Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermostable cyanophycin synthetase produced from Synechococcus elongatus and to a method for improved production of cyanophycin and/or secondary products thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide having a polynucleotide sequence which codes for the deaD gene, and a host-vector system having a coryneform host bacterium in which the deaD gene is present in attenuated form and a vector which carries at least the deaD gene according to SEQ ID No 1, and the use of polynucleotides which comprise the sequences according to the invention as hybridization probes.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly directed to a method for reducing autodegradation of activated protein C during processing and purification. The present invention provides aqueous activated protein C solutions and an improved method of processing of such solutions, comprising conducting such processing at an ionic strength of greater than 150 mM and at a pH of about 5.5 to less than 6.3.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequence 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 identify orthologs and paralogs of the protease peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the protease peptides.

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

Abstract: Substantially purified CDR1 polypeptide, isolated polynucleotides encoding CDR1 polypeptide, vectors containing CDR1, host cells expressing CDR1, and antibodies which bind to CDR1 are all provided. The invention also provides a method of producing a genetically modified plant characterized as having increased disease resistance as compared to wild-type plants. A method is also provided for identifying novel disease resistance genes by probing a nucleic acid library with at least a fragment of a polynucleotide encoding CDR1, and selecting those clones that hybridize with the fragment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified Hepatitis C NS3 proteases and modified Hepatitis C NS4a-NS3 fusion proteases. These proteins are highly soluble and are useful for NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and inhibitor screening. DNA constructs are also provided.

Abstract: A new class of proteins and methods related thereto are presented. The proteins, which can be characterized as catalysts of the extension of plant cell walls and the weakening of the hydrogen bonds in pure cellulose, are referred to as expansins. Two proteins have been isolated by fractionation techniques from washed wall fragments of cucumber hypocotyls, referred to as “cucumber expansin-29” and “cucumber expansin-30” (abbreviated cEx-29 and cEx-30, with respect to their apparent relative masses as determined by SDS-PAGE). Moreover, three peptide fragments from the purified cEx-29 protein were sequenced, then oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify a portion of the expansin cDNA using polymerase chain reaction with a cDNA template derived from cucumber seedlings, and then the PCR fragment was used to screen a cDNA library to identify full length clones.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method of hepatitis C protease inhibition through interaction with a novel exosite remote from the active site but overlapping with P4′-P6′ region of the extended substrate binding site. In particular, the present invention provides a description of a region of the enzyme and structure activity relationships of peptides with affinity for this exosite. Ligands binding in the exosite are competitive with larger substrates such as the physiological substrate. As such, exploitation of the exosite represents a therapeutic for the hepatitis C disease.

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 invention provides gp38 polypeptides, which play a role in immunomodulation, nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods employing these polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds that modulate the biological activities of gp38 nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides, and therapeutic methods employing these compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a human osteoclast-derived cathepsin (Cathepsin O) polypeptide and DNA(RNA) encoding such cathepsin O polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques. The present invention also discloses antibodies, antagonists and inhibitors of such polypeptide which may be used to prevent the action of such polypeptide and therefore may be used therapeutically to treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis and cancers, such as tumor metastases.

Abstract: Members of the serine protease family play a role in carefully controlled processes, such as blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, complement activation, fertilization, and hormone production. These enzymes are also used in a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, and industrial contexts. Zfaix1 is a new member of the serine protease family.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel and advantageous methods for identifying amino acid sequences in random peptide libraries that can bind to Gag polypeptides. The subject invention also establishes a novel in vitro system that can be used to test competitive inhibitors of retrovrial capsid assembly. Also provided are peptides, and compositions containing these peptides, which are inhibitors of the retrovirus Gag protein(s) function. Chimeric Gag polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: Haloalkaliphilic bacteria have been isolated from samples of soil, water, sediment, trona (NaHCO3.Na2CO3.2H2O) and a number of other sources obtained from in and around hypersaline soda lakes. These bacteria have been analyzed according to the principles of numerical taxonomy with respect to each other, as well as to other known haloalkaliphilic bacteria. In addition, these bacteria are further circumscribed by chemotaxonomic analysis. The bacteria produce various alkali- and salt-tolerant enzymes which may be used in various industrial processes requiring such enzymatic activity in a high pH, saline environment.

