Abstract: The present invention pertains to the prevention or lessening of disease in cats caused by Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Prevention or lessening of disease is understood to mean the amelioration of any symptoms, including immune system disruptions, that result from FIV infection. The invention provides for a plasmid which encodes the FIV genome where said genome has had a portion of the gag gene, specifically the p10 (nucleocapsid) coding region, or a portion thereof, deleted. This deletion prevents the production of functional or whole p10 protein, which in turn, prevents the packaging of RNA into virions produced from transfection of this plasmid into an appropriate host cell, resulting in virions which do not contain RNA. Such virions will be described as “empty” virions. The invention also encompasses host cells transformed with the plasmid which produce the empty virions, and the empty virions themselves.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are novel toxins and genes obtainable from Bacillus laterosporus isolates disclosed herein. In preferred embodiments, the subject genes and toxins are used to control Western corn rootworm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated DNA sequences which code for the expression of plant 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase protein, such as the sequence presented in SEQ ID NO:1 which encodes a 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase protein from peppermint (Mentha x piperita). Additionally, the present invention relates to isolated plant 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase protein. In other aspects, the present invention is directed to replicable recombinant cloning vehicles comprising a nucleic acid sequence which codes for a plant 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase, to modified host cells transformed, transfected, infected and/or injected with a recombinant cloning vehicle and/or DNA sequence of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding an aveC gene product, which polynucleotide molecules can be used to alter the ratio or amount of class 2:1 avermectins produced in fermentation cultures of S. avermitilis. The present invention further relates to vectors, host cells, and mutant strains of S. avermitilis in which the aveC gene has been inactivated, or mutated so as to change the ratio or amount of class 2:1 avermectins produced.

Abstract: The pesent invention is directed to biotin-producing recombinant cells transformed with an Escherichia coli bioE gene or a functional equivalent thereof, either alone or in combination with at least one additional nucleic acid sequence selected from Bacillus sphaericus bioA, bioB, bioD, bioF, bioW, bioX, and bioY genes, or a functional equivalent of any of these genes. Preferred recombinant cells are capable of converting essentially all biotin vitamers to true biotin. The present invention also provides a method to produce biotin by culturing such recombinant cells under appropriate conditions in an effective medium, which preferably includes biotin precursor supplements.

Abstract: Recombinant yeast expression vectors with the features indicated in the patent claims are described. These recombinant yeast expression vectors can be used for the preparation of HBeAg in yeast host organisms. Appropriate expression systems, transformed host organisms, diagnostic aids and medicinal agents are additionally described.

Abstract: The invention concerns bacterial strains capable of enhanced transformation efficiencies that are produced by the introduction of the F′ genetic material. The invention also concerns processes for producing transformable competent bacteria with enhanced transformation efficiencies.

Abstract: A method for providing a hybrid polypeptide having an activity of interest, by i) performing PCR amplification using an uncharacterized DNA sample and oligonucleotide primers with homology to one or more known genes encoding a polypeptide exhibiting said activity of interest, to obtain one or more PCR products, ii) linking the obtained PCR products to a 5′ structural gene sequence and a 3′ structural gene sequence, wherein the 5′ and 3′ structural gene sequences are derived from one or more genes encoding a polypeptide exhibiting said activity of interest, to form hybrid DNA sequences, iii) expressing the resulting hybrid DNA sequences, and iv) screening the hybrid polypeptides to identify a sequence encoding a polypeptide exhibiting said activity of interest or a related activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an immunological or vaccine composition that includes at least one plasmid that contains and expresses in vivo in host canine cells a nucleic acid molecule that encodes an antigen of a canine pathogen, such as rabies G. The plasmid can include more than one nucleic acid molecule such that the plasmid can express more than one antigen. Also disclosed are methods for using and kits employing such compositions.

Abstract: DNA encoding the gene for the synthetase enzyme capable of generating &dgr; (L-a-aminoadipyl)-L-crysteinyl-D-valine (ACV) from its constituent amino acids was obtained from several penicillin and cephalosporin producing organisms, e.g. Penicillium chrysogenum, cephalosporium and a Flavobacterium species. The DNA was used to prepare recombinant vectors comprising the ACV synthetase gene and hosts transformed with such vectors. The ACV synthetase gene can form part of a gene cluster comprising other genes involved in -&bgr;-lactam biosynthesis and the production of penicillin by expression of the entire biosynthetic gene cluster for the synthesis of penicillin from primary amino acids is described. Suitable hosts in which expression can take place include heterologous hosts which are naturally non-producers of penicillin.

