Abstract: The present invention provides a neutral metalloprotease from actinomycetes which selectively cleaves a pro-structure part of a microbial protransglutaminase and a gene encoding said neutral metalloprotease. An active microbial transglutaminase having the pro-structure part cleaved can be obtained by culturing a microorganism into which a gene encoding the neutral metalloprotease from actinomycetes according to the present invention has been introduced, where by producing the neutral metalloprotease from actinomycetes, and reacting it on a microbial protransglutaminase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery system for use in the treatment of vascular and vessel-related pathologies, comprising a drug delivery platform that comprises at least one compound capable of exerting an effect on the formation and/or maintenance of a thrombus in the vessel to be treated. The platform is preferably formed by liposomes that are sterically stabilized by grafting of poly(ethylene glycol) onto the liposome surface. The liposomes may further comprise photosensitizers and targeting molecules. The liposomes may be thermosensitive. The compound is suitably tranexamic acid. The drug delivery system is preferably used for the treatment of port wine stains.

Abstract: Expression systems and methods for the expression of functional membrane polypeptides such as human cytochrome b5 are provided. The systems include recombinant expression vectors capable of expressing soluble fusion proteins that include a solubilizing agent, a linker, and a membrane polypeptide, as well as one or more cleavers, e.g. proteases, capable of cleaving the linker to release the membrane polypeptide. When the fusion protein is expressed, the linker is cleaved by the cleaver to allow association of the membrane polypeptide with a membrane.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent for the treatment of the symptoms of addiction and the method for preparing the therapeutic agent is disclosed. The therapeutic agent is a stable pharmaceutical preparation containing, but not limited to, digestive/pancreatic enzymes. The therapeutic agent may be manufactured by a variety of encapsulation technologies. Delivery of the therapeutic agent may be made orally, through injection, by adherence of a medicated patch or other method. Further, a method of using of a biomarker, the presence of chymotrypsin in the gastrointestinal tract to determine the presence of symptoms of addiction, and the likelihood of relapsing into addiction is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof. The invention is further related to uses of this composition and to a kit comprising the composition according to the invention. The invention is further related to a method for the detection of a nucleic acid in a biological sample comprising the steps of incubating the biological sample in the presence of a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof, optionally isolating the nucleic acid, optionally amplifying the nucleic acid, and detecting the nucleic acid. The invention is further related to a method for the purification of a nucleic acid in a biological sample comprising the steps of incubating the biological sample in the presence of a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof and isolating the nucleic acid thereby purifying the nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides proteins/genes, which are essential for survival, and consequently, for virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in vivo, and thus are ideal vaccine candidates for a vaccine preparation against pneumococcal infection. Further, also antibodies against said protein(s) are included in the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to home and personal care compositions comprising a silicone oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by a protein or peptide and at least one home and/or personal care ingredient. Such compositions tend to provide desirable characteristics for the care and conditioning of hair, skin and fabric.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, systems, and kits that include an enzyme/substrate co-delivery system. The liquid delivery system includes at least one enzyme encapsulated in a water-soluble polymeric matrix and a substrate for the enzyme in a carrier liquid in which the polymeric matrix is insoluble. When water is added, the polymeric matrix is solubilized and enzyme is released from the matrix, permitting catalytic action upon the substrate.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods relating to filamentous fungal cells genetically engineered to provide increased production of aspartic proteases, such as PEPAa, PEPAb, PEPAc, and PEPAd. Also described are nucleic acids and methods for making the engineered filamentous fungal cells.

Abstract: This invention is intended to isolate and identify a vWF-specific cleaving protease. The vWF-specific cleaving protease cleaves a bond between residues Tyr 842 and Met 843 of vWF and comprises a polypeptide chain having Leu-Leu-Val-Ala-Val (SEQ ID NO: 1) as a partial sequence, and more preferably comprises a polypeptide chain having the partial N-terminal amino acid sequence of a mature protein, Ala-Ala-Gly-Gly-Ile-Leu-His-Leu-Glu-Leu-Leu-Val-Ala-Val (SEQ ID NO: 2), and having a molecular weight of 105 to 160 kDa in SDS-PAGE under reducing or non-reducing conditions. Isolation and identification of this vWF-specific cleaving protease have led to the possibility of replacement therapy for patients having diseases resulting from a deficiency of the protease, such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and kits for detecting and monitoring kinase, phosphatase and protein post-translational modification activity are described. The compositions typically include a peptide, a detectable moiety, and a protease cleavage site. Modification of a peptide by a kinase, phosphatase or other protein post-translational modification alters the proteolytic sensitivity of the peptide, resulting in a change of a detectable property of the composition. Panel assays for determining substrates or modulators of kinase, phosphatase or other protein post-translational modification activity are also described.

