Abstract: The disclosure provides thermostable enzymes isolated from Caldicellulosiruptor bescii and fragments thereof useful for the degradation of cellulose and/or hemicellulose, including thermostable cellulases and hemicellulases. The disclosure further provides nucleic acids encoding the thermostable enzymes of the disclosure. The disclosure also provides methods for the conversion of cellulose and hemicellulose into fermentable sugars using thermostable enzymes of the disclosure. The disclosure also provides enzyme cocktails containing multiple enzymes disclosed herein. The enzymes can be used to release sugars present in cellulose or hemicellulose for subsequent fermentation to produce value-added products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic polypeptide and methods for its creation and use for modulating an immune response in a host organism in need thereof. In particular, the invention relates to the administration to an organism in need thereof, of an effective amount of a pre-coupled polypeptide complex comprising a lymphokine polypeptide portion, for example IL-15 (SEQ ID NO: 5, 6), IL-2 (SEQ ID NO: 10, 12) or combinations of both, and an interleukin receptor polypeptide portion, for example IL-15Ra (SEQ ID NO: 7, 8), IL-2Ra (SEQ ID NO: 9, 11) or combinations of both, for augmenting the immune system in, for example, cancer, SCID, AIDS, or vaccination; or inhibiting the immune system in, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, or Lupus. The therapeutic complex of the invention surprisingly demonstrates increased half-life, and efficacy in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of gene sequences encoding chimerical membrane glycosyltransferases presenting an optimized glycosylation activity in cells transformed with the sequences, the gene sequences corresponding to the fusion: of a first nucleic acid coding for a C-terminal minimal fragment of the catalytic domain (CD) of the native full length glycosyltransferase, to a second nucleic acid coding for a transmembrane peptide comprising in its N-terminal region a cytoplasmic tail (CT) region located upstream from a transmembrane domain (TMD), itself located upstream of a stem region (SR), provided that at least one of these CT, TMD, SR peptides being different from the primary structure of the naturally occurring peptide counterparts present in the native glycosyltransferase from which is derived the CD fragment with optimal glycosyltransferase activity as defined above.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide cyanobacteria spp. that have been genetically engineered to have increased production of carbon-based products of interest. These genetically engineered hosts efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into carbon-based products of interest such as long chained hydrocarbons. Several constructs containing polynucleotides encoding enzymes active in the metabolic pathways of cyanobacteria are disclosed. In many instances, the cyanobacteria strains have been further genetically modified to optimize production of the carbon-based products of interest. The optimization includes both up-regulation and down-regulation of particular genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means of controlling infection persistence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). In particular, the present invention relates to an isolated, genetically modified Helicobacter pylori comprising a functional urease, wherein the contiguous amino acid sequence between amino acid 529 and amino acid 555 of SEQ ID NO:1 is altered to produce said modified Helicobacter pylori which is unable to establish or maintain a persistent infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and 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: Nucleic acid molecules encoding chimeric cellulase polypeptides that exhibit improved cellulase activities are disclosed herein. The chimeric cellulase polypeptides encoded by these nucleic acids and methods to produce the cellulases are also described, along with methods of using chimeric cellulases for the conversion of cellulose to sugars such as glucose.

Abstract: The disclosure provides method and compositions for visualizing protein turnover. In particular, the disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for measuring the age of particular proteins or the dynamics of localized protein translation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a chimeric protein having the biochemical activity of a surface active protein, wherein said chimeric protein comprises: (a) an N-terminal portion of a first surface active protein, wherein the N-terminal portion is devoid of between 0 and 10 of the most N-terminal amino acids of the mature first surface active protein; and, C-terminally thereof, (b) a C-terminal portion of a second surface active protein, wherein the C-terminal portion is devoid of between 0 and 10 of the most C-terminal amino acids of the mature second surface active protein. The present invention further relates to a vector, a non-human host and a method for the production of a chimeric protein having the biochemical activity of a surface active protein. In addition, the present invention relates to a chimeric protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention and a composition comprising the chimeric protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to kinase ligands and polyligands. In particular, the invention relates to ligands, homopolyligands, and heteropolyligands that modulate PKA activity. The ligands and polyligands are utilized as research tools or as therapeutics. The invention includes linkage of the ligands, homopolyligands, and heteropolyligands to a cellular localization signal, epitope tag and/or a reporter. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding the ligands and polyligands.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods for the production of mevalonate, isoprene, isoprenoid precursor molecules, and/or isoprenoids in cells via the heterologous expression of phosphoketolase enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibronectin-based scaffold domain proteins that bind to myostatin. The invention also relates to the use of these proteins in therapeutic applications to treat muscular dystrophy, cachexia, sarcopenia, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, COPD, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and fibrosis. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encodes a novel fatty acid nECR. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing nECR nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for large-scale production of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), e.g., ARA, EPA and DHA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Huwentoxin-IV variants, polynucleotides encoding them, methods of making and using the foregoing, and methods of alleviating pain with peptide inhibitors of Nav1.7.

