Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of the compound of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is carboxy group or a carboxylate anion, by enzymatic hydrolysis with a lipase or an acylase in an alcoholic solution, of a compound of the formula II ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1, represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl group, and R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl, alkenyl, phcnyl, phenylalkyl or phenylalkenyl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group.

Abstract: Diagnostic means and methods for Lyme disease comprising B. burgdorferi flagellin polypeptides and antibodies. Compositions and methods comprising neuroborreliosis-associated antigens useful for the detection, treatment and prevention of neuroborreliosis, arthritis, carditis and other manifestations of Lyme disease.

Abstract: An enzymatic process for the production of 7-amino cephalosporanic acid from cephalosporine C is disclosed. The process is a two-stage enzymatic reaction which can be performed in a single reactor. The invention further includes a mutant strain of Trigonopsis variabilis which produces increased amounts of D-amino acid oxidase, and a mutant strain of Acinetobacter sp., which increased amounts of deacylase, which are enzymes necessary for the present process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing optically active endo-2-norborneols, represented by the following formula: ##STR1## and the antipodes, it comprises asymmetrically hydrolysing racemic endo-2-acyloxynorbornane or endo-2-acyloxynorbornane, whose (R)-compound is in excess, having an optical purity of 50-95% ee with lipase derived from Candida genus. The optically active endo-2-norborneol useful for synthesizing intermediates of pharmaceutical preparations in large quantities.

Abstract: Genetically engineered human acetylcholinesterase and antibodies that def the protein are described. These composition may be used in pharmaceutical preparations for treatment and prophylaxis of organo-phosphorous compound poisoning or post-operative apnea. Also described are human cholinesterase DNA probes which may be employed for diagnosing progressing ovarian carcinomas and hemocytopoietic disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding vespid venom enzymes, or fragments thereof, recombinant vectors comprising such nucleic acids, and host cells containing the recombinant vectors. The invention is further directed to expression of such nucleic acids to produce recombinant vespid venom enzymes, or recombinant fragments, derivatives or analogs thereof. Such recombinant products are useful for diagnosis of allergy and for therapeutic treatment of allergy. In specific embodiments, the present invention provides nucleic acids encoding, and complete nucleotide and amino acids sequences for, vespid venom phospholipase, for example, Dolichovespula maculata phospholipase and Vespula vulgaris phospholipase, and vespid venom hyaluronidase, for example, Dolichovespula maculata hyaluronidase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rhamnogalacturon acetyl esterases derived from Aspergillus aculeatus and DNA Sequences encoding the enzymes. The present invention also relates to the use of rhamnogalacturon acetyl esterases for degrading modified hairy region.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of the compounds of formula ##STR1## (wherein R has the meanings reported in the specification) by enzymatic transesterification of enantiomeric mixtures is described.These compounds are intermediates useful in the synthesis of Diltiazem.

Abstract: A DNA encoding an acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) from a photosynthetic organism and functional derivatives thereof which are resistant to inhibition from certain herbicides. This gene can be placed in organisms to increase their fatty acid content or to render them resistant to certain herbicides.

Abstract: Carboxyl esterase is inactivated by several chemical compounds such as naproxen or diclofop. By substituting or modifying certain basic residues of the carboxyl esterase, this enzyme shows improved stability properties during application. In this way it is possible to perform stereospecific hydrolysis reactions on industrial scale even at high substrate concentrations.

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.

Abstract: An esterase with a molecular weight of 55,200 .+-.300 Da is suitable for the chemoselective conversion of a compound of the formula II into a compound of the formula I.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing optically active 3-aminobutanoic acid characterized in that it comprises an asymmetrically hydrolyzing racemic ester of 3-substituted aminobutanoic acid in the presence of a hydrolase, obtaining an optically active ester of 3-substituted aminobutanoic acid and an optically active 3-substituted aminobutanoic acid of an enantiomer of the ester, and treating the above ester represented by the formula (II): ##STR1## to remove the protecting group. In addition, the new ester intermediates represented by the above formula (II) are provided.