Abstract: Provided are polypeptides comprising a variant activated protein C comprising one or more amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of K146R, D172N, C212R, K146G, R147G, R177G and combinations thereof. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, and cells, compositions and kits containing the polypeptides and nucleic acids. Also provided are methods of treating sepsis in a subject comprising administering to the subject one or more of the provided polypeptides or nucleic acids. Methods of screening for polypeptides with enhanced activated protein C and for an agent for treatment of sepsis are provided. Finally, provided is a method of treating sepsis in a subject comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more RGD-containing peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides variant proteases, compositions comprising such variant proteases, and methods of cleaning comprising such variant proteases.

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

Abstract: A mutated severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus 3C-like protease and use thereof for cleaving a protein that includes a cleavage site recognizable by the mutated protease to yield a polypeptide fragment of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides for use in suppressing cancer and cancer disorders. The treatment employs use of a non-cytotoxic protease, which is targeted to the cancer cell, and, when so delivered, the protease is internalised and inhibits secretion from the cancer cell.

Abstract: A recombinant human factor VIII or IX protein having a human glycosylation pattern but the protein is devoid of N-glycolylneuraminic acid and/or the carbohydrate group Gal?-3Gal.

Abstract: A method for isolating a nucleic acid comprises: binding the nucleic acid to a solid phase at a first pH in the presence of a binding buffer, washing the bound nucleic acid with a wash solution, and eluting the nucleic acid from the solid phase at a second pH which is higher than the first pH. The wash solution comprises a buffer with a buffering range that encompasses a pH that is higher than the first pH, and the wash solution is at a pH that is within a buffering range of the binding buffer but lower than the buffering range of the buffer of the wash solution. Solutions, compositions, and kits for use in the methods are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel Micrococcineae spp serine proteases having multiple substitutions. In particular, the present invention provides serine proteases having multiple substitutions, DNA encoding these proteases, vectors comprising the DNA encoding the proteases, host cells transformed with the vector DNA, and enzymes produced by the host cells. The present invention also provides cleaning compositions (e.g., detergent compositions), animal feed compositions, and textile and leather processing compositions comprising these serine protease variants. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides mutant (i.e., variant) proteases derived from the wild-type proteases described herein. These variant proteases also find use in numerous applications.

Abstract: The application discloses new biomarkers for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and particularly preeclampsia; methods for the diagnosis, prediction, prognosis and/or monitoring said disorders based on measuring said biomarkers; and kits and devices for measuring said biomarker and/or performing said methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to HCV variants, particularly variants that are resistant to a protease inhibitors such as VX-950. Also provided are methods and compositions related to the HCV variants. Further provided are methods of isolating, identifying, and characterizing multiple viral variants from a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are a modified FIX (factor IX) polypeptide comprising a leucine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine or tyrosine in position 338; pharmaceutical preparations containing said modified FIX polypeptide; a nucleotide sequence coding for the modified FIX polypeptide; and a method for producing the modified FIX polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition comprising a proteinaceous extract of Streblus asper having substantially protease activity that degrades proteins by hydrolysis of peptide bonds. The proteinaceous extract of Streblus asper according to the present invention is suitable for us as a meat quality-improving agent and a milk coagulant in food processing industries, as well as an additive in the manufacture of detergents.

Abstract: We have performed a proteomic analysis of embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (e-CSF) in human and rats. Based on this discovery, the invention features methods and compositions for cell culture including components of e-CSF or fragments thereof. Also provided are methods for extraction of e-CSF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structural studies of dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) proteins, modified dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) proteins and DPPI co-complexes. Included in the present invention is a crystal of a dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) and corresponding structural information obtained by X-ray crystallography from rat and human DPPI. In addition, this invention relates to methods for using structure co-ordinates of DDPI, mutants hereof and co-complexes, to design compounds that bind to the active site or accessory binding sites of DPPI and to design improved inhibitors of DPPI or homologues of the enzyme.

