Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell suitable for production of one or more fermentation product from a sugar composition comprising glucose, galactose, arabinose and xylose, wherein the cell comprises two to fifteen copies of one or more xylose isomerase gene or two to fifteen copies of one or more xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase, and two to ten copies of araA, araB and araD, genes, wherein these genes are integrated into the cell genome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing variants of a parent TY145 subtilase and of a parent BPN? subtilase and to TY145 and BPN? variants having altered properties as compared to the parent TY145/BPN? subtilase.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that isolated lymphocytes, such as human B-cells and CD4+ T-cell can be used to determine an amount of lymphocyte-associated anthrax lethal toxin activity present. Methods of using isolated lymphocytes to identify anthrax therapeutic agents and to determine the efficacy of a potential anthrax therapeutic are disclosed. Methods are also provided for diagnosing and treating anthrax infections.

Abstract: Proteinopathies result from the proteasome not acting efficiently enough to eliminate harmful proteins and prevent the formation of the pathogenic aggregates. As described herein, inhibition of proteasome-associated deubiquitinase Usp 14 results in increased proteasome efficiency. The present invention therefore provides novel compositions and methods for inhibition of Usp14, enhancement of proteasome activity and treatment of proteinopathies.

Abstract: Modified ADAM (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase) Polypeptides (MAPs) are provided. Methods are provided for administering MAPs for anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor growth activity. Compositions of the invention are also useful for treating endothelial cell dysfunction and for diagnosis of integrin-related conditions.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of cells which are capable of converting arabinose, comprising the following steps: a) Introducing into a host strain that cannot convert arabinose, the genes AraA, araB and araD, this cell is designated as constructed cell; b) Subjecting the constructed cell to adaptive evolution until a cell that converts arabinose is obtained, c) Optionally, subjecting the first arabinose converting cell to adaptive evolution to improve the arabinose conversion; the cell produced in step b) or c) is designated as first arabinose converting cell; d) Analysing the full genome or part of the genome of the first arabinose converting cell and that of the constructed cell; e) Identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's) in the first arabinose converting cell; and f) Using the information of the SNP's in rational design of a cell capable of converting arabinose; g) Construction of the cell capable of converting arabinose designed in step f).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating RNA from a whole blood sample, comprising the steps bringing the sample into contact with an aqueous lysis solution containing at least one lysis substance in a concentration of 1.5 mol/1 to 7 mol/1 and at least one detergent, simultaneously or subsequently adding a proteinase, in particular proteinase K, then incubating the solution for at least partial enzymatic digestion and lysis of the sample so that a lysate is obtained, and isolating the RNA from the lysate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating and purifying nucleic acids, preferably comprising genomic DNA, from biological samples comprising the steps of lysing the sample using a lysis buffer comprising a source of anionic surfactant ions, optionally disintegrating the RNA present in the lysate, precipitating the surfactant ions from the lysate, and separating the nucleic acids from the precipitate and further contaminants by size-exclusion chromatography. The invention furthermore relates to a lysis buffer, a method of lysing cells and a kit for the isolation and purification of nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the crystal structure of the serine protease kallikrein 7 and to the use of this crystal structure in drug discovery. The present invention also relates to compounds binding specifically to this active site of kallikrein 7.

Abstract: Proteases derived from Nocardiopsis dassonvillei subsp. dassonvillei DSM 43235, Nocardiopsis prasina DSM 15649, Nocardiopsis prasina (previously alba) DSM 14010 Nocardiopsis sp. DSM 16424, Nocardiopsis alkaliphila DSM 44657 and Nocardiopsis lucentensis DSM 44048, as well as homologous proteases; their recombinant production in various hosts, including transgenic plants and non-human animals, and their use in animal feed and detergents. The proteases are acid-stable, alkali-stable, and/or thermostable.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding PCSK9b and PCSK9c polypeptides, fragments and homologues thereof. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel PCSK9b and PCSK9c polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders related to these polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for testing efficacy of a protease enzyme assay, the method comprising providing an enzyme which acts as a surrogate enzyme control for the protease enzyme; combining the surrogate enzyme control with an assay substrate for the protease enzyme; and determining a change in the assay substrate resulting from the surrogate enzyme control acting on the assay substrate; wherein the protease enzyme is selected from the group consisting of metalloproteinases, serine proteases, and cysteine proteases; a method for conducting a protease enzyme assay using the method for testing efficacy; a kit including an enzyme which acts as a surrogate enzyme control for a protease enzyme in testing efficacy of a protease enzyme assay; and a method of releasing the kit are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides: novel protein homologous of a Kunitz domain, which are capable of binding kallikrein; polynucleotides that encode such novel proteins; and vectors and transformed host cells containing these polynucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and materials by which glycosylation of glycoproteins can be regulated. Methods include the monitoring and regulation of parameters such that a glycoprotein having a desired product quality is obtained.

