Abstract: A process for the preparation of five-membered or six-membered ring lactams from aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitriles has been developed. In the process an aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile is first converted to an ammonium salt of an .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid in aqueous solution using a catalyst having an aliphatic nitrilase (EC 3.5.5.7) activity, or a combination of nitrile hydratase (EC 4.2.1.84) and amidase (EC 3.5.1.4) activities. The ammonium salt of the .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid is then converted directly to the corresponding lactam by hydrogenation in aqueous solution, without isolation of the intermediate .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid or .omega.-aminocarboxylic acid. When the aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile is also unsymmetrically substituted at the .alpha.-carbon atom, the nitrilase produces the .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid ammonium salt resulting from hydrolysis of the .omega.

Abstract: A chitin deacetylase gene encoding a protein, a plasmid vector containing said gene and a transformant transformed with the plasmid vector. An object of the present invention is to make contribution to the industrial production of said enzyme, by cloning the gene of said enzyme to elucidate the structure of the gene and express the gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to Arginase II polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, in particular by expressing the polynucleotides, and agonists and antagonists of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing such polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and antagonists for applications, which relate, in part, to research, diagnostic and clinical arts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: parasitic helminth asparaginase proteins; parasitic helminth asparaginase nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such asparaginase proteins; antibodies raised against such asparaginase proteins; and compounds that inhibit parasitic helminth asparaginase activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by parasitic helminths.

Abstract: A process for producing an amide compound is described, wherein from a nitrile compound, the corresponding amide compound is produced by the action of nitrile hydratase, characterized in that the hydrocyanic acid concentration in a composition containing the nitrile compound is reduced by a chemical process, and thereafter nitrile hydratase acts on the nitrile compound. According to the invention, the decrease of the activity of the enzyme nitrile hydratase can be effectively suppressed so that an amide compound can be effectively produced from a nitrile compound.

Abstract: A novel D-aminoacylase was derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Sebekia. This enzyme is useful for producing D-amino acids from N-acetyl-DL-amino acids on an industrial scale.

Abstract: Disclosed is the DNA sequence of an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of chitin to chitosan. The enxyme exhibits substantial homology to the rhizobial nodB protein.

Abstract: A purified thermostable enzyme is derived from the archael bacterium Thermococcus GU5L5. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 68.5 kilodaltons and has cellulase activity. The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used for the removal of arginine, phenylalanine, or methionine amino acids from the N-terminal end of peptides in peptide or peptidomimetic synthesis. The enzyme is selective for the L, or `natural` enantiomer of the amino acid derivatives and is therefore useful for the production of optically active compounds. These reactions can be performed in the presence of the chemically more reactive ester functionality, a step which is very difficult to achieve with nonenzymatic methods.

Abstract: Nitrilase enzymes are provided which have Km at pH 7.0 for acrylonitrile of 500 .mu.M or below. The enzymes also have Ki at pH 7.0 for ammonium acrylate of at least 100 mM. In particular, the nitrilases have a value of the ratio of the said Ki to the said Km of at least 200. Particularly preferred nitrilases are obtainable from the microorganisms Rhodococcus rhodochrous NCIMB 40757 or NCIMB 40833. These nitrilases can be used in processes of converting acrylonitrile to ammonium acrylate in aqueous or vapor form and for detecting low levels of nitrile in aqueous or vapor form.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polynucleotides from Saccharomyces erythraea that encode enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of polyketide-associated sugars. Methods of using the polynucleotides to produce novel glycosylation modified polyketides are also provided.

