Abstract: A subject of the invention is a modified yeast strain in which the acetyl-CoA pregnenolone acetyltransferase (APAT) activity is eliminated by altering the gene coding for this activity with resultant stabilization of 3&bgr;-hydroxysteroids.

Abstract: Plant phytosterol compositions are modulated in transgenic plants to confer resistance to insects, nematodes, fungi, and/or other environmental stresses, and/or to improve the nutritional value of the plants. Recombinant DNA molecules of the invention encode RNA or protein sequences capable of altering plant sterol profiles by affecting the expression or activity of sterol biosynthetic enzymes. The DNA molecules are transformed into plant cells and plants having altered sterol compositions are regenerated therefrom.

Abstract: A process for enzymatically producing, from a vegetable oil deodorizer distillate, a dietary sterol fatty acid ester superior in flavor qualities (e.g., color, odor and taste) and safety and containing no or little trans fatty acids, wherein the conditions for treatment of the starting material, synthetic reaction and subsequent purification are controlled so that the sterol fatty acid ester becomes applicable as a daily food material, a health food material or a pharmaceutical material. In the process, fatty acid esters, e.g., triacylglycerol, in the vegetable oil deodorizer distillate are previously degraded by hydrolysis with a chemical catalyst, fatty acids produced in the hydrolysis are removed by molecular distillation to give a sterol-containing fraction. The sterol-containing fraction is added with any fat and oil primarily comprising triacylglycerol. The mixture is used as the starting material, and the synthetic reaction is performed under strictly controlled conditions using a lipolytic enzyme.

Abstract: A method for preparing at least one hydroxycholesterol chosen from the group consisting of 25-hydroxycholesterol, 17,25-dihydroxycholesterol and 25,26-dihydroxycholesterol by biological hydroxylation of cholesterol, and the aforementioned dihydroxycholesterols. In the above biological hydroxylation, a microorganism is used which has the abovementioned hydroxylation capacity and which belongs to the genus Amycolata and the genus Sphingomonas.

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: An enzymatic process is presented for reducing the cholesterol level of foods and feeds by converting the cholesterol therein to coprostanol which has a very low intestinal tract absorbability. Cholesterol in meat, egg, milk, seafood and cooked processed foods containing the same, or feeds for animals, poultry, and pisiculture can be reduced by the sequential action of three enzymes isolated from a eubacterium: cholesterol dehydrogenase, 4-cholesten-3-one dehydrogenase and coprostan-3-one dehydrogenase.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a process for producing a practical cholesterol-reduced substance by converting cholesterol contained in foods and feeds to coprostanol having very low intestinal tract absorbability by utilizing enzymatic action is provided. Cholesterol in a cholesterol-containing substance such as meat, egg, milk, seafood and cooked processed foods containing the same, or feeds for animals, poultry and pisciculture, and the like, can be treated with three kinds of enzymes which are a cholesterol dehydrogenase having an optimum pH in a neutral pH range and 4-cholesten-3-one dehydrogenase and coprostan-3-one dehydrogenase each having an optimum pH in a weak acidic range, or microbial cells containing the enzymes, for converting the cholesterol to coprostanol to reduce the amount of the cholesterol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound named Mumbaistatin, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives, a process for its production, and its use as a pharmaceutical. Mumbaistatin is obtainable by cultivation of the microorganism HIL-008003 (DSM 11641). Mumbaistatin is a glucose-6-phosphate translocase inhibitor and can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The present invention further relates to a process for the production of Mumbaistatin, to the microorganism HIL-008003 (DSM 11641), to the use of Mumbaistatin and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives as pharmaceuticals, in particular to their use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising Mumbaistatin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A subject of the invention is a modified yeast strain in which the acetyl-CoA pregnenolone acetyltransferase (APAT) activity is eliminated by altering the gene coding for this activity with resultant stabilization of 3&bgr;-hydroxysteroids.

Abstract: A subject of the invention is a modified yeast strain in which the acetyl-CoA pregnenolone acetyltransferase (APAT) activity is eliminated by altering the gene coding for this activity with resultant stabilization of 3&bgr;-hydroxysteroids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting specific target-cells in a simple and time saving way, using paramagnetic particles, antibodies recognizing the Fc portions of target-cell associating antibodies and target-cell associating antibodies directed to specific antigen determinants in the target-cell membranes. Incubation of the cell suspension with a mild detergent and/or second set of antibodies or antibody fragments, prelabeled or not with fluorescent agents, metallocolloids, radioisotopes, biotincomplexes or certain enzymes allowing visualization, with dramatically increase the specificity of the method. The method can further be used for isolation of the target-cells by magnetic field application and kit for performing the method according to the invention is described.

Abstract: A method for preparing at least one hydroxycholesterol chosen from the group consisting of 25-hydroxycholesterol, 17,25-dihydroxycholesterol and 25,26-dihydroxycholesterol by biological hydroxylation of cholesterol, and the aforementioned dihydroxycholesterols. In the above biological hydroxylation, a microorganism is used which has the abovementioned hydroxylation capacity and which belongs to the genus Amycolata and the genus Sphingomonas.

