Abstract: The present provides a Rhodotorula phenylalanine lyase polypeptide, polynucleotides that encode the polypeptide, and methods of obtaining and using these products. In particular the polypeptide can be employed for the production of phenylalanine, phenylalanine analogs, and optically active unnatural amino acids having phenylalanine-like structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fatty acid lyase, wherein the activity of the lyase for 9-hydroperoxide substrates is greater than the activity for 13-hydroperoxide substrates and wherein Km and Vmax of the lyase for 9-hydroperoxylinolenic acid are greater than Km and Vmax of the lyase for 9-hydroperoxylinoleic acid. More particularly, the invention provides a lyase present in melon (Cucumis melo). The invention also provides a nucleic acid encoding the lyase, vectors, and expression systems with which the recombinant lyase can be obtained. The invention also provides methods of using the lyase of the invention, including methods of cleaving 9-hydroperoxylinoleic acid, 9-hydroperoxylinolenic acid, 13-hydroperoxylinoleic acid, and 13-hydroperoxylinolenic acid.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer are provided. Therapeutic compositions may comprise agents that modulate the expression or activity of a springiness-1-phosphate lease (SPL). Such compositions may be administered to a mammal afflicted with cancer. Diagnostic methods and kits may employ an agent suitable for detecting alterations in endogenous SPL. Such methods and kits may be used to detect the presence of a cancer or to evaluate the prognosis of a known disease. SPL polypeptides, polynucleotides and antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides novel genes encoding enzymes which decompose difficult-to-decompose thiophene compounds. By using these genes, sulfur atoms can be released from the thiophene compounds in fossil fuel such as petroleum, and the diffusion of sulfur into the environment caused by the combustion of the fossil fuel can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the DNA sequence for eukaryotic genes encoding &egr; cyclase isolated from romaine lettuce as well as vectors containing the same and hosts transformed with said vectors. The present invention provides methods for controlling the ratio of various carotenoids in a host and to the production of novel carotenoid pigments. The present invention also provides a method for treating disease by administering carotenoids obtained from transformed hosts, or by administering a composition containing the transformed hosts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prenyl diphosphate synthetase and a gene coding for the synthetase. The invention discloses a recombinant protein having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2 or a recombinant protein which has the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2 having deletion, substitution or addition of at least one amino acid and which has decaprenyl diphosphate synthetase activity; a gene coding for the protein; a recombinant vector comprising the gene; a transformant transformed with the vector; a method for producing a decaprenyl diphosphate synthetase; and a method for producing ubiquinone-10.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prenyl diphosphate synthetase and a gene coding for the synthetase. The invention discloses a recombinant protein having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2 or a recombinant protein which has the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2 having deletion, substitution or addition of at least one amino acid and which has decaprenyl diphosphate synthetase activity; a gene coding for the protein; a recombinant vector comprising the gene; a transformant transformed with the vector; a method for producing a decaprenyl diphosphate synthetase; and a method for producing ubiquinone-10.

Abstract: A method for producing L-leucine, comprising the steps of: culturing a bacterium which is transformed with a DNA coding for an a-isopropylmalate synthase densensitized in feedback inhibition by L-leucine, in a culture medium to produce and accumulate L-leucine in the medium, and recovering L-leucine from the medium.

Abstract: Novel adenylate cyclase polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated, full-length adenylate cyclase proteins, the invention further provides isolated adenylate cyclase fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-adenylate cyclase antibodies. The invention also provides adenylate cyclase nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which an adenylate cyclase gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A novel pectate lyase belonging to a novel family of polysaccharide lyases has good performance in industrial processes under neutral or alkaline conditions such as laundering and textile processing. The pectate lyase may be derivable from Bacillus species.

Abstract: Novel polyketides and novel methods of efficiently producing both new and known polyketides, using recombinant technology, are disclosed. In particular, a novel host-vector system is described which is used to produce polyketide synthases which in turn catalyze the production of a variety of polyketides.

Abstract: Novel DNA and enzymes such as Plant Thioredoxin-Porphobilinogen Synthase (T-PPS) or Plant Porphobilinogen Synthase (PPS), together with novel compositions thereof and methods using such enyzmes are claimed.