Abstract: A herpes virus proteinase has been found to be encoded by a member of a family of four nested genes in simian cytomegalovirus. Another member of the nested genes encodes the assembly protein precursor, which is a substrate for the proteinase. Homologous genes are found in other herpes viruses. Cleavage sites recognized by the proteinase are identified in cytomegalovirus and are found to be highly conserved in other herpes viruses. Substrates, inhibitors, assay kits, and methods of assaying are provided which rely on the proteinase and its activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and purification of a herpes protease and a nucleic acid segment coding for two proteins. The first protein is the herpes protease which is able to cleave itself and also cleave the second protein. This protease is required for the assembly of the herpes virus capsid, therefore is essential for replication. The second protein has previously been designated as the family of proteins in viral infected cells, ICP35. The protease and its substrates are encoded by overlapping nucleic acid segments. This invention also relates to a promoter sequence for the second protein. Methods are presented of producing a viral protease, screening a protease inhibitor which may be used in a drug designed for the treatment of herpes disease, methods for treating herpes and other viral infections wherein the virus employs a protease substantially similar to the herpes protease, for capsid production.

Abstract: Disclosed are human interleukin-1 &bgr; converting enzyme like apoptosis proteases-3 and 4 and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques and antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using the polypeptides, for example, as an antitumor agent, and antiviral agent, and antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptides for example, for treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and head injury.

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: A herpes virus proteinase has been found to be encoded by a member of a family of four nested genes in simian cytomegalovirus. Another member of the nested genes encodes the assembly protein precursor, which is a substrate for the proteinase. Homologous genes are found in other herpes viruses. Cleavage sites recognized by the proteinase are identified in cytomegalovirus and are found to be highly conserved in other herpes viruses. Substrates, inhibitors, assay kits, and methods of assaying are provided which rely on the proteinase and its activity.

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: The x-ray crystal structure of FemA and/or FemA-like proteins is useful for solving the structure of other molecules or molecular complexes, and identifying and/or designing modifiers of FemA activity.

Abstract: Mutant Bacillus lentus DSM 5483 proteases are derived by the replacement of at least one amino acid residue of the mature form of the B. lentus DSM 5483 alkaline protease. The mutant proteases are expressed by genes which are mutated by site-specific mutagenesis. The amino acid sites selected for replacement are identified by means of a computer based method which compares the three dimensional structure of the wild-type protease and a reference protease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crystallization process wherein a starting temperature is selected such that a desirable crystal morphology (e.g., square) is obtained. A temperature shift is then introduced, providing that the shift is not enough to induce further nucleation, where the crystals continue to grow in the desirable fashion, but with different kinetics, e.g., a higher rate of crystallization. As a result, the process gives a crystalline product with desirable morphology at a higher crystallization rate. The starting temperature of the process can be between about 4° C. and 20° C. for no more than about 5 hours and the temperature shift of the process can be between about 22° C. and 60° C. for no more than about 20 hours.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences encoding human matrix metalloprotease proteins (MMP-ABT). The present invention also provides recombinant DNA molecules encoding human matrix metalloprotease polypeptides and processes for producing the novel proteins. The cDNA is cloned into expression vectors for expression in recombinant hosts. The cDNA is useful to produce recombinant full length MMP-ABTs or fragments thereof. The cDNA and the recombinant proteins derived therefrom and/or antibodies to the proteins are useful in diagnostic assays and for the development of therapeutic agents that affect MMP function.

Abstract: DNA sequences for human matrix metalloproteases are disclosed, as well as homologous DNA sequences homologous and derived therefrom. Also disclosed are the proteins and protein variants coded by these DNA sequences, there expression, preparation and use. The invention has applications in the fields of biomolecular, medical and pharmaceutical research, for medical diagnosis and therapy, and in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations of activated protein C which also comprises sucrose, sodium chloride and sodium citrate buffer at a pH between about 5.5 and about 6.5. The activated protein C formulations of the present invention are more stable than other formulations of activated protein C and demonstrate fewer degradation products over time.