Abstract: A purified thermostable enzyme is derived from the archael bacterium Thermococcus GU5L5. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 68.5 kilodaltons and has cellulase activity. The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used for the removal of arginine, phenylalanine, or methionine amino acids from the N-terminal end of peptides in peptide or peptidomimetic synthesis. The enzyme is selective for the L, or `natural` enantiomer of the amino acid derivatives and is therefore useful for the production of optically active compounds. These reactions can be performed in the presence of the chemically more reactive ester functionality, a step which is very difficult to achieve with nonenzymatic methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to deacyl teicoplanin, and to a process for preparing deacyl teicoplanin by reacting teicoplanin with ECB deacylase. Deacyl teicoplanin can be alkylated to produce compounds useful for their antibacterial activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a creatine amidinohydrolase gene coding for the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2, a recombinant DNA comprising the creatine amidinohydrolase gene inserted into a vector DNA, and a process for producing creatine amidinohydrolase by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia carrying said recombinant DNA and having the ability to produce creatine amidinohydrolase in medium and then recovering creatine amidinohydrolase from the culture.According to the present invention, creatine amidinohydrolase can be efficiently produced without adding creatine to medium.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of five-membered or six-membered ring lactams from aliphatic .alpha., .omega.-dinitriles has been developed. In the process an aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile is first converted to an ammonium salt of an .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid in aqueous solution using a catalyst having an aliphatic nitrilase (EC 3.5.5.7) activity, or a combination of nitrile hydratase (EC 4.2.1.84) and amidase (EC 3.5.1.4) activities. The ammonium salt of the .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid is then converted directly to the corresponding lactam by hydrogenation in aqueous solution, without isolation of the intermediate .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid or .omega.-aminocarboxylic acid. When the aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile is also unsymmetrically substituted at the .alpha.-carbon atom, the nitrilase produces the .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid ammonium salt resulting from hydrolysis of the .omega.

Abstract: A purified arginine deiminase (ADI) obtained from Mycoplasma arthritidis having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 as well as an isolated nucleic acid molecule containing a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 are disclosed. Other aspects of the invention include an expression vector, a cloned gene for expressing the Mycoplasma arthritidis derived ADI, (recombinant) host cells useful in expressing the ADI of the present invention and substantially non-antigenic polymer conjugates containing the ADI of the present invention as well as methods of treating arginine deiminase susceptible conditions in mammals. The arginine deiminase-polymer conjugates have high levels of retained enzyme activity and relatively long circulating lives.

Abstract: The invention relates to Arginase II polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, in particular by expressing the polynucleotides, and agonists and antagonists of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing such polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and antagonists for applications, which relate, in part, to research, diagnostic and clinical arts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for eliminating effectively ATP in a sample, using adenosine phosphate deaminase alone or in combination with at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of apyrase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, hexokinase and adenosine triphosphatase, a process for determining biological cells contained in foods and beverages in convenient and precise manner in combination with bioluminescence method, and a reagent for the determination thereof.

Abstract: In a CMOS-element-containing semiconductor device, the CMOS element comprises: a silicon substrate; an n-channel MOS element formed on the silicon substrate and including an n-type source/drain region, a gate oxide film and a gate electrode; a p-channel MOS element formed on the silicon substrate and including a p-type source/drain region, a gate oxide film and a gate electrode; and a gate wiring layer electrically interconnecting the gate electrode of the n-channel MOS element and the gate electrode of the p-channel MOS element with one another. At least one of the p-channel MOS element gate electrode, the n-channel MOS element gate electrode and the gate wiring layer include at least in part a metal silicide layer. The gate electrodes and the gate wiring layer contain impurities consisting of at least one of a III group dopant and a V group dopant in total concentration of at most 3.times.10.sup.20 atoms cm.sup.-3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermostable mutants of Agrobacterium radiobacter D-N-.alpha.-carbamoylase and means and methods for their preparation. The thermostable mutants have an unaltered or improved activity with respect to the wild-type enzyme and are particularly useful in the preparation of D-.alpha.-amino acids.

Abstract: A purified thermostable enzyme is derived from the archael bacterium Thermococcus GU5L5. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 68.5 kilodaltons and has cellulase activity. The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used for the removal of arginine, phenylalanine, or methionine amino acids from the N-terminal end of peptides in peptide or peptidomimetic synthesis. The enzyme is selective for the L, or `natural` enantiomer of the amino acid derivatives and is therefore useful for the production of optically active compounds. These reactions can be performed in the presence of the chemically more reactive ester functionality, a step which is very difficult to achieve with nonenzymatic methods.