Abstract: A method of rendering a surface protected bacteria more susceptible to an anti-bacterial agent effected by subjecting the bacteria to a glycosaminoglycans degrading enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 where in one or more amino acids are deleted, replaced or added, and the polypeptide having polyester synthase activity; a polyester synthase gene comprising DNA coding for the above polypeptide; a recombinant vector comprising the gene; and a transformant transformed with the recombinant vector is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purified and isolated nucleic acid encoding mycobacterial isocitrate lyase, as well as mutated forms of the nucleic acid. Further provided are purified and isolated isocitrate lyase proteins and mutated isocitrate lyase proteins. Additionally, the present invention provides vectors which comprises nucleic acid sequences encoding mycobacterial isocitrate lyase and mutated forms of this nucleic acid, as well as host cells containing these vectors. Also provided is a mycobacterium containing one or more mutations in its isocitrate lyase gene. Further provided by the present invention are agents that inhibit the activity or expression of a mycobacterial lyase protein, a method of identifying these, and a method of producing them. Finally, the present invention also provides a method of identifying genes required for persistence of mycobacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition, characterized in that it comprises an adenyl cyclase-hemolysin (AC-Hly) protein, or an immunogenic portion of this AC-Hly, of a strain of Bordetella chosen from B. Tertussis, B. parapertussis or B. bronchiseptica, and in that it comprises, in addition, a bacterial extract containing the expression products of the vrg genes of a strain of Bordetella chosen from B. pertussis, B. parapertussis or B. bronchiseptica, or a portion of these expression products which is sufficient to induce an immune response in a host to which the extract might be administered.

Abstract: Histidine ammonia lyase (HAL) isolated from Corynebacteriaceae can decrease serum histidine levels, induce accumulation of urocanic acid, and is not inhibited by L-histidinol. As a result, histidine ammonia lyases similar to the one isolated from Corynebacteriaceae are uniquely suitable for combination therapy with L-histidinol to treat histidine- and/or histamine-dependent pathologies, for example, infectious viruses, such as human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), as well as cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing an (R)-hydroxynitrile lyase extract by extracting an (R)-hydroxynitrile lyase-containing natural product with water in the absence or presence of a buffer at a pH of 3.3 to 5.5.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to coenzymes useful for the synthesis of L-carnitine, particularly a compound of coenzyme A, and more particularly gamma-butyrobetainyl-coenzyme A and crotonobetainyl-coenzyme A, to procedures for their preparation and to their use for the production of L(−)-carnitine from crotonobetaine and D(−)-carnitine.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the fermentative preparation of L-amino acids using coryneform bacteria, in which the subunit carrying the biotin-carboxyl carrier protein domain and the biotin-carboxylase domain of the nucleotide sequence encoding the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (accBC gene) is amplified, in particular is overexpressed.

Abstract: A novel endo-fucoidan-lyase and a novel microorganism, Fucoidanobacter marinus SI-0098 (FERM BP-5403) useful in the production of sugar compounds are disclosed Sugar compounds represented by the following general formula (1), wherein at least one of alcoholic hydroxyl group has been sulfated, or salts thereof: wherein Y represents hydrogen or a group represented by the following formula (2).

Abstract: A DNA sequence encoding a human adenylyl cyclase is described. The amino acid sequence of the adenylyl cyclase is also described.

Abstract: A novel group of pectate lyases comprising the amino acid sequence Asn Leu Asn Ser Arg Val Pro (NLNSRVP) belonging to Family 1 of polysaccharide lyases have good performance in industrial processes under neutral or alkaline conditions such as laundering and textile processing. The pectate lyase may be derivable from Bacillus species.