Abstract: A recombinant vector capable of replicating in Gram positive bacteria and containing: a) a nucleotide concatenation I of Bacillus thuringiensis with a size of about 2.6 kb between sites BalI-HpaI, or any fragment included in said concatenation as long as its allows replication of the recombinant vector when under the control of functional promoter in Gram positive bacteria, or any sequence which hybridizes with the complementary sequence of concatenation I or the above mentioned fragment under highly stringent conditions, and b) at least on DNA sequence of interest inserted in phase with the above mentioned concatenation.

Abstract: A Ca2+-binding protein that interacts specifically with the integrin &agr;IIb subunit cytoplasmic domain is described. This protein is expressed in platelets and interacts with the fibrinogen receptor, integrin &agr;IIb&bgr;3.

Abstract: The invention provides a human synaptojanin isoform (NSYN-1) and polynucleotides which identify and encode NSYN-1. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of NSYN-1.

Abstract: The functional analysis of genes frequently requires the manipulation of large genomic regions. A yeast-bacteria shuttle vector is described, that can be used to clone large regions of DNA by homologous recombination. The important feature of present invention is the presence of the a bacterial replication origin, which allows large DNA insert capacity. The utility of this vector lies in its ability to isolate, manipulate and maintain large fragments in bacteria and yeast, allowing for mutagenesis by yeast genetics and simplified preparation of plasmid DNA in bacteria.

Abstract: A synthetic RNA catalyst capable of cleaving an RNA substrate, the catalyst comprising a substrate binding portion and a “hairpin” portion. The invention also provides an engineered DNA molecule and a vector, each comprising a DNA sequence coding for an RNA catalyst according to the invention. The invention further comprises host cells transformed with the vectors of the invention which are capable of expressing the RNA catalyst. Finally, the invention provides a method of cleaving an RNA substrate which comprises contacting the substrate with a synthetic RNA catalyst according to the invention.

Abstract: The p21 gene encodes a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor which affects cell cycle progression, but the role of this gene product in altering tumor growth has not been established. The present inventors have now discovered that the growth of malignant cells in vivo is inhibited by expression of p21. Expression of p21 resulted in an accumulation of cells in G0/G1, alteration in morphology, and cell differentiation.

Abstract: A composition for expression of a protein-encoding gene in a host cell is described, making use of an heterologous regulon. This composition provides a protein-encoding gene under control of a promoter heterologous to the host cell, and a gene for an RNA polymerase, preferably a single-subunit RNA polymerase that recognizes the promoter heterologous to the host cell. The gene for the RNA polymerase is under control of an inducible promoter recognized by the host cell. Also disclosed is a method for expressing the protein-encoding gene using the composition described.

Abstract: A new recombinant form of the plasmid-encoded protein pgp3 from C. trachomatis, serotype D, was purified by ion exchange column chromatography and shown to be suitable for quantitative immunoassy on clinical samples in an ELISA format.

Abstract: Cells are transfected with a construct containing transcriptional promoter element(s) that have been implicated in carcinogenesis or inflammation ligated to a reporter gene. Determination of inhibition of activation of said promoter element(s) by putative agent indicates the agent is a candidate as a drug or source of a drug for prophylaxis or treatment of cancer or inflammation. The method has particular application to screening agents as candidates for drugs or sources of drugs for prophylaxis or treatment of human disorders caused or mediated by cyclooxygenase-2 and/or matrix metalloproteinases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for integration of a chosen gene or of a specific DNA sequence in a DNA sequence such as the chromosome or episome of a bacterium, wherein: a) the said chosen gene or the chosen DNA sequence is cloned inside a defective transposon outside the essential parts of the transposon, b) the said transposon is integrated in the DNA sequence such as the chromosome or the episome of the said bacterium, and also the bacterium strains obtained by implementation of this process.

Abstract: cDNA encoding (−)-limonene-6-hydroxylase from spearmint and (−)-limonene-3-hydroxylase from peppermint have been isolated and sequenced, and the corresponding amino acid sequences have been determined. Accordingly, isolated DNA sequences are provided which code for the expression of (−)-limonene-6-hydroxylase from spearmint (SEQ ID No:1, from Mentha spicata) and (−)-limonene-3-hydroxylase from peppermint (SEQ ID No:3 and SEQ ID No:5, from Mentha piperita). In other aspects, replicable recombinant cloning vehicles are provided which code for limonene hydroxylase or for a base sequence sufficiently complementary to at least a portion of the limonene hydroxylase DNA or RNA to enable hybridization therewith (e.g., antisense limonene hydroxylase RNA or fragments of complementary limonene hydroxylase DNA which are useful as polymerase chain reaction primers or as probes for limonene hydroxylase or related genes).