Abstract: A purified enzyme-I is obtained that participates in C-terminal amidation by acting on a peptide C-terminal glycine adduct to form a peptide C-terminal .alpha.-hydroxyglycine adduct. The enzyme has an optimum pH of about 5 to 7, an optimum temperature of 25.degree. to 40.degree. C. and a molecular weight of about 25 kDa or about 36 kDa, and metal ions and ascorbic acid act as a cofactor. A purified enzyme-II is obtained that participates in C-terminal amidation by acting on a peptide C-terminal .alpha.-hydroxyglycine adduct to produce a C-terminal amidated compound. The enzyme has an optimum pH of about 5 to 6, an optimum temperature of 15.degree. to 35.degree. C. and a molecular weight of about 40 kDa or about 43 kDa. Enzyme-I does not act on the peptide C-terminal .alpha.-hydroxyglycine adduct and enzyme-II does not act on the peptide C-terminal glycine adduct.

Abstract: In a process for the production of a D-.alpha.-amino acid, in which an N-carbamyl-D-.alpha.-amino acid corresponding to the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R represents phenyl, hydroxy-substituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or thienyl, is converted by a microbial enzyme in an aqueous medium to a D-.alpha.-amino acid corresponding to the general formula: ##STR2## wherein R is the same as defined above, decarbamylase produced by a microorganism of the genus Comamonas, Blastobacter, Alcaligenes, Sporosarcina, Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium or Arthrobacter is used as the enzyme converting the N-carbamyl-D-.alpha.-amino acid to the D-.alpha.-amino acid.The conversion of the N-carbamyl-D-.alpha.-amino acids to the D-.alpha.-amino acids is carried out in a neutral to alkaline pH range.

Abstract: Processes are provided for the production of a carbamoylase enzyme which has the capability of converting a D-N-carbamoyl (optionally substituted phenyl) glycine by expressing recombinant DNA encoding a carbamoylase in a homologous host. Also provided are specific recombinant DNA vectors producing high levels of expression of the carbamoylase enzyme and/or hydantoinase enzyme in homologous and heterologous hosts and their use in the production of D-.alpha. amino acids.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of five-membered or six-membered ring lactams from aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitriles has been developed. In the process an aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile is first converted to an ammonium salt of an .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid in aqueous solution using a catalyst having an aliphatic nitrilase (EC 3.5.5.7) activity, or a combination of nitrile hydratase (EC 4.2.1.84) and amidase (EC 3.5.1.4) activities. The aimnonium salt of the .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid is then converted directly to the corresponding lactam by hydrogenation in aqueous solution, without isolation of the intermediate .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid or .omega.-monocarboxylic acid. When the aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile is also unsymmetrically substituted at the .alpha.-carbon atom, the nitrilase produces the .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid ammonium salt resulting from hydrolysis of the .omega.

Abstract: The present invention relates to two groups of suicide hybrid genes in which genes from one group specifically activate the pyrimidine nucleobase analog 5-fluorocytosine and genes from the other group activate the pyrimidine nucleoside analog azidothymidine to derivatives toxic for mammalian cells.The present invention further relates to methods for the selective killing of transfected tumor cells or immune cells using a single suicide hybrid gene or the combination of two suicide hybrid genes selected for a complementarity in their antimetabolic action. The present invention also relates to eukaryotic vectors comprising two expression suicide gene units, the first permitting the sensitization of tumor cells to 5-fluorocytosine and the second permitting the sensitization of HIV-infected cells to Azidothymidine in a synergistic fashion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: parasitic helminth asparaginase proteins; parasitic helminth asparaginase nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such asparaginase proteins; antibodies raised against such asparaginase proteins; and compounds that inhibit parasitic helminth asparaginase activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by parasitic helminths.