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 invention encompasses the use of one or more compounds selected from a list comprising i) reduced forms of vitamin K and/or ii) reduced forms of a vitamin K analog and/or iii) reduced forms of a vitamin K precursor for the expression of one or more functional vitamin K-dependent proteins in cell culture as well as processes for the fermentation of eucaryotic cells expressing one or more vitamin K-dependent proteins wherein one or more compounds selected from a list comprising i) reduced forms of vitamin K and/or ii) reduced forms of a vitamin K analog and/or iii) reduced forms of a vitamin K precursor are added to the cell culture medium before and/or during the fermentation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteases having at least 75% identity to a protease derived from Thermoascus aurantiacus and comprises at least one modification in the amino acid sequence thereof. These protease variants have improved thermostability. The invention also relates to DNA encoding these proteases, methods of their production, as well as the use thereof.

Abstract: An enzyme treatment solution of the present invention is adapted to be used in a softening method for softening an animal-based food material composed of meat or fish and shellfish by subjecting it to an enzyme treatment using the enzyme treatment solution. pH of the enzyme treatment solution is 8.0 or higher but lower than 10.5, and a salimeter measurement value obtained by measuring an electrolyte concentration of the enzyme treatment solution using a salimeter as a salt concentration is 0.7% or more but less than 3.0%. This makes it possible to reliably soften the animal-based food material while maintaining mouthfeel and flavor thereof, thereby obtaining a softened animal-based food material having smooth mouthfeel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to restricted access media (RAM), methods for preparing restricted access media, and kits for preparing restricted access media that contain protected ligand binding agents or protected enzymes. Certain RAM provided contain a plurality of protected regions of the support that contain ligand binding agents that are protected by blocking agents. Certain RAM provided contain a plurality of protected regions of the support that contain unbound ligand binding agents or enzymes that are retained in the protected regions by a capping agent.

Abstract: Methods for identifying modified proteases with modified substrate specificity or other properties are provided. The methods screen candidate and modified proteases by contacting them with a substrate, such as a serpin, an alpha macroglobulins or a p35 family protein or modified serpins and modified p35 family members or modified alpha macroglobulins, that, upon cleavage of the substrate, traps the protease by forming a stable complex. Also provided are modified proteases.

Abstract: A substrate or coating is provided that includes a protease with enzymatic activity toward a component of a biological stain. Also provided is a process for facilitating the removal of a biological stain is provided wherein an inventive substrate or coating including a protease is capable of enzymatically degrading of one or more components of the biological stain to facilitate biological stain removal from the substrate or said coating.

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 provides novel chemically modified mutant serine hydrolases that catalyze a transamidation and/or a transpeptidation and/or a transesterification reaction. The modified serine hydrolases have one or more amino acid residues in a subsite replaced with a cysteine, wherein the cysteine is modified by replacing the thiol hydrogen in the cysteine with a substituent group providing a thiol side chain comprising a moiety selected from the group consisting of a polar aromatic substituent, an alkyl amino group with a positive charge, and a glycoside. In particularly preferred embodiments, the substitutents include an oxazolidinone, a C1 to C15 alkyl amino group with a positive charge, or a glycoside.

Abstract: A method for isolating small RNA from a sample is provided, the method comprising binding the RNA to silica particles by contacting the sample with a) at least one alcohol, b) at least one chaotropic salt comprising a chaotropic anion selected from the group consisting of trichloroacetate, perchlorate and trifluoroacetate and c) silica particles and separating the bound RNA from the rest of the sample. The present invention also provides compositions and kits to efficiently isolate small RNA molecules from samples, in particular biological samples such as blood, blood products tissue and body fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides culture mediums that are useful for the expression of ADAMTS proteins, such as ADAMTS13. Methods for the expression and purification of ADAMTS proteins are also provided. In some embodiments, the mediums and methods of the invention are useful for the expression of ADAMTS proteins having high specific activities. Also provided are ADAMTS, e.g., ADAMTS13, protein compositions with high specific activities, which are expressed and purified according to the methods provided herein.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a group of formula COR4, or R1 represents a group of formula (A): R2 represents a group of formula NR5R6, or R2 represents a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, an aryl group or a heteroaryl group, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, m represents an integer between 1 and 6 inclusive, n represents 0, 1 or 2, their optical isomers, and also addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in treating and/or preventing thrombotic events.