Abstract: The present invention provides several methods for biological production of para-hydroxycinnamic acid (PHCA). The invention is also directed to the discovery of new fungi and bacteria that possess the ability to convert cinnamate to PHCA. The invention relates to developing of a new biocatalyst for conversion of glucose to PHCA by incorporation of the wild type PAL from the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis into E. coli underlining the ability of the wildtype PAL to convert tyrosine to PHCA. The invention is also directed to developing a new biocatalyst for conversion of glucose to PHCA by incorporation of the wildtype PAL from the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis plus the plant cytochrome P-450 and the cytochrome P-450 reductase into E. coli. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides for the developing of a new biocatalyst through mutagenesis of the wild type yeast PAL which possesses enhanced tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) activity.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules are isolated from Sorangium cellulosum that encode polypeptides necessary for the biosynthesis of epothilone. Disclosed are methods for the production of epothilone in recombinant hosts transformed with the genes of the invention. In this manner, epothilone can be produced in quantities large enough to enable their purification and use in pharmaceutical formulations such as those for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules are isolated from Sorangium cellulosum that encode polypeptides necessary for the biosynthesis of epothilone. Disclosed are methods for the production of epothilone in recombinant hosts transformed with the genes of the invention. In this manner, epothilone can be produced in quantities large enough to enable their purification and use in pharmaceutical formulations such as those for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present provides a Rhodotorula phenylalanine lyase polypeptide, polynucleotides that encode the polypeptide, and methods of obtaining and using these products. In particular the polypeptide can be employed for the production of phenylalanine, phenylalanine analogs, and optically active unnatural amino acids having phenylalanine-like structures.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules are isolated from Sorangium cellulosum that encode polypeptides necessary for the biosynthesis of epothilone. Disclosed are methods for the production of epothilone in recombinant hosts transformed with the genes of the invention. In this manner, epothilone can be produced in quantities large enough to enable their purification and use in pharmaceutical formulations such as those for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing streptogramins using genetically-modified microorganisms to influence the biosynthesis of at least one of the precursors of the group B streptogramins. Cultures of the genetically-modified microorganisms are supplemented with a least one precursor that is different from the streptogramin precursor whose biosynthesis is altered and the streptogramins produced are recovered.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules are isolated from Sorangium cellulosum that encode polypeptides necessary for the biosynthesis of epothilone. Disclosed are methods for the production of epothilone in recombinant hosts transformed with the genes of the invention. In this manner, epothilone can be produced in quantities large enough to enable their purification and use in pharmaceutical formulations such as those for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a methionine metabolic enzyme. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the methionine metabolic enzyme, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the methionine metabolic enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The invention provides ARO1 polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such ARO1 and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing such ARO1 for the treatment of infection, particularly fungal infections. Antagonists against such ARO1 and their use as a therapeutic to treat infections, particularly fungal infections are also provided. Further provided are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the presence of ARO1 nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides in a host. Also provided are diagnostic assays for detecting polynucleotides encoding arom and for detecting the polypeptide in a host.

Abstract: Disclosed in this invention are a novel enzyme producing tartaric acid ether compound which catalyzes a reaction of producing a tartaric acid ether compound in which the phenolic hydroxyl group(s) of a flavonoid or its analogous compound having at least one phenolic hydroxyl group is (are) acted to the epoxy ring of an epoxysuccinic acid to form ether linkage of one or more tartaric acid residues, a process for producing a tartaric acid ether compound by acting the enzyme in the presence of an epoxy-succinic acid and a flavonoid or its analogous compound having at least one phenolic hydroxyl group, and novel tartaric acid ether compounds in which the epoxy ring of an epoxysuccinic acid is bound to the phenolic hydroxyl group(s) of a flavonoid or its analogous compound to form ether linkage of one or more tartaric acid residues. These compounds are useful as a component material of pharmaceuticals and functional foods.

Abstract: A method for the determination of monosaccharides in a sugar composition by simultaneous quantitative analysis of monosaccharides constituting the sugar composition, comprising the steps of: (1) liberating sialic acid from the sugar composition with sialidase or an acid, (2) converting the released sialic acid into N-acylmannosamine with sialic acid aldolase, and (3) acid hydrolyzing the N-acylmannosamine and a sugar residue. The method allows pretreatment in a single reactor and the sugar composition including sialic acid can be obtained by a single analysis by HPLC, etc.

