Abstract: Methods and systems for computationally designing self-assembling polypeptides are disclosed. A representation of a docked configuration of a symmetric protein architecture can be determined by a computing device configured to computationally symmetrically dock representations of protein building blocks within a representation of a symmetric protein architecture, where symmetrically docking a representation of a particular protein building block can include determining a configuration of the protein building blocks in three-dimensional space within the symmetric protein architecture configured to generate interfaces between building blocks suitable for computational protein interface design. The amino acid sequence of the docked protein building blocks can be computationally modified to specify protein-protein interfaces between the plurality of protein building blocks that are energetically favorable to drive self-assembly of a protein that includes the modified amino acid sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probiotic cell transformed with a construct suitable to overexpress and display on the surface of the probiotic cell a fusion protein comprising at least a portion of a transport protein coupled to at least a portion of one or more antigenic proteins or peptides. Probiotic-derived vesicles displaying this fusion protein as well as methods of inducing an immune response using the probiotic cells or vesicles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides various combinations of genetic modifications to a transformed host cell that provide increase conversion of carbon to a chemical product. The present invention also provides methods of fermentation and methods of making various chemical products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of a DNA sequence of the major grass pollen allergen Lol p 4. The invention also encompasses fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and point mutants having a hypoallergenic action. The recombinant DNA molecules and the derived polypeptides, fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and variants can be utilised for the therapy of pollen-allergic diseases. The proteins prepared by recombinant methods can be employed for in vitro and in vivo diagnosis of pollen allergies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydantoinase having an amino acid sequence selected from (i) or (ii), with (i) amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 6-20 and SEQ ID NO: 73-119 (ii) amino acid sequence wherein in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6-20 and SEQ ID NO: 73-119, 1 to 75 amino acid residues have been substituted, deleted, inserted and/or added, and wherein further the catalytic activity of the hydantoinase is higher by a factor of at least 1.2 than the catalytic activity of the hydantoinase having amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1, The present invention further relates to a process for preparing amino acids, wherein said hydantoinase is used.

Abstract: Factor VIII variants and methods of use thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon synthase gene encoding protein having excellent capacity to synthesize a hydrocarbon such as alkane and novel functions is provided. The gene encodes a protein comprising an amino acid sequence comprising a motif sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and having activity of synthesizing a hydrocarbon with a carbon number one less than that of an aldehyde compound from the aldehyde compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides various combinations of genetic modifications to a transformed host cell that provide increase conversion of carbon to a chemical product. The present invention also provides methods of fermentation and methods of making various chemical products.

Abstract: Genetically-engineered cyanochrome fluorophore molecules (fluorophores) with increased fluorescence and with absorbing fluorescence in the blue and green (blue/green) portion of the light spectrum are provided. These fluorophores are derived from the domains of phytochromes, and in particular cyanobacterial phytochromes. Methods for generating these fluorophores and various applications of these fluorophores are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody, recombinant or synthetic antigen-binding fragments thereof able to recognise and bind an epitope comprised in the spacer domain of ADAMTS-5, nucleic acid and expression vector encoding the same, method of production and uses thereof.