Abstract: A novel process for the fermentation of phytosterol compositions to androstenedione (androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, AD) and/or androstadienedione (androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, ADD) is disclosed. The process utilizes the micro-organism Mycobacterium MB 3683, and selected suitable solubilizing agents such as polypropylene glycol or silicone for solubilizing the phytosterol compositions at high concentrations in the nutrient medium. The innoculum of Mycobacterium MB 3683 is grown in a nutrient medium comprising Refiners molasses and inorganic salts.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence containing a sequence coding for a protein having a delta-5,7 sterol, delta-7 reductase activity, said nucleic acid being a DNA or an RNA, production process, strains of transformed yeasts and uses thereof.

Abstract: A microorganism having a capability of introducing a 7.beta.-hydroxyl group into a 7-unsubstituted bile acid, and a process for preparing a bile acid having a 7.beta.-hydroxyl group characterized by bringing the above microorganism into contact with a 7-unsubstituted bile acid to convert the acid to a bile acid having a 7.beta.-hydroxyl group. The process permits ursodeoxycholic acid useful as a cholagogue and intermediates therefor to be efficiently prepared.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic synthase of sulfate esters is disclosed in which intermediate phosphorylated adenosine compounds are recycled to minimize enzyme inhibition. Exemplary enzymes include ATP sulfurylase, APS kinase and a sulfotransferase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new cholesterol derivative for liposomal gene transfer. Areas of application of the invention are medicine and genetic engineering.The new cholesterol derivative, 3.beta.(N-(N,N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl) cholesterol (DAC-Chol) is prepared by the reaction between N,N'- dimethylethylenediamine and chloroformyl cholesterol in equimolar mounts and purified by chromatography.DAC-Chol is nontoxic and can be used advantageously for the in vivo direct liposomal gene transfer.The object of the invention furthermore is a new method for the direct, in vivo liposomal gene transfer, which is characterized in that the liposomes/DNA complexes are applied continuously or repeatedly at selected time intervals by means of automatic or refillable pumping systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a cholesterol-reduced substance obtained by converting cholesterol in a substance to epicholesterol, as well as to a novel cholesterol oxidase and a novel epicholesterol dehydrogenase which are used in the process, a process for production of these enzymes and a method for the production of epicholesterol with the use of the above mentioned epicholesterol dehydrogenase.

Abstract: The ballistic transfer transfection technology employs a cold gas shock wave to accelerate microprojectiles that carry matter into cells by mechanical force. The present invention relates to a device that splits the cold gas shock wave into several individual shock waves that spread the pressure of the initial shock wave to several projectile launching devices. The number of cells transfected by this new device is increased manyfold, compared to the original apparatus. The use of the technology in a clinical context is facilitated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel depsipeptide has been isolated from a new marine strain L-13-ACM2-092 belonging to the family Micromonosporaceae. Its production by aerobic fermentation under controlled conditions of the strain, and the isolation and purification of PM-93135 are described herein. The compound and the fermentation broth demonstrate significant activity against several cancer cell lines. The compound also shows activity against several gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of certain chemical compounds which interfere with the biosynthesis of cholesterol and medicaments comprising such compounds for stimulating the meiosis of oocytes and spermatozoon in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: Continuous cell lines have been established from adrenocortical corcinomas. The cell lines are maintained in fully defined serum-free, steroid-free mediums. The cells of the invention, as exemplified by NCI-H295 cells, express all of the major pathways of steroid-ogenesis, including formation of corticosteroids, mineralocorticoids and androgens.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence containing a sequence coding for a protein having a delta-5,7 sterol, delta-7 reductase activity, said nucleic acid being a DNA or an RNA, production process, strains of transformed yeasts and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of an organic or hydro-organic extract of Poria cocos Wolf fungi for the preparation of a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical composition, in particular a dermatological composition, for the treatment of acne and oily skin.The preferred concentration of Poria cocos extract is in the range 0.001% to 5% by weight with respect to the total weight of the final composition.Cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions, in particular dermatological compositions, can be prepared for the effective treatment of acne and oily skin.

Abstract: There is disclosed a compound having the formula ##STR1## which is produced by the fungus, Arthrinium arundinis ATCC 74359, and exhibits antifungal activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds which inhibit farnesyl-protein transferase (FPTase) and the farnesylation of the oncogene protein Ras. The invention is further directed to chemotherapeutic compositions containing the compounds of this invention and methods for inhibiting farnesyl-protein transferase and the farnesylation of the oncogene protein Ras. Furthermore, Actinoplanes sp. ATCC 55532 and Streptomces sp. ATCC 55550 are microorganisms which are capable of producing the disclosed compounds which are classified as carboxylic acid esters. In addition a method for preparing the compounds is disclosed which includes cultivating strain ATCC 55532 or strain ATCC 55550. The strains are independently capable of producing the carboxylic acid ester compounds.

