Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel amidase that is useful for production of an optically active amino acid, and in particular, a D-amino acid, and a production method thereof. The present invention relates to a novel D-amidase isolated and purified from the Arthrobacter sp. KNK1101J, a gene encoding the above amidase, a recombinant plasmid comprising the above gene, and a transformant into which the above amidase gene has been introduced. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for producing the amidase, comprising culturing the Arthrobacter sp. KNK1101J or the above transformant, and collecting the above amidase.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides histone deacetylase class II nucleic acids and polypeptides, methods and reagents for their use, and related compounds including small molecule libraries containing class II histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Abstract: The document provides modified cytosine deaminases with increased solubility and high levels of DNA cytosine deaminase activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: A novel biotechnological process for the preparation of nitrites, starting from amides, is described. Microorganisms of the genus Amycolatopsis, Actinomadura or Rhodococcus are employed for this process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to engineered zinc finger proteins that target 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) genes in plants and methods of using such zinc finger proteins in modulating gene expression, gene inactivation, and targeted gene modification. In particular, the disclosure pertains to zinc finger nucleases for targeted cleavage and alteration of EPSPS genes.

Abstract: A method for the production of an enzyme, which comprises culturing in a medium a strain that belongs to a bacterium classified into Cytophagales or Actinomycetes, or a new bacterium Chryseobacterium sp. No. 9670 belonging to the genus Chryseobacterium, and has the ability to produce an enzyme having a property to deamidate amido groups in protein, thereby effecting production of the enzyme, and subsequently collecting the enzyme from the culture mixture and a method for the modification of protein making use of a novel enzyme which directly acts upon amido groups in protein, as well as a gene which encodes the enzyme, a recombinant vector which contains the gene, a transformant transformed with the vector and a method in which the transformant is cultured in a medium to effect production of the protein-deamidating enzyme and then the protein-deamidating enzyme is collected from the culture mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to the crystal structure of a plant peptide deformylase polypeptide and methods of using the structure to design compounds that modulate the activity of the polypeptide.

Abstract: A novel biotechnological process for the preparation of nitriles, starting from amides, is described. Micro-organisms of the genus Amycolatopsis, Actinomadura or Rhodococcus are employed for this process.

Abstract: A new cytosine deaminase gene and protein from Candida kefyr are provided. This protein has increased ability to convert the 5-fluorocytosine prodrug to its toxic form when compared against the E. coli enzyme.

Abstract: [Problems] To overcome disadvantages of a known creatinine amide hydrolase, and provide a creatinine amide hydrolase having improved affinity for creatinine or having a decreased Km value for creatinine, and also provide a reagent composition for use in the determination of creatinine, which is adapted to an automated analysis apparatus and is excellent in accuracy, preciseness and economic efficiency. [Means for Solving Problems] Disclosed is a modified creatinine amide hydrolase having improved affinity for a substrate compared to an unmodified one. Also disclosed is a creatinine determination reagent comprising the modified creatinine amide hydrolase, a creatinine amidino hydrolase, sarcosine oxidase and a reagent for detection of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The invention provides nitrilases and methods for making and using them, and in one aspect, provides methods for producing enantiomerically pure ?-substituted carboxylic acids, such as, for example, ?-amino acids and ?-hydroxy acids. In one aspect, methods of the invention combine an aldehyde or ketone with a cyanide and ammonia or an ammonium salt or an amine, in the presence of a nitrilase or a polypeptide having nitrilase activity, to stereoselectively hydrolyze the amino nitrile or cyanohydrin intermediate under conditions sufficient to produce the carboxylic acid.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel amidase that is useful for production of an optically active amino acid, and in particular, a D-amino acid, and a production method thereof. The present invention relates to a novel D-amidase isolated and purified from the Arthrobacter sp. KNK1101J, a gene encoding the above amidase, a recombinant plasmid comprising the above gene, and a transformant into which the above amidase gene has been introduced. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for producing the amidase, comprising culturing the Arthrobacter sp. KNK1101J or the above transformant, and collecting the above amidase.

Abstract: It has surprisingly been discovered that it is possible to use enzymes in deep eutectic solvents (DES). DES's are mixtures of a nitrogen salt or a metal salt and a strong hydrogen bond donor that can be mixed in proportions that form a eutectic point.