Abstract: A genetically modified microorganism comprising a polynucleotide encoding ?-ketoglutarate synthase or a mutant thereof, and a polynucleotide encoding pyruvate carboxylase or a mutant thereof; wherein the genetically modified microorganism has decreased malate quinone oxidoreductase activity and/or decreased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity compared to an unmodified microorganism of the same type, and wherein the genetically modified microorganism produces 4-hydroxybutyrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, systems and compositions, including genetically modified microorganisms, adapted to exhibit increased tolerance to 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), particularly through alterations to interrelated metabolic pathways identified herein as the 3-HP toleragenic pathway complex (“3HPTGC”). In various embodiments these organisms are genetically modified so that an increased 3-HP tolerance is achieved. Also, genetic modifications may be made to provide at least one genetic modification to any of one or more 3-HP biosynthesis pathways in microorganisms comprising one or more genetic modifications of the 3HPTGC.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to multi-specific Fab fusion proteins (MSFP) which comprise an antibody Fab fragment with both N-termini fused to a fusion moiety (fusion moiety A or B). MSFP containing the Fab fragment exhibit significantly reduced binding ability of the Fab fragment to the Fab target. Binding of the Fab to its target is restored when the MSFP is clustered on a cell surface by binding of the fusion moieties to their target. The reduced binding of the Fab to its target, especially when presented on a cell surface in its native state, absent fusion moiety binding provides advantages such as: reduced side effects and allows desirable pharmacological effects of selectivity and specificity in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides means useful for establishing an excellent isoprene monomer production system. Specifically, the present invention provides a polynucleotide of the following (a), (b), or (c): (a) a polynucleotide comprising (i) the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1, or (ii) the nucleotide sequence consisting of the nucleotide residues at positions 133 to 1785 in the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1; (b) a polynucleotide that comprises a nucleotide sequence having 90% or more identity to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; or (c) a polynucleotide that hybridizes under a stringent condition with a polynucleotide consisting of a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polynucleotide sequences encoding ?-mannosidase. The present invention further provides DNA constructs comprising the polynucleotide sequence coding for ?-mannosidase in sense or anti-sense orientation, RNAi constructs, recombinant vectors comprising the constructs, and host cells comprising the recombinant vector. The present invention further provides transgenic plants, plant cells, transgenic progeny and seeds expressing the polynucleotide with reduced ?-mannosidase protein accumulation, having enhanced fruit shelf life.

Abstract: Bacteria optimized to produce succinate and other feedstocks by growing on low cost carbon sources, such as sucrose.

Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize chiral compounds.

Abstract: A novel technique for improving the production by bacteria of amino acids that contain sulfur has been developed, and thereby a sulfur-containing amino acid-producing bacterium, and a method for producing a compound such as a sulfur-containing amino acid are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-sigma factors (“anti-sigmas”) that bind to sigma factors and block activation of transcription. Anti-sigmas and their cognate sigma factors provide a highly effective mechanism for regulating gene expression in genetic circuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a mutant E. coli strain, capable of simultaneously using glucose and xylose, by genetic engineering and evolutionary adaptation; the mutant E. coli prepared using the same; and a method for producing biofuels, biologically active ingredients, medicinal materials or base chemicals for the chemical industry using the mutant E. coli. Being capable of simultaneously using glucose and xylose, in contrast to wild-type E. coli, the mutant E. coli can be effectively applied to the enzymatic saccharification process of producing biofuels from a biomass.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides and compositions thereof for treating or limiting respiratory syncytial virus infection, and computational methods for designing such polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for introducing an exogenous DNA by overcoming the restriction modification barrier of the target bacterium. The method provided in the present invention comprises the steps of 1) co-expressing all DNA-methyltransferase-encoding genes in the genome of the target bacterium in E. coli in which the restriction modification system thereof has been deleted to obtain a recombinant bacterium A; 2) introducing an exogenous DNA molecule into the recombinant bacterium A for in vivo modification so as to obtain a methylation-modified exogenous DNA molecule; 3) introducing the methylation-modified exogenous DNA molecule into the target bacterium. The experiments of the invention have demonstrated that the invention has a high transformation efficiency compared to prior methods for enabling genetic manipulation by overcoming the restriction modification barrier of the bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutated tissue plasminogen activators, and their use for treating thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein are non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a formaldehyde fixation pathway and a formate assimilation pathway, which can further include a methanol metabolic pathway, a methanol oxidation pathway, a hydrogenase and/or a carbon monoxide dehydrogenase. These microbial organisms can further include a butadiene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-2-ol pathway. Additionally provided are methods of using such microbial organisms to produce butadiene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-2-ol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the biosynthetic pathway for a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) derived drug and analogs thereof. The invention also discloses polynucleotide sequences useful for heterologous expression in a convenient microbial host for the synthesis of the NRPS derived drug.

Abstract: The invention provides unique therapeutic and diagnostic antibodies, as well as their fragments, portions, derivatives, and variants thereof, that bind regions of the tau protein that contribute to the initiation and propagation of pathological tau-tau interactions, as well as methods of making them. The invention also relates to methods of using those antibodies for diagnostics, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. The present invention also provides a method for a prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative tauopathies. This method entails the injection of antibodies and/or peptide vaccines that elicits an immune response directed to pathological tau proteins and tau deposits in the brains of patients. Suitable vaccines represent a tau peptide carrying one or more of the tau therapeutic epitopes provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microorganism able to produce L-threonine or L-tryptophan, and to a method for producing L-threonine or L-tryptophan by using same. More specifically, the present invention relates to: recombinant Escherichia coli which is more efficient in producing L-threonine or L-tryptophan by increasing the ability to produce ATP which is used as the most plentiful energy source in cells when producing L-threonine or L-tryptophan; and a method for producing L-threonine or L-tryptophan by using same.