Abstract: Two genes which encode polypeptides that mediate post-prenylation processing steps in CAAX polypeptides such as Ras are provided. The two genes (AFC1 and RCE1) encode polypeptides that mediate the removal of the AAX tripeptide from the CAAX polypeptide following prenylation. The genes and encoded polypeptides provide assays for testing compounds for an effect on post-prenylation processing steps. A heat shock assay for assessing Ras activity is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting membrane derived apoptotic activity. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods for identifying membrane derived caspase activity. In other embodiments, drug discovery methods are provided for screening compounds that inhibit or enhance membrane derived caspase activity. In the various embodiments, heavy membrane fractions are utilized for the screening methodologies described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of C1 bacteriophage genes that express protein involved in the lysis of bacterial cells during the phage life cycle, lysin and holin. The invention further relates to methods for lysing certain bacteria using lysin, which are useful for example in the treatment of an oral cavity bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to detergents characterized in that they contain &agr;-amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and protease from Bacillus lentus, optionally modified by genetic engineering, in addition to our usual ingredients compatible with said enzymes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense response are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding maize rhoGAP proteins are provided. The sequence can be used in expression cassettes for modulating development, developmental pathways, and defense response. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.

Abstract: An alkaline protease having the following properties; a gene encoding the same; a microorganism producing the same; and washing compositions containing the same; (i) acting over a broad pH value range of 4 to 13 and achieving, at pH 6 to 12, 80% or more the activity at the optimum pH value; (ii) when treated at 40° C. for 30 minutes, being stable over a pH value range of 6 to 11; (iii) having an isoelectric point of about 8.9 to 9.1; and (iv) having casein digesting activity that is not inhibited by oleic acid. The alkaline protease of the present invention is highly stable to various surface active agents and fatty acids, and exhibits high stability to oxidizing agents, and is therefore useful as an enzyme to be used in detergents for automatic dishwashers and laundry detergents, both containing bleaching components.

Abstract: A plant, the nuclear genome of which is transformed with a foreign DNA sequence encoding a protein or polypeptide which disrupts the metabolism, functioning and/or development of stamen cells of the plant, said foreign DNA under the control of a stamen-specific promoter. The foreign DNA sequence also optionally encodes a marker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel metalloproteinase-like proteins. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human TACE-like and matrilysin-like proteins. TACE-like and matrilysin-like polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of TACE-like and matrilysin-like activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting cancer and therapeutic methods for cancer and other disorders characterized by an over or under production of these metalloproteinases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and crystals of a hepatitis C virus protease in complex with its viral cofactor. This invention also relates to methods of using the structure coordinates of hepatitis C virus protease in complex with a synthetic NS4A to solve the structure of similar or homologous proteins or protein complexes.

Abstract: The invention describes novel nucleotide sequences from genes which are produced upon induction with salicylic acid in tobacco plants. The genes can be used to confer resistance to pathogens in susceptible plants. Another part of the invention is formed by the promoters regulating expression of these genes. These promoters are switched on early in the response to pathogen attack and can be used as pathogen-inducible promoters.

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: mASP-2 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for screening for compounds that either agonize or antagonize mASP-2. Such compounds are expected to be useful in treatment of human diseases, including, but not limited to: Alzheimer's disease, cancer and prohormone processing.

Abstract: A hyperthermostable protease having the amino acid sequence represented by the SEQ ID NO:1 of the Sequence Listing or a sequence derived therefrom by deletion, substitution, insertion or addition of one to several amino acid residues, a gene encoding the hyperthermostable protease, and a process for preparing the protease, aiming at providing by genetic engineering techniques a hyperthermophile protease which is advantageous for industrial use.