Abstract: O-acylated cephalosporins are produced by reacting 3-hydroxymethylcephalosporins with an acyl donor containing at least three carbon atoms and an enzyme which is a Rodosporidium toruloides esterase, a wheat germ lipase, an Aspergillus niger lipase, an orange peel acetylesterase or a Bacillus subtilis esterase. A preferred enzyme is the esterase from Rodosporidium toruloides ATCC 10657. The enzyme can be used while in whole cells or in soluble or inmobilized form.

Abstract: A gene encoding an esterase originated from a microorganism of the genus Serratia, a mutant strain having high esterase productivity containing said gene, a recombinant plasmid comprising said gene inserted into a vector plasmid, a novel microorganism transformed with said recombinant plasmid, and a method for the production of an esterase which comprises cultivating the mutant strain or the novel microorganism as set forth above in a medium and collecting the produced esterase outside and inside the cells. Said mutant strain having high esterase productivity and new transformed microorganism have excellent esterase productivity and can produce the desired esterase in high purity on a large scale.

Abstract: A norbornane type ester hydrolase that enantio-selectively hydrolyzes a (.+-.)-exo-norbornane type ester represented by Formula I is provided: ##STR1## wherein R is acyl, and A and B are hydrogens, respectively, or where A and B are absent, resulting in a carbon-carbon double bond between the carbons to which A and B are attached in Formula I. The norbornane type ester hydrolase has an optimal pH of approximately 8 and a stable pH range of approximately 6 to 8.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated DNA compounds and recombinant DNA cloning and expression vectors that encode PNB esterase from Bacillus subtilis. The invention also provides host cells transformed with these vectors and a method for production of the PNB esterase by recombinant DNA techniques.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of partially acylated derivatives of sucrose by the enzyme catalyzed deacylation of sucrose esters, wherein said process comprises treating a sucrose ester selected from the group consisting of sucrose octaacylate, sucrose heptaacylate, and sucrose hexaacylate in an anhydrous organic medium, with an enzyme or combination of enzymes capable of catalyzing the deacylation of said sucrose ester to produce a partially deacylated sucrose derivative having free hydroxyl group(s) in pre-selected position(s), and recovering the resulting partially deacylated sucrose derivative.

Abstract: Methods and DNA constructs are provided for the expression of a fungal acetyl xylan esterase gene in microbial hosts. A purified fungal acetyl xylan esterase is obtained which is suited for the use as an accessory enzyme in the degradation of acetylated xylans.

Abstract: There is provided a regio-selective method for the resolution of carbohydrate monoester mixtures, by treating such mixtures with one or more selective enzymes. The resolution of such mixtures results in monoesters comprising significantly purer isolates of one desired isomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel approach to the production of restriction endonucleases. More specifically, there is provided a novel method for the overexpression of these enzymes, which comprises transforming a host cell with an expression vector containing DNA coding for the restriction endonuclease of interest and a vector for the expression of a methylase which is capable of protecting the host cell DNA against the restriction endonuclease of interest. The methylase vector is compatible with the restriction endonuclease expression vector. Preferably, the expression vector is a T7 expression vector and the cell is transformed with a third compatible vector which regulates the expression vector. Also disclosed is the cloning and overexpression of the AatII restriction endonuclease and methylase and the cloning and overexpression of the AluI restriction endonuclease and methylase.

Abstract: An isolated gene encoding an esterase capable of asymmetrically hydrolysing an ester of chrysanthemic acid or its derivative to give an intermediate useful for the production of pharmaceutically and/or agriculturally useful compounds, expression plasmids containing said gene, microorganisms transformed with said expression plasmids, and the production of the esterase by culturing said transformants.

Abstract: A process for highly regioselective esterification and ester cleavage on unsaturated sugar compounds with the aid of lipases and esterases, and products which can be prepared by this process.Highly regioselective esterifications and ester cleavages can be carried out on unsaturated sugar compounds with the aid of lipases and esterases. Lipases from microorganisms or from the pancreas and liver of animals are preferably used.