Abstract: A process for the isolation and characterization of a gene enzyme system for the inactivation of the herbicide phenmedipham, wherein the enzyme is a carbamate hydrolase of Arthrobacter oxidans, which is responsible for the cleavage of the carbamate bond between the benzene rings of phenmedipham. This process includes the isolation of the carbamate hydrolase, the identification of the amino acid sequence of two BrCN cleavage peptides of the carbamate hydrolase, the synthesis of oligonucleotides for specific determination of the carbamate hydrolase sequence by hybridization and identification of the coding region, cloning and specifying the nucleotide sequence of the carbamate hydrolase gene from Arthrobacter oxidans.

Abstract: A mutant urease of Klebsiella aerogenes characterized as .alpha.H219Q having a glutamine (Q) in position 219 in place of histidine (H). The resulting enzyme has a low affinity for substrate (high value of K.sub.m) and is particularly useful in assays and test kits for measuring urea concentrations in body fluids.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for prophylactic and antibacterial therapy for Helicobacter, particularly for Helicobacter pylori, infection of humans. The immunogenic composition of the invention is composed of a plurality of multimeric complexes, each complex being composed of recombinant, enzymatically inactive Helicobacter pylori urease. Each multimeric complex is composed of six Urease A subunits and six Urease B subunits. Alternatively, the composition is composed of a mixture of multimeric complexes, wherein each multimeric complex in the mixture is composed of six Urease A subunits and six Urease B subunits or four Urease A subunits and four Urease B subunits.

Abstract: The gene encoding glutarylacylase (GA) contained in the plasmid pCM 145 (DSM 6409) permits the expression of GA in E. coli in high yields.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulatory factor substantially containing an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1 and having the action of activating a nitrilase gene promoter, a regulatory factor gene containing DNA coding substantially for said regulatory factor, a recombinant plasmid containing said regulatory factor gene, a nitrilase gene containing a promoter region and a DNA region capable of replicating in a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus, and a transformant transformed with said recombinant plasmid.

Abstract: Decarbamylases are provided capable of producing D-.alpha.-amino acids by hydrolysis of N-carbamyl-D-.alpha.-amino acids. A source of the decarbamylases is recombinant microorganisms produced by gene manipulation methods. Decarbamylases having improved thermostability can be obtained in which amino acids at a thermostability-related site of a natural decarbamylase have been replaced with other amino acids by mutating a DNA fragment encoding the natural decarbamylase. Recombinant DNA is obtained from a vector DNA and a DNA fragment encoding a natural decarbamylase where the nucleic acid sequence encoding an amino acid at a thermostability-related site is replaced with a nucleic acid sequence encoding another amino acid. The recombinant DNA is used to produce transformants that produce thermostable decarbamylases.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of five-membered or six-membered ring lactams from aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitriles has been developed. In the process an aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile is first converted to an ammonium salt of an .omega.-nitrile-carboxylic acid in aqueous solution using a catalyst having an aliphatic nitrilase (EC 3.5.5.7) activity, or a combination of nitrile hydratase (EC 4.2.1.84) and amidase (EC 3.5.1.4) activities. The ammonium salt of the .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid is then converted directly to the corresponding lactam by hydrogenation in aqueous solution, without isolation of the intermediate .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid or .omega.-aminocarboxylic acid. When the aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile is also unsymmetrically substituted at the .alpha.-carbon atom, the nitrilase produces the .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid ammonium salt resulting from hydrolysis of the .omega.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sequence of nucleotides, characterized in that it comprises at least a part of a sequence coding for a protein with urease activity such as that expressed by C. pylori.Another subject of the invention is the uses of this sequence, in particular for the in vitro diagnosis of diseases associated with the presence of Campylobacter pylori in the organism of an individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human RNA editing enzyme (REE-2) and polynucleotides which identify and encode REE-2. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells, agonists, antibodies, or antagonists. The invention provides methods for producing REE-2 and for treating diseases associated with expression of REE-2.