Abstract: The present invention provides apo crystals and co-crystals of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and their uses in drug development.

Abstract: Provided herein is a nucleic acid comprising consensus amino acid sequence of foot-and-mouth disease FMDV VP1-4 coat proteins of FMDV subtypes A, Asia 1, C, O, SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 as well as plasmids and vaccines expressing the sequences. Also provided herein is methods for generating an immune response against one or more FMDV subtypes using the vaccine as described above as well as methods for deciphering between vaccinated mammals with the vaccine and those that are infected with FMDV.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating hepsin activity and the MSP/Ron pathway, in particular by regulating pro-MSP activation by hepsin.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining the activity of a proteolytic coagulation factor of the blood coagulation cascade in a body fluid such as whole blood or plasma. A combination is provided in a reaction mixture. The combination comprises the sample and an activation agent for activating a proteolytic coagulation factor of the blood coagulation cascade or for activating the blood coagulation cascade. The effect of the activating on a reagent system comprising a cleavable moiety is evaluated. The cleavable moiety is or becomes bound to a chemiluminescent agent or a sensitizer agent or both. The chemiluminescent agent and the sensitizer agent are related in that, when in close proximity, energization of the sensitizer agent results in energization of the chemiluminescent agent. The effect of the activating is related to the activity of a proteolytic coagulation factor of the blood coagulation cascade wherein the effect is the extent of cleavage of the cleavable moiety.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for separating proteins from a protein mixture. In one aspect, a method for separating a high concentration protein mixture into a bound protein fraction and a flow-through protein fraction can include delivering a protein mixture through an ion exchange column at a fixed pH and a fixed salt concentration. The fixed pH and the fixed salt concentration have been preselected to cause separation of the protein mixture into a bound protein fraction and a flow-through protein fraction. In this case, the bound protein fraction binds to the ion exchange column and the flow-through protein fraction flows though the ion exchange column. The method can further include receiving the flow-through protein fraction from the ion exchange column separate from the bound protein fraction, wherein either the bound protein fraction or the flow-through fraction contains a protein of interest.

Abstract: Methods for producing cell lines with high levels of biologically active recombinant vitamin K dependent proteins are described. The transfected cell lines do not include heterologous genes for processing enzymes and are not subject to selection pressure such as methotrexate resistance. Cell lines producing Factor VII/VIIa and Factor IX are described. These cell lines can be used for isolation of Factor VII/VIIa and/or Factor IX for treatment of Hemophilia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for engineering or evolving enzymes to have desirable characteristics. Among the desirable characteristics is the ability to control catalytic activity through the use of a trigger molecule that rescues a catalytic site defect introduced during the engineering process. The method includes co-evolving enzyme and substrate to retain or improve substrate binding activity in the absence of catalytic activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport protein which can be obtained by modifying the heavy chain of the neurotoxin formed by Clostridium botulinum. The protein binds specifically to nerve cells with a higher affinity as the native neurotoxin. The invention also relates to a method for the production of transport protein, the nucleic acids coding for the transport protein, the transport protein containing pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions and use thereof.

Abstract: Compositions comprising decellularized and delipidized extracellular matrix derived from adipose or loose connective tissue, and therapeutic uses thereof. Methods for treating, repairing or regenerating defective, diseased, or damaged adipose or loose connective tissues or organs in a subject, preferably a human, and/or for tissue engineering, filing soft tissue defects, and cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, using a decellularized and delipidized adipose or loose connective tissue extracellular matrix of the invention are provided. Methods of preparing tissue culture surfaces and culturing cells with adsorbed decellularized and delipidized adipose or loose connective tissue extracellular matrix are also provided.

Abstract: Promoter regions associated with the Yarrowia lipolytica esterase/lipase (EL1) gene are disclosed and have been found to be particularly effective for the expression of heterologous genes in yeast. These promoter regions will be useful for driving high-level expression of genes involved in the production of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mutant 27 kDa NIa proteinase having reduced self-cleavage activity relative to the self-cleavage activity of its wild-type proteinase. The mutant has the same substrate cleavage activity as the wild-type proteinase but is more stable than the wild-type proteinase. The present invention also provides a method of obtaining large quantities of active 27 kDa NIa proteinase for use as a tool for purification of other proteins.

