Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lactonohydrolase 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. The present invention further relates to methods for preventing microbial biofilm development.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that histone deacetylase associates with hormone receptor complexes and contributes to the repression thereof. It has further been discovered that exposure of a repressed system to histone deacetylase inhibitors relieves this repression. Thus, histone deacetylase inhibitors have been found to be useful for the activation of genes responsive to hormone receptors. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, formulations useful for modulation of hormone-mediated processes have been developed. In addition, assays have been developed for the identification of compounds useful to modulate the above-described processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides kPGE and derivative polypeptides which are capable of being produced by genetic recombination and used to produce EMCs. This invention further provides nucleic acid sequences encoding kPGE and derivative polypeptides which can be used to create recombinant host cells that express kPGE and derivative polypeptides. A further subject of the present of invention is a fusion polypeptide called polyHis-enterokinase which increases expression of esterases and lipases when fused to the N-terminal of the esterase or lipase. This invention also provides a method for treating animals with an esterase or lipase deficiency by administering rkPGE to the animal in a therapeutically effective amount.

Abstract: A novel DNA is provided which encodes an enzyme having esterolytic activity isolated from Aspergillus. Also provided for is a method of isolating DNA encoding an enzyme having esterolytic activity from organisms which possess such DNA, transformation of the DNA into a suitable host organism, expression of the transformed DNA and the use of the expressed esterase protein in feed as a supplement, in textiles for the finishing of such textiles prior to sale, in starch processing or production of foods such as baked bread.

Abstract: The enzyme Lp-PLA2 in purified form, an isolated nucleic acid molecule incoding Lp-PLA2, the use of an inhibitor of the enzyme Lp-PLA2 in therapy and a method of screening compounds to identify those compounds which inhibit the enzyme.

Abstract: Described herein are four phenolic acid esterases, three of which correspond to domains of previously unknown function within bacterial xylanases, from XynY and XynZ of Clostridium thermocellum and from a xylanase of Ruminococcus. The fourth specifically exemplified xylanase is a protein encoded within the genome of Orpinomyces PC-2. The amino acids of these polypeptides and nucleotide sequences encoding them are provided. Recombinant host cells, expression vectors and methods for the recombinant production of phenolic acid esterases are also provided.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use as a foodstuff or in the preparation of a foodstuff is described. The composition comprises a pectin methyl esterase (“PME”); a first PME substrate; and a second PME substrate; wherein neither the first PME susbtrate nor the second PME substrate originates in situ from the other.

Abstract: A gene encoding: (a) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) a protein having deletion, substitution or addition of at least one amino acid residue in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, which has a helicase activity.

Abstract: A novel polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase derived from a microorganism capable of producing a PHA having a novel side-chain structure and a DNA encoding the amino acid sequence for the synthase are provided. Two PHA synthase proteins (SEQ ID NOs. 1 and 3) derived from Pseudomonas cichorii YN2 (FERM BP-7375) and PHA synthase genes encoding these PHA synthases are provided, respectively (SEQ ID NOs. 2 and 4). A recombinant microorganism is endowed with a PHA producing ability.

Abstract: A method of screening for a genetic predisposition to anticholinesterase exposure. The method includes the steps of obtaining a peripheral blood sample, and then analysing serum from the blood sample for BuChE levels and inhibitor-susceptibilities. The DNA of peripheral white blood cells from the blood sample is also screened for the presence of BuChE alleles thereby identifying patients who have a genetic predisposition to anticholinesterase exposure.

Abstract: A novel polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase derived from a microorganism capable of producing a PHA having a novel side-chain structure and a DNA encoding the amino acid sequence for the synthase are provided. Two PHA synthase proteins (SEQ ID Nos. 1 and 3) derived from Pseudomonas jessenii P161 (FERM BP-7376) and PHA synthase genes encoding these PHA synthases are provided, respectively (SEQ ID Nos. 2 and 4). A recombinant microorganism is endowed with a PHA producing ability.

