Abstract: The invention relates to ?-galactosidase truncated at the carboxy terminus and the production of enzymatically active recombinant human and animal lysosomal enzymes involving construction and expression of recombinant expression constructs comprising coding sequences of human or animal lysosomal enzymes in a plant expression system. The plant expression system provides for post-translational modification and processing to produce a recombinant gene product exhibiting enzymatic activity. The invention is demonstrated by working examples in which transgenic tobacco plants express recombinant expression constructs comprising human glucocerebrosidase nucleotide sequences. The invention is also demonstrated by working examples in which transfected tobacco plants express recombinant viral expression constructs comprising human ? galactosidase nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to ?-galactosidase truncated at the carboxy terminus and the production of enzymatically active recombinant human and animal lysosomal enzymes involving construction and expression of recombinant expression constructs comprising coding sequences of human or animal lysosomal enzymes in a plant expression system. The plant expression system provides for post-translational modification and processing to produce a recombinant gene product exhibiting enzymatic activity. The invention is demonstrated by working examples in which transgenic tobacco plants express recombinant expression constructs comprising human glucocerebrosidase nucleotide sequences. The invention is also demonstrated by working examples in which transfected tobacco plants express recombinant viral expression constructs comprising human ? galactosidase nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for economically producing N-acetylneuraminic acid without using expensive materials such as pyruvic acid and phosphoenolpyruvic acid. The process comprises: allowing (i) a culture of a microorganism having N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase activity or N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase activity, or a treated matter of the culture, (ii) a culture of a microorganism capable of producing pyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, or a culture of a microorganism capable of producing phosphoenolpyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, (iii) N-acetylmannosamine, and (iv) an energy source which is necessary for the formation of pyruvic acid or phosphoenolpyruvic acid to be present in an aqueous medium to form and accumulate N-acetylneuraminic acid in the aqueous medium; and recovering N-acetylneuraminic acid from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A winter wheat-derived chitinase cDNA is provided which has a nucleotide sequence corresponding to an amino acid sequence listed as SEQ. ID. No.1 in FIG. 1. Another winter wheat-derived chitinase cDNA is provided which has a nucleotide sequence corresponding to an amino acid sequence listed as SEQ. ID. No.2 in FIG. 2. Further, a winter wheat-derived chitinase cDNA is provided which has a nucleotide sequence corresponding to an amino acid sequence listed as SEQ. ID. No.3 in FIG. 3. Moreover, a method is provided for isolating the above three kinds of chitinase cDNAs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a 4007 bp DNA fragment from the strain Lactococcus raffinolactis ATCC 43920 containing two genes. The first gene (named aga) codes for an enzyme with an alpha-galactosidase activity. The second gene (named galR) codes for a transcriptional regulator which would act as a regulator of aga. When present in a lactic acid bacterium such as Lactococcus lactis, this DNA fragment can modify the sugar fermentation profile of the strain from melibiose-negative to melibiose-positive. The utilisation of a culture media containing melibiose as the sole carbon source and bromcresol purple as pH indicator allows the identification of the melibiose-fermenting bacteria as yellow colonies on a purple background.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the activity of lysosomal &agr;-Galactosidase A (&agr;-Gal A) in mammalian cells and for treatment of Fabry disease by administration of 1-deoxy-galactonojirimycin and related compounds.