Abstract: The invention features a bacterial cell containing an extra-chromosomal vector that includes an inducible rcd gene, wherein the cell, when placed in broth culture, enters quiescence on expression of the rod gene.

Abstract: A transgenic mouse whose genome comprises the H/K-ras 4B chimeric gene to form a mammary tumor and, particularly, the expression vector producing H/K-Ras 4B chimeric protein by using MMTV (mouse mammary tumor virus) promoter. This protein contains the first 164 amino acids of the H-Ras followed by the last 24 amino acids of K-Ras 4B. The second, it relates to the transgenic mouse expressing the H/K-Ras 4B protein with a mammary tumor, and the third, the method of preparation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vectorial cloning system consisting of a sequence of nucleotides, containing a fusion sequence and one or several restriction endonucleases, recognition sites for restriction endonucleases cutting outside their recognition sites, in addition to containing one or several other restriction endonuclease recognition sites which can be used to clone a foreign protein as well as the sequence for the desired foreign protein, wherein the foreign protein sequence is directly located on the fusion sequence after a subsequent restriction with the restriction endonucleases, followed by religation.

Abstract: SPHINGLY polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing SPHINGLY polypeptides and polynucleotides in therapy, and diagnostic assays for such.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for identifying clones having a specified activity of interest, which process comprises (i) generating one or more expression libraries derived from nuclei acid directly isolated from the environment; and (ii) screening said libraries utilizing a fluorescence activated cell sorter to identify said clones. More particularly, this is a process for identifying clones having a specified activity of interest by (i) generating one or more expression libraries derived from nucleic acid directly or indirectly isolated from the environment; (ii) exposing said libraries to a particular substrate or substrates of interest; and (iii) screening said exposed libraries utilizing a fluorescence activated cell sorter to identify clones which react with the substrate or substrates.

Abstract: A process for increasing the amount of clavam produced by an organism having both a clavam pathway or a portion thereof and a cephalosporin pathway or a portion thereof by interfering with the conversion of L-lysine to L-&agr;-aminoadipic acid in the cephalosporin pathway. Plasmids containing a defective LAT (lysine amino transferase) gene and organisms containing such plasmids are also provided.

Abstract: A method for in vivo production of a library in cells comprising a multitude of mutated genetic elements, wherein an error-prone polymerase is used in each ancestral cell to replicate all or a part of a genetic element independently of the host chromosomal replication machinery. The genetic element comprisesi) an origin of replication from which replication is initiated,ii) optionally a genetic marker, e.g. a gene conferring resistance towards an antibiotic,iii) a gene encoding the polypeptide of interest.Also methods for the generation of a DNA sequence encoding a desired variant of a polypeptide of interest, and for the determination of such a DNA sequence are described.

Abstract: A plasmid vector characterized by comprising a promoter sequence that can be recognized by an RNA polymerase which is not inherent in a host and that controls the expression of desired genes and a replication origin that increases the number of copies under the induction by exogenous factors; methods for expression and isolation of target genes by using the vector; a polypeptide having the activity of an AccIII restriction endonuclease; and a DNA encoding the polypeptide. The invention provides for the first time a plasmid vector which can introduce an exogenous desired gene encoding proteins which are lethal or harmful to hosts into the hosts, a method for efficiently expressing the proteins by using the vector, and also a method for permitting a restriction endonuclease gene constituting a restriction-modification system to be isolated even in the absence of a modification enzyme gene, which has been difficult in the prior arts.

Abstract: HCMV glycoproteins B and H have been identified. The gB protein is encoded by DNA in the HindIII F fragment of the HCMV genome lying between 1378 and 4095 bases from the F/D boundary. The gH protein is encoded by DNA in the HindIII L fragment lying between 228 and 2456 bases from the L/D boundary.The genes have been incorporated in recombinant vaccinia vectors and expressed in host animals to raise HCMV-neutralising antibody, thereby indicating vaccine potential. The glycoproteins can also be used in a variety of different ways, as vaccines or in the production, purification or detection of HCMV antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides the complete cDNA sequence of maize acetyl CoA carboxylase and a method introducing and expressing a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase gene in plant cells. The method includes the steps of introducing an expression cassette encoding a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase or an antisense DNA sequence complementary to the sequence for a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase gene operably linked to a promoter functional in plant cells, into the cells of a plant tissue and expressing the plant acetyl CoA carboxylase gene. The expression cassette can also be introduced into other host cells to increase yield of a plant acetyl CoA carboxylase crystallized enzyme.