Abstract: An in vitro process for preparing 6((1R)-hydroxyethyl) penem acids by hydrolyzing the carboxylic ester derivative thereof using an enzyme capable of selectively hydrolyzing the ester group at the 3-position of the carboxylic acid ester using an esterase, acylase or lipase enzyme, wherein the enzymatic hydrolysis is effected at a pH in the range of from 5 to 8 and at a temperature in the range of 20.degree. C. to 40.degree. C.

Abstract: A cephalosporin acetylhydrolase gene, a recombinant DNA molecule prepared by introducing said gene into a vector used in an E. coli host-vector system, E. coli cells transfomed with said recombinant DNA molecule, a protein having the amino acid sequence encoded by said gene, an enzyme which is a multimer of said protein, and a process for preparing said protein or enzyme are provided, said cephalosporin acetylhydrolase being an enzyme useful for converting cephalosporins such as cephalosporin C and 7-ACA into deacetylated ones such as deacetylcephalosporin C and deacetyl 7-ACA which are useful as an intermediate for preparing a variety of derivatized cephalosporin antibiotics.

Abstract: For the preparation of cholesterol esterases with variable substrate specificity by cloning of a cholesterol esterase gene, the active center of which has the sequence -Gly-His-Ser-X-Gly-, wherein X signifies an amino acid, into a vector, transformation of a micro-organism with this vector and expression of the cholesterol esterase gene, one exchanges the amino acid X of the active center for another amino acid by mutagenesis.

Abstract: The design, and synthesis of peptide-based molecules termed helizymes which possess catalytic activity are described herein The catalytic molecules of the invention comprise a number of amphiphilic helical peptides, which interact via hydrophobic interactions and which are bonded at their carboxyl ends to a multifunctional base. Active site residues functional for catalysis are positioned within or at the N-termini of the helical peptides. The helizyme molecule adopts a conformation in aqueous medium such that a substrate binding pocket is formed and such that functional active site geometry results from the association of the helical peptides Specifically exemplified helizymes possess specificities and at least one catalytic activity of chymotrypsin, trypsin and acetylcholine esterase.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing acyloxyacyl hydrolase. The protein is produced from eukaryotic host cells transformed or transfected with DNA construct(s) containing information necessary to direct the expression of acyloxyacyl hydrolase. The DNA constructs generally include the following operably linked elements: a transcriptional promoter; DNA sequence encoding acyloxyacyl hydrolase, the small subunit of acyloxyacyl hydrolase or the large subunit of acyloxyacyl hydrolase; and a transcriptional terminator. In addition, isolated DNA sequences encoding acyloxyacyl hydrolase and isolated DNA sequences encoding the small or large subunit of acyloxyacyl hydrolase are disclosed.

Abstract: A cephalosporin acetylhydrolase gene, a recombinant DNA molecule prepared by introducing said gene into a vector used in an E. coli host-vector system, E. coli cells transformed with said recombinant DNA molecule, a protein having the amino acid sequence encoded by said gene, an enzyme which is a multimer of said protein, and a process for preparing said protein or enzyme are provided, said cephalosporin acetylhydrolase being an enzyme useful for converting cephalosporins such as cephalosporin C and 7-ACA into deacetylated ones such as deacetylcephalosporin C and deacetyl 7-ACA which are useful as an intermediate for preparing a variety of derivatized cephalosporin antibiotics.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic hydrolysis of a carboxylic acid derivative by dissolving the carboxylic acid derivative in an organic solvent which is miscible with water only to a slight extent, saturation of the organic solution with water, bringing the water-saturated organic solution into contact with a hydrolase, the hydrolysis taking place, after which the reaction solution is saturated with water again and brought into contact with the hydrolase and subsequently with water again until the desired degree of conversion is achieved.

Abstract: Butyrylcholinesterase is produced in a purity of at least 90% by subjecting plasma fraction IV-4 alone or in admixture with fraction IV-1 to both anion exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography.