Abstract: A process is provided to improve the specific activity of an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity when converting glycolonitrile to glycolic acid under aqueous reaction conditions. Inclusion of an effective amount of at least one amine protectant improves the specific activity and catalytic productivity of the enzyme catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: Provided are crystals relating to histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC-2) and its various uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and genetically engineered methylotrophic yeast strains for producing glycoproteins with mammalian-like glycosylation. The present invention also relates to vectors useful for generating methylotrophic yeast strains capable of producing glycoproteins with mammalian-like glycosylation. Glycoproteins produced from the genetically engineered methylotrophic yeast strains are also provided.

Abstract: A nucleotide acid sequence is provided encoding a peptidylargine deiminase 6. The gene is found to be expressed in gonads only and may be used as target for male and female contraception. Its encoded protein can be used to screen for small molecular weight modulators of the enzyme activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cytosine deaminase protein and cDNA from various species of the yeast genus Dekkera/Brettanomyces. Compared to yeast cytosine deaminase the novel cytosine deaminases are more efficient and have a higher stability. The invention also relates to the field of suicide gene therapy based on activation of a non-toxic prodrug, 5-fluorocytosine to a toxic drug 5-fluorouracil based on the enzymatic activity of novel cytosine deaminses. Finally the invention provides use of 5-fluorocytosine for controlling the growth of Dekkera/Brettanomyces yeast.

Abstract: A method for the production of an enzyme, which comprises culturing in a medium a strain that belongs to a bacterium classified into Cytophagales or Actinomycetes, or a new bacterium Chryseobacterium sp. No. 9670 belonging to the genus Chryseobacterium, and has the ability to produce an enzyme having a property to deamidate amido groups in protein, thereby effecting production of the enzyme, and subsequently collecting the enzyme from the culture mixture and a method for the modification of protein making use of a novel enzyme which directly acts upon amido groups in protein, as well as a gene which encodes the enzyme, a recombinant vector which contains the gene, a transformant transformed with the vector and a method in which the transformant is cultured in a medium to effect production of the protein-deamidating enzyme and then the protein-deamidating enzyme is collected from the culture mixture.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for treating hepatitis with human arginase I modified by polyethylene glycol and uses of it in manufacturing of a medicament.

Abstract: This invention relates to the crystal structure of a plant peptide deformylase polypeptide and methods of using the structure to design compounds that modulate the activity of the polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 5-norbornene-2-carboxylic acid from 5-norbornene-2-endo-carbonitrile and/or 5-norbornene-2-exo-carbonitrile. The invention relates in particular to a process which enables 5-norbornene-2-carboxylic acid to be prepared at a high substrate concentration. The invention furthermore relates to a polypeptide suitable for enzymatic conversion of 5-norbornene-2-carbonitrile to give 5-norbornene-2-carboxylic acid, in particular also with a high substrate concentration, and to a nucleic acid encoding said polypeptide, to a composition comprising 5-norbornene-2-carbonitrile to 5-norbornene-2-endo-carboxylic acid and 5-norbornene-2-exo-carboxylic acid, and to the use of said polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated and substantially purified recombinant human arginase having sufficiently high enzymatic activity and stability to maintain Adequate Arginine Depletion in a patient. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the modified invention enzyme and method for treatment of diseases using the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a thermostable AMP deaminase originating in a microorganism. Namely, an AMP deaminase having the following characteristics. (1) Catalyzing the reaction: 5?-adenylic acid+H2O?5?-inosinic acid+NH3; (2) being stable at a temperature of 65° C. or below (in an acetate buffer (pH 5.6)); (3) having a molecular weight of 48,000±2,000 in gel filtration; and (4) having the optimum pH value at around 5.6 (in McIlvaine buffer).

Abstract: A recombinant microorganism is produced by introducing a DNA encoding an enzyme which hydrolyzes an amido bond of L-amino acid amide, especially L-2-alkylcysteine amide, and L-amino acid is produced by using cells or cell processed product of the obtained microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to enhance the activity of Runx2, a major target protein of Bone Mophogenetic Protein (BMP), by Runx2 acetylation, more precisely, a method to activate BMP-mediated bone formation pathway by protecting Runx2 from ubiquitination, indicating that Runx2 is protected from degradation by the increase of Runx2 acetylation making the protein more stable. The method to enhance Runx2 activity of the present invention can be utilized for the prevention and the treatment of bone disease such as osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, periodontal disease and fracture, by inducing bone formation by inhibiting Runx2 degradation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying herbicides and to the use of inhibitors of plant peptide deformylase as broad spectrum herbicides.

