Abstract: A method for the in vitro diagnosis of colorectal cancer by determining the presence of Aminoacylase 1 tumor marker in a biological sample taken from a patient suspected of having colorectal cancer. Said method can be used for early diagnosis, screening, therapeutic follow-up and prognosis, and also for relapse diagnosis in relation to colorectal cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation, purification, and use of novel mammalian DExH box helicases. In particular, the present invention relates to the isolation, purification and use of DHX29, a novel mammalian RNA helicase.

Abstract: The present invention describes a test system for the determination of in-vivo active hemostasis proteases in biological fluids and the use thereof to determine the in-vivo activation of hemostasis or to diagnose pancreatitis. EDTA and/or EGTA is added to the biological sample to prevent artificial activation of the hemostasis proteases. Arginine and/or guanidine can also be added to the biological sample.

Abstract: Single-dose enzyme tablets for direct sale to consumers are provided for boosting the performance of automatic laundry and dish washing operations using conventional detergents. The tablets provide a wash performance that is better than or at least equal to the wash performance of the detergents alone even when the time and or temperature of the wash cycle is decreased. The tablets may be provided in kits and the enzymes are selected to treat a variety of fabric stains as well as to provide fabric care benefits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting autoprocessed, secreted PCSK9, a protein involved in cholesterol homeostasis, and for effectively identifying compounds that inhibit autocleavage and secretion from cells. The disclosed method involves the insertion of an epitope tag into a PCSK9 expression construct immediately C-terminal to the pro domain ending at an amino acid residue corresponding to Q152 of human PCSK9. Upon autoprocessing, the epitope tag is exposed and capable of recognition by anti-epitope antibodies or other suitable identification system, allowing for the selective and exclusive identification and/or quantification of processed PCSK9. The present disclosure thus advances the goal of providing enabling technology to the art for the effective identification of therapeutics effective in combating coronary heart disease.

Abstract: Fusion proteins of protease inhibitors are provided, in particular fusion proteins of alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) and a second protease inhibitor, such as secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP). Polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins, vectors comprising such polynucleotides, and host cells containing such vectors are also provided. Methods of making the fusion proteins of the invention are also provide, as well as methods of using the fusion proteins, for example to inhibit protease activity in a biological sample or in the treatment of an individual suffering from, or at risk for, a disease or disorder involving unwanted protease activity.

Abstract: A method of removing an enzyme from a liquid enzyme reaction mixture used in a hydrolysis reaction or a base exchange reaction of a phospholipid is provided. The method includes the step of treating the liquid enzyme reaction mixture with a solvent mixture of water and an organic solvent, wherein the solvent mixture includes an inorganic metal salt, to remove the enzyme. Enzymes included in the reaction product can be easily removed without a treatment such as heating, and thus it becomes possible to easily produce various phospholipids that have a reduced risk of inducing an allergy, that retain a high quality and that have excellent storage stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-phosphate containing dishwashing detergent compositions. The present invention also provides methods for the production of and use of such detergents.

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 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 invention provides novel methionine aminopeptidase enzymes and their use.

Abstract: Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to an isolated protease, and cleaning compositions containing the same. In some embodiments, the protease may comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the wild type Streptomyces 1AG3 protease. Isolated nucleic acid encoding the subject protease, recombinant nucleic acid containing the same and host cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is are polypeptides that include the protease domain of a type II transmembrane serine protease (MTSP) as a single chain. Methods using the polypeptides to identify compounds that modulate the protease activity of an MTSP are provided. Also provided are MTSPs designated MTSP3 and MTSP4 and a form of an MTSP designated MTSP6.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lentiviral packaging constructs that are useful for the establishment of stable packaging cell lines and producer cell lines. In particular, the present invention provides novel packaging cell lines that are capable of constitutively expressing high levels of lentiviral proteins.

Abstract: A metalloprotease that converts TNF-? 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: The present invention provides improved media for the cultivation of Clostridium histolyticum and culture supernatants for the biotechnological production of collagenase enzymes. The nutrient media according to the invention comprise one or more peptones from a non-mammalian source, preferably plant-derived peptones. The media can additionally comprise fish gelatin. The invention provides media, culture supernatants comprising Clostridium histolyticum collagenase, and methods to produce said collagenase.