Abstract: (S)-Hydroxynitrile lyases which have an improved substrate acceptance and which are derived from the Hevea brasiliensis and Manihot esculenta (S)-hydroxynitrile lyases, wherein one or more bulky amino acid residues within the hydrophobic channel leading to the active center have been replaced with less bulky amino acid residues.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing nitrile hydratase comprising culturing a transformant cell which is obtained by transforming a host cell of bacterium not belonging to the genus Rhodococcus with a vector (1) which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding at least the &agr; a chain and the &bgr; chain of nitrile hydratase, or the vector (1) and a vector (2) which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding at least the &bgr; chain of the nitrile hydratase, and collecting produced nitrile hydratase, wherein the culture of the transformant cell is performed at a temperature of 35° C. or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated and purified polynucleotides that encode plant polypeptides that participate in the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA. Also provided are methods for identifying such nucleic acid segments and polypeptides. Processes for altering acetyl-CoA carboxylation, increasing herbicide resistance of plants and identifying herbicide resistant variants of acetyl-CoA carboxylase are also provided.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a novel oncogene named MN or alternatively MN/CA IX. Abnormal expression of the MN gene is shown to signify oncogenesis, and diagnostic/prognostic methods for pre-neoplastic/neoplastic disease to detect or detect and quantitate such abnormal MN gene expression. Also disclosed are methods to treat pre-neoplastic/neoplastic disease involving the MN gene and protein, e.g., methods comprising the use of MN-specific antibodies, anti-idiotype antibodies thereto, and anti-anti-idiotype antibodies, and the use of MN antisense nucleic acids. Further disclosed are methods to identify and block MN binding site(s) and identify MN protein partners(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides plant ENR-A, CBL, UROD, PBGD, and CPPO genes. Also disclosed are the recombinant production of ENR-A, CBL, UROD, PBGD, and CPPO enzymes in heterologous hosts, screening chemicals for herbicidal activity using these recombinantly produced enzymes, and the use of thereby identified herbicidal chemicals to suppress the growth of undesired vegetation. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for the development of herbicide tolerance in plants, plant tissues, plant seeds, and plant cells using ENR-A, CBL, UROD, PBGD, and CPPO genes of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to newly identified polynucleotides and polypeptides, variants and derivatives of same; methods for making the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants, derivatives and antagonists. In particular the invention relates to polynucleotides and polypeptides of the phytate metabolic pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial pectate lyases, more specifically to microbial enzymes exhibiting pectate lyase activity as their major enzymatic activity in the neutral and alkaline pH ranges, to a method of producing such an enzyme, and to methods for using such enzymes in the textile, detergent and cellulose fiber processing industries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides having cellobiose dehydrogenase activity. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as recombinant methods for producing the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relate to microbial pectate lyase, more specifically to microbial enzyme exhibiting pectate lyase activity as their major enzymatic activity in neutral and alkaline pH ranges, to a method of producing such an enzyme, and a method for using such enzymes in the textile, detergent, and cellulose fiber processing industries.

Abstract: An isolated endo-fucoidan-lyase is described. The enzyme acts on fucoidan, has a pH optimum from 6 to 10, and has an optimum pH from 30 to 40° C. The enzyme can be isolated from Flavobacterium sp. FERM BP-5402. The enzyme is used to obtain sugar compounds which are useful in the study on carbohydrates.

Abstract: The invention provides a human serine dehydratase homolog (SDHH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode SDHH. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of SDHH.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fatty acid lyase, wherein the activity of the lyase for 9-hydroperoxide substrates is greater than the activity for 13-hydroperoxide substrates and wherein Km and Vmax of the lyase for 9-hydroperoxylinolenic acid are greater than Km and Vmax of the lyase for 9-hydroperoxylinoleic acid. More particularly, the invention provides a lyase present in melon (Cucumis melo). The invention also provides a nucleic acid encoding the lyase, vectors, and expression systems with which the recombinant lyase can be obtained. The invention also provides methods of using the lyase of the invention, including methods of cleaving 9-hydroperoxylinoleic acid, 9-hydroperoxylinolenic acid, 13-hydroperoxylinoleic acid, and 13-hydroperoxylinolenic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for conferring tolerance to an amino acid analog of tryptophan to a plant and/or altering the tryptophan content of a plant by introducing and expressing an isolated DNA segment encoding an anthranilate synthase in the cells of the plant. Transgenic plants transformed with an isolated DNA segment encoding an anthranilate synthase, as well as seeds and progeny derived from these plants, are also provided. The present invention also provides a cDNA sequence of an alpha and a beta subunit of a maize anthranilate synthase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing [S,S]-ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate wherein a microorganism having malate isomerase activity or matter processed therefrom and a microorganism having ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate ethylenediamine lyase activity or matter processed therefrom are allowed to act on a substrate solution containing maleic acid, maleic anhydride, or a maleic acid salt, and ethylenediamine, in the presence of at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metals, iron, zinc, copper, nickel, aluminum, titanium and manganese. The present invention enables to accumulate [S,S]-ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate in a higher yield and at a high concentration within a reaction system using maleic acid as a raw material.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing L-aspartic acid by enzyme-catalyzed reaction of fumaric acid with ammonia, in which process L-aspartic acid is precipitated out by nitric acid and the resultant mother liquor is subjected to a nanofiltration.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for higha-temperature biopreparation of cellulosic fibers by contacting the fibers with pectin-degrading enzymes, preferably thermostable, alkaline, divalent cation-independent pectate lyases, under conditions compatible with scouring and bleaching technologies.