Abstract: The invention provides a mutant hydrolase protein with enhanced kinetics and functional expression, as well as polynucleotides encoding the mutant proteins and methods of using the polynucleotides and mutant proteins.

Abstract: Novel DNA constructs and host cells comprising the same are disclosed. DNA constructs comprise a transcription unit (e.g. operon) comprising DNA sequences encoding for ribonucleotide reductase and thioredoxin or a uridine kinase gene and/or a dCTP deaminase gene. In preferred embodiments the constructs comprising DNA sequences encoding for ribonucleotide reductase and thioredoxin further comprise DNA sequences encoding for thymidylate synthase and/or transcription units comprising sequences encoding for uridine kinase preferably together with dCTP deaminase. In particularly preferred embodiments, the host cells comprise constructs having all of the above characteristics wherein the host cell displays repressed or no uracil DNA glycosylase activity. This may be achieved by removal of the host cell ung gene. Use of host cells in the manufacture of pyrimidine deoxyribonucleotides e.g. thymidine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for converting sesquiterpene. The method includes reacting a sesquiterpene substract with a sesquiterpene converting enzyme. The enzyme is from a species or organism containing sesquiterpenes. The sesquiterpene substrate is not naturally present in the species or organism.

Abstract: The invention concerns a modified nitrilase with modulated selectivity, characterized in that it comprises in position 162 an amino acid residue different from the original amino acid residue.

Abstract: This invention relates to nitrilase mutants having improved nitrilase activity for converting 3-hydroxynitriles to 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids. More specifically, the Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 55746) nitrilase gene was mutated using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create nitrilase enzymes having improved nitrilase activity for converting 3-hydroxynitriles (e.g., 3-hydroxybutyronitrile or 3-hydroxyvaleronitrile) to the corresponding 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids. A process using these improved mutants to produce the 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids is also provided.

Abstract: The soporific activity of cis-9,10-octadecenoamide and other soporific fatty acid primary amides is neutralized by hydrolysis in the presence of fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Hydrolysis of cis-9,10-octadecenoamide by FAAH leads to the formation of oleic acid, a compound without soporific activity. FAAH has be isolated and the gene encoding FAAH has been cloned, sequenced, and used to express recombinant FAAH. Inhibitors of FAAH are disclosed to block the hydrolase activity.

Abstract: A method has been developed to prepare (E)- and (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acids (2M2BA) from a mixture of (E,Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitriles (2M2BN) by the regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid (2M2BA) using enzyme catalysts having either a nitrilase activity or a combination of nitrile hydratase and amidase activities. The method provides high yields without significant conversion of (Z)-2M2BN to (Z)-2M2BA. The regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2M2BA makes possible the facile separation of (E)-2M2BA from (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenamide (2M2BAm), and the subsequent conversion of (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2M2BAm to (Z)-2M2BA.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutant D-aminoacylases and use thereof. The mutant D-aminoacylases are hard to be inhibited by the substrate and, comprise the amino acid sequences of the D-aminoacylase derived from Alcaligenes denitrificans subsp. xylosoxydans MI-4 strain, wherein amino acid residues at specific sites have been modified. The mutants of the present invention have high reaction specificity as well as resistance to inhibition by the substrate. The present invention enables high-yield production of D-amino acids using higher concentrations of N-acyl-DL-amino acid as the substrate. The mutants of the present invention are useful in producing D-tryptophan in particular.