Abstract: The invention relates to sequences of nucleotides of bacteria, particularly Gram positive bacteria such as bacteria of the Bacillus type and more particularly sequences of nucleotides of the gene CryIIIA for the control of the expression of DNA sequences in a cellular host. The invention relates particularly to an expression system comprising a DNA sequence susceptible of being involved in the control of the expression of a coding sequence of nucleotides. Said DNA sequence comprises a promoter, as well as a sequence of nucleotides called "downstream region", situated between the promoter and the coding sequence of the gene to be expressed, and susceptible of acting at the post-transcriptional level during the expression of the gene. Preferably, the downstream region comprises a nucleotide sequence S2 comprising an essentially complementary region at the extremity 3' of the RNA 16S of the ribosomes of Bacillus type bacteria.

Abstract: A method of efficiently sequencing multiple exons from complex genomic DNAs is disclosed. The methodology includes the use of bacterial and bacteriophage-derived artificial chromosomes (BBPACs) in novel gene trapping protocols. Targeted gene trapping by homologous recombination, and random gene trapping with the use of a transposon system are exemplified. Included in the invention are methods of preparing a gene map from BBPAC contigs, the resulting gene maps, methods of constructing a cDNA library from BBPAC contigs, and the resulting cDNA libraries.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a Staphylococcus carnosus bacterium expressing at its membrane surface a recombinant polypeptide derived from RSV protein G, said polypeptide having a sequence which is a modification of SEQ ID No. 1 and SEQ ID No. 2 (sequence encompassed between residues 130 and 230 of RSV A and RSV B protein G respectively) wherein at least one of position 44 and 57 is serine is disclosed.

Abstract: The gene expressing the .beta. subunit of human thyroid stimulating hormone has been isolated. The gene has been incorporated into plasmid pBR322. Vectors can be used to transform cells which in turn produce pure .beta. subunits. The .beta. subunits can then be combined with the alpha subunit of human glycoprotein hormones to produce pure thyroid stimulating hormone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant nucleic acids encoding lactoferrin variants and portions thereof, having modified iron-binding capacity, and to vectors comprising same recombinant nucleic acids. The present invention is further directed to methods of producing such vectors, and to transfected cells harboring the same. Methods for the production of lactoferrin variants and portions thereof, in various eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells are also provided. Finally, the invention is directed to lactoferrin variants and portions thereof encoded by the nucleic acids of the invention and produced by the processes of the invention. Thus, the invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin variants and portions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the isolation and expression of a glycosyltransferase enzyme for use in the synthesis of oligosaccharide or polysaccharide structures on glycoproteins, glycolipids, or as free molecules. The gene coding for the enzyme N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase and the polypeptide sequence of the acceptor peptide for the enzyme N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase have been isolated and used for the control of glycosylation of a protein.

Abstract: Cloning systems useful for the isolation of recombinant nucleic acid are disclosed in which the recombination of cloning-system nucleic acid and foreign nucleic acid is linked to the expression of a moiety on the surface of a host organism, the moiety being a first member of a binding pair. When recombination occurs between the nucleic acid and the foreign nucleic acid, the moiety is expressed on the surface of the host organism. The isolation of recombinant nucleic acid is then performed by attaching a second member of the binding pair to a solid support and contacting the host organism with the support. When the first member of the binding pair is expressed on the surface of the host organism, the host organism binds to the second member of the binding pair attached to the solid support, thereby selectively isolating those organisms.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method of producing and purifying large quantities of a biosynthetic protein.The gene which codes for the protease is placed between the binding domain of a gene which codes for a binding protein and a gene coding for the target protein of interest. The fused gene construct is inserted in an expression vector which is then introduced into a host cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface anchoring vectors, a method for preparation of foreign proteins onto a cell surface and use thereof, which uses outer cell membrane protein, ice nucleation protein (NIP) derived from Pseudomonas syringae, a gram-negative bacterium.

Abstract: The p21 gene encodes a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor which affects cell cycle progression, but the role of this gene product in altering tumor growth has not been established. The present inventors have now discovered that the growth of malignant cells in vivo is inhibited by expression of p21. Expression of p21 resulted in an accumulation of cells in G.sub.0 /G.sub.1, alteration in morphology, and cell differentiation.

Abstract: An improved vector upon introduction into a suitable bacterial host containing the thermolabile repressor C.sub.I renders the host cell capable, upon increasing the temperature of the host cell to a temperature at which the repressor is destroyed, of effecting expression of a desired gene inserted into the vector and production of polypeptide encoded by the gene. The vector is a double-stranded DNA molecule which includes in 5' to 3' order the following: a DNA sequence which contains the promoter and operator P.sub.L O.sub.

