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 aberrant expression of ISOM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA which enables co-expression of a protein disulfide isomerase and a polypeptide having disulfide bonds,

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of screening clones having DNA from an uncultivated microorganism for a specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity by screening for a specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity in a library of clones prepared by (i) recovering DNA from a DNA population derived from at least one uncultivated microorganism; and (ii) transforming a host with recovered DNA to produce a library of clones which is screened for the specified protein, e.g. enzyme, activity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel enzymes that convert sucrose to isomaltulose. More particularly, the present invention discloses novel sucrose isomerases, polynucleotides encoding these sucrose isomerases, methods for isolating such polynucleotides and nucleic acid constructs that express these polynucleotides. Also disclosed are cells, including transformed bacterial or plant cells, and differentiated plants comprising cells, which contain these sucrose isomerase-encoding polynucleotides, as well as extracts thereof. Methods of producing isomaltulose are also disclosed which use the polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells, cell extracts and plants of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel protein having mannose isomerase activity, DNA encoding the protein, a recombinant vector comprising the DNA, a transformant obtained by introducing the recombinant vector into a host cell, and processes for producing the above protein and mannose, fructose, xylulose and lyxose by using the transformant.

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

Abstract: A method for racemizing with N-acylamino acid racemase (NAAR) derived from Sebekia benihana and a method for producing optically active amino acids using the racemaization method are provided. The racemase of the present invention can efficiently catalyze the racemization of acylamino acid substrates including N-acylalanine, N-acylaspartic acid, N-acylleucine, and N-acylvaline. Furthermore, this method can be applied to efficient production of optically active amino acids, which are useful, for example, as medicinal raw materials.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding an alternansucrase are provided. Moreover, vectors, host cells and plant cells transformed by the herein-described nucleic acid molecules and plants containing them are provided. Furthermore, methods are described for preparing transgenic plants which synthesize the carbohydrate alternan, because of the insertion of nucleic acid molecules encoding an alternansucrase. Moreover, methods for preparing alternan and products resulting from them are provided.

Abstract: A novel topoisomerase IV, nucleotide sequences coding for said enzyme, corresponding vectors, and the use of said enzyme for screening biologically active materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of these cyclophilins, hereinafter referred to as ‘tyrosine-containing’ cyclophilins, in a method for identifying compounds capable of binding to and/or inhibiting the enzymatic activity of these proteins. Such compounds may be further screened for their ability to inhibit parasites which are not susceptible to the anti-parasitic effects of CsA.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides of a human serine racemase. The polynucleotides and polypeptides are used to further provide expression vectors, host cells comprising the vectors, probes and primers, antibodies against the serine racemase protein and polypeptides thereof, assays for the presence or expression of serine racemase and assays for the identification of compounds that interact with serine racemase and transgenic animals expressing human serine racemase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids isolated from Tetrahymena which code for a ciliate-specific triterpenoid cyclase. The inventive nucleotide sequences and the polypeptide sequences derived therefrom demonstrate a surprisingly minimal sequence identity to known isoprenoid cyclases. The invention also relates to the use of nucleic acids for the regulation of triterpenoid cyclase expression in a host organism, as well as the targeted knockout or repriming of the triterpenoid cyclase gene. As a result of the altered expression of the triterpenoid cyclase, it is possible to modify and enrich the levels of multiple unsaturated fatty acids in the host organism.

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 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 present invention provides a method for producing a secretable polypeptide in a host cell. In the method, a peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase is overexpressed in a host cell, thereby increasing the yield of the secreted polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for increasing homologous recombination of a nucleic acid sequence introduced into a host cell, comprising: (a) introducing into a population of filamentous fungal host cells a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a recombination protein and a second nucleic acid sequence comprising one or more regions which are homologous with the genome of the filamentous fungal host cell, wherein (i) the recombination protein promotes the recombination of the one or more regions with the corresponding homologous region in the host's genome to incorporate the second nucleic acid sequence by homologous recombination, and (ii) the number of host cells comprising the incorporated second nucleic acid sequence in the population is increased at least 20% compared to the same population without the first nucleic acid sequence; (b) and isolating from the population a filamentous fungal cell comprising the incorporated second nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing variants of a nucleotide sequence, comprising: (a) introducing into a population of filamentous fungal host cells: (i) one or more circular plasmids comprising a DNA sequence and a plasmid replicator mediating autonomous replication, wherein the one or more circularized plasmids are linearized by digestion of the DNA sequence and removal of a portion of the DNA sequence; and (ii) a library of DNA fragments comprising one or more mutations of the DNA sequence, wherein the fragments comprise at least two regions, one or more regions which are homologous to the 5′ region or the 3′ region of the gap in the linearized DNA sequence and/or plasmid sequence and one or more second regions which are homologous to the 5′ region or the 3′ region of the DNA fragments of the library; wherein the linearized plasmids and the DNA fragments recombine by in vivo recombination to produce a plurality of autonomously replicating plasmids comprising one