Abstract: Methods for the production of a mucin-type glycopeptide comprising a transglycosylation using a sugar acceptor such as peptide and a sugar donor as an oligosaccharide with an endo-&agr;-N-acetylgalactosaminidase under a given condition is disclosed. The method provides a new practical way to produce mucin-type glycopeptides in industry and can provide an sufficient amount of the mucin-type glycopeptides in a practical use.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated and purified nucleotide sequences which are differentially expressed during pear fruit ripening, and their protein products. The isolated genes can be inserted into expresssion cassettes and cloned in an expression vector which can be used to transform a host cell by selected transformation methods. Transgenic plants can be regenerated from transformed plant cells by in vitro culture techniques. The nucleotide sequences disclosed in this invention encode proteins which are described as having an effective action in fruit ripening control. When used in antisense orientation they can delay fruit softening and mesocarp deterioration, bringing important advantages for fruit producers.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for remodeling a peptide molecule, including the addition or deletion of one or more glycosyl groups to a peptide, and/or the addition of a modifying group to a peptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to &agr;-galactosidase truncated at the carboxy terminus and the production of enzymatically active recombinant human and animal lysosomal enzymes involving construction and expression of recombinant expression constructs comprising coding sequences of human or animal lysosomal enzymes in a plant expression system. The plant expression system provides for post-translational modification and processing to produce a recombinant gene product exhibiting enzymatic activity. The invention is demonstrated by working examples in which transgenic tobacco plants express recombinant expression constructs comprising human glucocerebrosidase nucleotide sequences. The invention is also demonstrated by working examples in which transfected tobacco plants express recombinant viral expression constructs comprising human &agr; galactosidase nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to &agr;-galactosidase truncated at the carboxy terminus and the production of enzymatically active recombinant human and animal lysosomal enzymes involving construction and expression of recombinant expression constructs comprising coding sequences of human or animal lysosomal enzymes in a plant expression system. The plant expression system provides for post-translational modification and processing to produce a recombinant gene product exhibiting enzymatic activity. The invention is demonstrated by working examples in which transgenic tobacco plants express recombinant expression constructs comprising human glucocerebrosidase nucleotide sequences. The invention is also demonstrated by working examples in which transfected tobacco plants express recombinant viral expression constructs comprising human &agr; galactosidase nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: Avian and reptile derived heparanase and nucleic acids encoding same.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment of androgen-independent and androgen-dependent prostate carcinomas.

Abstract: Short enzyme donor fragments of &bgr;-galactosidase are provided of not more than 40 amino acids, where the short fragments are used as a label and may be substituted with a wide variety of organic compounds, particularly polypeptides having independent functional activity. The enzyme donor finds use in competitive and non-competitive assays, monitoring intracellular events, or other processes where a sensitive non-interfering label is desired.

Abstract: A DNA (SEQ ID No.:2) and amino acid (SEQ ID No.:4) sequences of Glycine &agr;-D-galactosidase are provided as well as the DNA sequence (SEQ ID No:5) and mature length amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No:7) of Phaseolus.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new &bgr;-galactosidase with transgalactosylating activity isolated from Bifidobacterium bifidum and a truncated enzyme where the C-terminal end of the &bgr;-galactosidase protein has been deleted, resulting in an enzyme with a higher transgalactosylating activity than hydrolase activity. When lactose is used as a substrate, galacto-oligosaccharides are products of the transgalactosylase activity. Galacto-oligosaccharides enhance growth of health-promoting Bifidobacterium that may be used in a number of applications in the dairy industry.

Abstract: An enzyme isolated from an organism that metabolizes alpha-galactosyl containing saccharides, comprising an alpha-galactosidase (E.C. 3.2.1.22, alpha-D-galactoside galatohydrolase) with optimal activity in the neutral to alkaline pH range, and which hydrolyzes a variety of alpha-galactose containing saccharides, in particular raffinose. The enzyme is preferably a protein monomer and an ex-alpha-galactosidase.

Abstract: A therepeutic method whereby an individual suspected of having an &agr;-galactosidase A deficiency, such as Fabry disease, is treated either with (1) human cells that have been genetically modified to overexpress and secrete human &agr;-gal A, or (2) purified human &agr;-gal A obtained from cultured, genetically modified human cells.

Abstract: Method fore enhancing in a mammalian cell the activity of an enzyme associated with a lysosomal storage disorder by administering a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme in an amount effective to enhance the activity of the enzyme. Preferred compounds for use in the method are imino sugars and related compounds.

Abstract: Method for enhancing in a mammalian cell the activity of an enzyme associated with a lysosomal storage disorder by administering a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme in an amount effective to enhance the activity of the enzyme. Preferred compounds for use in the method are imino sugars and related compounds.