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: A preparation for inhibiting local invasion of malignant tumors is provided which comprises batroxobin and therefore can inhibit local invasion of malignant tumors. A preparation for encapsulating malignant tumor tissues is also provided which comprises batroxobin and therefore can cause or promote formation of capsule-like tissue around malignant tumor tissues.

Abstract: The present application relates to two novel alkaline proteases (SEQ ID NO. 4 and 7) which are similar to one another, whose DNA was obtained from soil samples, and which were C-terminally deleted. The present application also provides proteolytically active fragments thereof (SEQ ID NO. 5 and 8), 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, the present application 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, the present application relates to use for these proteases and especially describes their use in detergents and cleaners.

Abstract: Methods of isolating highly sialylated recombinant vitamin K dependent proteins, particularly Factor IX, by chromatographic methods are described. The highly sialylated recombinant proteins are characterized. The improved Factor IX has at least 62% N-glycosylation with 3 or 4 sialic acid residues and improved bioavailability and pharmokinetic properties.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter discloses isolated ADAM 10 modulating peptides and related compounds useful for studying the biological functions of ADAM 10 and for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, asthma, and allergic responses, and disorders characterized at least in part by the presence of one or more of inflammation, excess cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and excess soluble CD23. In one aspect, the presently disclosed subject matter provides isolated mouse and human ADAM 10 prodomain comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs 1-8, or a sequence having at least 95% homology to any of SEQ ID NOs 1-8 and having the functionality of modulating ADAM 10 activity.

Abstract: The specification discloses modified Clostridial toxins comprising a Clostridial toxin substrate cleavage site located within the di-chain loop region; polynucleotide molecules encoding such modified Clostridial toxins comprising a Clostridial toxin substrate cleavage site located in the di-chain loop region; and method of producing modified Clostridial toxins comprising Clostridial toxin substrate cleavage site located within the di-chain loop region.

Abstract: The invention disclose a method for purifying microbial protease, comprising:(i) providing an aqueous liquid sample containing a microbial protease, and a separation medium comprising a base matrix and a plurality of attached ligands that are capable of binding to microbial protease;(ii) contacting separation medium with the sample under conditions permitting binding of microbial protease to the separation medium; and (iii) desorbing microbial protease from the separation medium, wherein the base matrix is hydrophilic and the plurality of ligands are hydrocarbon groups in which all carbon atoms are sp3-hybridised.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric derivatives, which can be conjugated to an amino-containing drug to improve its in vivo properties. The polymeric derivative can subsequently be released to yield the drug in its native form. Methods of preparing and using these polymeric derivatives and drug conjugates are described.

Abstract: To provide a water-degradable sheet capable of preventing, through biodegradation, drainage apparatuses such as septic tanks from clogging and capable of achieving both water resistance and water solubility, and a pouch for an excretion receptacle including the same, there is provided a a water-degradable sheet capable of dissolving in water when dipped in water, where the water-degradable sheet contains an enzyme to decompose the water-degradable sheet thereinside and the substrate of the water-degradable sheet includes a water-degradable paper layer and a water-resistant layer. Preferably, the water-resistant layer includes a biodegradable substrate.