Abstract: An isolated esterase gene coding for an esterase capable of causing asymmetric hydrolysis of an organic carboxylic acid ester of a cyclopentenolone of formula I; wherein R1 is C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl or C1-C4 haloalkyl, to produce the cyclopentenolone of formula I in (S)-form, and hybridizing to the base sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, is useful for the industrially favorable production of optically active cyclopentenolones of formula I which serve as the intermediates of drugs, agricultural chemicals or other active products.

Abstract: Optically active chroman-3-acetic acids and optically active chroman-3-acetic acid esters can be obtained by treating a mixture of (3R)- and (3S)-chroman-3-acetic esters of formula (I) [wherein R1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms and R2 is a hydrogen atom or substituted or unsubstituted amino group] is treated with an esterase which has an optically selective hydrolyzing activity or microorganisms which carry said hydrolase, or a preparation therefrom. A novel esterase derived from bacteria of genus Pseudonocardia can also be used as said esterase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arthropod esterase proteins; to arthropod esterase nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such esterase proteins; to antibodies raised against such esterase proteins; and to other compounds that inhibit arthropod esterase activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from hematophagous arthropod infestation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel aerobic, Gram-positive alkaliphilic bacteria which have been isolated from in and around alkaline soda lakes. These alkaliphiles have been analyzed according to the principles of numerical taxonomy with respect to each other and also to a collection of known bacteria. In addition, these bacterial taxa are further circumscribed by an analysis of the lipid components which serve as chemotaxonomic markers. The alkaliphiles of the present invention produce alkalitolerant enzymes which are capable of performing their functions at high pH which makes them uniquely suited for applications requiring such extreme conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel enzyme which de-O-acetylates glucuronoxylomannan of Cryptococcus neoformans and a gene encoding such enzyme. Also provided are applications of such enzyme in treating cryptococcosis.

Abstract: A method and a kit for detecting a mutation from a non-mutated sequence of a target polynucleotide in a sample, by using a mismatch binding protein. The method comprises: a) providing non-mutated and mutated target polynucleotide; b) forming duplex of the non-mutated and mutated single strands of the target polynucleotide in a); c) adding a single strand binding protein to the polynucleotide from b); d) incubating the mismatch binding protein with an activating agent; e) adding the incubated mismatch binding protein from d) to the polynucleotide from c), whereby the mismatch binding protein binds to the duplex formed by one non-mutated and one mutated single strand of the target polynucleotide; f) detecting the presence of any mismatch binding protein bound to the target polynucleotide.

Abstract: Mitofusin genes and encoded polypeptides are provided, including the Drosophila Fzo protein and its homologs from insects, other invertebrates, yeast, and vertebrates including mouse and humans. Motifusins are large predicted GTPases with a predicted trans-membrane domain, coiled-coil regions, and a C-terminal region showing a high pl characteristic of mitochondrial matrix proteins. The mitofusins are the first known protein mediator of mitochondrial fusion, and mediate developmentally regulated post-meiotic fusion of mitochondria. Missense mutations that after conserved residues required for GTP binding in other GTPases inhibit the in vivo fusogenic activitiy of Fzo but do not affect its localization.

Abstract: Specific exchange of the acyl group in the sn-2 position of a phospholipid is achieved by reacting it with a free fatty acid in the presence of an extracellular phospholipase A2.

Abstract: Aliphatic, saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain C2-C24 monocarboxylic acids and polyhydric alcohols, particularly glycerol are selectively reached to monoesters in the presence of an enzyme which comprises potato lipid acyl hydrolase. The process can be used too for upgrading technical monoglycerides which contain free fatty acids.

Abstract: HD4 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing HD4 polypeptides and polynucleotides in therapy, and diagnostic assays for such.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a tertiary perester by contacting an acyl compound with a tertiary hydroperoxide in the presence of an enzyme catalyst. The acyl compound has the formula R1[C(O)OR2]n, wherein R1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C22 group, optionally containing one or more hetero atoms, R2 represents hydrogen or has the same meaning as described for R1, and n is 1-5, or a polyalcohol ester of R1C(O)OH, wherein R1 has the same meaning as described above. The tertiary hydroperoxide has the formula [HOOCR3R3]mR4, wherein R3 represents either a methyl or an ethyl group, R4 has the same meaning as described for R1, and m is 1-5.

