Abstract: The invention features a method of producing heterologous molecules in cells under the regulatory control of a metabolite and metabolic flux. The method can enhance the synthesis of heterologous polypeptides and metabolites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 5-substituted hydantoin racemase, which efficiently catalyzes racemization reactions at a high optimum temperature for racemization reactions, DNA coding for the racemase, and processes for producing optically active amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing optically active amino acids from 5-substituted hydantoin by isolating a hydantoinase gene and an N-carbamyl-L-amino acid hydrolase gene involved in an ability to convert 5-substituted hydantoin or N-carbamylamino acid into optically active amino acids from a microorganism of the genus Microbacterium having the above ability and by improving gene amplification and transcriptional and translational activities thereby preparing a recombinant wherein the amount of the desired enzymes produced is increased. The hydantoinase gene is, for example, a DNA encoding for a protein having a hydantoinase activity, which has the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 in the Sequence. The N-carbamyl-L-amino acid hydrolase gene is, for example, a DNA encoding for a protein having an N-carbamyl-L-amino acid hydrolase activity, which has the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 in the Sequence.

Abstract: A novel L-arabinose isomerase active enzyme and its corresponding gene, derived from a thermophilic source are provided. The enzyme is suitable for the production of D-tagatose, a useful low-calorie sweetener. The enzyme may be obtained from a Thermoanaerobacter species such as Thermoanaerobacter mathranii.

Abstract: An antibiotic-independent vector for stable vector maintenance and high protein expression and a method for gene expression using this vector are disclosed. The stable maintenance of the vector is due to expression of a glutamic acid racemase to complement a D-glutamic acid auxotroph. No antibiotics, such as ampicillin, are necessary for the stable maintenance of this vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences for Bacillus subtilis disulfide bond isomerases, Dsb1 and Dsb2 and methods for increasing the secretion of heterologous and homologous proteins in Gram-positive microorganisms.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for practical enzymatic conversion of GDP-mannose to GDP-fucose. These methods are useful for efficient synthesis of reactants used in the synthesis of fucosylated oligosaccharides.

