Abstract: This invention relates to mutant forms of carboxypeptidase U with increased thermal stability relative to wild-type. In addition to the individual thermal stabilizing mutations identified (at positions 166, 204, 219, 230, 251, 315), the inventors have identified a region (S327-H357) that is crucial to the stability of CPU. The invention relates to nucleic acid encoding such mutant forms and the polypeptides encoded thereby. The invention also relates to methods and materials for making CPU mutants with increased thermal stability relative to wild-type and their use, for example to produce crystals of CPU or proCPU for 3-dimensional structure determination, or in therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions and articles of manufacture useful for the treatment of Bacillus anthracis and B. cereus bacteria and spores, and related conditions. The disclosure further relates to methods and compositions for the identification of a phage associated lytic enzyme to rapidly and specifically detect and kill Bacillus anthracis and other bacteria. Related articles of manufacture, methods of degrading spores and methods of treatment of infections or bacteria populations of, or subjects exposed to or at risk for exposure to, Bacillus anthracis are also provided.

Abstract: A method for in vitro determination of the digestibility of proteins in a nutritional product. The method utilized gastric and intestinal enzymes that are standardized for in vitro digestion process that mimics the in vivo digestive process. Further, specificity in digestion is determined by an amino acid profile.

Abstract: Methods for exterminating pests using compositions comprising at least one protease enzyme. A detergent component may also be utilized in such compositions.

Abstract: There are provided polypeptides which bind to caspase-8. Production and use of such polypeptides is also provided, as well as DNA encoding them, and vectors and host cells having such DNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the ? secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a heterologous polypeptide with homogeneous N-terminus in a bacterial host cell, wherein the heterologous polypeptide is autoproteolytically cleaved from an expressed fusion protein which comprises a polypeptide with the autoproteolytic activity of an autoprotease Npro of a pestivirus and the heterologous polypeptide by the Npro autoproteolytic activity.

Abstract: The current invention relates to the field of neurodevelopmental disorders and more particularly to the field of neuropsychiatric disorders. The invention provides non-human, transgenic animal models for said neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, compulsive disorders and the like. The animals also have applications in the field of Alzheimer's Disease and other disorders in which ?-secretase activity has a role.

Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the ? secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alkaline proteases having high specific activity and strong oxidant resistance. The present invention also relates to alkaline proteases having excellent detergency that are to be added to a detergent.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a koji mold capable of expressing proteolytic enzymes in the presence of a carbon source in at least the same amount as in the absence thereof. In particular, the present invention pertains to a mutation in the creA gene as a tool to increase the amount of a wide spectrum of proteolytic enzymes in the presence of a carbon source.

Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the ? secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: An alkaline protease wherein an amino acid residue at (a) position 65, (b) position 101, (c) position 163, (d) position 17-0, (e) position 171, (f) position 273, (g) position 320, (h) position 359 or (i) position 387 of SEQ. ID NO: 2 or at a position corresponding thereto has been selected from the following amino acid residues: position (a): proline, position (b): asparagine, position (e): histidine, aspartic acid, phenylalanine, lysine, asparagine, seine, isoleucine, leucine, glutamine, threonine and valine, position (d): valine and leucine, position (e): alanine, glutamic acid, glycine and threonine, position (K): isoleucine, glycine and threonine, position (g): phenylalanine, valine, threonine, leucine, isoleucine and glycine, position (h): seine, leucine, valine, isoleucine and glutamine, position (i): alanine, lysine, glutamine, glutamic acid, arginine and histidine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial trypsin variants having chymotrypsin-like activity, comprising: (a) a one or more substitutions corresponding to positions 144, 193, 198, 201, 218, 223, 227, 228, 229, 230, and 231 of amino acids 25 to 248 of SEQ ID NO: 2, (b) one or more deletions corresponding to positions 192, 197, and 226 of amino acids 25 to 248 of SEQ ID NO: 2; and (c) an insertion between positions corresponding to positions 224 and 225 of amino acids 25 to 248 of SEQ ID NO: 2. The present invention further relates to nucleotide sequences encoding microbial trypsin variants having chymotrypsin-like activity; nucleic acid constructs, expression vectors, and recombinant host cells comprising such nucleotide sequences; and methods of producing microbial trypsin variants having chymotrypsin-like activity or a precursor thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for the production of human urokinase are disclosed. Also disclosed are embodiments of a cell culture well-suited for use with the disclosed method. The method involves culturing urokinase-producing cells, such as immortalized human renal cells, in a cell culture. The cell culture comprises microcarrier structures and a tissue culture medium. The urokinase production is allowed to occur while the cell culture remains relatively static, i.e., the cell culture is not substantially mixed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fungal nucleic acid sequences that encode novel polypeptides. Also disclosed are polypeptides encoded by these nucleic acid sequences, as well as derivatives, variants, mutants, or fragments of the aforementioned polypeptide, polynucleotide, or antibody. The novel leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and other amino- and carboxypeptidases polypeptides, referred to herein as EXOX nucleic acids and proteins of the invention are useful in a variety of medical, research, and commercial applications.