Abstract: Process for the pancreatic lipase mediated transesterification method for the optical resolution of endo-norborneol; derived optically active 5-(3-(exo-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydrop yrimidin-2(1H)-ones; and stepwise process and intermediate therefor.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies or paratope-containing portions thereof are disclosed that immunoreact with an enol ester substrate ligand having a prochiral center and catalytically hydrolyze a single predetermined eThis invention was made with government support under Contract GM 43858 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of optically active (-)-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octanolones of formula (-)-I ##STR1## wherein R is defined herein, comprising subjecting a racemic mixture of oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octanolone acylate to stereospecific acylate hydrolysis and separating the resultant products.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an enzymatically active nonglycosylated, recombinant, human acetylcholinesterase comprising at least one polypeptide characterized by an amino acid sequence which is substantially identical to the amino acid sequence of naturally-occurring human acetylcholinesterase. The subject invention additionally provides an enzymatically active recombinant human acetylcholinesterase comprising at least one polypeptide characterized by an amino acid sequence in which serine is substituted for cys 611 in the sequence of naturally-occurring, human acetylcholinesterase and an enzymatically active recombinant human acetylcholinesterase comprising at least one polypeptide characterized by the presence of a methionine of the N-terminus of the amino acid sequence of naturally-occurring human acetylcholinesterase.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA molecule consisting of segments of DNA from different genomes which have been joined end-to-end outside of living cells, and the progeny of such a recombinant DNA molecule, which recombinant DNA molecule (1) has the capacity to infect a host cell and to be maintained therein, and (2) comprises a DNA coding sequence selected from the group consisting of:(a) the CLCP-encoding sequence shown in FIG. 1,(b) a DNA sequence which hybridizes to the CLCP-encoding sequence shown in FIG. 1, and which encodes a polypeptide which (i) cross-reacts with an antibody to CLCP or to denatured CLCP, (ii) exhibits lysophospholipase activity, and (iii) forms dipyramidal crystals under conditions permitting CLC formation; and(c) a DNA sequence encoding a polypeptide encoded by any of the foregoing DNA sequences.

Abstract: Carboxyl esterase is inactivated by several chemical compounds such as naproxen or diclofop. By substituting or modifying certain basic residues of the carboxyl esterase, this enzyme shows improved stability properties during application. In this way it is possible to perform stereospecific hydrolysis reactions on industrial scale even at high substrate concentrations.

Abstract: A 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X represents an alkyl group, or a group of ##STR2## in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a nitrile group, or a trifluoromethyl group; R.sub.4 represents a substituted or unsubstituted acyloxymethyl group, an alkoxycarbonyloxymethyl group, a (2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4 -yl)methyl group, a (5-substituted-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4 -yl)methyl group, or an acyl group; R.sub.5 represents a lower alkyl group or a substituted alkyl group; and R.sub.6 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkoxymethyl group, or a lower acyloxymethyl group, is disclosed. The compound is stereospecifically hydrolyzed by the action of an enzyme to provide an optically active 1,4-dihydro -3-pyridinemonocarboxylic acid which is useful as an intermediate of pharmaceuticals in good optical purity and yield.

Abstract: Alcohols of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently methyl or ethyl or together signify pentamethylene,formed by the enzymatic hydrolysis of a corresponding (RS) alkanoic acid ester are intermediates for Vitamin E.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the levels of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in blood is disclosed. The LDL is contacted with an enzyme which modifies it in a manner such that the LDL is rapidly removed endogenously by the patients' own metabolic processes. The enzyme may be introduced into the patient by injection, transdermal transport, nasal insufflation and ingestion. Additionally, the enzyme may be contained in a reactor for both in vivo and extracorporeal use.

Abstract: Continuous biotechnological preparation of optical isomer S(+) of 2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl) propionic acid consisting in the reaction of a racemic (R,S) ester of 2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl) propionic acid having melting point below 50.degree. C. of formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 =a C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.4 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, phenyl, tetrahydropyranyl , tetrahydrofuranyl radicals and--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n --R.sub.2 group, whereinn=2-15 andR.sub.2 =a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, with the Lipase obtained from Candida Cylindracea, at temperatures ranging from 20.degree.-60.degree. C. and at a pH ranging from 5 to 8, by feeding said ester in a continuous way into a bioreactor containing said Lipase immobilized on a porous carrier selected from adsorbent resins of the polyacrylester type having a porosity ranging from 50 to 1000 .ANG. and a granulometry ranging from 1 to 0.01 mm.