Abstract: A ligand recombinant protein inhibiting HB-EGF (Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor like), from the R domain of diphtheria toxin, which can be used for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases involving the activation of the HB-EGF/EGFR pathway.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to methods of producing recombinant peptides that contain between 10 and 200 amino acid residues using novel carrier proteins derived from superfolder green fluorescent protein and its mutants.

Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding an enzyme having carboxyl esterase [E.C. 2.1.1.1] activity.

Abstract: Polypeptides and compositions thereof are provided for treating or limiting metapneumovirus (MPV) infection, as well as methods for designing such polypeptides. In further aspects, methods of using said isolated polypeptides, VLPs or pharmaceutical compositions are provided, which include methods for treating a metapneumovirus (MPV) infection, methods for limiting development of an MPV infection, methods for generating an immune response in a subject, methods for monitoring an MPV-induced disease in a subject and/or monitoring response of the subject to immunization by an MPV vaccine, methods for detecting MPV binding antibodies, methods for producing MPV antibodies, and methods of preventing an MPV infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to engineered microorganisms that produce amino acids and amino acid intermediates. In particular, the disclosure relates to recombinant nucleic acids encoding operons that increase production of aromatic amino acids and the aromatic amino acid intermediate shikimate; microorganisms with increased production of aromatic amino acids and the aromatic amino acid intermediate shikimate; and methods related to the production of aromatic amino acids, the aromatic amino acid intermediate shikimate, and commodity chemicals derived therefrom.

Abstract: This present invention is in the field of producing renewable chemical feedstocks using biocatalysts that have been genetically engineered to increase their ability to convert renewable carbon resources into useful compounds. More specifically, the present invention provides a process for producing muconic acid form renewable carbon resources using a genetically modified organism.

Abstract: Polypeptides are provided that are capable of significantly inhibiting andor neutralizing P aeruginosa. The polypeptides comprise two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains that are directed against the PcrV protein of P. aeruginosa, wherein the “first” immunoglobulin single variable domain and the “second” immunoglobulin single variable domain have different paratopes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing aldehydes, alkanes, and alkenes are described herein. The aldehydes, alkanes, and alkenes can be used in biofuels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bioconjugate vaccine, such as an O1-bioconjugate vaccine, comprising: a protein carrier comprising a protein carrier containing at least one consensus sequence, D/E-X-N-Z-S/T, wherein X and Z may be any natural amino acid except proline; at least one antigenic polysaccharide from at least one pathogenic bacterium, linked to the protein carrier; and, optionally, an adjuvant. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of producing an O1-bioconjugate in a bioreactor comprising a number steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates, in part, to nucleic acid constructs, genetically modified host cells and methods employing such constructs and host cells to increase the production of 3-methyl-2-butenol from IPP. Thus, in some aspects, the invention provides a genetically modified host cell transformed with a nucleic acid construct encoding a fusion protein comprising a phosphatase capable of catalyzing the dephosphorylation of dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) linked to an IPP isomerase capable of converting IPP to DMAPP, wherein the nucleic acid construct is operably linked to a promoter. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell 5 further comprises a nucleic acid encoding a reductase that is capable of converting 3-methyl-2-butenol to 3-methyl-butanol. In some embodiments, the reductase is encoded by a nucleic acid construct introduced into the cell. In some embodiments, the IPP isomerase is a Type I isomerase. In some embodiments, the IPP isomerase is a Type II isomerase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccines for control of Borrelia infections in animal and human populations. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods comprising recombinant bacteria engineered to express one or more Borrelia burgdorferi antigens for use as Lyme disease vaccines. In some embodiments, the recombinant bacteria are freeze-dried.