Abstract: Synthetic, derivative promoters for expression of chimeric genes in Zymomonas, Zymobacter, and related bacteria were created. The promoters have a C to T change in the nucleotide at position 90 of the Z. mobilis glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene promoter. Promoters with this change have higher expression as compared to the native promoter from which they are derived and are useful for genetic engineering for expressing coding regions or regulatory RNA to obtain high levels of expressed proteins or regulatory RNAs.

Abstract: Provided herein is an alkane-metabolizing cell that is unable to convert propionyl-CoA into methylmalonyl-CoA or 2-metylcitrate synthase. Depending on which enzymes are present in the cell, the cell can produce acrylate or a precursor for the same (e.g., propionate, 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA, 3-hydroxypropionate, acrylyl-CoA) that can be readily converted to acrylate enzymatically (e.g., in the cell) or by chemical treatment. In one embodiment, the cell may contain a cytochrome P450 or alkane oxidase enzyme that allows the production of 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA, which can be readily converted to 3-hydroxypropionate. In order to make such compounds, the cell may be grown in the presence of an odd-numbered chain alkane (e.g., pentane or heptane), although another odd-numbered chain alkane may be used. In another embodiment, the cell may contain acyl-CoA oxidase, enoyl-CoA hydratase, and hydrolase.

Abstract: Methods that may be used for the electrochemical detection of multiple parameters, including chemical compounds. Further provided are cells that may be used in the electrochemical detection of multiple parameters, including chemical compounds, as well as a kit for the electrochemical detection of multiple parameters, including chemical compounds.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods relating to variant alpha-amylasess having altered biochemical properties and advantageous performance characteristics as compared to a reference alpha-amylase. The variants are suitable for use in various industrial applications such as starch conversion, ethanol production, laundry, dishwashing, pulp and paper production, textile desizing, and/or sweetener production.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting a plant from a pathogen, particularly a fungal pathogen, are provided. Compositions include amino acid sequences, and variants and fragments thereof, for novel variants of antipathogenic polypeptides generated through DNA shuffling that exhibit improved antipathogenic activity. Polynucleotides that encode the antipathogenic polypeptides are also provided. A method for inducing pathogen resistance in a plant using the polynucleotides disclosed herein is further provided. Compositions comprising an antipathogenic polypeptide or a microorganism comprising an antipathogenic polynucleotide of the invention in combination with a carrier and methods of using these compositions to protect a plant from a pathogen are further provided. Plants, plant cells, seeds, and microorganisms comprising an antipathogenic polynucleotide or polypeptide of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide that is capable of inhibiting transcription and expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and the polynucleotides encoding therefor, as well as the use thereof. Specifically, the present invention relates to a polypeptide that can inhibit the transcription and expression of FAS at the molecular level, the cellular level and in vivo, and can therefore prevent the overexpression of FAS. Said polypeptide and related peptidomimetics, including functional fragments or functional varieties thereof, and the genes encoding therefor, can be widely used in preventing and treating tumors such as liver cancer, and diseases closely related to the metabolism of fatty acid synthase, such as fatty liver and obesity.

Abstract: The dairy industry today faces a problem of providing an alternative to adding sweeteners to fermented milk products in order to achieve the desired sweet taste without the added calories. Furthermore, it would be highly advantageous to establish a method for reducing lactose in fermented milk products to a level which is acceptable for lactose-intolerant consumers. The above problems have been solved by providing mutant Streptococcus thermophilus strains and mutant Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains that excrete glucose to the milk when the milk is inoculated and fermented with such Streptococcus thermophilus strains and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp, bulgaricus strains.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant expression of variant forms of M. thermophila CBH1a and homologs thereof, having improved thermoactivity, specific activity, and other desirable properties. Also provided are methods for producing ethanol and other valuable organic compounds by combining cellobiohydrolase variants with cellulosic materials.