Abstract: A chimera protein comprising in the following order: a signal peptide, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 preproprotein (PCSK9) sequence consisting of amino acid residues at positions 35 to 696 of SEQ ID NO: 38, a transmembrane domain and a cytosolic domain, wherein said cytosolic (CT) domain comprises a sequence able to recycle the protein from the cellular membrane to endosomes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a drug product comprising a combination of highly purified collagenase I and collagenase II from Clostridium histolyticum. The method utilizes an improved medium for the cultivation of Clostridium histolyticum which includes a non-meat-derived (i.e., non-mammalian) peptone or vegetable peptone. The method includes one or more of: (1) reducing glucose content in the meat-free or vegetable-derived media; and (2) increasing the salt concentration in the meat-free or vegetable-derived media. Also provided is a drug product which includes collagenase I and collagenase II at an optimized fixed mass ratio, and which has a purity of greater than at least 95%.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing heterologous protein including: (c) providing a host cell comprising a 2 ?m-family plasmid, the plasmid comprising a gene encoding a protein comprising the sequence of a chaperone protein and a gene encoding a heterologous protein; (d) culturing the host cell in a culture medium under conditions that allow the expression of the gene encoding the chaperone protein and the gene encoding a heterologous protein; (e) purifying the thus expressed heterologous protein from the cultured host cell or the culture medium.

Abstract: A single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment can cleave a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a Targeting Moiety that can bind to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site can undergo 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, which is located between the non-cytotoxic protease and the Targeting Moiety; and a translocation domain that can translocate the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent; wherein the Targeting Moiety is BAM, ?-endorphin, bradykinin, substance P, dynorphin and/or nociceptin. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the fusion proteins, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are glutamine endopeptidase enzymes from Rothia sp. bacteria that are naturally associated with the oral cavity, formulations comprising the glutamine endopeptidase enzymes and the use thereof for the treatment, prevention of allergic reaction and diagnosis of gluten allergy related diseases such as Celiac Sprue, gluten allergy and/or dermatitis herpetiformis.

Abstract: The invention is related to processing enzyme comprising an N-terminally attached tag derived from highly basic proteins from thermophilic bacteria. The processing enzymes are useful for modifying proteins. They can be produced in high yields and can be effectively separated from the modified protein after use.

Abstract: Nutrient composition for saccharomyces cerevisiae and a method of using the same. The nutrient composition includes a yeast extract in 62-98 weight parts; an acid protease in 1.5-20 weight parts; and magnesium sulfate in 0.1-2.5 weight parts. The nutrient composition stimulates strong growth and reproduction of saccharomyces cerevisiae in various brewing materials, thereby speeding up alcoholic fermentation, shortening alcoholic fermentation period, and increasing liquor yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the prevention or reduction of haze in a beverage by the addition of a prolyl-specific and/or alamine specific endoprotease and the new beverages obtainable by the method according to the invention. It also relates to new endoproteases. It also relates to methods as described above wherein auxiliary enzymes are used in combination with the specific endoprotease. Sequence information of a genomic DNA, cDNA as well as protein sequences are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides unstructured recombinant polymers (URPs) and proteins containing one or more of the URPs. The present invention also provides microproteins, toxins and other related proteinaceous entities, as well as genetic packages displaying these entities. The present invention also provides recombinant polypeptides including vectors encoding the subject proteinaceous entities, as well as host cells comprising the vectors. The subject compositions have a variety of utilities including a range of pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: Compositions are directed to the treatment of kidney diseases in a cell-specific manner. Methods of treating kidney diseases comprise the use of the compositions. Assays for identification of further compounds are provided. Biomarkers for predisposition to kidney diseases and diagnosis are identified.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides of the general formula (I) GX1CSX2SX3PPX4CX5PD (SEQ ID NO: 20), where X1 is Y, M, W, I, V, or A; X2 is R or K; X3 is Y, F, I, M, L, E, D, or H; X4 is V, I, or H; and X5 is I, V, Y, F, or W; and to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or prodrugs of the peptides according to general formula (I). In addition, the invention relates to pharmaceutical preparations, kits containing the preparations, and to procedures using the peptides and preparations.

Abstract: The pharmaceutical use of proteases related to a protease derived from Nocardiopsis sp. NRRL 18262 (SEQ ID NO: 1), optionally in combination with a lipase and/or an amylase. Examples of medical indications are: Treatment of digestive disorders, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes type I, and/or diabetes type II.