Abstract: Method for enhancing in a mammalian cell the activity of an enzyme associated with a lysosomal storage disorder by administering a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme in an amount effective to enhance the activity of the enzyme. Preferred compounds for use in the method are imino sugars and related compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA molecules and DNA constructs which promote papaya fruit ripening. The present invention is also directed to methods for promoting or delaying the ripening of papaya plants through transformation of papaya with DNA constructs containing nucleic acids which encode proteins or polypeptides involved in papaya ripening. The invention also relates to expression systems, host cells, and plants containing such DNA constructs.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide novel genes and gene group involved in cellulose synthesis of microorganisms. The present invention relates to a gene group encoding cellulase, cellulose synthase complex, &bgr;-glucosidase and the like, and to novel &bgr;-glucosidase.

Abstract: Novel mannanases comprising e.g. an amino acid sequence as shown in positions 31-330 of SEQ ID NO:2 or their homologues may be derived from e.g. Bacillus sp. I633, or may be encoded by polynucleotide molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 from nucleotide 91 to nucleotide 990, polynucleotide molecules that encode a polypeptide that is at least 65% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 from amino acid residue 31 to amino acid residue 330, or degenerate nucleotide sequences thereof. The mannanases are alkaline and are useful e.g. in cleaning compositions, in a fracturing fluid useful to fracture a subterranean formation, for modifying plant material, and for treatment of cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A method for disrupting epithelial barrier function in a host in need of the topical administration of a physiologically active substance which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, barrier-disrupting amount of at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis, inhibitor of acylceramide synthesis, inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthesis, and inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthesis, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, a degradation enzyme of ceramides, acylceramide, glucosylceramides, sphingomyelin, an inhibitor of phospholipid, glycosphingolipid, including glucosylceramide, acylceramide or sphingomyelin degradation, and both inhibitors and stimulators of metabolic enzymes of free fatty acids, ceramide, and cholesterol, as well as a topical composition useful therefor are disclosed.

Abstract: Recombinantly produced &agr;-glucuronidases which are useful in food manufacturing and as a feed additive to enhance the utilization of the feed components, and in other industrial applications such as pulp processing are provided. Genes coding for such enzymes can e.g. be isolated from Aspergillus sp. including A. tubigensis or A. niger.

Abstract: A &bgr;-Glucanase enzyme capable of hydrolytically cleaving mixed glucans is presented. The &bgr;-Glucanase is sufficiently stable under alkaline conditions for use in industrial cleaning processes, especially in the brewing industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein defined in the following (A) or (B), and DNA coding for the same: (A) a protein which has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 4, or (B) a protein which has the amino acid sequence including substitution, deletion, insertion, or transition of one or several amino acid residues in SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 4, and exhibits activity to eliminate a sialic acid residue from a non-reducing terminal of ganglioside.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated polypeptide with galactanase activity, polynucleotides encoding a galactanase, a method for modifying animal feed, in particular animal feed comprising plant material such as soybean, by adding to the animal feed at least one galactanase enzyme, and also to a method for obtaining a DNA sequence encoding a galactanase enzyme or a portion thereof.

Abstract: Recombinant, thermostable alpha-glucosidases from archaeal micro-organisms and isolated DNA encoding for such alpha-glucosidases are provided. The isolated DNA is obtained by use of DNA or antibody probes prepared from the DNA encoding S. sulfataricus alpha-glucosidase. Also provided are methods for producing recombinant archaeal thermostable alpha-glucosidase and transformants incorporating thermostable alpha-glucosidase. Autoprocessing of plant tissue through the use of transgenic thermostable glycosyl hydrolases is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a fungal host cell in a medium conducive for the production of the polypeptide, wherein the fungal host cell comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide operably linked to a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a consensus translational initiator sequence foreign to the nucleic acid sequence; and (b) isolating the polypeptide from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to the isolated consensus translational initiator sequences and to constructs, vectors, and fungal host cells comprising the consensus translational initiator sequences operably linked to nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides.