Abstract: A purified arginine deiminase (ADI) obtained from Mycoplasma arthritidis having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 as well as an isolated nucleic acid molecule containing a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 are disclosed. Other aspects of the invention include an expression vector, a cloned gene for expressing the Mycoplasma arthritidis derived ADI, (recombinant) host cells useful in expressing the ADI of the present invention and substantially non-antigenic polymer conjugates containing the ADI of the present invention as well as methods of treating arginine deiminase susceptible conditions in mammals. The arginine deiminase-polymer conjugates have high levels of retained enzyme activity and relatively long circulating lives.

Abstract: The invention relates to Arginase II polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, in particular by expressing the polynucleotides, and agonists and antagonists of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing such polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and antagonists for applications, which relate, in part, to research, diagnostic and clinical arts.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a threo-phenylserine amide of the general formula 2 in which glycine amide is contacted with the corresponding substituted benzaldehyde of formula 3 in an excess relative to the amount of glycine amide, this taking place at a pH between 9 and 14 in the presence of a suitable solvent. The resulting phenylserine amide can subsequently be hydrolyzed to a phenylserine amide of the general formula 1, which is subsequently hydrolyzed to a phenylserine amide of the general formula 1, which is subsequently subjected to a stereoselective enzymatic hydrolysis yielding a (2S,3R) phenylserine. The non-hydrolyzed (2R,3S) phenylserine amide can be isolated as a Schiff base and be recirculated and simply racemized. The (2S,3R) phenylserine obtained can be used in the preparation of thiamphenicol or florfenicol. The threo-phenylserine amides of the general formula 1 or 2 are new intermediates in this commercially attractive process for the preparation of thiamphenicol and florfenicol.

Abstract: The present invention has disclosed the amino acid sequence and nucleotide sequence of the .alpha.- and .beta.-subunits of two types of nitrile hydratase derived from Rhodococcus rhodochrous J-1. The DNA fragment encoding nitrile hydratase is inserted into an expression vector and the recombinant vector is used for transformation. The transformant contains multiple copies of the gene and can produce much higher level of nitrile hydratase compared with conventionally used microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutations of the subtilisin gene, some of which result in changes in the chemical characteristics of subtilisin enzyme. Mutations are created at specific nucleic acids of the subtilisin gene and, in various specific embodiments, the mutant enzymes possess altered chemical properties including, but not limited to, increased stability to oxidation, augmented proteolytic activity, and improved washability. The present invention also relates, but is not limited to, the amino acid and DNA sequences for two proteases derived from Bacillus lentus variants, subtilisin 147 and subtilisin 309, as well as mutations of these genes and the corresponding mutant enzymes.

Abstract: An enzyme is provided which has acylase activity capable of hydrolyzing N-acetyl-(R,S)-pipecolic acid stereoselectively to give (S)-pipecolic acid, wherein this activity is greater than that on N-acetyl-S-proline, at pH 7.5, 25.degree. C., and substrate concentration 20 g/l, in 75 mM Tris buffer. The enzyme is obtainable from the species of Alcaligenes denitrificans deposited as NCIMB 40587. A microorganism having therein the enzyme also is provided, as is a process for preparing (S)-pipecolic acid comprising contacting a mixture of enantiomers of an N-acyl-pipe colic acid with the enzyme or microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention has disclosed the amino acid sequence and nucleotide sequence of the .alpha.- and .beta.-subunits of two types of nitrile hydratase derived from Rhodococcus rhodochrous J-1. The DNA fragment encoding nitrile hydratase is inserted into an expression vector and the recombinant vector is used for transformation. The transformant contains multiple copies of the gene and can produce much higher level of nitrile hydratase compared with conventionally used microorganisms.

Abstract: Applicants have provided methods for obtaining aliphatic omega-cyanocaboximides of Formula INC--CH(R.sub.1)(CH).sub.n CH(R.sub.2)C(O)NH.sub.2whereinn=1-8 and R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 are either H or CH.sub.3,from dinitriles of Formula IINC--CH(R.sub.1)(CH).sub.n CH(R.sub.2)CNwhereinn=1-8 and R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 are either H or CH.sub.3,using biocatalysts which have regioselective nitrile hydratase activity and which are derived from members of the bacterial species Pseudomonas putida.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating CD4+ T cell lymphopenia in HIV-infected patients. The methods include administering an effective mount of adenosine deaminase or related enzymatic material to a patient in need thereof. In preferred aspects of the invention, the method is employed in conjunction with HIV-infected patients having CD4+ T cell levels of less than about 200/.mu.l. Effective amounts of the enzyme range from about 5 to about 50 IU/kg/week. In one particularly preferred aspect of the invention, the adenosine deaminase is conjugated to one or more strands of polyethylene glycol to prolonged activity in vivo.