Abstract: A Nav1.7 binding entity that after binding functionally modifies the activity of the ion channel, in particular an anti-Nav1.7 antibody or binding fragment thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said antibodies, use of the antibodies and compositions comprising the same, in treatment, for example in the treatment/modulation of pain and processes for generating and preparing said antibodies.

Abstract: Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.

Abstract: A Nisin derivative or variant, comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position 29 in the amino acid sequence. The Nisin derivative exhibits enhanced antimicrobial activity when compared to wild type Nisin. The Nisin derivative has an application as a natural food additive and as a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a mutant fragment of an outer surface protein A (OspA), a nucleic acid coding the same, a pharmaceutical composition (particularly for use as a medicament of in a method of treating or preventing a Borrelia infection) comprising the polypeptide and/or the nucleic acid, a method of treating or preventing a Borrelia infection and a method of immunizing a subject.

Abstract: The present compositions and methods relate to an endo-?-mannanase cloned from Bacillus agaradhaerens, polynucleotides encoding the endo-?-mannanase, and methods of use thereof. Formulations containing the endo-?-mannanase are highly suitable for use as detergents.

Abstract: Antigen binding proteins, such as antibodies, which bind to human MAGE-A3, polynucleotides encoding such antigen binding proteins, and uses and manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A method of producing a low molecular weight organic compound (e.g. a plant or bacteria secondary metabolite) in increased yields involving use of a microorganism cell, which comprises a gene involved in the biosynthesis pathway leading to a low molecular weight organic aglycon compound and a glycosyltransferase gene capable of glycosylating the produced aglycon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing monoterpenes, particularly tricyclene, by culturing microbial organisms that express a terpene synthase and optionally a prenyl transferase.

Abstract: The invention provides a promoter derived from a genome of an actinomycete, Streptomyces species, and can specifically induce expression of a transgene in an actinomycete, Streptomyces species, in and after a logarithmic growth phase, and an actinomycete host having a high secondary metabolite production ability and a high precursor supply ability in and after the logarithmic growth phase, and a method for producing useful substances in which the promoter and the actinomycete host are combined.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polynucleotide sequences encoding ?-D-N-acetylhexosaminidase. The present invention further provides DNA construct comprising the polynucleotide sequence coding for ?-D-N-acetylhexosaminidase in sense or antisense orientation, RNAi construct, recombinant vector comprising the construct and host cells comprising the recombinant vector disclosed in the present invention. The present invention further provides transgenic plant, plant cell, transgenic progeny and seeds expressing the polynucleotide with reduced ?-D-N-acetylhexosaminidase protein accumulation, having enhanced fruit shelf life.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleic acids, reagents and methods for detecting Rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a sample from a subject. In one aspect, the invention provides methods of detecting Rifampicin resistant M. tuberculosis in a sample comprising (a) amplifying a nucleic acid containing the rifampicin resistance determining region (RRDR) of the rpoB gene in a sample to provide an amplified nucleic acid; (b) probing the amplified nucleic acid with at least three molecular beacon probes for an RRDR mutant target; (c) conducting melting temperature (Tm) analysis to determine a Tm value for each probe; and (d) comparing the Tm value for each probe with a Tm value for a wild-type RRDR region, wherein a Tm value for at least one of the molecular beacon probes that is greater than the Tm value for the wildtype RRDR indicates the presence of rifampicin resistant M. tuberculosis in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to food-grade bacteria strain being capable of removing mercury from an aqueous environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel valencene synthase, to a nucleic acid encoding such valencene synthase, to a host cell comprising said encoding nucleic acid sequence and to a method for preparing valencene, comprising converting farnesyl diphosphate to valencene in the presence of a valencene synthase according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for conveniently and efficiently producing a 3-acetylamino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid-type compound that is a stable compound by a process using a microorganism. Specifically the present invention provides a microorganism having an ability to produce 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, that is modified so as to increase an activity to form 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid from dihydroxyacetone phosphate and aspartate semialdehyde, wherein the microorganism is modified so as to increase an N-hydroxyarylamine O-acetyltransferase (NhoA) activity, as well as a method for producing the 3-acetylamino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid-type compound using such a microorganism.

Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for promoting weight loss or preventing weight gain, and in the treatment of diabetes, metabolic syndrome and associated disorders. In particular, the invention provides novel glucagon analogue peptides effective in such methods. The peptides may mediate their effect by having increased selectivity for the GLP-1 receptor as compared to human glucagon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of veterinary parasitology, especially of canine Babesiosis. In particular the invention relates to a polypeptide being a novel canine Babesia antigen (CBA), or fragments thereof, and to compositions comprising this antigen, to nucleic acids encoding the antigen, antibodies against the antigen, and medical uses of this antigen, fragments, antibodies, or encoding nucleic acids. In particular the invention relates to the use of such components in vaccines against canine Babesiosis.

Abstract: The present invention refers to methods for selectively recognizing a base pair in a DNA sequence by a polypeptide, to modified polypeptides which specifically recognize one or more base pairs in a DNA sequence and, to DNA which is modified so that it can be specifically recognized by a polypeptide and to uses of the polypeptide and DNA in specific DNA targeting as well as to methods of modulating expression of target genes in a cell.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising at least one carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP) of chorionic gonadotropin attached to the carboxy terminus but not to the amino terminus of a coagulation factor and polynucleotides encoding the same are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using and producing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of increasing the production of fermentation products by increasing flux through a fermentation pathway by optimising enzymatic reactions. In particular, the invention relates to identifying enzymes and/or co-factors involved in metabolic bottlenecks in fermentation pathways, and fermenting a CO-comprising substrate with a recombinant carboxydotrophic Clostridia microorganism adapted to exhibit increased activity of the one or more of said enzymes, or increased availability of the one or more of said co-factors, when compared to a parental microorganism.

Abstract: Some aspects of this invention relate to methods useful for the conversion of a carbon source to a biofuel or biofuel precursor using engineered microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to the discovery of a key regulator of lipid metabolism in microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to engineered microbes for biofuel or biofuel precursor production.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-oxobutoxy) phosphonate (2H3M40P) pathway, p-toluate pathway, and/or terephthalate pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce 2H3M40P, p-toluate or terephthalate. Also provided herein are processes for isolating bio-based aromatic carboxylic acid, in particular, p-toluic acid or terephthalic acid, from a culture medium, wherein the processes involve contacting the culture medium with sufficient carbon dioxide (C02) to lower the pH of the culture medium to produce a precipitate comprised of the aromatic carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to GH61 polypeptide variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a recombinant microorganism engineered to express an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of a primary amine and an acyl thioester to a fatty amide. The disclosure further encompasses a method of producing a fatty amide by culturing the recombinant microorganism in the presence of a carbon source.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant Listeria strains comprising an angiogenic factor, recombinant polypeptides comprising an angiogenic factor operatively linked to a polypeptide comprising a PEST-like sequence, recombinant nucleotide molecules encoding same, related vaccines, and immunogenic and therapeutic methods utilizing same.

Abstract: The invention provides bispecific fusion proteins that inhibit activation of complement pathway and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway and methods for using these fusion proteins.

Abstract: Described herein is a variant of wild type Gaussia luciferase that catalyzes glow-type emission kinetics suited for high-throughput functional screening applications. Polypeptides, functional fragments, variants, and nucleic acids that encode the enhanced luciferase are further described. One such polypeptide corresponds to wild type Gaussia luciferase with a substitution mutation of I for M at position 43 of the mature peptide. Methods of use, assay systems and kits that contain the polypeptides and/or nucleic acids are further described.

Abstract: It has been found out that among antibodies showing reactivity with wild type TGF-?, antibodies less reactive with G79A-substituted TGF-? have an excellent growth-suppressing effect on cancer cells having a mutated Ras gene. Further, it has been found out that most of these antibodies have an activity of inhibiting EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation and/or an induction-suppressing activity on vascular endothelial cells.

Abstract: Methods for producing biliverdin in a microorganism, methods for producing biliverdin from a non-animal source, cells for producing biliverdin and methods for producing cells for producing biliverdin are disclosed.