Abstract: A process is described wherein there is added to an acidic environment, which contains protein, a block-wise enzymatically de-esterified pectin, and wherein the pectin is a high ester pectin. Also described is a recombinant pectin methyl esterase.

Abstract: Optically active 2-substituted tetrahydropyran-4-ols or esters thereof may be prepared using esterases or hydrolases from the corresponding racemic mixtures of esters or alcohols. This provides a route to the corresponding optically active ketones. The racemic mixtures are preferably in the cis-form. such mixtures may be produced by-reacting but-3-ene-1-ol with an aldehyde in the presence of an acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated DNA molecule encoding Malathion Carboxylesterase capable of hydrolysing at least one organophosphate selected from the group consisting of carboxylester organophosphates and dimethyloxon organophosphates. The DNA molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, preferably at least 80% and more preferably at least 95% homology with Lc&agr;E7, in which the protein encoded by the DNA molecule differs from E3 at least in the substitution of Trip at position 251 with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Leu, Ser, Ala, Ile, Val, Thr, Cys, Met and Gly. The preferred substituents are Leu and Ser.

Abstract: Methods for identifying organisms capable of degrading fumonisin. Fumonisin can be incorporated into culture medium for selection of organisms resistant to fumonisin and/or capable of growing on fumonisin as a sole carbon source. Using this method, several organisms have been identified. These organisms can be used to isolate the enzymes and the genes responsible for conferring fumonisin-resistance. The gene can be cloned and inserted into a suitable expression vector so that the protein can be further characterized. Additionally, the DNA encoding for fumonisin degrading enzymes can be used to transform plant cells normally susceptible to Fusarium or other toxin-producing fungus infection. Plants can be regenerated from the transformed plant cells. In this way, a transgenic plant can be produced with the capability of degrading fumonisin, as well as with the capability of producing the degrading enzymes.

Abstract: The instant invention encompasses isolated stable esterase enzymes characterized by the ability to remain stable at certain temperatures, substrate specificities, and activity profile.

Abstract: A propargylic alcohol, enriched in the (R)-enantiomer, has the formula wherein R is C1-4 alkoxy, halogen, or C1-4 alkyl optionally substituted by OH or halogen. This is prepared by the steps of: (a) enantioselective (R)-esterification of the racemic alcohol using any acyl donor and a first enzyme; (b) removal of the untreated (S)-alcohol; and (c) enantioselective hydrolysis of the (R)-ester, using a second enzyme.

Abstract: A conjugate vaccine for Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae comprising lipooligosaccharide from which esterified fatty acids have been removed conjugated to an immunogenic carrier. The vaccine is useful for prevention of otitis media and respiratory infections in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for improving the efficiency of feed utilization and/or for promoting the growth of animals in which an animal is fed a diet which comprises a composition comprising feed substance and a ready for use phospholipase additive. Preferably said composition also comprises at least one phospholipid. Said compositions are used to improve fat digestibility and to promote growth of the animal. The phospholipid is preferably lecithin and the preferred phospholipase is a mammalian phospholipase A2. In a preferred embodiment the phospholipase is produced using recombinant DNA technology to express the enzyme in a suitable host such as a microorganism or a transgenic plant.

Abstract: An industrially advantageous production method of an optically active alcohol useful for cosmetics and medical supplies or production intermediates thereof using an esterase having an ability to selectively hydrolyze an optically active sphingoid compound.

