Abstract: A method of increasing a fraction of free carotenoids in a source of carotenoids in which at least some of the carotenoids are fatty acid esterified carotenoids is disclosed. The method is effected by contacting the source of carotenoids with an effective amount of an esterase under conditions effective in deesterifying the fatty acid esterified carotenoids, thereby increasing the fraction of free carotenoids in the source of carotenoids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods of signal transduction in cells. In particular, the invention relates to signal transduction via a class of enzymes known as phosphodiesterase enzymes or PDEs. The invention also relates to a class of signaling molecules known as G-coupled protein receptors (GCPRs) and G-proteins. The invention provides novel methods to screen for and identify G-proteins and other compounds which modulate signaling by these two classes of proteins. In particular, the relates to novel assays which identify compounds that modulate (e.g., enhance or inhibit) binding between a PDE polypeptide and an effector activation domain of a G-protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel esterase proteins, Specifically, the present invention provides proteins having the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 7, or salts thereof; their partial peptides or salts thereof: DNAs encoding the proteins; recombinant vectors containing the DNAs; transformants, a method of manufacturing the proteins; pharmaceuticals comprising the proteins or DNAs; antibodies to the proteins; a method of screening compounds or salts thereof having an activity of promoting the esterase activity of the proteins; the compounds obtained by the screening; and pharmaceuticals comprising the said compounds; etc.

Abstract: Post-translational O-sulfonation of a serine or threonine residue of proteins is detected, optionally comparatively, wherein the detected O-sulfonation is detected under a first physiological condition, and is compared with a control O-sulfonation detected under a second physiological condition, and a difference between the detected and control O-sulfonations indicates a difference between the first and second physiological conditions. Predetermined changes in physiological conditions are used to infer specific changes in O-sulfonation. Proteins are modified by introducing a predetermined change in O-sulfonation at a serine or threonine residue of the protein, and optionally, detecting a resultant change in O-sulfonation. These methods include introducing or increasing O-sulfonation, eliminating or reducing O-sulfonation; and derivatizing or substituting O-sulfonation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening methods that make use of Myosin Phosphatase-Rho interacting Protein (M-RIP) for the identification of novel therapeutics for hypertension and hypertensive conditions. Also disclosed are methods for treating or preventing hypertension or hypertensive conditions by administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that reduces the level or activity of M-RIP. According to this invention, the agent decreases contractile and increases relaxant effects of smooth muscle cells, ultimately decreasing the systemic blood pressure of a mammal. For example, the agent may reduce binding of M-RIP to myosin phosphatase, RhoA, or both.

Abstract: A diagnostic agent for colon cancer, which comprises a reagent for detecting a tannase high-producing bacterium or measuring an amount of tannase contained in an intracolonic microflora sample, and a test method for colon cancer, which comprises the step of detecting a tannase high-producing bacterium or measuring an amount of tannase contained in an intracolonic microflora sample.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated and recombinant phytase enzymes. In one aspect, the phytases are produced by modification of the wild type appA of E. coli. The enzyme can be produced from recombinant host cells. The phytases of the invention can be used to aid in the digestion of phytate where desired. In particular, 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 thermotolerant and/or thermostable. Also provided are methods for obtaining a variant polynucleotide encoding a phytase and for obtaining a phytase with thermostability or thermotolerant at high or low temperatures.

Abstract: Effective stabilizing amount at least of one antioxidant is added to a composition containing an esterase and surfactant(s).

Abstract: Reagents which regulate human protein phosphatase IIC-like enzyme-like enzyme activity and reagents which bind to human protein phosphatase IIC-like enzyme-like enzyme gene products can be used, inter alia, to treat disorders associated with an increase in apoptosis, including AIDS and other infectious or genetic immunodeficiencies, neurodegenerative diseases, myelodysplasia, ischemic injuries, toxin-induced diseases, wasting diseases, viral infections, and osteoporosis. Regulation of human protein phosphatase IIC-like enzyme-like enzyme also can be used to treat disorders associated with a decrease in apoptosis, including cancer, diabetes, CNS disorders, cardiovascular disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and inflammatory disorders also can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to LLG polypeptides, which are polypeptides of the triacylglycerol lipase family, and fragments thereof, antibodies against such polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and antisense nucleic acids derived from such nucleic acids. The invention relates also to therapeutic compositions and methods comprising the above. In addition, the invention relates to the preparation of LLG polypeptides using recombinant technology and to the use of LLG polypeptides to screen for agonists and antagonists thereof.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a consensus protein from a group of amino acid sequences of a defined protein family, proteins and polynucleotides so obtained, and compositions containing such proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides cDNAs encoding deoxyribonuclease II? and isolated, purified deoxyribonuclease II? proteins. Antibodies against this protein and antisense agents targeted to a cDNA or corresponding mRNA encoding deoxyribonuclease II? are provided. In addition, methods of identifying and using modulators of deoxyribonuclease II? activity are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound of Formula (I), wherein: L is a linking agent; B is a binding agent; X is an atom or group suitable for attaching L to the glycerol chain; and R is a straight chain saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, substituted with M? or M? wherein at least one of M? and/or M? is a detectable label. The compound can be used as a lipase substrate in a solid phase-based assay system, such as a scintillation proximity assay, to detect lipase enzyme activity.