Abstract: A method of preparing matrices or tissue engineered biomaterials for implantation, and in particular to a method of improving decellularisation of matrices or tissue engineered biomaterials prior to implantation. The method employs a single anionic detergent in combination with protease inhibitors.

Abstract: Methods of using OmpT protease are provided. In particular, the invention provides for a method of controlling cleavage of a polypeptide by OmpT protease comprising, converting a sequence site comprising two arbitrary consecutive amino acids and/or amino acid(s) in the vicinity of the site in the polypeptide into other amino acids; which method comprises setting lysine or arginine as the amino acid at the ?1-position concerning the site and setting a specific amino acid as the amino acid at the +1-position; and/or setting specific amino acid(s) as the amino acid(s) at the ?4-position and/or the ?6-position relative to the site; so that a desired part of the polypeptide is cleaved by OmpT protease and/or an undesired part of the polypeptide is not (or hardly) cleaved by OmpT protease. A method of producing a target polypeptide is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of D-pantothenic acid and/or salts thereof or feedstuffs additives comprising these by fermentation of microorganisms of the Bacillus group, in particular those which already produce D-pantothenic acid, which comprises enhancing, in particular over-expressing, in the microorganisms one or more of the nucleotide sequence(s) which code(s) for the gene or ORF ybbT, ywkA, yjmC, ytsJ, mdh, cysK, iolJ, pdhD, yuiE, dhaS, adk, yusH, yqhJ, yqjK and yqhI.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel serine proteases in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nuclei acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis serine proteases SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 and SP5. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 and SP5. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising nucleic acid encoding desired heterologous proteins such as enzymes. The present invention also provides a cleaning composition comprising a serine protease of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel serine proteases in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nuclei acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis serine proteases SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 and SP5. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 and SP5. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising nucleic acid encoding desired heterologous proteins such as enzymes. The present invention also provides a cleaning composition comprising a serine protease of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel serine proteases in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nuclei acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis serine proteases SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 and SP5. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 and SP5. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising nucleic acid encoding desired heterologous proteins such as enzymes. The present invention also provides a cleaning composition comprising a serine protease of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to newly identified gene sequences that encode novel proteases obtainable from Aspergillus niger. The invention features the full length gene sequence of the novel genes, their cDNA sequences as well as the full-length functional protein and fragments thereof. The invention also relates to methods of using these enzymes in industrial processes and methods of diagnosing fungal infections. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with DNA according to the invention and cells wherein a protease according to the invention is genetically modified to enhance or reduce its activity and/or level of expression.

