Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid and the encoded plant resistance protein which upon tobamovirus infection interacts with the 30K tobamovirus movement protein to protect the plant against the spread of the infection. Simultaneous expression of the resistance protein and a 30K movement protein, wherein expression of at least one of them is controlled by a pathogen-inducible promoter, can be used in a general method of protecting plants from the spread of a pathogen infection.

Abstract: Use of a lactic acid bacterium comprising a cell wall proteinase of around 200 kDa to prepare peptides with anti-hypertensive properties and a method for obtaining such a lactic acid bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) with protein C. The claimed invention provides a needed therapy for a potentially serious and debilitating disorder while avoiding complications such as bleeding tendency, toxicity and general side effects of currently available anti-coagulant agents.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to new thermostable enzymes and the use of these enzymes both in proteolysis as well as protein and polypeptide synthesis. The subject invention further concerns polynucleotide sequences which encode the enzymes of the subject invention.

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: Isolated, substantially pure natural or synthetic polypeptides comprising cathepsin L type cysteine proteases, or polypeptide fragments or polypeptide admixtures obtained via proteolysis thereof, are useful for reducing intercorneocyte cohesion and, thus, for promoting desquamation.

Abstract: A Bacillus natto culture is treated with chitosan, and then filtered, concentrated, and dried. According to this method, a Bacillus natto culture extract containing nattokinase and 1 &mgr;g or less of vitamin K2/g dry weight is obtained.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the identification phage lysin from group B streptococci (GBS). The nucleic acid sequence and amino acid sequence of the GBS phage lysin is disclosed. The GBS phage lysin is a bifunctional protein comprising a glucosidase and an endopeptidease activity. The endopeptidase present in the GBS phage lysis has a substrate specificity that has not been previously reported. The bifunctional GBS phage lysin is effective against groups A, B, C, E and G streptococci. Also described are methods of using the GBS phage lysin for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the &bgr; 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 provides methods for the production of proteins, particularly toxic proteins, in host cells. The invention provides methods which use a fusion protein comprising a chaperonin binding domain in host cells induced or regulated to have increased levels of chaperonin which binds the chaperonin binding domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel serine proteases in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic 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: This invention provides a novel metalloprotease having an aggrecanase activity which causes joint diseases, a gene coding for this metalloprotease, a promoter of the above metalloprotease, a method for screening a drug with the use of the above metalloprotease and a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting degradation of proteoglycans, which comprises as the active ingredient a substance capable of inhibiting the aggrecanase activity of the above metalloprotease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component of bromelain which is largely responsible for the ability of bromelain to interrupt the MAP kinase cascade. The component contains ananain and comosain and is useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases and conditions mediated by T cell activation or by activation of the MAP kinase pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying agents that inhibit the amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing activity of Asp2 polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention describes catabolism of A&bgr; by endothelin converting enzymes (ECEs). Methods of identifying compounds that upregulate ECEs are provided by the invention. Further provided by the invention are methods of regulating A&bgr; catabolism in a cell and methods of decreasing the amount of A&bgr; in a cell. The invention discloses methods of diagnosing an individual with AD and methods of treating such an individual. The invention further discloses methods of identifying compounds that have anti-hypertension activity but do not cause an increase in the level of A&bgr;. Further, the invention provides mutant ECE nucleic acids and mutant ECE polypeptides.

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 bacterial carboxypeptidases for use in gene directed prodrug therapy, in particular for use in the treatment of disease, including tumors. Specifically, the invention relates to modified bacterial carboxypeptidases which have enhanced catalytic activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying an agent which alters (inhibits, enhances) activity of GDF-9. The method involves combining cells having a receptor for GDF-9 and a gene, wherein expression of the gene is regulated by binding of GDF-9 to the receptor; GDF-9; and an agent to be assessed. The combination produced is maintained under conditions appropriate for binding of GDF-9 to the receptors on the cells. The extent to which binding of GDF-9 to the receptors on the cells occurs is then determined, wherein binding of GDF-9 to the receptor to a lesser or greater extent in the presence of the agent to be assessed than in its absence, is indicative of an agent which alters GDF-9 activity.

Abstract: The invention provides an epidermal basement membrane structure formation accelerating preparation and a skin external preparation comprising a serine protease inhibitor, and optionally an accelerator of production of extracellular matrix protein components of the epidermal basement membrane. It also provides, as a means for producing artificial skin having an adequately formed basement membrane, an artificial skin-forming medium which comprises a serine protease inhibitor, and optionally an accelerator of production of extracellular matrix protein components of the epidermal basement membrane and a matrix metalloprotease inhibitor, as well as a method for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing a dough, comprising incorporating into the dough a composition comprising an effective amount of an XET which improves one or more properties of the dough or a baked product obtained from the dough. The present invention also relates to methods for preparing a baked product. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising an effective amount of an XET for improving one or more properties of a dough and/or a baked product obtained from the dough. The present invention further relates to doughs or baked products and to pre-mixes for a dough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having dipeptidyl aminopeptidase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements relating to cancer therapy based on the identification of a number of regions of CPG2 which contain epitopes which appear to be involved in the production of a host immune response and which may be modified to alter the immunogenicity in patients. Production of fusions of CPG2 with an antibody, where the CPG2 protein has been tagged provides a CPG2 protein which has reduced immunogenicity. By using partially glycosylated enzyme obtainable by P. pastoris expression, the efficacy of antibody-CPG2 fusions is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of these cyclophilins, hereinafter referred to as ‘tyrosine-containing’ cyclophilins, in a method for identifying compounds capable of binding to and/or inhibiting the enzymatic activity of these proteins. Such compounds may be further screened for their ability to inhibit parasites which are not susceptible to the anti-parasitic effects of CsA.