Abstract: A new expression system is provided which comprises component(s) of a lipase regulation cascade. the lipase regulation cascade as disclosed herein includes a kinase, a DNA binding regulator, a polymerase, a promoter, an upstream activating sequence, and secretion factors. Plasmids and transformed cells are also provided as well as methods of transforming host cells using the plasmids. Further, there is provided a kinase that can regulate the expression of a protein, a DNA binding regulator that can regulate the expression of a protein, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes polymerase, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes sigma 54 promoter, a Pseudomonas alcaligenes upstream activating sequence, the Pseudomonas alcaligenes secretion factors XcpP, XcpQ, XcpR, XcpS, XcpT, XcpU, XcpV, XcpW, XcpX, XcpY, XcpZ and the xcp regulators OrfV, OrfX.

Abstract: A positive selection vector is provided for the transformation and screening of Gram positive bacteria and particularly Bacillus sp. for the presence of foreign DNA. The vector comprises a mutant gene encoding a signal peptide processing mutation. Expression of the mutant gene in a Bacillus host cell which lacks the ability to metabolize sucrose is lethal when cells are grown in the presence of sucrose. Foreign DNA may be inserted into the vector so as to inactivate the mutant gene thereby permitting the cells to grow in the presence of sucrose and allowing for facile selection of transformants.

Abstract: DNA sequences obtained from S. clavuligerus, recombinant vectors incorporating such sequences and hosts transformed with such vectors are disclosed. The DNA comprises one or more genes encoding one or more enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of clavulanic acid and may be used to improve the yield of clavulanic acid produced by clavulanic acid-producing organisms such as S. clavuligerus ATCC 27064.

Abstract: A new method for the identification of useful promoters is disclosed. The method is capable of identifying bacterial promoters sensitive to a particular cellular insult and may be modified to identify promoters sensitive to herbicides and crop protection chemicals. Constructs comprising promoters upstream of a luminescent reporter genes are placed in transformed hosts. Transformants grown in liquid media to a predetermined growth stage and contacted with a cellular insult are assessed for regulatory region activity by measurement of the resulting change in bioluminesence. The method is able to identify promoters undetectable by standard methods.

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

Abstract: High throughput DNA sequencing vectors for generating nested deletions using enzymatic techniques and/or transposition-based techniques are disclosed. Methods of constructing contigs of long DNA sequences and methods of generating nested deletions are also disclosed. A truncated lacZ derivative useful in measuring the copy number of the lacZ derivative in a host cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide represented by the following amino acid sequence:(Met)n=X=Leu=Ala=Gly=Glu=Ile=Ala=Gly=Val=Asn - Trp=Glu=Ser - Gly=Tyr=Leu=Val=Gly=Ile=Lys=Arg=Gln=Arg=Arg - Leu=Tyr=Cys=Asn - Val=Gly=Ile=Gly=Phe=His=Leu=Gln=Val=Leu=Pro - Asp=Gly=Arg=Ile - Ser=Gly=Thr=His=Glu=Glu=Asn=Pro=Tyr=Ser=Leu - Leu=Glu=Ile=Ser - Thr=Val=Glu=Arg=Gly=Val=Val=Ser=Leu=Phe=Gly - Val=Arg=Ser=Ala - Leu=Phe=Val=Ala=Met=Asn=Ser=Lys=Gly=Arg=Leu - Tyr=Ala=Thr=Pro - Ser=Phe=Gin=Glu=Glu=Cys=Lys=Phe=Arg=Glu=Thr Leu=Leu=Pro=Asn - Asn=Tyr=Asn=Ala=Tyr=Glu=Ser=Asp=Leu=Tyr=Gln - Gly=Thr=Tyr=Ile - Ala=Leu=Ser=Lys=Tyr=Gly=Arg=Val=Lys=Arg=Gly - Ser=Lys=Val=Ser - Pro=Ile=Met=Thr=Val=Thr=His=Phe=Leu=Pro=Arg=Ile wherein n is 0 or 1 and X represents Pro Ala Gly Thr Arg Ala Asn Asn Thr Leu Leu Asp Ser Arg Gly Trp Gly Thr Leu Leu Ser Arg Ser Arg Ala Gly or a fragment thereof (n=0: SEQ ID NO: 1, n=1: SEQ ID NO: 2), a recombinant DNA coding for the polypeptide, a vector containing the recombinant DNA, the preparation of a

Abstract: Nucleic acids comprising the RNA component of a mammalian telomerase are useful as pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and diagnostic reagents.