Abstract: Isolated Dendritic Cell Transmembrane Serine Proteases (DCTSPs), DNAs encoding such DCTSPs, and pharmaceutical and/or diagnostic compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated DCTSPs can be used to hydrolyze peptide bonds. The DCTSPs are also useful in screening for inhibitors or agonists thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions of highly phosphorylated lysosomal enzymes, their pharmaceutical compositions, methods of producing and purifying such compounds and compositions and their use in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, or treatment of diseases and conditions, including particularly lysosomal storage diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel serine proteases in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nuclei acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis serine proteases SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 and SP5. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 and SP5. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising nucleic acid encoding desired heterologous proteins such as enzymes. The present invention also provides a cleaning composition comprising a serine protease of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides vitamin K-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel carboxypeptidase gene and the polypeptide encoded thereby. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of the present carboxypeptidase and polypeptide in the manufacture of cocoa flavor and/or chocolate.

Abstract: The present invention provides An isolated polypeptide which has proline specific endoprotease activity, selected from the group consisting of:(a) a polypeptide which has an amino acid sequence which has at least 40% amino acid sequence identity with amino acids 1 to 526 of SEQ ID NO:2 or a fragment thereof;(b) a polypeptide which is encoded by a polynucleotide which hybridizes under low stringency conditions with (i) the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a fragment thereof which is at least 80% or 90% identical over 60, preferably over 100 nucleotides, more preferably at least 90% identical over 200 nucleotides, or (ii) a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.

Abstract: A gene encoding glutathione synthetase from Candida utilis is provided and food containing ?-glutamylcysteine cysteine or cystenylglycine is produced by cultivating Candida utilis modified by means of a gene encoding glutathione synthetase under a suitable condition and mixing the obtained culture or a fraction thereof or the culture or a fraction thereof subjected to heat treatment with a raw material of food or drink to process food or drink.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that a polypeptide containing the JAB subunit or the JAM domain has peptidase activity, e.g., isopeptidase activity. The present invention provides polypeptides and crystalline polypeptides containing the JAM domain and methods of using such polypeptides to screen for agents capable of affecting the peptidase activity of the polypeptides. The present invention also provides methods of using the JAM domain for rational drug design or identifying agents capable of affecting the peptidase activity of the JAM domain.

Abstract: DNA and recombinant DNA that encode a peptide-forming enzyme, a method for producing a peptide-forming enzyme, and a method for producing a dipeptide are disclosed. A method for producing a dipeptide includes producing a dipeptide from a carboxy component and an amine component by using a culture of a microbe belonging to the genus Sphingobacterium and having the ability to form the dipeptide from the carboxy component and the amine component, a microbial cell separated from the culture, treated microbial cell product of the microbe or a peptide-forming enzyme derived from the microbe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing dipeptide using inexpensively acquirable starting materials by an industrially advantageous and simple pathway. Dipeptide is produced from L-amino acid ester and L-amino acid using a culture of microbes having the ability to produce a dipeptide from an L-amino acid ester and an L-amino acid, using microbial cells isolated from the culture, or a treated microbial cell product of the microbe.

Abstract: Methods for identifying agents that can increase or decrease the isopeptidase activity of a COP9 signalsome (CSN) are provided, as are agent identified using such screening assays. In addition, methods of ameliorating a pathologic condition such as a cancer or an autoimmune disease in a subject by modulating the CSN isopeptidase activity are provided, as are medicaments useful for treating a subject having such a condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pO157 plasmid-specified polypeptide found in E. coli EDL933 and other E. coli that binds to and cleaves C1-esterase inhibitor, and antibodies specific for the polypeptide. Also disclosed are methods employing the polypeptide for diagnosing enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection, identifying potential inhibitors of its activity, and reducing viscosity of material containing glycosylated polypeptides.

Abstract: Described herein are novel alkaline proteases of the subtilisin type from Bacillus gibsonii (DSM 14393), and sufficiently related proteins and derivatives thereof. Also described are washing and cleaning products with this novel alkaline protease of the subtilisin type, sufficiently related proteins and derivatives thereof, corresponding washing and cleaning methods and the use thereof in washing and cleaning products and further possible technical use.