Abstract: Fabry disease results from an X-linked deficiency in the enzyme &agr;-galactosidase A. The present invention is directed to recombinant human &agr;-galactosidase A and provides baculovirus expression vectors and recombinant virus that provide stable expression of extracellular and intracellular levels of this enzyme in an insect cell culture. The recombinant-derived enzyme can be used in enzyme replacement therapy to treat Fabry patients. Composition useful in therapeutic administration of &agr;-galactosidase A are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides highly purified &agr;-Gal A, and various methods for purifying it; &agr;-Gal A preparations with altered charge and methods for making those preparations; &agr;-Gal A preparations that have an extended circulating half-life in a mammalian host, and methods for making same; and methods and dosages for administering an &agr;-Gal A preparation to a subject.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation which surrounds a well bore comprises the steps of providing a fracturing fluid, and injecting the fracturing fluid into the well bore at a pressure sufficient to form fractures in the subterranean formation which surrounds the well bore. The pressure is then released from the fracturing fluid, after which the fluid may be removed from the well and the well placed into production. The fracturing fluid comprises an aqueous liquid, a polysaccharide soluble or dispersible in the aqueous liquid in an amount sufficient to increase the viscosity of the aqueous liquid, an enzyme breaker which degrades said polysaccharide at a temperature above 180° F. Fracturing fluid compositions and enzyme breaker systems useful for carrying out the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermophilic enzyme having &bgr;-glycosidase activity which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 in which one or a plurality of amino acid residues may be deleted, replaced or added.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of purifying lysosomal proteins, pharmaceutical compositions for use in enzyme replacement therapy, and methods of treating Pompe's disease using purified human acid alpha glucosidase.

Abstract: A composition is provided for ingestion by mammals for in vivo conversion of alpha-D-galactoside comprising an amount of alpha-galactosidase effective to hydrolyze alpha-D-galactoside to D-galactose, and non-toxic, ingestible excipient(s) for said alpha-galactosidase. Gastric distress in mammals due to ingestion of foods containing alpha-D-galactoside may be reduced by ingesting the foregoing composition of alpha-galactosidase and non-toxic, ingestible excipient contemporaneously with the ingestion of said food in an amount effective to hydrolyze the alpha-D-galactoside to D-galactose.

Abstract: Substantially pure glycosidases capable for cleaving selected glycosidic bonds have been described including glycosidases isolated from Xanthomonas and recombinant glycosidases. Substrate specificity of isolated enzymes have been identified for GlcNac&bgr;1-X, Gal&agr;1-3R, Gal&agr;1-6R, Gal&bgr;1-3R, Fuc&agr;1-2R, Fuc&agr;1-3R, Fuc&agr;1-4R, Man&agr;1-2R, Man&agr;1-3R, Man&agr;1-6R, Man&bgr;1-4R, Xyl&bgr;1-2R, Glc&bgr;1-4R, and Gal&bgr;1-4R providing improved capability for selectively cleaving a glycosidic linkage in a carbohydrate substrate and for forming modified carbohydrates.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA encoding coffee bean &agr;-galactosidase permits the production of purified forms of this protein. The protein is useful in converting human Type B red blood cells into cells physiologically similar to Type O red blood cells. The availability of this enzyme permits more effective conversion than use of &agr;-galactosidase from other sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel ppGpp synthetase and expression systems for improved production of proteins of interest in Gram-positive bacteria, involving use of the novel ppGpp synthetase.