Abstract: There are provided a DNA coding for phosphohexuloisomerase, which is a protein defined in the following (A) or (B), and a method for producing the enzyme: (A) a protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 shown in Sequence Listing, (B) a protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 shown in Sequence Listing including substitution, deletion, insertion or addition of one or several amino acid residues and having phosphohexulose isomerase activity.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for phenylalanine aminomutase enzyme and methods for purifying this enzyme are provided. Methods for altering biosynthesis of compounds in plant cell cultures are also provided. In particular, methods for altering production of taxanes and taxane-related compounds are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel thermostable galactose isomerases and production of tagatose using the same. A gene encoding a galactose isomerase with improved thermal stability and reaction equilibrium is screened from natural genetic materials. An expression vector into which the gene is inserted is introduced into bacteria which are then cultured to obtain a thermostable galactose isomerase. In the presence of this enzyme, tagatose is produced from galactose in a yield as high as 46-50% at a temperature as high as 55° C.

Abstract: Human serine racemase enzyme can be regulated to increase or decrease D-serine formation, which thereby results in a corresponding increase or decrease in NMDA receptor activation. A decrease in D-serine formation may aid in the prevention of neuron damage following an ischemic event, such as stroke. Regulation of D-serine formation may also aid in the treatment of other neurodegenerative conditions caused by the over- or under-activation of the glutamate NMDA receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening compounds capable of modulating nucleic acid-modifying enzymatic activity, including topoisomerase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the purification and characterisation of ascopyrone P synthase.

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: An isolated nucleic acid comprising a genomic, complementary or composite polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having an invertase activity in an apoplastic environment and an N terminal amino acid sequence serving for secretion into an apoplast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a secretable polypeptide in a host cell. In the method, a peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase is overexpressed in a host cell, thereby increasing the yield of the secreted polypeptide.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding polypeptides having the activity of enzymes in the mevalonate pathway are provided. These sequences are useful for recombinantly producing isoprenoid compounds, such as carotenoids, in particular zeaxanthin. Expression vectors, cultured cells, and methods of making isoprenoid compounds are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides transgenic, non-human animals and transgenic non-human mammalian cells harboring a transgene encoding a p25 (activator of the protein kinase cdk 5) polypeptide.

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: The present invention relates to secretion in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nuclei acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis disulfide bond isomerases, Dsb1 and Dsb2. The present invention also provides means for increasing the secretion of heterologous or homologous proteins in gram-positive microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated polynucleotides coding for phosphoglucose isomerase (pgi) from coryneform bacteria. In addition, the invention includes methods for increasing the metabolic flux through pentose phosphate cycle of bacteria by reducing or eliminating the activity of pgi. These methods may be used to increase the fermentative production of nucleotides, vitamins and amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for economically producing N-acetylneuraminic acid without using expensive materials such as pyruvic acid and phosphoenolpyruvic acid. The process comprises: allowing (i) a culture of a microorganism having N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase activity or N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase activity, or a treated matter of the culture, (ii) a culture of a microorganism capable of producing pyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, or a culture of a microorganism capable of producing phosphoenolpyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, (iii) N-acetylmannosamine, and (iv) an energy source which is necessary for the formation of pyruvic acid or phosphoenolpyruvic acid to be present in an aqueous medium to form and accumulate N-acetylneuraminic acid in the aqueous medium; and recovering N-acetylneuraminic acid from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of controlling endosperm development in plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloning and expression of foreign protein or polypeptides in bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. In particular, this invention relates to expression tools comprising a FKBP-type peptidyl prolyl isomerase selected from the group consisting of FkpA, SlyD, and trigger factor; methods of recombinant protein expression, the recombinant polypeptides thus obtained, as well as to the use of such polypeptides.