Abstract: The invention relates to Nucleobindin-1 (NUCB1) protein variants that are capable of disaggregating amyloid fibrils as well as inhibiting the formation of fibrils in the presence of physiological concentrations of calcium. Isolated NUCB1 protein variants, nucleic acids encoding the protein variants, cells comprising the isolated nucleic acids, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the variants, methods of making the variants, and therapeutic uses of the variants are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a vitamin K-dependent serine protease of the coagulation cascade, preferably variants of factor IX (F.IX), wherein the variant is characterized in that it has clotting activity in absence of its cofactor. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of these variants for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of bleeding disorders, in particular hemophilia A and/or hemophilia B or hemophilia caused or complicated by inhibitory antibodies to F.VIII. The present invention also relates to further variants of factor IX (F.IX) which have desired properties and can, thus be tailored for respective specific therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and nucleic acid constructs to express clostripain. The source of the coding region for recombinantly expressed clostripain is Clostridium histolyticum.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an adsorbent and exemplary protocols for extracting nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, from complex matrices, such as stool samples and water samples. The adsorbent is activated charcoal coated with a material such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextran, or coconut flours. The adsorbent may be used in microcentrifuge spin columns, where it may be present as a slurry in a storage solution. The sample may be prepared by vortexing in a buffer solution, centrifuging, adding a protease to the supernatant, and passing the supernatant through a microcentrifuge spin column containing coated activated charcoal. The key components, including buffer, protease, and spin columns, may be packaged in a kit.

Abstract: Disclosed is serine protease isolated from Bombus ignitus, a bumble bee, capable of activating prothrombins and degrading fibrinogens and fibrins. Since the serine protease of the present invention enables to activate the prothrombin and directly degrade fibrinogens and fibrins it can be used in the development of a therapeutic agent for the treatment of thrombosis.

Abstract: We describe a method for purifying chymosin comprising providing an aqueous liquid sample containing chymosin and a separation medium comprising a base matrix and a plurality of firmly attached ligands that are capable of binding to chymosin, contacting the matrix with the sample under conditions permitting binding of chymosin to the matrix, and desorbing chymosin from the matrix. The characterizing feature is that the matrix is hydrophilic and that the ligands in the plurality of ligands are hydrocarbon groups in which all carbon atoms are sp3-hybridised, possibly with an ether oxygen or a thioether sulphur inserted between two carbon atoms at one or more positions in at least one of the hydrocarbon groups, and possibly a hydroxy group replacing a hydrogen atom at one or more positions in at least one of the hydrocarbon groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for protein delivery. The invention features virus like particles, methods of making virus like particles and methods of using virus like particles to deliver proteins to a cell, to provide protein therapy and to treat diseases or disorders. The invention also features methods of targeting a protein to a cell, methods of protein therapy and methods of treating diseases or disorders using a TUS protein, a NLS or NES identified from full length TUS.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide comprising: (a) a HC-domain or fragment thereof of the neurotoxic component of a clostridial toxin; and (b) a first LC domain or fragment thereof of the neurotoxic component of a clostridial toxin; and (c) at least one further LC domain or fragment thereof of the neurotoxic component of a clostridial toxin wherein the first and the at least one further LC domain may be the same or different from each other, and wherein each of said fragments of said first and of said at least one further LC domain still exhibits proteolytic activity.

Abstract: The present application relates to two novel proteases (SEQ ID NO: 4 and 7) which are similar to one another. The DNA of the two proteases, was obtained from soil samples, and C-terminally deleted, producing proteolytically active fragments thereof (SEQ ID NO: 5 and 8). The invention also provides all alkaline proteases similar at least to 90% to SEQ ID NO: 4 or to 87.5% to SEQ ID NO: 7, and those which can be summarized under a consensus sequence (SEQ ID NO: 9) derived from SEQ ID NO: 4 and 7. Furthermore, it relates to all nucleic acids which have a homology of at least 85% identity to the associated nucleic acids (SEQ ID NO: 3 and 6) or the fragments concerned. Furthermore, it defines technical possibilities of use for these proteases and especially describes their use in detergents and cleaners.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel Micrococcineae spp serine proteases having multiple substitutions. In particular, the present invention provides serine proteases having multiple substitutions, DNA encoding these proteases, vectors comprising the DNA encoding the proteases, host cells transformed with the vector DNA, and enzymes produced by the host cells. The present invention also provides cleaning compositions (e.g., detergent compositions), animal feed compositions, and textile and leather processing compositions comprising these serine protease variants. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides mutant (i.e., variant) proteases derived from the wild-type proteases described herein. These variant proteases also find use in numerous applications.

Abstract: MT-SP1 mutein proteases with altered specificity for the target molecules they cleave can be used to treat human diseases, such as cancer. Cleaving VEGF or VEGFR at certain substrate sequences with wild-type and mutein MT-SP1 proteases can be used to treat pathologies associated with angiogenesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a polypeptide modification reaction, in particular but not exclusively, a method of controlling the activation of human factor VII (FVII) to produce human factor VII(a) (FVII(a)). The invention also relates to polypeptides obtainable by the polypeptide modification reaction and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods and kits for isolating nucleic acids from an organism. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve contacting a plurality of lytic enzymes to an organism, thereby lysing a cell wall of the organism to release the nucleic acid, and introducing at least one agent to separate the nucleic acid from the lysed cells, thereby isolating the nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to antibodies and use of these antibodies in diagnostic assays for various disease states, including cancer. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an isolated human or humanized antibody or functional fragment thereof including an antigen-binding region that is specific for an epitope on a protein, in which the epitope is specific to a tissue or body fluid and the epitope is indicative of a disease.