Abstract: The ability to efficiently determine the state of enzyme expression in cells has long been desired as material to the diagnosis of disease. This invention relates to cytoenzymology, and more particularly to improved reagents for use in cell-based assays, especially those using fluorogenic substrates.

Abstract: In view of the increase in the number of cases with nephropathy in aged animals of the cat family, the invention provides a marker for early diagnosis of feline nephropathy which can substitute for the conventional complicated methods of diagnosing nephropathy such as blood examination, kidney radiography using a contrast medium, and ultrasonic image analysis. It was found that cats with nephropathy show markedly lowered levels of excretion of a novel protein (named cauxin) with a molecular weight of 70 K, which is excreted into urine in high concentrations in normal adult cats showing no clinical abnormality. When the protein is used as a marker in diagnosing feline nephropathy, feline nephropathy can be detected in a simple and exact manner.

Abstract: An assay for detecting type IV cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA2) or a protein immunologically homologous to type IV cPLA2, the assay comprising use of red blood cells, particularly for use in the diagnosis of a disease in which dysfunction of cell signalling systems involving highly unsaturated fatty acids is implicated.

Abstract: A silent marker, method of marking a petroleum product with the silent marker, and method of detecting the silent marker. The marker is an ester derivative of fluorescent material, and the silent marker may be detected by measuring the fluorescence generated from the selective hydrolysis of the ester moiety under enzymatic action.

Abstract: There is provided a method for a selective assay of component, particularly cholesterol, in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) which is one of serum lipoproteins. In the assay, an enzymatic reaction of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) or cholesterol esterase (CE) which well reacts with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and VLDL is carried out at least in the presence of calixarene or a salt thereof. It is also carried out in the presence of one or more substance(s) selected from albumin and basic amino acids in addition to calixarene or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A kit for detecting upper respiratory conditions. The kit includes a container for collecting nasal secretions. The kit further comprises a means for providing a differential readout upon contact with the nasal secretions.

Abstract: A method for detecting upper respiratory conditions. The method includes implementation of a device upon which are fixed discrete indicators of pH, protein content, nitrite content and/or leukocyte esterase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to proteinase inhibitors, a precursor thereof and to genetic sequences encoding same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides which encodes or is complementary to a sequence which encodes a type II serine proteinase inhibitor (PI) precursor from a plant wherein said precursor comprises at least three PI monomers and wherein at least one of said monomers has a chymotrypsin specific site and at least one other of said monomers has a trypsin specific site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test piece having a simple structure, by which HDL cholesterol can be measured easily using a small amount of specimen. A reagent layer (2) is formed on a support (1), and an enzyme reagent for measuring cholesterol, a first surfactant that makes a solubility of a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) higher than that of a lipoprotein other than the HDL, and a second surfactant that inhibits the lipoprotein other than the HDL from dissolving are contained in the reagent layer (2).