Abstract: Substantially pure glycosidases capable for cleaving selected glycosidic bonds have been described including glycosidases isolated from Xanthomonas and recombinant glycosidases. Substrate specificity of isolated enzymes have been identified for GlcNac&bgr;1-X, Gal&agr;1-3R, Gal&agr;1-6R, Gal&bgr;1-3R, Fuc&agr;-2R, Fuc&agr;1-3R, Fuc&agr;1-4R, Man&agr;1-2R, Man&agr;1-3R, Man&agr;1-6R, Man&bgr;1-4R, Xyl&bgr;1-2R, Glc&bgr;1-4R, and Gal&bgr;1-4R providing improved capability for selectively cleaving a glycosidic linkage in a carbohydrate substrate and for forming modified carbohydrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhibitor of an activation of &bgr;-glucan recognition protein in a body fluid of an insect comprising a sugar compound comprising plural member of sugar residues, at least one of which have a substituent at the 6-position, the sugar residues being bonded mainly through &bgr; 1→3 linkage with one another, a process for inhibiting the activation; an agent for treating the body fluid of an insect, a process for the treatment; a novel agent for measuring peptidoglycan simply and effectively, and a process for the measurement. The present invention is markedly effective in that a reagent, which are obtained form a body fluid of an insect, can easily be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel human DNA sequences, targeting constructs, and methods for producing novel genes encoding thrombopoietin, DNase I, and &bgr;-interferon by homologous recombination. The targeting constructs comprise at least: a) a targeting sequence; b) a regulatory sequence; c) an exon; and d) a splice-donor site. The targeting constructs, which can undergo homologous recombination with endogenous cellular sequences to generate a novel gene, are introduced into cells to produce homologously recombinant cells. The homologously recombinant cells are then maintained under conditions which will permit transcription of the novel gene and translation of the mRNA produced, resulting in production of either thrombopoietin, DNase I, or &bgr;-interferon.

Abstract: This invention relates to a recombinant enzyme for use in the removal of A antigens from the surface of cells in blood products. Specifically, this invention is directed to a recombinant &agr;-N-acetylgalactosaminidase enzyme from chicken liver, methods of cloning and expressing said recombinant &agr;-N-acetylgalactosaminidase enzyme and a method of removing A antigens from the surface of cells in blood products using said recombinant &agr;-N-acetylgalactosaminidase enzyme.

Abstract: Fabry disease results from an X-linked deficiency in the enzyme &agr;-galactosidase A. The present invention is directed to recombinant truncated forms of &agr;-galactosidase A, as well as therapeutic compositions comprising said truncated &agr;-galactosidase A which are useful, for example, to treat Fabry disease patients.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide having &agr;-galactosidase activity and characterized as having a pH optimum in the range of 5.0-7.0, and a temperature optimum within the range of 50-70° C. The &agr;-galactosidase is derived from Aspergillus niger.

Abstract: A method for disrupting epithelial barrier function in a host in need of the topical administration of a physiologically active substance which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, barrier-disrupting amount of at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis, inhibitor of acylceramide synthesis, inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthesis, and inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthesis, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, a degradation enzyme of ceramides, acylceramide, glucosylceramides, sphingomyelin, an inhibitor of phospholipid, glycosphingolipid, including glucosylceramide, acylceramide or sphingomyelin degradation, and both inhibitors and stimulators of metabolic enzymes of free fatty acids, ceramide, and cholesterol, as well as a topical composition useful therefore are disclosed.

Abstract: A DNA (SEQ ID No.:2) and amino acid (SEQ ID No.:4) sequences of Glycine &agr;-D-galactosidase are provided as well as the DNA sequence (SEQ ID No:5) and mature length amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No:7) of Phaseolus.

Abstract: The invention concerns a culture medium and a method for revealing enterohemorrhagic E. coli bacteria, particularly serotypes O157 and/or O11, comprising a chromogenic substrate compound of the .alpha.-galactosidase enzyme. The invention likewise concerns a procedure for revealing enterohemorrhagic E. coli bacteria in a sample.

Abstract: A therepeutic method whereby an individual suspected of having an .alpha.-galactosidase A deficiency, such as Fabry disease, is treated either with (1) human cells that have been genetically modified to overexpress and secrete human .alpha.-gal A, or (2) purified human .alpha.-gal A obtained from cultured, genetically modified human cells.