Abstract: The invention concerns a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant bifunctional fusion peptidoglycan hydrolase protein formed from a nucleic acid encoding a peptidoglycan hydrolase module and a nucleic acid encoding a second peptidoglycan hydrolase module. The fusion, dual (or multiples thereof) peptidoglycan hydrolase modules can be used to treat disease caused by the bacteria for which the individual modules of the fusion protein are specific.

Abstract: This invention provides reagents, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating and preventing malaria. Specifically, the invention provides methods for inhibiting a Plasmodium parasite, especially Plasmodium falciparum, from invading or replicating in a cell as well as vaccines for preventing malaria.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified polynucleotides encoding modified proteases, and methods for altering the production of proteases in microorganisms. In particular, the modified polynucleotides comprise one or more mutations that encode modified proteases having modifications of the pre-pro region that enhance the production of the active enzyme. The present invention further relates to methods for altering the production of proteases in microorganisms, such as Bacillus species.

Abstract: A nucleic acid coding for pro-carboxypeptidase B (Pro-CPB), comprising three segments A, B and C, wherein at least one of the segments has one of the sequences according to SEQ ID No. 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in targeting adenoviruses. For example, this document provides nucleic acid molecules encoding a ?-carboxylated glutamic acid (GLA) domain of a factor X (fX) polypeptide, polypeptides having a GLA domain of a fX polypeptide, adenoviruses containing such nucleic acid molecules, adenoviruses containing such polypeptides, adenoviruses containing such nucleic acid molecules and such polypeptides, and compositions containing therapeutic adenoviral vectors and polypeptides having a GLA domain of an fX polypeptide. In addition, methods and materials for using adenoviruses as viral vectors to deliver nucleic acid to cells other than hepatocytes in vivo, methods and materials for using adenoviruses as vaccines, and methods and materials for using adenoviruses to treat cancer are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel subtilase variants exhibiting alterations relative to the parent subtilase in one or more properties including: Wash performance, thermal stability, storage stability or catalytic activity. The variants of the invention are suitable for use in e.g. cleaning or detergent compositions, such as laundry detergent compositions and dishwash compositions, including automatic dishwash compositions.

Abstract: Protease-like nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides and fragments and variants thereof are disclosed in the current invention. In addition, protease-like fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-protease-like antibodies are encompassed. The invention also provides vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention and cells into which the vectors have been introduced. Methods for producing the polypeptides and methods of use for the polypeptides of the invention are further disclosed.

Abstract: Optimized enzymatic conditions incorporate a single oxygen atom into digested peptides using a peptidase. The incorporation of a single oxygen atom is especially useful for proteolytic 18O labeling in comparative proteomics. The optimized proteolytic 18O labeling minimizes the generation of a mixture of isotopic isoforms of the peptides resulting from incorporation of either one or two 18O atoms. The outcome is accurate quantification of isotopically labeled peptides.

Abstract: A novel protease comprising any one of (a) the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, (b) an amino acid sequence having deletion, substitution or addition of one to several amino acids in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, (c) the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, and (d) an amino acid sequence having deletion, substitution or addition of one to several amino acids in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, has a high activity under high temperature and high alkaline conditions, a high stability to protein denaturants and surfactants and high effectiveness as a protease used in detergents.

Abstract: Proteins isolated from Coprinus clastophyllus having prolyl oligopeptidase activity, nucleic acids encoding the protein and methods for producing and using the protein, wherein SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10 must be contained therein to at least 60% similarity. The proteins and nucleic acids have improved heat stability and perform more favorably in vivo having optimum activity conditions around 40 degrees centigrade and around pH 7, and can therefore be used in medicaments for the treatment of celiac disease caused by proline abundant gluten or other applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a batroxobin-encoding nucleotide sequence and/or a mutated ?-factor secretion signal sequence, and a vector and a transformant using the same. The batroxobin-encoding nucleotide sequence of this invention exhibits an excellent expression efficiency in yeast, particular Pichia pastoris and the recombinant batroxobin is obtained at 4-13 fold higher yield than natural-occurring batroxobin-encoding sequences. The protein expression system which uses the batroxobin-encoding nucleotide sequence as well as mutated ?-factor secretion signal peptide sequence of this invention obtains the recombinant batroxobin at about 20-fold higher yield than natural-occurring batroxobin-encoding sequences. In addition, the recombinant batroxobin prepared using the sequence of this invention has a significantly plausible activity and stability compared with natural-occurring batroxobin.