Abstract: High levels of D-serine occur in mammalian brain, where it appears to be an endogenous ligand of the “glycine site” of NMDA receptors. We have purified from rat brain a soluble enzyme that catalyzes the direct racemization of L-serine to D-serine. Purified serine racemase has a molecular weight of 37 kDa and requires pyridoxal 5?-phosphate for its activity. The enzyme is highly selective toward L-serine, failing to racemize any other amino acid tested. We have also identified polynucleotide sequences that encode mammalian, including human, serine racemase. Compounds that modulate the activity of mammalian serine racemase are useful for treating conditions and diseases that involve overstimulation of NMDA receptors, such as stroke and various neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: Methods for performing an end-point assay of protein disulfide isomerase activity. The method may be based on the enzyme-catalyzed reduction of insulin in the presence of dithiothreitol; measuring the aggregation of reduced insulin chains at 650 nm; and using hydrogen peroxide as a stop reagent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for production of recombinant human proteins, in which Tetrahymena cells are transformed with recombinant DNA containing at least one functional gene that codes for a human protein, the recombinant Tetrahymena cells are cultured, in which the gene that codes for a human protein is expressed and the proteins are then isolated. The present invention also concerns a corresponding method, in which the gene that codes for a human protein contains a human leader sequence that leads to secretion of the expressed protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel protein having N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase activity; a DNA encoding the protein; a recombinant vector containing the DNA; a transformant obtainable by introducing the recombinant vector into a host cell; and a process for producing the protein or N-acetylmannosamine using the transformant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid sequences of Ginkgo biloba diterpene synthases, particularly of a levopimaradiene synthase. More specifically, the invention is directed to a cell of a unicellular organism, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Escherichia coli, comprising levopimaradiene synthase for the metabolically engineered in vivo biosynthesis of a diterpene and a ginkgolide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing a polypeptide comprising culturing a mutant of a parent cell, wherein the mutant produces less oxaloacetate hydrolase than the parent cell, wherein the oxaloacetate hydrolase (i) has an amino acid sequence that has at least 90% identity with amino acids 1-341 of SEQ ID NO: 2: (ii) is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence having at least 90% homology with a nucleotide sequence comprising nuclotides 1157-1411, 1504-1651 and 1764-2383 of SEQ ID NO: 1: (iii) is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes under high stringency conditions with the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, the cDNA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, the complementary strand of SEQ ID NO: 1, and/or the complementary strand of the cDNA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1: and/or (iv) a subsequence of one or both of (i) and (ii), wherein the subsequence encodes a fragment that has oxaloacetate hydrolase activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel gene coding for L-arabinose isomease derived from Thermotoga neapolitana 5068, a thermostable arabinose isomerase expressed from the said gene, a recombinant expression vector containing the said gene, a microorganism transformed with the said expression vector, a process for preparing thermostable arabinose isomerase from the said transformant and a process for preparing D-tagatose employing the said enzyme. Since the recombinant arabinose isomerase is highly thermostable and can produce tagatose with high yield at high temperature, it can be efficiently applied in pharmaceutical and food industries.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for covalently linking nucleic acid molecules. The methods include a strand invasion step, and the compositions and kits are useful for performing such methods. For example, a method of covalently linking double stranded (ds) nucleic acid molecules can include contacting a first ds nucleic acid molecule, which has a topoisomerase linked to a 3? terminus of one end and has a single stranded 5? overhang at the same end, with a second ds nucleic acid molecule having a blunt end, such that the 5? overhang can hybridize to a complementary sequence of the blunt end of the second nucleic acid molecule, and the topoisomerase can covalently link the ds nucleic acid molecules. The methods are simpler and more efficient than previous methods for covalently linking nucleic acid sequences, and the compositions and kits facilitate practicing the methods, including methods of directionally linking two or more ds nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: A thermostable mannose isomerase generated from a bacterium belonging to the genus Agrobacterium, excellent in thermostability, capable of being continuously used at a temperature of 55° C. to 60° C. for a prolonged period of time, and has, for example, the following enzymatic properties: (a) function: converts D-mannose to D-fructose and vice versa; (b) substrate specificity: isomerizes the aldoses D-mannose and D-lyxose to their corresponding kitoses, but does not interact with D-glucose, D-galactose, L-mannose, D-xylose, L-xylose, D-arabinose, L-arabinose or D-ribose; (c) optimum pH: 7.5 to 8.5; (d) optimum temperature: 55° C. to 60° C.; and (e) stable pH: 6.0 to 10.0, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new use of uridine diphosphate glucose 4-epimerase (also called uridine diphosphate galactose 4-epimerase), and a method of converting uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) to uridine diphosphate N-acetylgalactosamine (UDP-GalNAc) by using the said enzyme. The process for producing UDP-GalNAc by using the uridine diphosphate glucose 4-epimerase and the UDP-GalNAc supply system according to the present invention are practical and efficient, and greatly beneficial to the industries.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel purified mouse C5-epimerase, fragments thereof, nucleic acids encoding the same and the recombinant production thereof. The invention is also directed to fragments of such epimerase, especially N-terminal fragments that are useful in fusion protein constructs to enhance the activity of recombinantly-produced heterologous epimerase enzymes.

Abstract: The invention relates to sucrose isomerases, to DNA sequences that code for sucrose isomerases, and to novel processes for the production of non-cariogenic sugars.

Abstract: The invention provides antineoplastic composition containing an inhibitor of angiogenesis and an inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase type I enzyme activity.

Abstract: A mutated expandase enzyme having higher activity on penicillin G is provided to produce phenylacetyl-7-aminodeacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA), which mutated expandase enzyme has one or more amino acid substitutions selected form M73T, S79E, V275I, L277K, C281Y, G300V, N304K, I305L and I305M.

Abstract: The invention encompasses Drosophila Recombination Associated Protein (DRAP) isolated D. melanogaster and a nucleic acid sequence encoding DRAP. The Drosophila Recombination Associated Protein, its homologues from other organisms or active peptides derived therefrom, as well as DNA encoding such protein are useful for homology-dependent pairing of three DNA strands. The combination of strand-transfer and topoisomerase activities associated with DRAP permits directed pairing and cleavage at defined site(s) within DNA. This in turn makes possible the isolation and/or removal of a defined segment of DNA. DRAP is also useful in cloning, genomic cloning and gene mapping, in promoting gene disruptions or “knockout” mutations, in carrying out targeted mutagenesis of specific genes and in generating transgenic animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated polypeptides having &agr;-H-&agr;-amino acid amide racemase activity and nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention also relates to vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acids according to the invention. The invention also relates to methods of producing and using the polypeptides according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method for isolating polypeptides having &agr;-H-&agr;-amino acid amide racemase activity, for isolating nucleic acids encoding the same and for isolating microorganisms comprising polypeptides having &agr;-H-&agr;-amino acid amide racemase activity. The invention also relates to new microorganisms comprising polypeptides having &agr;-H-&agr;-amino acid amide racemase activity.