Abstract: Use of a therapeutic molecule, for the treatment of specific pain conditions, wherein the therapeutic molecule is a single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a Targeting Moiety that is capable of binding to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site is capable of undergoing endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease or fragment thereof and the Targeting Moiety; and a translocation domain that is capable of translocating the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for malting and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases, for example, alpha amylases, to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into 10 sugars.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying and quantifying polypeptides in a sample. The methods include the steps of labeling peptides in a polypeptide sample with an isotope tag; adding a plurality of peptide standards to the polypeptide sample, wherein the peptide standards are labeled with an isotopically distinct version of the isotope tag; resolving the labeled sample and standard peptides into a plurality of fractions; analyzing the resolved fractions using mass spectrometry; identifying an isotope-tagged sample peptide in an analyzed fraction; and determining the amount of the identified isotope-tagged sample peptide in the analyzed fraction by comparison to the amount of isotope tagged standard peptide in the same fraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid composition comprising: (i) an aspartic protease; and (ii) an inorganic salt and/or a polyalcohol; in which composition; the sum concentration of sorbate, benzoate and alkyl esters of para-hydroxybenzoate is less than 0.010 mol/l; the standard plate count <100 in 1 ml; yeast count <10 in 1 ml; and mould count <10 in 1 ml. The composition can be used as a coagulant in the production of cheese.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polypeptides having protease activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used in a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, and industrial contexts. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as, e.g., an additive for a detergent, for processing foods and for chemical synthesis utilizing a reverse reaction.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 53070, 15985, 26583, 21953, m32404, 14089, and 23436 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel human protein kinase family members, serine/threonine protein kinase family members, serine/threonine phosphatase family members, prolyl oligopeptidase family members, trypsin family members, trypsin serine protease family members, and ubiquitin protease family members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 53070, 15985, 26583, 21953, m32404, 14089, or 23436 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 53070, 15985, 26583, 21953, m32404, 14089, or 23436 gene has been introduced or disrupted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a proline-specific protease preparation free from amylolytic activity and a purification method for obtaining the enzyme preparation according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound capable of inhibiting the endocytosis of FVIII (factor VIII) by immune system cells capable of endocytosing the antigen and to the therapeutic use of such a compound for the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of hemophiliacs in order to reduce the immunogenicity of FVIII and/or increase the half-life of FVIII.

Abstract: Recombinant truncated human furin was expressed in CHO cells and concentrated approximately 50-fold by ultrafiltration and diafiltration. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on Capto-MMC™ resulting in a 30-50 fold purification factor and a yield of at least 60%. The at least 20% pure preparation obtained after Capto-MMC™ chromatography had already a purification degree allowing on-column maturation of pro-VWF. Then an additional Arginine Sepharose chromatography purification was carried out. This two column process for purification of truncated human furin resulted in an almost pure furin preparation with a specific activity of approximately 290,000 U furin/mg protein and a yield of about 50%.

Abstract: This invention provides, in one embodiment, a recombinant virus or a recombinant virus library wherein each virus comprises a protein involved in viral attachment or infection, a polypeptide which differs by at least a single amino acid from another peptide or polypeptide in the library, and a modified cleavage site that is proximal to the peptide and the protein, wherein the cleavage site is modified such that a compound mediating cleavage has a reduced binding affinity for it as compared to a non-modified cleavage site. The invention further provides a target of interest complex comprising a protease, a target of interest involved in an intermolecular interaction, and a flexible linker that attaches the protease and target of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides hydrolases, polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., an esterase, acylase, lipase, phospholipase (e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity) or protease activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant hydrolase activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The hydrolase activities of the polypeptides and peptides of the invention include esterase activity, lipase activity (hydrolysis of lipids), acidolysis reactions (to replace an esterified fatty acid with a free fatty acid), transesterification reactions (exchange of fatty acids between triglycerides), ester synthesis, ester interchange reactions, phospholipase activity and protease activity (hydrolysis of peptide bonds).

Abstract: This invention relates to aggrecanase polypeptides and aggrecanase polypeptide/ligand complexes, crystals of aggrecanase and aggrecanase polypeptide/ligand complexes, and related methods and software systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thrombolytic enzyme referred to as Thrombinase having a molecular weight of 31,000 to 32,000. Such a thrombolytic enzyme can be used for dissolving blood clots. The process comprises culturing a filtrate of Bacillus sphaericus sero type H5a 5b, removing the cell, subjecting the cell supernatant to filtration, salting out the retentate, subjecting the precipitate to dialysis, reprecipitating the precipitate and then reconstituting in buffer and finally decolourizing, purifying and dialyzing.

Abstract: Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to an isolated protease, and cleaning compositions containing the same. In some embodiments, the protease may comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the wild type Streptomyces 1AG3 protease. Isolated nucleic acid encoding the subject protease, recombinant nucleic acid containing the same and host cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid are also provided.