Abstract: Enzymes mediating in the release of compounds characteristic of human malodour and in particular axillary malodour, and compounds that inhibit said enzymes having the general formula (I)

Abstract: Improvements in methods of treating cancer with weakly basic anti-cancer compounds are provided. In one aspect, the invention provides an improvement in a method of treating cancer cells whose extracellular environment contains 1–8 mM urea, by exposing the cells to a weakly basic anti-cancer compound which is effective in inhibiting the growth of the cells. The improvement includes (a) exposing the cells to a urease enzyme composition and, (b) by step (a), reducing the amount of anti-cancer compound required to produce a given extent of inhibition in the growth of the cells when the cells are exposed to the anti-cancer agent. Methods of potentiating the specific therapeutic activity of a weakly basic anti-cancer compound in the treatment of a given mammalian cancer which is responsive to the compound are provided as are pharmaceutical compositions for use in intravenous administration to a subject are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid sequence encoding enantioselective amides with an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention also relates to a process for fermentation, comprising a batch and a feed phase, of a microorganism in a fermentation medium, wherein the microorganism expresses a nucleic acid according to the invention and wherein between 0.5 and 50 mg of Zn2+/ml of fermentation medium is fed during the fermentation. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of enatiomerically enriched carboxylic acid and/or an enatiomerically enriched carboxylic acid amide, in which a mixture of corresponding D- and L-carboxylic acid amides is contacted with a expression product according to the invention in the presence of 0.01 mM–100 mM Zn2+, whereby one of the enantiomers of the carboxylic acid amide is enatiomerically hydrolysed to from corresponding enatiomerically enriched carboxylic acid, while the other enantiomer of the carboxylic acid amide remains unchanged.

Abstract: A method has been developed to prepare (E)- and (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acids (2M2BA) from a mixture of (E,Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitriles (2M2BN) by the regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid (2M2BA) using enzyme catalysts having either a nitrilase activity or a combination of nitrile hydratase and amidase activities. The method provides high yields without significant conversion of (Z)-2M2BN to (Z)-2M2BA. The regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2M2BA makes possible the facile separation of (E)-2M2BA from (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenamide (2M2BAm), and the subsequent conversion of (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2M2BAm to (Z)-2M2BA.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition and method for use in inhibiting growth of cancer cells in a mammalian subject are disclosed. The composition includes a urease enzyme, and associated therewith, a chemical entity effective to enhance the delivery of the enzyme to cancer cells, when the composition is administered to the subject. Also disclosed are a method of enhancing the effectiveness of weakly basic anti-tumor compounds, a method assessing the presence, size or condition a solid tumor in a subject, and a gene therapy composition for treating a cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel genes encoding a polypeptide having creatinine deiminase activity and methods of use. Also disclosed is a kit using the novel sequences for determining the concentration of creatinine in a sample.

Abstract: A method has been developed to prepare (E)- and (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acids (2M2BA) from a mixture of (E,Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitriles (2M2BN) by the regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid (2M2BA) using enzyme catalysts having either a nitrilase activity or a combination of nitrile hydratase and amidase activities. The method provides high yields without significant conversion of (Z)-2M2BN to (Z)-2M2BA. The regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2M2BA makes possible the facile separation of (E)-2M2BA from (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenamide (2M2BAm), and the subsequent conversion of (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2M2BAm to (Z)-2M2BA.

Abstract: A completely novel glutaminase is provided: (a) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, or (b) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 by deletion, substitution or addition of one or more amino acids, and possessing glutaminase activity. This protein is a novel glutaminase possessing excellent thermostability and the like.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel isolated polynucleotide sequence, called ADARP1 (adenosine deaminase related protein 1), that displays significant homology to the adenosine deaminase (ADA) gene. Also provided is the amino acid sequence of the ADARP1 polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide of the invention. The RNA for this novel gene is found in variety of tissues, with higher levels observed in the heart, testes, and skeletal muscle compared with others tested. Based on amino acid sequence homology, the ADARP1 protein will likely display the catalytic activity characteristic of ADA. This newly found ADARP1 gene and its encoded product may be useful in the treatment of immunodeficiencies, including severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) and other ADA deficiencies, treatment of male reproductive disorders, testicular disorders and musclo-skeletal disorders.

Abstract: This invention relates to nitrilase mutants having improved nitrilase activity for converting 3-hydroxynitriles to 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids. More specifically, the Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 55746) nitrilase gene was mutated using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create nitrilase enzymes having improved nitrilase activity for converting 3-hydroxynitriles (e.g., 3-hydroxybutyronitrile or 3-hydroxyvaleronitrile) to the corresponding 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids. A process using these improved mutants to produce the 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids is also provided.

Abstract: A new cytosine deaminase gene and protein from Candida kefyr are provided. This protein has increased ability to convert the 5-fluorocytosine prodrug to its toxic form when compared against the E. coli enzyme.