Abstract: A strain derived from Zymomonas mobilis ATCC31821 or its derivative capable of producing ethanol upon fermentation of a carbohydrate medium containing xylose to provide enhanced xylose utilization and enhanced ethanol process yield, the strain or its derivative comprising exogenous genes encoding xylose isornerase, xylulokinase, transaldolase and transketolase, the genes are fused to at least one promotor recognized by Zymomonas which regulates the expression of at least one of the genes.

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 human peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (HPPIP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HPPIP. 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 HPPIP.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding phosphoribosylformimino-5-aminoimidazole carboxamide ribotide isomerases, or “HisA enzymes”. The invention also relates to the construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the HisA enzyme, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels of the HisA enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The present invention describes the DNA sequence for eukaryotic genes encoding &egr; cyclase, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) isomerase and &bgr;-carotene hydroxylase as well as vectors containing the same and host cells transformed with said vectors. The &egr; cyclase and &bgr;-carotene hydroxylase genes disclosed include those from A. thaliana; the IPP isomerase genes disclosed include those from A. thaliana, H. pluvialis, and marigold. The present invention also provides methods for controlling the ratio of various carotenoids in a host cell and for the production of novel carotenoid pigments. The present invention also provides a method for screening for eukaryotic genes encoding carotenoid biosynthesis enzymes.

Abstract: The invention provides human peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (HPPIP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HPPIP. 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 HPPIP.

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: A human UDP galactose-4-epimerase polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for the treatment of galactosemia. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for the detection of mutations in the nucleic acid sequencing encoding human UDP galactose-4-epimerase protein and for detecting an altered level of human UDP galactose-4-epimerase protein in a sample derived from a host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid sequences which, upon expression in a procaryotic or eucaryotic cell, code for a polypeptide having an elevated specific xylose isomerase activity compared to the wildtype Thermus thermophilus xylose isomerase. They are selected from a) nucleic acid sequences shown in SEQ. ID. No 1; b) the complementary strand of the sequence defined in (a) above; c) nucleic acid sequences which hybridize to the sequences defined in (a) or (b) above; d) nucleic acid sequences which, but for the degeneracy of the genetic code, would hybridize to the sequences defined in (a), (b) or (c) above and which code for the same polypeptide as those defined in (a), (b) or (c) above. The present invention further provides a process of producing ethanol from xylose containing materials comprising contacting cells that express such nucleic acid sequences and novel modified xylose isomerases that advantageously can be applied in the production of fructose syrups.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for effecting the production of recombinant mammalian procollagen in yeast, as well as compositions comprising yeast cells cap producing mammalian procollagen.

Abstract: An expression system which provides heterologous proteins expressed by a non-native host organism but which have native-protein-like biological activity and/or structure. Disclosed are vectors, expression hosts and methods for expressing the heterologous proteins. The expression system involves co-expression of protein factor(s) which is/are capable of catalyzing disulphide bond formation and desired heterologous protein(s). The expression system is presented using yeast cells as the preferred host, protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and thioredoxin (TRX) as the preferred examples of the protein factors and HCV-E2715 envelope glycoprotein and human FIGF as the preferred examples of the heterologous proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 22109 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel thioredoxin members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 22109 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 22109 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 22109 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-22109 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 22406 nucleic acid molecules, which encode a novel pyridoxal-phosphate dependent serine racemase. In particular, the invention relates to 22406 serine racemase polypeptide and encoding nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 22406 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 22406 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 22406 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-22406 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a human cyclophilin-type peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (CPCI) and polynucleotides which identify and encode CPCI. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagnists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of CPCI.

Abstract: A human UDP galactose-4-epimerase polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for the treatment of galactosemia. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for the detection of mutations in the nucleic acid sequencing encoding human UDP galactose-4-epimerase protein and for detecting an altered level of human UDP galactose-4-epimerase protein in a sample derived from a host.