having an enhanced catalytic efficiency for (?)-cocaine. A method of the presently-disclosed subject matter for treating a cocaine-induced condition includes administering to an individual an effective amount of a BChE polypeptide variant, as disclosed herein, to lower blood cocaine concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides having alpha-amylase activity catalytic domains, carbohydrate binding domains and polynucleotide encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains. The invention also provides nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains.

Abstract: A phytase having improved enzymaic activity is disclosed. The phytase has a modified amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the modification is a substitution of Valine at position 90 with Threonine. Alternatively, the phytase has a modified amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6, wherein the modification is a substitution of Asparagine at position 204 with Alanine or a substitution of Serine at position 206 with Alanine.

Abstract: The present teachings provide modified enzymes, preferably phytases, which have increased stability, hypothesized to arise from increased glycosylation. The enzymes can be modified to introduce or increase the number of glycosylation sites in the amino acid sequence, or glycosylation can be increased by the use of specific host production methods, or both. The enzymes of the present teachings have an increased stability after treatment at elevated temperature, which can be measured by inactivity reversibility or percent recovery following a treatment such as heating. The enzymes of the present teachings find application for example in food, feed, and feed pelleting.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions of active highly phosphorylated human N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS), and pharmaceutical compositions and formulations thereof, methods of producing and purifying GALNS, and its use in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, or treatment of diseases and conditions, including particularly lysosomal storage diseases that are caused by, or associated with, a deficiency in the GALNS enzyme, e.g., Mucopolysaccharidosis IVa (MPS IVa or Morquio A syndrome).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phytase which has at least 74% identity to a phytase derived from Citrobacter braakii and comprises at least one alteration as compared to this phytase. These phytase variants have amended, preferably improved, properties, such as thermostability, temperature profile, pH profile, specific activity, performance in animal feed, reduced protease sensitiliby, and/or an amended glycosylation pattern. The invention also relates to DNA encoding these phytases, methods of their production, as well as the use thereof, e.g., in animal feed and animal feed additives.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide engineered endonucleases that are characterized by both a long recognition sequence and specific cleavage outside of the recognition site. Engineered endonucleases of the invention are useful for manipulating long pieces of DNA.

Abstract: Purified Ref polypeptides with increased nuclease site-specific targeting activity, recombinant nucleic acids and cells for expression of such Ref polypeptides, and methods for using the Ref polypeptides in combination with RecA protein and variants thereof to effect targeted nuclease cleavage of a DNA duplex are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a therapeutic use of alkaline phosphatase to reduce or inhibit toxic effects associated with a bacterial infection in a subject.

Abstract: Process for producing optically active 3-aminocarboxylic acid ester compounds of general Formula I, and the ammonium salts thereof, in which R1 stands for alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or hetaryl, and R2 stands for alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl, in which an enantiomeric mixture of a simply N-acylated 3-aminocarboxylic acid ester of general formula (I.b), in which R1 and R2 have the meanings given above and R3 stands for hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl, is submitted to an enantioselective deacylation by adding a polypeptide according to claim 1.

Abstract: Plant-expressed human recombinant DNase proteins, nucleic acid constructs for expression of the human recombinant DNase I in plant cells, cells expressing the nucleic acid construct and therapeutic uses thereof are disclosed. Particularly, compositions and methods for treating pulmonary and/or respiratory conditions by inhalation of the plant-expressed human recombinant DNase I are provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for making and using bioactive assemblies of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. In particular embodiments, the bioactive assembly is formed using dock-and-lock (DNL) methodology, which takes advantage of the specific binding interaction between dimerization and docking domains (DDD) and anchoring domains (AD) to form the assembly. In various embodiments, one or more effectors may be attached to a DDD or AD sequence. Complementary AD or DDD sequences may be attached to an adaptor module that forms the core of the bioactive assembly, allowing formation of the assembly through the specific DDD/AD binding interactions. Such assemblies may be attached to a wide variety of effector moieties for treatment, detection and/or diagnosis of a disease, pathogen infection or other medical or veterinary condition.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for producing a population of oligonucleotides that has reduced synthesis errors. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) obtaining an initial population of hairpin oligonucleotide molecules that each comprise a double-stranded stem region and a loop region; b) contacting the double-stranded region of the hairpin oligonucleotide molecules with a mismatch binding protein; and c) eliminating any molecules that bind to the mismatch binding protein, thereby producing a population of oligonucleotides that has reduced synthesis errors. A kit and a composition for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for preparation of culture media and production of recombinant proteins described herein.