Abstract: The production of carotenoid is accomplished using a DNA molecule that encodes a polypeptide as obtained from Haematococcus pluvialis, Phaffia rhodozyma, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, having isopentonyl pyrophosphate (IPP) isomerase activity, or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes thereto. In particular, one can introduce such a DNA molecule into a carotenoid-producing microorganism, culture the microorganism thus transformed, and then obtain carotenoids in the culture broth and cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nucleic acid molecule from nematodes encoding for phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM) polypeptides. The PGM-like polypeptide sequence is also provided, as are vectors, host cells, and recombinant methods for production of PGM-like nucleotides and polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying inhibitors and/or activators, as well as methods for antibody production. Such inhibitors are useful for control nematode infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 5-substituted hydantoin racemase, which efficiently catalyzes racemization reactions at a high optimum temperature for racemization reactions, DNA coding for the racemase, and processes for producing optically active amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing isoprenoid compounds or proteins encoded by DNA using DNA that contains one or more of the DNA encoding proteins having activity to improve efficiency in the biosynthesis of isoprenoid compounds effective in pharmaceuticals for cardiac diseases, osteoporosis, homeostasis, prevention of cancer, and immunopotentiation, health food and anti-fouling paint products against barnacles the DNA; the protein; and a method for screening a substance with antibiotic and weeding activities comprising screening a substance inhibiting enzymatic reaction on the non-mevalonate pathway.

Abstract: Protein disulfide isomerase is a major component of Conus venom ducts. The invention relates to a protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) from Conus snails, a nucleic acid sequence encoding the Conus protein disulfide isomerase, and to methods for folding disulfide-rich peptides using a protein disulfide isomerase. Oxidative folding of conotoxin precursors, catalyzed by a PDI, was more efficient and decreased the number and concentration of transiently accumulated folding species. The PDI-assisted oxidative folding of conotoxins was also influenced by the propeptide relative to the mature peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). It especially teaches the production of a soluble prion protein (PrP)-chaperone complex and the advantageous use of such chaperone-PrP complex, especially in the detection of PrP in an immunoassay, as well as its use as an immunogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of conjugated linoleic acid and a process for the production of triglycerides with an increased content of conjugated linoleic acid. Moreover, the invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence; a nucleic acid construct, a vector and transgenic organisms comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence or one nucleic acid construct which encodes a polypeptide with conjugated linoleic isomerase activity. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a microorganism of the genus Bifidobacterium as a probiotic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trehalose-producing microorganism and a process for producing trehalose. It also to a novel trehalose synthase protein, a trehalose synthase gene, recombinant plasmids carrying said trehalose synthase gene, and transformed microorganism with said recombinant plasmids.

Abstract: An isolated or recombinant DNA sequence coding for a mammalian, including human, glucuronyl C5-epimarase or a functional derivative thereof capable of converting D-glucuronic acid (GlcA) to L-iduronic acid (IdoA); a recombinant expression vector comprising such DNA sequence; a host cell transformed with such recombinant expression vector; a process for the manufacture of a glucuronyl C5-epimerase or functional derivative thereof capable of converting GlcA to IdoA, comprising cultivation of a cell-line transformed with such recombinant expression vector; and a glucuronyl C5-epimerase or functional derivative thereof prepared by such process.

Abstract: Recombinant host cells that comprise recombinant DNA expression vectors that drive expression of a product and a precursor for biosynthesis of that product can be used to produce useful products such as polyketides in host cells that do not naturally produce the product or produce the product or precursor at low levels due to the absence of the precursor or the presence of the precursor in rate limiting amounts.

Abstract: The invention provides human isomerases (ISOM) and polynucleotides which identify and encode ISOM. 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 ISOM.