Abstract: A glucosamine 6-phosphate deaminase having specific physicochemical properties. A process for producing the glucosamine 6-phosphate deaminase which comprises incubating a microorganism belonging to the genus Vibrio and harvesting the glucosamine 6-phosphate deaminase from the culture thus obtained.

Abstract: A method for controlling the ripening of fruits and vegetables as well as a method for controlling senescence of plant tissue is described. The method generally embraces the expression of an ACC metabolizing enzyme in the fruit or other desired plant tissue to inhibit the production of ethylene in the fruit or plant tissue. The use of the ACC metabolizing enzyme ACC deaminase is described in detail. The ripening or senescence process in the fruit or plant tissue is inhibited by the expression of the ACC deaminase gene such that the shelf-life and marketability of the fruit or plant is enhanced. The ACC metabolizing enzyme may be used in combination with other methods for reducing ethylene production in transformed plants to further reduce the production of ethylene in the fruit or plant. DNA constructs containing the ACC deaminase gene are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gene which is related to a D-N-carbamoyl-.alpha.-amino acid amidohydrolase which is an enzyme capable of converting D-N-carbamoyl-.alpha.-amino acids into D-.alpha.-amino acids; a recombinant plasmid in which a DNA fragment containing the gene is incorporated into a vector; a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Bacillus, Serratia, Corynebacterium, or Brevibacterium, which is transformed by incorporating the recombinant plasmid thereinto; a process for the production of D-N-carbamoyl-.alpha.-amino acid amidohydrolases, comprising the steps of cultivating the transformed microorganism and collecting the desired product therefrom; a D-N-carbamoyl-.alpha.-amino acid amidohydrolase obtained by the method; and a process for the production of D-.alpha.-amino acids with the aid of an action of the enzyme.The D-N-carbamoyl-.alpha.-amino acid amidohydrolase can be fixed on a support for immobilization and used as an immobilized enzyme.

Abstract: Lactams of 1-amino-3-carboxylic acid cyclic compounds are provided in enantiomeric form, together with an enantiomer of the corresponding ring-opened amino-acid or ester, by reaction of the racemic lactam with a novel lactamase. The products are useful in the synthesis of chiral carbocyclic nucleotides. The enantiomer is preferably 2-azabicyclo?2.2.1!hept-5-en-3-one.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel human polynucleotide sequences and the recombinant human double-stranded RNA adenosine deaminase enzyme (DRADA) proteins encoded thereby and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Peptides containing in its amino acid chain a D-2-alkylTryptophan residue wherein the alkyl group has between one and three carbon atoms and having pharmacological activity similar to that of analogous peptides containing natural unsubstituted D-Tryptophan residues in place of the D-2-alkylTryptophan. These new peptides are more resistant to oxidative degradation which usually takes place, for example, in the presence of reactive radicals or during high energy sterilization than unsubstituted Tryptophan containing peptides. Specific peptides include His-D-2-alkyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2, Ala-His-D-2-alkyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2, Pyro-Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-2-alkyl-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH.sub.2, Pyro-Glu-His-Ser-Tyr-D-2-alkyl-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, D-Pro-Gln-Gln-D-Trp-Phe-D-Trp-2-alkyl-Trp-Met-NH.sub.2, Arg-D-Trp-N-methyl-Phe-D-2-alkyl-Trp-Leu-Met-NH.sub.2, D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-2-alkyl-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-NHCH(CH.sub.2 OH)CHOHCH.sub.3 and D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-2-alkyl-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Trp-NH.sub.2.