Abstract: A process for reacting(1) a component selected from the group consisting of sterols and branched aliphatic primary or secondary alcohols having 14 to 32 carbon atoms, and(2) a component selected from the group consisting of fatty acids and fatty acid estersin contact with an enzyme selected from the group consisting of lipase and cholesterol esterase or with the selected enzyme in an immobilized form, in a system selected from the group consisting of an aqueous medium and water-containing organic solvent to prepare a fatty acid ester of the component (1).

Abstract: A process for modifying fats and oils which comprises applying partial glyceride lipase to fats and oils containing partial glycerides and fatty acids to synthesize triglycerides from the partial glycerides by esterification.The lipase is preferably an immobilized lipase and this process is preferably carried out under a water concentration of 1500 ppm or less.By using partial glyceride lipase according to the present invention, there can be obtained modified fats and oils having a low content of diglycerides without changing triglyceride composition.

Abstract: A method is provided for the screening of senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (Alzheimer's disease) by testing for an anomalous molecular form of acetylcholinesterase in cerebrospinal fluid of a patient.

Abstract: An antibody molecule or molecule containing antibody combining site portions (catalytic molecule) that catalytically hydrolyzes a preselected carboxylic acid amide or ester bond of a reactant ligand, methods of making and using the catalytic molecule, and cells that produce those molecules are disclosed. The catalytic molecules bind to a reactant ligand containing the bond to be hydrolyzed and also to a haptenic ligand. The haptenic ligand is structurally analogous to the reactant ligand and contains a tetrahedral carbon atom that is bonded to a hydroxyl group and to a saturated carbon atom at a position in the haptenic ligand that corresponds to position of the carbonyl group and its bonded heteroatom of the reactant ligand. The haptenic ligand also contains a group that bears an ionic charge in aqueous solution at physiological pH values that is not present at a corresponding position of the reactant ligand. The ionic charge-bearing group is located in the hapten within 7 .ANG.

Abstract: A process for preparing (+)-homopilopic acid and the salts thereof which comprises hydrolyzing a mixture of (+)-homopilopic acid ester of the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 denotes straight or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbon, and (-)-homopilopic acid ester of the general formula (II): ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 denotes straight or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbon, in the presence of a microorganism belonging to the genus Arthrobacter, Aspergillus, Escherichia, Cunninghamella, Xanthomonas, Candida, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Cellulomonas, Nocardia, Bacillus, Brevibacterium, Flavobacterium, Mycobacterium, Rhizomucor, Rhodotorula or Rhodococcus, or a treated matter thereof.

Abstract: 2-Arylpropionic acids such as ketoprofen, ibuprofen and naproxen can be stereospecifically resolved from their esters by hydrolysis using liver enzymes and particularly liver acetone powders derived from specific animals such as dog, pigeon, horse and goat.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel monoglygeride lipase at least capable of catalyzing an enzymatic reaction of the following equation (a) and as substrate specificity, capable of acting on monoglyceride but incapable of acting on diglyceride and triglyceride:Monoglyceride+H.sub.2 O.fwdarw.Glycerol+Fatty acid (a)The monoglyceride lipase is produced by culturing a specific monoglyceride lipase producing microorganism of Bacillus and then collecting the monoglyceride lipase from the resulting culture. A method is also disclosed for the analysis of a monoglyceride-containing sample solution. The monoglyceride lipase is caused to act on the sample solution upon measurement of the monoglyceride in the sample solution. Either one of glycerol and the fatty acid formed in accordance with the equation (a) is then measured.

Abstract: In the enzymatic stereoselective ester cleavages of 2-arylpropionate, the reaction rate of the hydrolyzing enzymes can be drastically increased if the vinyl ester of the 2-arylpropionate is employed as the substrate.

Abstract: An enzymatic process for the enantiomer-specific preparation of mercapto alkanoic acids by stereoselective hydrolysis of mercapto or thioester alkanoic acid esters.