Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation. The invention further includes methods for prolonging patency of hemodialysis access.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a fungus of the Conidiobolus species bearing accession number MTCC 5185. The invention further relates to the process for preparing an enzyme mix of proteases, carbohydrases, and lipases for the Conidiobolus species. Such enzymes find use in the leather, silk and other industries.

Abstract: A protease for treating nail abnormalities is a type of protease. Since nails are mostly composed of keratin protein, the optimum protease for decomposing the main component (keratin) of the nail is keratinase or serine protease which is functionally similar to keratinase. The serine protease include trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, subtilisin, etc, these enzymes can be used to treat pathologically or mechanically damaged nail tissue to thin or remove keratin which is the key component of the nail, thus facilitating drug delivery in later treatment.

Abstract: Methods are described for dilating biological conduits by removing elastin and remodeling collagens in the wall of the conduit. Methods include the use of agents that increase the release of endogenous elastase and collagenase in the wall of the conduit, either by cells that are normally present in the wall of the conduit or by inflammatory cells that are attracted to the conduit, thereby providing additional conduit dilation. Methods also include the use of agents that increase conduit wall permeability and expose elastin and collagen fibers. Methods also include removing components of the extracellular matrix of arteries and veins leading to an inhibition of intimal hyperplasia in the wall of the vessels by decreasing biomechanical stimuli directed toward the cells in the wall of the vessel. Methods further include the use of agent that degrade microfibers, in addition to elastin, in order to decrease the resynthesis of elastin.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for treating muscular dystrophy. The method for treating muscular dystrophy according to the present invention is characterized in comprising a step of administering a caldecrin.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding same are provided. Also provided methods and pharmaceutical compositions which can be used to treat various disorders such as cancer, immunological-related, blood-related and skin-related disorders using the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the present invention. Also provided are methods and kits for diagnosing, determining predisposition and/or prognosis of various disorders using as diagnostic markers the novel polypeptides and polynucleotides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for sealing localized regions of damaged lung tissue to reduce overall lung volume. The glue compositions provide a glue featuring an adhering moiety coupled to one or more other moieties including, for example, a cross-linkable moiety and/or one other adhering moiety. The methods and compositions of the invention find use, for example, in treating pulmonary conditions, such as emphysema.

Abstract: A method of detecting platelet thrombosis or organ failure in a patient suffering from disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), comprising analyzing a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease and/or a cleaving factor thereof, is disclosed. A kit for detecting platelet thrombosis or organ failure in a patient suffering from DIC or SIRS, comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, and/or an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a cleaving factor of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for pretreating biological samples for extraction of nucleic acid therefrom. The present invention employs a combination of at least one protein denaturant with one or more of the following elements to form a reaction mixture for extraction of nucleic acid: (1) at least one aprotic solvent, (2) stepwise heating, and (3) sample dilution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for selecting, isolating and/or recovering a peptide or polypeptide from a library or a repertoire of peptides and polypeptides (e.g., a display system) that is resistant to degradation by a protease such as a protease found in the GI tract or pulmonary tissue of a human. Generally, the method comprises providing a library or repertoire of peptides or polypeptides, combining the library or repertoire with a protease under conditions suitable for protease activity, and selecting, isolating and/or recovering a peptide or polypeptide that is resistant to degradation by the protease and has a desired biological activity. The selected peptides and polypeptides have utility as therapeutics, eg for treating disease or conditions of GI tract or pulmonary tissue in humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for sealing localized regions of damaged lung tissue to reduce overall lung volume. The glue compositions provide a glue featuring an adhering moiety coupled to one or more other moieties including, for example, a cross-linkable moiety and/or one other adhering moiety. The methods and compositions of the invention find use, for example, in treating pulmonary conditions, such as emphysema.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying bacterial induced rhinosinusitis. The method comprises obtaining a nasal or paranasal mucus sample and detecting the presence of neutrophil degranulation in the mucus sample. Degranulation of neutrophils can be determined by morphological analysis of the cells in the mucus or by detection of released (i.e., “free”) granule content markers such as neutrophil elastase or myeloperoxidase. Based on an accurate determination of the cause of sinusitis as described herein, an appropriate treatment can be instituted.