Abstract: Novel vaccines for use against &bgr;-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection are disclosed. The vaccines contain an immunogenic amount of a variant of strepococcal C5a peptidase (SCP). Also disclosed is a method of protecting a susceptible mammal against &bgr;-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection by administering such a vaccine. Enzymatically inactive SCP, and polynucleotides encoding these SCP proteins are further disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the enzymatic synthesis of sucrose ester, comprises introducing, in an adapted reactor and so as to form a reaction medium, predetermined amounts of an organic solvent, a sugar or a sugar derivative, a compound donor of acyl groups and an enzymatic catalyst, the amount of at least one constituent of the reaction mixture being deficient, in controlled addition during the reaction of additional amounts of the deficient constituent(s), and finally purifying the resulting sucrose esters at least by separating the fine enzymatic particles from the solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polypeptide hybrid containing an amino acid sequence with binding affinity for mutan, the amino acid sequence being bound to an active component useful for oral care purposes; an oral care composition comprising a mutan binding domain; an oral care product comprising such an oral care composition of the invention; and finally the use of a mutan binding polypeptide hybrid or a single unit MBD for oral care purposes, including preventing dental plaque formation and/or removal of existing dental plaque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the controlled enzymatic cleavage of purified and depigmented active allergenic proteins from indoor and outdoor source materials, which process produces fragments of allergens that retain the the natural T-lymphocyte stimulating epitopes, but are depleted of IgE-binding B-cell epitopes and complement-activating agents. The invention also relates to the new pharmaceutical products. These allergen fragments do not exhibit the disadvantages of conventional allergenic extracts for immunotherapy and can be safely used to induce a state of specific T-cell anergy and immunological tolerance in allergic human beings.

Abstract: D1 protease has been isolated from the alga (Scenedesmjus obliquus), wheat, and Synechocystis PCC 6803 and the genes encoding these enzymes have been cloned and sequenced. Native or recombinantly produced enzyme has been used to develop assays to detect herbicidal compositions capable of inhibiting the D1 protease enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed are purified nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides having ubiquitin ligase activity and the ability to bind XA21. Also disclosed are methods of making disease-resistant plants and methods of screening compounds for the ability to enhance a disease-resistant phenotype in plants.

Abstract: A procedure is described for obtaining valuable endoproteases (or zonases) from hatchery-produced Atlantic salmon eggs. Synchronized hatching by for instance elevated temperature, is followed by filtration through cheese cloth. The filtrate (hatching fluid) may be stored for months or year (depending on conditions) without loss of activity. Extraneous matters are removed by centrifugation (16,000 g, 2×15 min) after addition of urea (2 or 4 M, or more). High purity zonases are obtained by simple chromatographic procedures (gel filtration, affinity chromatography, isoelectric focusing), yielding sequence-grade purity after all three steps are performed in sequence. All preparations of salmon zonases exhibit valuable enzymatic properties with regard to proteolysis, both in terms of catalysis and stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein disulfide isomerases which are encoded by a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes with (i) the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or (ii) the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, under the following conditions: presoaking in 5×SSC and prehybridizing for 1 h at ˜40° C. in a solution of 5×SSC, 5×Denhardt's solution, 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.8, and 50 &mgr;g of denatured sonicated calf thymus DNA, followed by hybridization in the same solution supplemented with 50 &mgr;Ci 32-P-dCTP labelled probe for 18 h at ˜40° C. followed by washing three times in 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 40° C. for 30 minutes; and fragments thereof. The present invention also relates to DNA sequences encoding the protein disulfide isomerases, compositions comprising said protein disulfide isomerases and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing water-insoluble substances derived from fishes and shellfishes, includes the treating of the waste of fishes and shellfishes containing the substances with proteolytic enzymes under stirring to obtain an oil-in-water (O/W) type emulsified composition. This composition contains water-soluble amino-acids, oligoproteins having a molecular weight of not greater than 30,000, water-soluble minerals, water-insoluble highly unsaturated fatty acids and proteins (solid matter) having a molecular weight of 20,000 to 100,000, with 50% or more of all the proteins in said emulsified composition having a molecular weight of 20,000 to 100,000. Thereafter the emulsified composition is separated into solid and liquid phases, and the obtained solid composition containing proteins with a molecular weight of 20,000 to 100,000 and fats and oils is extracted with an organic solvent.

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.