Abstract: A new I-CreI derived single-chain meganuclease comprising two domains, each domain comprising a portion of a parent I-CreI monomer which extends at least from the beginning of the first alpha helix to the end of the C-terminal loop and said two domains being joined by a peptidic linker which allows them to fold as a I-CreI dimer that is able to bind and cleave a chimeric DNA target comprising one different half of each parent homodimeric I-CreI meganuclease target sequence. Use of said I-CreI derived single-chain meganuclease for genetic engineering, genome therapy and antiviral therapy.

Abstract: Provided herein in some embodiments is a non-naturally occurring variant of a wild type restriction enzyme defined by SEQ ID NO: 20, wherein the variant has at least a 2 fold increase in cleavage at 5-? glucosylhydroxymethylcytosine (5?ghmC) compared with methylcytosine relative to the wild type enzyme. Methods for examining hydroxymethylation of a DNA sample using the variant enzyme are also provided.

Abstract: A method for transforming iota-carrageenan into alpha-carrageenan by a new class of 4S-iota-carrageenan sulfatase. The invention also relates to carrageenans obtained by the conversion method. The invention can be especially applied to the agro-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Abstract: A method for the secretory production of a glycoprotein having a human-type sugar chain, comprising a step of introducing a gene of an enzyme capable of performing a transfer reaction of a galactose residue to a non-reducing terminal acetylglucosamine residue, and a gene of heterologous glycoprotein, to obtain a transformed plant cell, a step of culturing the plant cell, and a step of recovering the culture medium of the plant cell.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence, including an isolated, purified or recombinant nucleic acid sequence, includes: (a) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide for stimulating embryonic development, namely, a PLC-zeta; PLC? amino acid sequence, capable of triggering calcium oscillations in oocytes; (b) a sequence substantially homologous to or that hybridizes to sequence (a) under stringent conditions; (c) a sequence substantially homologous to or that hybridizes to the sequences (a) or (b) but for degeneracy of the genetic code; and (d) an oligonucleotide specific for any of the sequences (a), (b) or (c) above.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endonuclease I or enzymatically active fragment thereof wherein said endonuclease I has the sequence of SEQ ID No. 4 or a sequence which is at least 70% identical thereto and wherein the amino acid residue which is immediately N-terminal of the FYCGC pentapeptide motif has been substituted with a residue which is negatively charged as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding these enzymes and methods of removing contaminating polynucleotides from a sample using these enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various open reading frames from a strain of E. coli responsible for neonatal meningitis (MNEC), and a subset of these that is of particular interest for preparing compositions for immunising against MNEC infections.

Abstract: Fusion-proteins containing an enzyme, preferably a feed or food enzyme, coupled to a gut surface-binding domain are presented. The fusion-proteins can be used to promote feed utilization in animals. In a particular example, a Fusion enzyme according to the invention comprising a gut-surface-binding polypeptide segment linked to a phytase show an increased resident time in the gut, which leads to an increased amount of time given to the enzyme to catalyse the corresponding reaction which finally leads to improved feed utilisation.

Abstract: A process for efficiently producing optically active succinimide derivatives as key intermediates of (3R)-2?-(4-bromo-2-fluorobenzyl)spiro{pyrrolidine-3,4?(1?H)-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine}-1?,2,3?,5(2?H)-tetraone, which comprises the following reaction steps, and the step 2 is performed by using a non-animal-derived enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed are components and methods for RNA-directed DNA cleavage and gene editing. The components include and the methods utilize a Cas9 protein from Neisseria and one or more RNA molecules in order to direct the Cas9 protein to bind to and optionally cleave or nick a target sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzymes capable of hydrolysing organophosphate (OP) molecules. In particular, the invention relates to variants of the OpdA enzyme from Agrobacterium that display improved activity when compared to the naturally occurring OpdA. The invention is also towards polypeptides that have organophosphate hydrolysing activity for the organophosphates chlorpyrifos methyl, diazinon and parathion ethyl.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biocatalytic methods or processes for the synthesis of acrylic acid and its derivatives, or other carboxylic acid compounds of the formula R—CO2H, wherein R is a carbon chain of 5 carbons or fewer, such as methacrylic acid or 3-hydroxypropionic acid. More specifically, the disclosure relates to methods of using an acyl-CoA hydrolase (such as a thioesterase) as a biocatalyst for the hydrolysis (and removal of the CoA moiety) of a substrate acyl-CoA compound to produce the corresponding carboxylic acid compound, such as acrylic acid. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides non-naturally occurring microorganisms that have been transformed with a heterologous acyl-CoA hydrolase, such as a thioesterase, that is capable of hydrolyzing an acyl-CoA produced in a pathway of the microorganism and produce the corresponding carboxylic acid compound, thereby allowing methods for the direct fermentative production of the compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and kit for serial isolation of DNA and RNA from the same sample. First, a siliceous solid support with preferential affinity for DNA over RNA is used to capture DNA in a lysate of a sample. Next, a siliceous solid support with similar affinity for RNA and DNA is used to capture RNA from the same lysate. The respective solid supports are recovered independent of each other, washed, and their bound nucleotide species are eluted. The invention further provides DNA and RNA prepared using the process in a minimal number of steps employing a minimal number of reagents. As the invention yields DNA and RNA of high quality and is amenable to automation, the invention may be used widely in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing the binding affinity of binding proteins using in silico affinity maturation.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a compound that includes a lysosomal enzyme and a targeting moiety, for example, where compound is a fusion protein including iduronate-2-sulfatase and Angiopep-2. In certain embodiments, these compounds, owning to the presence of the targeting moiety can crossing the blood-brain barrier or accumulate in the lysosome more effectively than the enzyme alone. The invention also features methods for treating lysosomal storage disorders (e.g., mucopolysaccharidosis Type II) using such compounds.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for increasing the amount of protein secreted by a cell. In one case, a cell is provided which contains a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a protein having unfolded protein response modulating activity and a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a protein of interest to be secreted. In one case, the protein having unfolded protein response modulating activity is selected from the proteins selected from the group consisting of HAC1, PTC2 and IRE1. The protein of interest can be any secreted protein such as a therapeutic or an industrial enzyme. For example the protein can be selected from the group consisting of lipase, cellulase, endo-glucosidase H, protease, carbohydrase, reductase, oxidase, isomerase, transferase, kinase, phosphatase, alpha-amylase, glucoamylase, lignocellulose hemicellulase, pectinase and ligninase.