Abstract: This invention relates to crystallised human neutrophil elastase and the use of its three-dimensional structure to design modulators for human neutrophil elastase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for sealing localized regions of damaged lung tissue to reduce overall lung volume. The glue compositions provide a glue featuring an adhering moiety coupled to one or more other moieties including, for example, a cross-linkable moiety and/or one other adhering moiety. The methods and compositions of the invention find use, for example, in treating pulmonary conditions, such as emphysema.

Abstract: A composition for in vitro use as a culture medium or in vivo use as a pharmaceutical composition or a medical device, capable of accelerating the differentiation of stem cells into cells with a chondrocytic phenotype and of restoring the original trophism of chondrocytes, is described. The composition comprises, in combination, at least one proteolytic enzyme, at least one growth factor and at least one from a sugar, an amino acid, a vitamin factor, a vitamin, a nucleotide and a nucleoside, in a physiologically acceptable carrier or diluent. A method of differentiating stem cells in cells having a chondrocytic phenotype, the cells obtained by the method and their uses, for example in human or animal cell therapy, for example by CBMP (Cellular Based Medicinal products) are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for sealing localized regions of damaged lung tissue to reduce overall lung volume. The glue compositions provide a glue featuring an adhering moiety coupled to one or more other moieties including, for example, a cross-linkable moiety and/or one other adhering moiety. The methods and compositions of the invention find use, for example, in treating pulmonary conditions, such as emphysema.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.

Abstract: Chimeric anti-microbial proteins, compositions, and methods for the therapeutic and prophylactic treatment of plant diseases caused by the bacterial pathogen Xylella fastidiosa are provided. The anti-microbial proteins of the invention generally comprise a surface recognition domain polypeptide, capable of binding to a bacterial membrane component, fused to a bacterial lysis domain polypeptide, capable of affecting lysis or rupture of the bacterial membrane, typically via a fused polypeptide linker. In particular, methods and compositions for the treatment or prevention of Pierce's disease of grapevines are provided. Methods for the generation of transgenic Vitus vinefera plants expressing xylem-secreted anti-microbial chimeras are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for pretreating biological samples for extraction of nucleic acid therefrom. The present invention employs a combination of at least one protein denaturant with one or more of the following elements to form a reaction mixture for extraction of nucleic acid: (1) at least one aprotic solvent, (2) stepwise heating, and (3) sample dilution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for sealing localized regions of damaged lung tissue to reduce overall lung volume. The glue compositions provide a glue featuring an adhering moiety coupled to one or more other moieties including, for example, a cross-linkable moiety and/or one other adhering moiety. The methods and compositions of the invention find use, for example, in treating pulmonary conditions, such as emphysema.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of converting hydrophilic active proteins (HPiAP) into hydrophobic active proteins (HPoAP) suitable for the anchorage in their active form on hydrophobic substrates. The present invention also relates to the preparation of ordered monomolecular layers of oriented active proteins immobilized onto hydrophobic solid supports to be used for mechanical manipulation and investigations, including Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in aqueous solutions and assays employing the same devices.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods of modifying n esterase or a lipase enzyme to introduce perhydrolase activity or to increase the already-existing perhydrolase activity. The invention also provides for methods of converting an polypeptide having predominantly esterase and/or lipase catalytic activity to a polypeptide having predominantly perhydrolase activity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.

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-Trp-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 some acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the protease peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the protease peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the protease peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the protease peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the protease peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the protease peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are enzyme-activated anti-tumor and anti-metastatic prodrug compounds. The specific enzymes are collagenase(IV) and elastase. Also disclosed are methods of making and using such compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying a modulator of quorum sensing signaling in bacteria, and for identifying a quorum sensing controlled gene in bacteria. In addition, the invention provides quorum sensing controlled genetic loci in Pseudomas aeruginosa. Novel indicator strains and vectors for engineering the strains for use in the method of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: There are provided hyperthermostable proteases having an amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 and 5 of the Sequence Listing or functional equivalents thereof and hyperthermostable protease genes encoding those hyperthermostable protease. There is also disclosed a process for preparation of a hyperthermostable protease by culturing a transformant containing the gene.