Abstract: The properties of dough or bread can be improved by the addition of a carbohydrate oxidase which can oxidize the reducing end of an oligosaccharide more efficiently than the corresponding monosaccharide, e.g., preferentially oxidizing maltodextrins or cellodextrins over glucose. A novel carbohydrate oxidase having the capability to oxidize maltodextrins and cellodextrins more efficiently than glucose may be obtained from a strain of Microdochium, particularly M. nivale. The amino acid sequence of the novel carbohydrate oxidase has very low homology (<20% identity) with known amino acid sequences.

Abstract: A novel method for controlled release of compounds having antimicrobial activity and a novel coating composition capable of controlled release of compounds having antimicrobial activity is provided.This invention relates to a method for releasing a compound having antimicrobial activity from a matrix at a controlled rate, which comprises incorporating an enzyme and a substrate in said matrix beforehand to allow said enzyme and said substrate to react with each other in said matrix to thereby produce said compound having antimicrobial activity; and further relates to a coating composition comprising a film-forming resin, an enzyme, and a substrate, said enzyme being capable of reacting with said substrate to produce a compound having antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides the complete cDNA sequence of maize acetyl CoA carboxylase and a method introducing and expressing a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase gene in plant cells. The method includes the steps of introducing an expression cassette encoding a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase or an antisense DNA sequence complementary to the sequence for a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase gene operably linked to a promoter functional in plant cells, into the cells of a plant tissue and expressing the plant acetyl CoA carboxylase gene. The expression cassette can also be introduced into other host cells to increase yield of a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase crystallized enzyme.

Abstract: A process for producing L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) from 2-keto-L-gulonic acid or D-erythorbic acid from 2-keto-D-gluconic acid by contacting 2-keto-L-gulonic acid or 2-keto-D-gluconic acid, respectively, in solution with a lactonase, particularly one belonging to the enzyme class EC 3.1.1.x, according to the classification of Enzyme Nomenclature. The solvent for this reaction can be water, an aqueous alcohol, a non-alcoholic organic solvent or a mixture of an aqueous alcohol and a non-alcoholic organic solvent. The contacting is generally performed in a temperature range of 0.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. and a pH range of 1.5 to 12. In each case the starting material can be in the form of the free acid, the sodium salt, or the calcium salt. The so-produced vitamin C has very well known uses, and the alternatively produced D-erythorbic acid is useful as an antioxidant for food additives.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel enzyme which de-O-acetylates glucuronoxylomannan of Cryptococcus neoformans and a gene encoding such enzyme. Also provided are applications of such enzyme in treating cryptococcosis.

Abstract: An enzyme system is described that is useful for preparing food and feed. One enzyme of that system is obtainable from Aspergillus. That enzyme has the following characteristics: a MW of from 29 kDa to 36 kDa as measured on a SDS-Phastgel (10-15%) or about 30 kDa; a pI value of about 3-4; ferulic acid esterase activity; a pH optimum of about 5; and a temperature optimum of from about 50 to about 60.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention provides DNA fragments for efficiently preparing a protein having asymmetric hydrolase activity for 4-substituted 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives, transformants obtained by using such a DNA fragment, and a process for preparing the aforesaid enzyme. Specifically, an isolated gene derived from the chromosome of Streptomyces viridosporus and encoding a protein having asymmetric hydrolase activity for 4-substituted 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives, plasmids having the aforesaid gene integrated thereinto, transformants obtained by using such a plasmid, and a process for preparing the aforesaid enzyme by using such a transformant are disclosed. A process for the enzymatic conversion of 4-substituted 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives by using the aforesaid enzyme is also disclosed.

Abstract: An acidic phospholipase is obtained from a strain of the genus Hyphozyma. It is able to hydrolyze both fatty acyl groups in intact phospholipid. Advantageously, it has no lipase activity and is active at very low pH; these properties make it very suitable for use in oil degumming, as enzymatic and alkaline hydrolysis (saponification) of the oil can both be suppressed. The phospholipase is not membrane bound, making it suitable for commercial production and purification.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing a nucleoside derivative of the formula [I]: ##STR1## characterized by contacting 2',3',5'-O-triacylribonucleoside derivative of the formula [II]: ##STR2## with an ester hydrolase: (i) capable of regio-selectively deacylating the acyl group at 5'-O-position in the formula [II] above, and(ii) having an amino acid sequence encoded by a gene which hybridizes to a nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotide sequences encoding human plasma platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase. Also provided are materials and methods for the recombinant production of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase products which are expected to be useful in regulating pathological inflammatory events. Specifically disclosed are methods for the treatment of reperfusion injury using platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase products.