Abstract: The present invention solves the object of the present invention by providing a DNA encoding an L-ribose isomerase which isomerizes L-ribose into L-ribulose and vice versa, and the process for producing a polypeptide by recombinant DNA techniques using the DNA.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a chalcone isomerase is disclosed. Also of concern is the synthesis of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the chalcone isomerase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels of the chalcone isomerase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of the N-acetyl amino acid racemase from Amycolatopsis orientalis subspecies lurida for the racemiszation of N-carbamoyl amino acids. This use permits the 100% preparation of optically pure amino acids starting from racemic hydantoins in an enzymatic overall process.

Abstract: An isolated or recombinant DNA sequence coding for a mammalian, including human, glucuronyl C5-epimerase or a functional derivative thereof capable or converting D-glucuronyl acid (GlcA) to L-iduronic acid (IdoA); a recombinant expression vector comprising such DNA sequence; a host cell transformed with such recombinant expression vector; a process for manufacture of a glucuronyl C5-epimerase or functional derivative thereof capable of coverting GlcA to IdoA, comprising cultivation of a cell-line transformed with such recombinant expression vector; and a glucuronyl C5-epimerase or functional derivative thereof prepared by such process.

Abstract: The invention provides method and compositions for the modulation of flavanone and/or isoflavone production in plants. The methods of the invention allow creation of plants having novel phenotypes. Increased expression of isoflavones in particular in plants may be used to increase the nutritional value of food plants for both human and animal consumption. The invention overcomes limitations of the prior art which prevented accumulation of high levels of isoflavones in plants.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybenzene from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybenzene from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme are also provided. Methods are also provided for converting 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybenzene to 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene by catalytic hydrogenation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated linoleate isomerase and its nucleic acid and amino acid sequence. The present invention also provides a method for producing CLA from an oil using an immobilized bacterial cell or an isolated linoleate isomerase.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for simultaneously assessing microbial phosphoglucose isomerase, ketol-isomerase and glucosamine-6-phosphate acetyltransferase activities, by measuring the production of Coenzyme A (CoA). The present invention finds use in the isolation of new classes of antifungal drugs, wherein the compounds have the ability to inhibit fungal glucose utilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleic acids, novel polypeptide sequences encoded by these nucleic acids and uses thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure provides crystalline flavonoid or flavanone isomerases, isolated non-native isomerase having the structural coordinates of said crystalline isomerase, and nucleic acids encoding such non-native isomerase. Also disclosed are methods of predicting the activity and/or substrate specificity of a putative isomerase, methods of identifying potential isomerase substrates, and methods of identifying potential isomerase inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of human lanosterol synthase proteins and nucleic acid sequences encoding these lanosterol synthase proteins. The present invention provides isolated lanosterol synthase proteins and encoding nucleic acid molecules, vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acid molecules, and processes for producing the lanosterol synthase proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel gene coding for L-arabinose isomease derived from Thermotoga neapolitana 5068, a thermostable arabinose isomerase expressed from the said gene, a recombinant expression vector containing the said gene, a microorganism transformed with the said expression vector, a process for preparing thermostable arabinose isomerase from the said transformant and a process for preparing D-tagatose employing the said enzyme. Since the recombinant arabinose isomerase is highly thermostable and can produce tagatose with high yield at high temperature, it can be efficiently applied in pharmaceutical and food industries.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated (trans,cis)-10,12-linoleate isomerase and its nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. The present invention also provides a method for producing conjugated linoleic acid or conjugated linolenic acid (CLA), or derivatives thereof, from an oil using an immobilized cell and/or an isolated linoleate isomerase. The present invention also provides an isolated lipase-like protein and its nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. The present invention also provides an isolated acetyltransferase-like enzyme and its nucleic acid and amino acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for directing the evolution of microorganisms comprising the use of mutator genes and growth under conditions of selective pressure. The method discloses mutator genes which can be used in the methods of the present invention and provides ATCC deposits which exemplify the evolved microorganisms produced by the methods.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel polypeptides capable of interacting with the human topoisomerase III&agr; and the nucleic acid sequences coding for said polypeptides. The invention also concerns a method for identifying compounds capable of interacting with said polypeptides and a method for identifying molecules capable of modulating the interaction of the topoisomerase III&agr; with said polypeptides.