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

Abstract: 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: 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: Mutants of the human PAI-1 protein are described which are inhibitors of neutrophil elastase or are inhibitors of vitronectin (Vn)-dependent cell migration These mutants preferably comprise one or two amino acid substitutions in the reactive center loop of PAI-1, particularly at positions 331 and 346 of the mature protein. These mutants are notable in being resistant to inactivation by elastase, having high affinity for Vn, or both properties. These mutant proteins as pharmaceutical compositions are used to inhibit elastase in a subject, thereby treating a number of disorders associated with elastase activity, most notably emphysema, ARDS, inflammatory lung injury and cystic fibrosis. The mutants which interact with Vn are used to inhibit cell migration in a subject, thereby treating diseases or conditions associated with undesired cell migration and proliferation, particularly of smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: The disclosure provides purified and isolated SVPH1-8 polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against such polypeptide, and fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptide. In addition, the disclosure provides uses of such polypeptides, fragmented peptides, antibodies and nucleic acids as well as kits containing the foregoing.

Abstract: A peptide corresponding to positions 89-96 of the human C-reactive protein (CRP) of the formula: Val89-Thr-Val-Ala-Pro-Val-His-Ile96 and modifications thereof obtained by substitution, elongation, amidation of the C-terminal or acylation of the N-terminal, inhibit in vitro the enzymatic activity of human leukocyte elastase (hLE) and/or of human leukocyte cathepsin G(hCG) and can be used for the treatment of chronic inflammation conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary emphysema and cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides, including chymotrypsin-like polypeptides and elastase-like polypeptides, having amidolytic acitivity for cleavage of a peptide bond present in a target polypeptide. The polypeptides can be isolated from ants, including S. invicta larvae. Isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding isolated polypeptides are also provided, as are methods of developing and using inhibitors of chymotrypsin-like polypeptides and elastase-like polypeptides.

Abstract: A method to determine whether a test compound modulates the activity of an enzyme that has a metallated active site, comprising:

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-glycosylated protein with enzymatic and serin protease activity, the zymogenous form thereof comprising the following domains of a protease of the factor IX family: (a) a catalytic domain, N-terminal bonded with (b) a zymogenous activation domain, N terminal bonded with (c) a EGF1 and/or EGF2 domain. Said protein can be used in a same way as the natural serine proteases of the factor IX family.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel protease-inhibitors which are obtainable from leeches. It also relates to uses thereof, for instance as a medicament, thus pharmaceutical preparations are provided, as are derivatives, mutants, genes encoding, vectors comprising and cells provided with such genes and/or vectors. In particular the invention relates to a family of proteinaceous protease-inhibitors having a molecular weight of about 5.5 kD and the following primary sequences: DDNCGGKVCSKGQLCHDGHCECTPIRCLIFCPNGFAVDENGCELPCSCKHQ, DDDCGGQVCSKGQLCVDGQCKCTPIRCRIYCPKGFEVDENGCELPCTCLQ and DGNCGGQVCSKGQLCVDGQCKCTPIRCRIYCPKGFEVDENGCELPCTCLQ. This invention also relates to HIV-inhibitors and other therapeutically interesting, low molecular weight, and low antigenic substances from leeches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides inhibiting elastase and subtilisin activity, which are derived from Guamerin, an elastase-inhibiting protein isolated from a Korean leech, Guameri(Hirudo nipponia). Since the peptides of the invention permit their convenient synthesis and use, it can be applied for the development of elastase- and subtilisin-inhibiting agents. Also, since the dimeric peptides of the invention have strong elastase- and subtilisin-inhibiting activities, they can be more practically applied for the treatment of diseases associated with elastase and subtilisin. Moreover, all of the peptides of the invention can be safely used for human body as a potential drug, since they have relatively lower molecular weights.

Abstract: A truncated mutant of the 92 kDa gelatinase is disclosed which is catalytically active comparable to the full-length enzyme but, unlike the full-length enzyme, is essentially inactive against insoluble elastin. The truncated mutant preferably comprises residues 107-217 fused to residues 391-443 of the parent molecule. The truncated mutant is useful for treatment of disorders requiring the removal of excess connective tissue.

Abstract: A novel 54 kDa human macrophage metalloelastase (HME) having elastolytic activity and the cDNA which encodes for this enzyme are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of mixtures of defined composition of purified enzymes from Clostridium histolyticum for obtaining, in a reproducible, standardized manner, cells or tissue fragments from human or animal tissues, and to these enzymes and mixtures thereof; in addition it relates to the direct or indirect medical use of these enzymes, alone or as ingredient of mixtures, eg. in wound treatment.