Abstract: A modified GAD especially characterized by a substantially preserved immunogenicity in connection with diabetes compared with a non-modified GAD and a reduced or non-existent effectivity in connection with a GABA-synthesis. The invention relates also to a method for manufacturing a modified GAD, a method for supplying a modified GAD, nucleotide sequence encoding the modified GAD, a vector containing the nucleic acid sequence, a host, a pharmaceutical composition comprising modified GAD and use thereof for treating and/or preventing autoimmune disorders such as IDDM.

Abstract: A coryneform bacterium in which a DNA coding for a diaminopimelate decarboxylase and a DNA coding for a diaminopimelate dehydrogenase are enhanced is cultivated in a medium to allow L-lysine to be produced and accumulated in a culture, and L-lysine is collected from the culture.

Abstract: An isolated esterase gene coding for an esterase capable of causing asymmetric hydrolysis of an organic carboxylic acid ester of a cyclopentenolone of formula I: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl, and R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkynyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl, a C.sub.5 -C.sub.9 aliphatic hydrocarbon moiety which may be optionally protected on the terminal hydroxyl group thereof, or a C.sub.5 -C.sub.9 fatty acid residue which may be optionally protected on the terminal carboxyl group thereof, to produce the cyclopentenolone of formula I in (R)-form, and hybridizing to the base sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, is useful for the industrially favorable production of optically active cyclopentenolones of formula I which serve as the intermediates of drugs, agricultural chemicals or other active products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of esterases as control agents of plant diseases. The esterases are applied to the cells of a plant under conditions effective to impart resistance to plant diseases without decomposing waxy surface layers of the plant.

Abstract: A method of detecting a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C enzyme by means of a substrate which is cleaved by said enzyme and yields a dye when the chromophoric portion of the substrate is dimerized and oxidized; the invention teaches using in such method, as a novel substrate, a 3-indoxyl-myo-inositol-1-phosphate compound of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C.sub.1-4 alkyl, while R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are radicals selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, carboxy, amino, alkyl-substituted amino and sulphonyl; or of a salt of said formula I compound. The invention provides for a safe and sensitive method of detection of potentially pathogenic bacterial activity of such microbes as Bacillus cereus, B. Thuringiensis, Staphy lococcus aureus and various Listeria strains in potentially infected materials including physiological samples or consumable goods such as foods and beverages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme with pectin esterase activity, a DNA construct encoding the enzyme with pectin esterase activity, a method of producing the enzyme, an enzyme composition comprising said enzyme with pectin esterase activity, and the use of said enzyme and enzyme composition for a number of industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arthropod esterase proteins; to arthropod esterase nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such esterase proteins; to antibodies raised against such esterase proteins; and to other compounds that inhibit arthropod esterase activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from hematophagous arthropod infestation.

Abstract: Optically active chroman-3-acetic acids and optically active chroman-3-acetic acid esters can be obtained by treating a mixture of (3R)- and (3S)-chroman-3-acetic esters of formula (I) ##STR1## [wherein R.sub.1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom or substituted or unsubstituted amino group]is treated with an esterase which has an optically selective hydrolyzing activity or microorganisms which carry said hydrolase, or a preparation therefrom. A novel esterase derived from bacteria of genus Pseudonocardia can also be used as said esterase.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enzyme with acetyl esterase activity comprising the amino acid sequence IxFGDxYYT(SEQ ID NO: 1), in which x designates any amino acid residue. The enzyme exhibits activity towards acetylated xylan and acetylated mannan and may be used for modifying or degrading plant containing materials.