Abstract: Proteases having mitogenic activity isolated from the genus Carica are provided. In particular the proteases are cysteine proteases isolated from Carica candamarcensis. In addition, the recombinant forms of the protease, including fragments and mutants with substantial homology are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating wounds that include the disclosed proteases with mitogenic activity. A method of treating wounds is provided using the disclosed proteases.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides encoding clot-specific streptokinase proteins possessing altered plasminogen characteristics, including enhanced fibrin selectivity. The kinetics of plasminogen activation by these proteins are distinct from those of natural streptokinase, in that there is a temporary delay or lag in the initial rate of catalytic conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the proteins.

Abstract: A stable blood factor composition contains a stabilizing amount of trehalose in the absence of human serum albumin to provide a product stable at up to 60° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the expression and secretion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae of readily purifiable soluble variants of the Kex1 endopeptidase of Kluyveromyces lactis and the purification and use thereof for the in vitro processing of recombinant proteins usable in industrial applications. The soluble Kex1 endoproteases described here are free from the transmembrane domain of the native enzyme; the deletion of the transmembrane domain is achieved by removing at least 57 amino acid residues from the C-terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human coagulation Factor VII polypeptides, Factor VII derivatives as well as polynucleotide constructs encoding such polypeptides, vectors and host cells comprising and expressing the polynucleotide, pharmaceutical compositions, uses and methods of treatment.

Abstract: A gram-negative bacterial cell is described that is deficient in a chromosomal gene present in a wild-type such cell which gene shares at least 80% sequence identity with the native sequence of the yfcK gene and encodes an aminopeptidase. Alternatively, a gram-negative bacterial cell is deficient in a chromosomal gene present in a wild-type such cell which gene encodes an aminopeptidase that shares at least 80% sequence identity with the native sequence of aminopeptidase b2324. Either of these types of cells, when comprising a nucleic acid encoding a heterologous polypeptide, produces an N-terminal unclipped polypeptide when it is cultured and the polypeptide recovered, with virtually no N-terminal clipped polypeptide produced as an impurity. Conversely, a method is provided for cleaving an N-terminal amino acid from a polypeptide comprising contacting the polypeptide with an aminopeptidase sharing at least 80% sequence identity with the native sequence of aminopeptidase b2324.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of isolation and purification of Streptomyces griseus trypsin (SGT) from PRONASE protease mixture in a single affinity chromatography step and uses of the purified SGT.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pO157 plasmid-specified polypeptide found in E. coli EDL933 and other E. coli that binds to and cleaves C1-esterase inhibitor, and antibodies specific for the polypeptide. Also disclosed are methods employing the polypeptide for diagnosing enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection, identifying potential inhibitors of its activity, and reducing viscosity of material containing glycosylated polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the part purification of fibrinogen from milk, the method comprising the transfer of protease enzyme which is present in the milk, into the whey phase with the removal or partition if fibrinogen into another phase of the milk. The present invention also provides a method for obtaining fibrinogen from a fluid, the method comprising: a) contacting the fluid with a hydrophobic interaction chromatography resin under conditions where the fibrinogen binds to the resin; and b) removing the bound protein by means of elution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel t-PALP protein which is a member of the serine protease family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human t-PALP protein. t-PALP polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of t-PALP activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting circulatory system-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating circulatory system-related disorders.

Abstract: A fibrinolytically active metalloproteinase polypeptide (called “novel acting thrombolytic”) which is useful for blood clot lysis in vivo and methods and materials for its production by recombinant expression are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a new cathepsin C homolog (RCP) expressed in THP-1 cells. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode RCP, expression vectors for the production of purified RCP, antibodies capable of binding specifically to RCP, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of RCP-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of RCP, diagnostic tests for activation of monocyte/macrophages based on RCP-encoding nucleic acid molecules, and use of the protein to produce antibodies capable of binding specifically to the protein and use of the protein to screen for inhibitors.

Abstract: An immunosuppressive peptide of 40 kDa molecular weight, isolated from the submandibular glands (SMG*) of rats, had the capacity to suppress immune reactions upon parenteral administration to rats and mice. The peptide was identified as glandular kallikrein (K1) by partial sequencing and by enzymatic activity.