Abstract: Methods for delivering nucleic acid molecules into cells and methods for measuring nucleic acid delivery into cells and the expression of the nucleic acids are provided. The methods are designed for introduction of large nucleic acid molecules, including artificial chromosomes, into cells, and are practiced in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Methods for detecting variant genes having a polymorphism associated with reduced metabolism of a substrate selected from the group consisting of a CYP3A4 substrate, a CYP3A5 substrate and a GSTM1 substrate in an individual are disclosed. The methods are genotyping methods to identify specific polymorphisms which have been found to be associated with reduced metabolism of chemotherapeutic agents, such as cyclophosphamide and BCNU. Also disclosed are novel polymorphic nucleic acid molecules useful in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides a direct method for monitoring bacterial transglycosylase activity using labeled substrates produced by chemo-enzymatic synthesis wherein the labels are selected to permit the detection of both polymeric and non-polymeric products simultaneously, either directly or following the separation of product from starting material. The invention promotes the discovery of new antibiotics with activity against bacterial transglycosylases by a) laying the groundwork for structural analysis of purified, active transglycosylase (which permits structure-based design); and b) providing an assay that can be used to screen for inhibitors.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a restriction endonuclease, which includes the steps of (a) screening a target DNA sequence for the presence of known methylase sequence motifs, (b) identifying any open reading frames which lie close to the methylase sequence motifs screened in step (a), and (c) assaying the protein products of these open reading frames for restriction endonuclease activity. Methods for identifying isoschizomers of known restriction endonucleases, which isoschizomers possess a desired physical property, such as thermostability, are also provided by the present invention, as are several novel restriction endonucleases isolated from M. jannaschii, MjaIII and MjaIV. Additionally, a gene was identified that encoded a previously observed endonuclease activity, designated MjaII. Also provided by the present invention are vectors suitable for cloning a DNA sequence encoding a cytotoxic protein, via independent transcription promotors which may be selectively controlled by several conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel polypeptide having an amino acid sequence substantially as shown in SEQ ID NO:2, or substantially similar to the amino acid sequence encoded by the DNA insert contained in ATCC Deposit No. PTA-4086. Also disclosed is an isolated polynucleotide substantially as shown in SEQ ID NO:1, or substantially similar to a nucleotide sequence contained in a plasmid having all of the identifying characteristics of ATCC Deposit No PTA-4086, encoding the polypeptide. Further disclosed is an expression system comprising the above polynucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides, nucleic acids and related molecules which have an effect on or are related to the cell cycle. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Further provided by the present invention are methods for identifying novel compositions which mediate cell cycle bioactivity, and the use of such compositions in diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: A method for screening of modulators of calcineurin is provided, which uses the interaction between calcineurin and superoxide dismutase. Modulators of calcineurin are potential candidates for drugs, e.g. for immunosuppressive drugs. The forming of a complex comprising calcineurin and superoxide dismutase is monitorable in the presence of potential activators or inhibitors of calcineurin. Complex formation is performed within the cell by the use of appropriate expression vectors or in vitro using isolated proteins. Preferably, complex formation is monitored by fluorescence detection, especially by laser fluctuation correlation spectroscopy.

Abstract: A device for detecting upper respiratory conditions. The device includes a support upon which are fixed discrete indicators of pH, protein content, nitrite content and/or leukocyte esterase activity. The device further comprises a container to facilitate collection of nasal secretion sample in order to test for different upper respiratory conditions.

Abstract: Chemiluminescent 1,2-dioxetane compounds capable of producing light energy when decomposed, substantially stable at room temperature, represented by the formulas I or II: wherein T is:

Abstract: Compositions comprising a novel protease capable of cleaving ?-amyloid precursor protein (APP) on the amino-terminal side of the ?-amyloid peptide therein are provided. The protease is designated ?-secretase. Reaction systems comprising ?-secretase may be used in screening assays to monitor ?-secretase modulated cleavage of APP and to identify ?-secretase inhibitors, wherein the ?-secretase is in the presence of a suitable polypeptide substrate and cleavage of the substrate determined in the presence and absence of the test substance. Antibodies are raised against peptides of ?-secretase. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods comprise compounds identified by screening assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to the expression of the cDNA clone for sub-units a1 (hsGCa1) and b1 (hsGCb1) of human soluble guanylylcyclase and the subsequent purification of the active enzyme and use thereof, the medical application of the expression of this clone by gene transfer, in addition to antibodies against peptides derived from said sequence and the use thereof.

Abstract: The invention identifies nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of a sensory cell specific phospholipase C that are specifically expressed in taste cells, antibodies to such phospholipase C, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and proteins, and methods of screening for modulators of sensory cell specific phospholipase C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection or screening method for identifying hydrolases, based on an optical detection of liberated acetic acid, which is suitable in particular for high throughput screening (HTS) of prokaryotic or eukaryotic samples; to test kits for carrying out the method; to methods for isolating hydrolases with a modified profile of properties, such as, for example, with improved enantioselectivity, using this detection method; and to hydrolases isolated with the aid of this method.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preparing a triple-stranded DNA molecule by forming a DNA and protein complex, which DNA has a linear double-stand molecule and a single-strand molecule where the linear single-stranded DNA is complementary to a 5′ end region of one strand in the linear double stranded DNA; and the protein component is a homogeneous recombinant protein and an exonuclease; and then the protein is removed from the complex; triple-stranded DNA; and methods of using the triple-stranded DNA to detect nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring an acyl coenzyme A (acyl CoA) ester or esters in a sample, comprising the steps of: a) forming a reaction mixture comprising the sample to be tested and a derivatizing agent; b) allowing the sample and said derivatizing agent to react, so as to form a fluorescent derivative(s) of any acyl CoA ester(s) present in the sample; and c) determining a level of said fluorescent derivative(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying dimeric to pentameric proanthocyanidin oligomers which comprises extracting the proanthocyanidin oligomers from raw materials containing the proanthocyanidin oligomers or crude purification products therefrom by solid-liquid extraction using methyl acetate as a liquid phase; a process for purifying dimeric to pentameric proanthocyanidin oligomers which comprises pretreating with an enzyme for hydrolysis raw materials containing the proanthocyanidin oligomers, crude purification products therefrom, or a solution containing one of these; and a process for purifying dimeric to pentameric proanthocyanidin oligomers with a uniform polymerization degree which comprises separating and purifying the proanthocyanidin oligomers by polymerization degree from raw materials containing the proanthocyanidin oligomers or crude purification products there from by normal phase silica gel liquid chromatography using as a mobile phase a single solvent or a mixed solvent of