Abstract: Hemolysin isolated from hemolysin-producing fungi can be used to detect if a human or other animal has been exposed to a hemolysin-producing fungus. The method and proteins of the present invention can be used to screen humans and other animals for exposure to such fungi, as well as to produce vaccines for protecting humans and other animals that may be exposed to such fungi.

Abstract: Novel genes and vectors exhibiting increased expression and novel splicing patterns are disclosed. The gene can comprise one or more consensus or near consensus splice sites which have been corrected. The gene can alternatively or additionally comprise one or more introns within coding or noncoding sequences. The gene can still further comprise modified 5′ and/or 3′ untranslated regions optimized to provide high levels and duration of tissue-specific expression. In one embodiment, the gene comprises the coding region of a full-length Factor VIII gene modified by adding an intron within the portion of the gene encoding the &bgr;-domain, so that the gene is expressed as a &bgr;-domain deleted Factor VIII protein. The novel Factor VIII gene can also be modified to correct one or more consensus or near consensus splice sites within or outside of the coding region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel microorganism Streptomyces megasporus SD5. The present invention also relates to a process for the isolation of said Streptomyces megasporus SD5. The invention also relates to a novel fibrinolytic enzyme actinokinase extracted from said microorganism and to a process for the extraction of said enzyme. In another aspect, the invention also pertains to a method for the treatment of thrombolytic disorders using said enzyme.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the extraction of water soluble biomaterials such as enzymes or proteins into carbon dioxide utilizing certain carbon dioxide-soluble surfactants. Also provided are certain carbon dioxide-soluble surfactants useful in the extraction of proteins. The surfactants are selected from fluoroether sulfate, fluoroether-polyethylene glycol block copolymer, fluoroether-functional sorbitol, and fluoroether dithiocarbamate chelate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a human cDNA encoding a methionine aminopeptidase type-3 (MetAP-3) protein. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules associated with or derived from this cDNA including complements, homologues and fragments thereof, and methods of using these nucleic acid molecules, to generate, for example, polypeptides and fragments thereof. The invention also provides methods of using the nucleic acids, for example, to produce a protein and fragments thereof and to screen for compounds or compositions that preferentially or specifically effect the activity of a MetAP-3 protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of producing highly purified proteases. The invention further provides the use of such purified proteases in treating cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, stroke and thrombosis.

Abstract: Thiol proteases having Cathepsin 1 type activity are used in the formulation of vaccines for combating helminth parasites. Preferably the protease is derived from a fluke such as Fasciola hepatica.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzyme variants having decreased immunogenicity relative to their corresponding wild-type enzymes. More particularly, the present invention relates to enzyme variants having a modified amino acid sequence of a wild-type amino acid sequence, wherein the modified amino acid sequence comprises a substitution of one or more amino acid positions with at least one D-amino acid. The invention further relates to mutant genes encoding such enzyme variants and cleaning and personal care compositions comprising such enzyme variants.

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: Polynucleotides encoding novel proteases designated “FMH-1” are disclosed. Host cells transformed with such polynucleotides and methods for making FMH-1 proteases are also disclosed. The invention also provides FMH-1 proteases and antibodies that react with them, along with pharmaceutical compositions comprising FMH-1 proteases or polynucleotides encoding FMH-1 proteases. Methods for treating conditions associated with excessive or insufficient apoptosis by administering such pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a pharmaceutical preparation comprising fibronectin and fibrinogen is disclosed. The method involves admixing into a starting solution of fibrinogen and fibronectin, in a single step, a precipitating composition comprising a polyalkylene glycol and at least one of glycine and &bgr;-alanine which forms a precipitate. Next, the precipitate is collected and a pharmaceutical preparation is prepared from the precipitate. The pharmaceutical preparation has a fibronectin:fibrinogen ratio from about 0.02 to about 0.2.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions effective in decontaminating either biological pathogens or both chemical and biological pathogens. These compositions are particularly suitable for the decontamination of biological warfare agents or both chemical and biological warfare agents The compositions comprise generally a blend of biocides, and may additionally comprise a protein and an enzyme. Further, the composition is contained in a buffered foam forming material for ease in distribution The compositions are nontoxic, noncorrosive and nonflammable.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to new thermostable enzymes and the use of these enzymes both in proteolysis as well as protein and polypeptide synthesis. The subject invention further concerns polynucleotide sequences which encode the enzymes of the subject invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleic acids, novel polypeptide sequences encoded by these nucleic acids and uses thereof.