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: Collagen based-matrices and methods of their use are described. More particularly, collagen-based matrices for differentiating stem cells and progenitor cells, and for producing and isolating blood vessels and vascularized graft constructs are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tumor marker more highly specific to renal cancer. The present invention provides a method for identifying the morbidity of renal cancer. A tumor marker for renal cancer comprising proteins identified from renal cancerous tissue. A method for identifying the morbidity of renal cancer by using the tumor marker for renal cancer. The method comprises measuring the level of the protein in a sample derived from a person of interest who is to be examined to identify the morbidity of renal cancer; and comparing an obtained measured level to a normal level of the protein, wherein an upregulation or a downregulation of the obtained measured level compared to the normal level is used as one of indexes indicating that there is a high possibility that the person of interest has renal cancer.

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: Provided are methods of producing, via induction, plant products such as bromelain from plants of the genus Ananas established in vitro. A process for extracting bromelain from tissues of the pineapple (Ananas comosus) plant that have been established and induced in vitro is provided. The plants have a higher proteolytic activity (200 to 600%)—and in high concentrations—as compared with the protein generated naturally in plants and as currently extracted using conventional methodologies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a culture system for and a method for propagation of human blastocyst-derived stem cells (hBS cells) upon enzymatic dissociation into a single cell suspension. The culture system for propagation of human blastocyst-derived stem (hBS) cells comprises i) human feeder cells at a density of at least 50,000 cells/cm2, ii) one or more dissociation agents for dissociation of hBS cell colonies into a single cell suspension, and iii) a supportive culture medium, which culture system makes it possible to propagate hBS cells by dissociation of hBS cell colonies into a single cell suspension at each consecutive passage for an extended time period, while maintaining the significant characteristics of hBS cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to adsorbents and methods for highly selective removal of anti-von Willebrand Factor-cleaving protease antibodies (“anti-vWF-cp-abs”) from human plasma using human von Willebrand Factor-cleaving protease (“hvWF-cp”) or fragments thereof as affinity ligands. The adsorbents can be used for treating disorders associated with the occurrence of anti-vWF-cp-abs in patients, such as thromboembolic diseases.

Abstract: The invention encompasses biomarkers for AD, a method for detecting AD, a method of monitoring AD, and a kit for quantifying biomarkers for AD.

Abstract: An endopeptidase is described which shows specificity for cleavage of a LPXTG (SEQ ID NO: 1) motif found in the cell membranes of gram positive bacteria, having an apparent molecular weight of 14,000 daltons, having a pH optimum of about 7.5 to 10, being salt sensitive, being heavily glycosylated, rich in alanine, lacking aromatic amino acids, having a Km of 0.26 mM and having a backbone comprised of about 30% unknown amino acids, and containing carbohydrates that are essential for its activity. Methods of use and pharmaceutical compositions of this inhibitor are described.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a low cost method of producing peptides, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), by using microbes. The subject methods enable greatly improved yields of the peptide/AMP as compared to those heretofore known in the art. The subject methods also surprisingly enable the use of Pseudomonas fluorescens to produce AMPs and other peptides. There are several components of the subject invention, which can be used alone or in combination. The subject invention provides for the production of peptides/AMPs in concatemeric precursors. The subject invention also provides novel methods of assembling monomers into multimers, and of cleaving the multimers to yield active monomers. The subject invention also relates to the use of these multimers fused to carrier peptides to produce fusion proteins. Preferably, both the multimers and the fusion proteins (multimers with the carrier polypeptides) lack charge balancing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a coating, a textile finish, a wax, elastomer, a filler, an adhesive, or a sealant, as well as polymeric materials such as a plastic, a laminate, a composite, that includes an enzyme that degrades cell wall or cell membrane components (e.g., a lysozyme, lytic transgrycosylase) alone or in combination with other enzymes such as a lipolytic enzyme, a sulfuric ester hydrolase, an organophosphorus compound degradation enzyme, or an antimicrobial peptide. Also disclosed herein are methods of retarding or preventing microbial growth on or in a coating, paint, textile finish, wax, elastomer, adhesive, sealant, filler, or a polymeric material, where such a surface material includes an enzyme that degrades cell wall or cell membrane components (e.g., a lysozyme, lytic transgrycosylase).