Abstract: Materials and Methods related to gene targeting (e.g., gene targeting with transcription activator-like effector nucleases; “TALENS”) are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and 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: The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of polypeptides, in particular Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent alpha-amylase: substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH/activity profile, pH/stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca2+ dependency, specific activity, and solubility, in particular under production conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synthesizing a peptide by enzymatically preparing an ester or thioester from (i) an N-terminal protected amino acid or an N-terminal protected peptide where either can have a protected C-terminal ester group and (ii) an alcohol represented by the formula HO—CX2—Z or a thiol represented by the formula HS—CX2—Z, each X independently representing a halogen atom or a hydrogen atom; and Z represents an electron withdrawing group comprising at least one sp3-hybridized carbon comprising at least two substituents comprising a heteroatom directly attached to the at least one sp3-hybridized carbon or at least one sp2-hybridized carbon comprising one or two substituents comprising a heteroatom directly attached to the at least one sp2-hybridized carbon, and enzymatically coupling the prepared ester or thioester with an optionally C-terminal protected amino acid or with an optionally C-terminal protected peptide in a medium comprising 2 wt. % water or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Phytophthora phospholipase C and uses thereof, methods of identifying modulators and inhibitors of a biological function of the phospholipase C, and methods of inhibiting Phytophthora growth comprising inhibiting a biological function of a novel Phytophthora phospholipase C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits and methods for making and using RNA compositions comprising in vitro-synthesized ssRNA inducing a biological or biochemical effect in a mammalian cell or organism into which the RNA composition is repeatedly or continuously introduced. In certain embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for changing the state of differentiation or phenotype of a human or other vertebrate cell. For example, the present invention provides mRNA and methods for reprogramming cells that exhibit a first differentiated state or phenotype to cells that exhibit a second differentiated state or phenotype, such as to reprogram human somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to phytases, polynucleotides encoding them, uses of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention, as well as the production and isolation of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. In particular, the invention provides polypeptides having phytase activity under high temperature conditions, and phytases that retain activity after exposure to high temperatures. The phytases of the invention can be thermotolerant and/or thermostable at low temperatures, in addition to higher temperatures. The phytases of the invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients. The phytases of the invention can be formulated as foods or feeds or supplements for either to, e.g., aid in the digestion of phytate. The foods or feeds of the invention can be in the form of pellets, liquids, powders and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides various GH61 protein variants comprising various amino acid substitutions. The GH61 protein variants have an improved ability to synergize with cellulase enzymes, thereby increasing the yield of fermentable sugars obtained by saccharification of biomass. In some embodiments, sugars obtained from saccharification are fermented to produce numerous end-products, including but not limited to alcohol.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed herein provides a method for purifying a non-antibody protein from solution, comprising a chromatography step wherein the solution is passed over an affinity construct containing an affinity ligand-coupled solid support, wherein the affinity construct is associated with a bioprocess unit operation, and isolating the non-antibody protein from solution.