Abstract: An assay is disclosed for determining whether a test compound modulates the activity of an enzyme having a metallated active site. The assay method employs a comparison of the binding ability of the metallated and unmetallated forms of the enzyme to the test compound.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical probe useful as an optical probe or sensor of post translational type modifications, such as phosphorylation. The invention comprises a polypeptide moiety, which contains a recognition motif for a post translational type activity and a protease site, which is coupled to a probe moiety. Modification of the polypeptide, by the post translational type activity, results in a modulation of the rate at which a protease cleaves the polypeptide which is sensed by a measurable change in at least one optical property of the optical probe upon cleavage. The present invention also includes a recombinant nucleic acid molecule that encodes an optical probe and a vector and host cell or library of cells that include the recombinant nucleic acid molecule. The optical probe can be used in methods to determine whether a sample, including a cell or a sample from an organism, contains a post-translational type modification activity. Such methods can also be used to.

Abstract: The invention provides ampS polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding ampS polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing ampS polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: A metalloprotease that converts TNF-&agr; from the 26 kD cell form to the 17 kD form has been isolated and purified and the cDNA sequence known. In particular, the protease has a molecular weight of approximately 80 kD. The isolated and purified protease is useful for designing an inhibitor thereof, and may find use as a therapeutic agent. Assays for detecting the protease-inhibiting activity of a molecule are also an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: Efficient synthetic routes for the preparation of rhinovirus protease inhibitors of formula I, key intermediates useful in those synthetic routes, as well as a continuous membrane reactor useful for those synthetic routes. These compounds of formula I, as well as pharmaceutical compositions that contain these compounds, are suitable for treating patients or hosts infected with one or more picornaviruses.

Abstract: An enzyme mixture for tenderizing raw beef comprising between about 98.7% and about 99.7% bromelin, between about 0.02% and about 0.08% ficin and between about 0.01% and about 0.05% papain. A method of tenderizing raw beef to produce a product that can be cooked by the consumer using the same methods as preparing naturally tender beef, and that results in a post-consumer preparation product that is consistently tender. The method comprises providing a suitable cut of raw beef and treating the raw beef with an enzyme mixture comprising between about 98.7% and about 99.7% bromelin, between about 0.02% and about 0.08% ficin and between about 0.01% and about 0.05% papain.

Abstract: A chimeric, carboxy-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid protein (HBc) is disclosed that contains an immunogen for inducing the production of antibodies to malarial proteins. An immunogenic malarial epitope is expressed between residues 78 and 79 of the HBc immunogenic loop sequence. The chimer preferably contains a malaria-specific T cell epitope and is preferably engineered for both enhanced stability of self-assembled particles and enhanced yield of those chimeric particles. Methods of making and using the chimers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An immunoassay for selectively measuring human C-peptide as well as a kit therefor is disclosed. In the method, human C-peptide contained in a sample, a first anti-human C-peptide antibody, and a second anti-human C-peptide antibody which is immobilized on a solid support are reacted to form an immune complex among these three components. The formed immune complex is separated from the non-reacted antibodies and sample; and then the separated immune complex is quantified. The first antibody recognizes an epitope existing in the region from 1st to 16th amino acid residue from the N-terminal of the human C-peptide, and the second antibody recognizes an epitope existing in the region from 1st to 16th amino acid residue from the N-terminal of human C-peptide; with the proviso that the first and second antibodies do not recognize the same epitope so that they can simultaneously bind to said human C-peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated human and bovine TNF-&agr; convertases, nucleic acids and recombinant vectors encoding the same, host cells comprising the nucleic acids and vectors, and methods for making the convertases using the host cells. This invention further provides antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which specifically bind to the convertases and are useful for treating medical conditions caused or mediated by TNF-&agr;. Also provided are screening methods for identifying specific inhibitors of mammalian TNF-&agr; convertases, and for identifying nucleic acids encoding such convertases.

Abstract: Rural biomass and other cellulosic materials are converted to a protein-enriched animal feed supplement or to single-cell protein by a series of bio-reactions. A first stage bio-reaction is a solid substrate bio-reaction. Enzymes, such as cellulase, produced by the first-stage bio-reaction are added to a second-stage bio-reaction. Raw second-stage bio-reaction feedstock is pretreated to hydrolyze hemicellulose and/or to partially digest starch in the feedstock. In the second-stage bio-reaction, the feedstock is substantially digested and single-cell protein is harvested in an aerobic bio-reaction, while ethanol is produced in an anaerobic reaction. Alternatively, raw biomass or other cellulosic materials can be treated with organic acid (e.g. maleic acid) combined with dry steam to produce a nutritional product that can be directly used as an animal feed supplement.

Abstract: A peptide corresponding to positions 62-71 of the sequence of human C-reactive protein (CRP) of the formula: Glu62-Ile-Leu-Ile-Phe-Ser-Lys-ASP-Ile71 and modifications thereof obtained by substitution, deletion, or addition of amino acids, amidation of the C-terminal or acylation of the N-terminal, are capable of inhibiting in vitro the enzymatic activity of human Leukocyte Elastase (hLE) and/or of human Cathepsin G (hCG) and can be used for the treatment of chronic inflammation conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary emphysema, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, asthma and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharamacogenomic applications.