Abstract: A practical method for enzymatically synthesizing c-di-GMP with excellent productivity is provided. A diguanylate cyclase having physical and chemical characteristics (A) to (F): (A) catalytic action on reaction “2 GTP?c-di-GMP”; (B) a molecular weight of 19800±2000; (C) an optimum pH of 7.3 to 9.4; (D) an optimum temperature of 35 to 60° C.; (E) thermal stability as the remaining activity of 90% or higher after heated for 60 minutes under conditions of 50° C. and pH 7.8; and (F) the presence of GGDEF domain and the lack of amino acid sequence KXXD in the i-site.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an universal polypeptidic carrier for targeting directly or indirectly a molecule to Gb3 receptor expressing cells and having the following formula STxB-Z(n)-Cys, wherein: STxB is the Shiga Toxin B subunit or a functional equivalent thereof, Z is an amino-acid devoided of sulfydryl group, n being 0, 1 or a polypeptide, Cys is the amino-acid Cysteine, and the use thereof for MHC class I and MHC class II presentation of antigens.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having alpha-amylase activity, catalytic domains, carbohydrate binding domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains.

Abstract: The biosynthesis of fungal bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane indole alkaloids with a wide spectrum of biological activities have attracted increasing interest. Their intriguing mode of assembly has long been proposed to feature a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase, a presumed intramolecular Diels-Alderase, a variant number of prenyltransferases, and a series of oxidases responsible for the diverse tailoring modifications of their cyclodipeptide-based structural core. Until recently, the details of these biosynthetic pathways have remained largely unknown due to lack of information on the fungal derived biosynthetic gene clusters. Herein, we report a comparative analysis of four natural product metabolic systems of a select group of bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane indole alkaloids including (+)/(?)-notoamide, paraherquamide and malbrancheamide, in which we propose an enzyme for each step in the biosynthetic pathway based on deep annotation and on-going biochemical studies.

Abstract: A group of bacterial dihydroxy-acid dehydratases having a [2Fe-2S] cluster was discovered. Bacterial [2Fe-2S] DHADs were expressed as heterologous proteins in bacteria and yeast cells, providing DHAD activity for conversion of 2,3-dihydroxyisovalerate to ?-ketoisovalerate or 2,3-dihydroxymethylvalerate to ?-ketomethylvalerate. Isobutanol and other compounds may be synthesized in pathways that include bacterial [2Fe-2S] DHAD activity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a process for producing isoprenoid precursor molecules and/or isoprenoids from a starch substrate by saccharification and/or fermentation. The saccharification is effectively catalyzed by a glucoamylase at a pH in the range of 5.0 to 8.0. At a pH of 6.0 or above, the glucoamylase possesses at least 50% activity relative to its maximum activity. The saccharification and fermentation may be performed as a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides comprising one or more antibody single domains, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, directed against Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, in particular, two light chain variable domains in dimeric form, where the dimer has high solubility. It also relates to methods of using anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha polypeptides in treating inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis. Compositions and methods for enhancing therapeutic potential of anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha polypeptides are provided, including linking the polypeptide to an albumin-binding domain and/or de-immunizing the polypeptide, to provide therapeutic agents with good solubility, enhanced serum half-life, and/or reduced immunogenicity, while substantially maintaining the specific binding properties of the anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha polypeptides.

Abstract: The present disclosure identifies pathways, mechanisms, systems and methods to confer chemoautotrophic production of carbon-based products of interest, such as sugars, alcohols, chemicals, amino acids, polymers, fatty acids and their derivatives, hydrocarbons, isoprenoids, and intermediates thereof, in organisms such that these organisms efficiently convert inorganic carbon to organic carbon-based products of interest using inorganic energy, such as formate, and in particular the use of organisms for the commercial production of various carbon-based products of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ?-AR homologous cyclopeptide-mutants comprising only two cysteine residues able to form an intramolecular linkage, to linear peptides that can form these cyclopeptide-mutants and to nucleic acid molecules encoding these cyclopeptide-mutants and linear peptides. Moreover, vectors and recombinant host cells comprising said nucleic acid molecule and a method for producing the disclosed cyclopeptide-mutants are provided. Further provided is a composition comprising the peptides, nucleic acid molecules, vectors or host cells of the invention. The present invention also relates to therapeutic and diagnostic means, methods and uses taking advantage of the peptides of the invention and to means, methods and uses for detecting anti-.beta.-adrenergic receptor antibodies like anti-?1-adrenergic receptor antibodies.