Abstract: The present invention provides for crystalline cPLA2. The crystal structure of cPLA2 has also been solved using such material. Models based upon such crystal structure are also provided. Methods of identifying inhibitors of cPLA2 activity and membrane binding using such models are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polymorphisms in the human cytochrome P450 2A6 gene and the use of those polymorphisms as predictive sequences for altered metabolism or occurrence of disease.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a compound to determine the relative or absolute therapeutic capability of a compound to pharmacologically inhibit ischemia induced activation of iPLA2&bgr; in an intact myocardium which comprises treating intact myocardium with a compound, inducing ischemia in the myocardium tissue and determining if there has been a change in expression of iPLA2&bgr;, its activity or in the iPLA2&bgr; regulating network and determining if there has been a change then that the compound is an anti-arrhythmia or myocardial salvage drug.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the quantitative determination of cholesterol in low density lipoproteins and a reagent kit for use therein. The present invention also provides a method for continuous fractional determination of cholesterol in high density lipoproteins and cholesterol in low density lipoproteins and a reagent kit for use therein, as well as a method for continuous fractional determination of cholesterol in high density lipoproteins and total cholesterol and a reagent kit for use therein.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of KinI-3, antibodies to KinI-3, methods of screening for KinI-3 modulators using biologically active KinI-3, and kits for screening for KinI-3 modulators.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for obtaining an enzyme having a specified enzyme activity derived from a heterogeneous DNA population by screening, for the specified enzyme activity, a library of clones containing DNA from the heterogeneous DNA population which have been exposed to directed mutagenesis towards production of the specified enzyme activity. Also disclosed is a process for obtaining an enzyme having a specified enzyme activity by screening, for the specified enzyme activity, a library of clones containing DNA from a pool of DNA populations which have been exposed to directed mutagenesis in an attempt to produce in the library of clones DNA encoding an enzyme having one or more desired characteristics which can be the same or different from the specified enzyme activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates, first, to methods for the modulation of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)-related processes, including apoptosis. Such apoptosis can include, but is not limited to, environmental stress-induced apoptosis such as, for example, ionizing radiation and/or chemotherapeutic agent-induced apoptosis. Apoptosis can be characterized by a cellular morphology comprising cellular condensation, nuclear condensation or zeiosis. The present invention further relates to methods for the identification of compounds which modulate (i.e., either increase or decrease) sensitivity to ASM-related processes, including apoptosis.

Abstract: Methods by which a predisposition to Premature Ovarian failure (POF) can be determined. In particular, methods are provided for detecting whether a female has a predisposition to POF with reference to an alteration (mutation) in the gene coding inhibin.

Abstract: Processes for determining whether a test substance contains lipases or lipase inhibitors are provided. Processes for determining the activity of lipases or lipase inhibitors are also provided. Furthermore, processes for the preparation of micelle or vesicle substrates comprising monoacylglyceride having a fluorescent label are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to host cells and methods of preparing a substantially RNA-free cellular component, comprising culturing cells producing the cellular component in a medium and lysing the cells to produce a cell lysate, wherein the cell lysate contains the cellular component and sufficient RNase activity to degrade substantially all of the RNA molecules present in the cell lysate. The invention also relates to substantially RNA-free cellular components.

Abstract: A method for quantitating a specific component in lipoproteins contained in a biological sample, for example, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) by using a commonly employed automatic analyzer without centrifuging or making the reaction liquor cloudy due to complexes or aggregates. Namely, a controlling means, whereby an enzyme reaction can be carried out exclusively for the target component, is introduced into a method for enzymatically assaying a component in a specific lipoprotein fraction in the serum, thereby specifically assaying the component.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for obtaining molecular markers for use as a diagnostic and quality control tool to identify genomic polymorphisms that arise during the process of tissue culture of in vitro propagated plants. By using a representational difference analysis (RDA) adapted for plant genomes, a set of nucleic acid difference sequences between normal and off-type plant genomes are obtained. The invention further provides a method for isolating sets of variant sequences which are common to many naturally occurring or tissue culture-generated off-types of the same cultivar or species, in addition to variant sequences present in all off-types, regardless of the phenotypic mutation, and/or in all off-types that exhibit the same mutation. Detection of somaclonal variation by the method of the invention may present an opportunity to optimize tissue culture conditions and to optimize plant multiplication rates without producing a significant number of off-types.