Abstract: The system places traces of nutrients and other treatment substances in the ground, in the path of an on-coming plume of contaminated groundwater. Boreholes placed across the plume contain respective diffusion tubes, the tubes being of e.g LDPE, or dialysis tubing. The remediation substance is circulated (pumped) through the diffusion tubes periodically. The remediation substance diffuses through the LDPE into the water in the borehole, and thence into the plume and is carried into the aquifer.

Abstract: A Position 1 immunogen having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: (a) P represents an immunogenic carrier material(b) X represents a linking moiety wherein --X--P is attached to a testosterone derivative(c) n is from 1 to 10, inclusive(d) the degree of substitution of P by the testosterone derivative is from 1 to 100%, inclusive.

Abstract: A method of visually demonstrating the growth of such microorganisms as fungi, yeasts, and bacteria, especially mycobacteria, identifying them, and testing them for sensitivity to antibiotics by the color change of a specific redox indicator system. A mixture of the redox indicators Methylene Blue and resazurin is added to the culture medium. Iron(III) salts mixed with K.sub.3 Fe(CN).sub.6, Iron(II) salts mixed with K.sub.4 Fe(CN).sub.6, or sodium tungstate (Na.sub.2 WO.sub.4) is added to the culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a cholesterol-reduced substance obtained by converting cholesterol in a substance to epicholesterol, as well as to a novel cholesterol oxidase and a novel epicholesterol dehydrogenase which are used in the process, a process for production of these enzymes and a method for the production of epicholesterol with the use of the above mentioned epicholesterol dehydrogenase.

Abstract: Microorganisms from the genus Bacillus are used to convert chenodeoxycholic acid to 3-alpha-hydroxy-7-keto-5-beta-cholanic acid under aerobic conditions and alkaline pH. Preferred strains are Bacillus FERM BP-4390, Bacillus FERM BP-4391, Bacillus FERM BP-3651, Bacillus FERM BP-3393, Bacillus FERM BP-3398, Bacillus FERM BP-3395 and Bacillus FERM BP-3396. Microorganisms from the genus Bacillus are used to convert cholic acid to 3-alpha-hydroxy-7,12-diketo-5-beta-cholanic acid under aerobic conditions and alkaline pH. Preferred strains are Bacillus FERM BP-3393 and Bacillus FERM BP-3398. Microorganisms from the genus Bacillus are used to convert cholic acid to 3-alpha, 12-alpha-dihydroxy-7-keto-5-cholanic acid under aerobic conditions and alkaline PH. Preferred strains are Bacillus FERM BP-3395 and Bacillus FERM BP-4390.

Abstract: A structural gene encoding a polypeptide with .DELTA.8-7 sterol isomerase activity is disclosed, Recombinant DNA molecules useful for transforming yeast and mutant yeast transformed with such recombinant DNA molecules are also disclosed. The structural gene is useful for modulating the accumulation of sterols in yeast comprising increasing the expression level of a structural gene encoding a polypeptide having .DELTA.8-7 sterol isomerase activity in a mutant yeast having single or double defects in the expression of sterol biosynthetic enzymes is provided.

Abstract: Mixtures of compounds of ##STR1## or a mixture of the latter and a compound of the formula ##STR2## which are useful intermediates for the preparation 20-keto-21(S)-hydroxy steroids.

Abstract: A method of increasing the accumulation of squalene and specific sterols in yeast comprising increasing the expression level of a structural gene encoding a polypeptide having HMG-CoA reductase activity in a mutant yeast having single or double defects in the expression of sterol biosynthetic enzymes is provided. The expression level of a structural gene is preferably increased by transforming yeast with a recombinant DNA molecule comprising a vector operatively linked to an exogenous DNA segment that encodes a polypeptide having HMG-CoA reductase activity and a promoter that is suitable for driving the expression of the encoded polypeptide in the transformed yeast. The polypeptide having HMG-CoA reductase activity is preferably a truncated, active HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. Recombinant DNA molecules useful for transforming yeast and mutant yeast transformed with such recombinant DNA molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: 3-.alpha., 7-.alpha.-dihydroxy-12-keto-5-.beta.-cholanic acid is microbially produced from cholic acid by alkalophilic Bacillus strains. The preferred strains are Bacillus sp. FERM BP-3394 and Bacillus sp. FERM BP-3397.

Abstract: This invention concerns a coordination complex or salt thereof which is spectroscopically or photoactively determinable when bound to DNA having the formula ##STR1## wherein M is a suitable transition metal and each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is ethylenediamine or a substituted derivative thereof, bipyridine or a substituted derivative thereof, phenanthroline or a substituted derivative thereof, diazfluorene-9-one or a substituted derivative thereof, phenanthrenequinonediimine or a substituted derivative thereof; wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are bound to M by coordination bonds wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same and both are different from R.sub.3. The invention also concerns a method of labeling DNA with the coordination complex, a DNA molecule labeled with the coordination complex, a method of selectively labeling DNA conformation with the coordination complex and a method of detecting the presence of a conformation present in a double stranded DNA.

Abstract: 20 -Methyl-5,7-pregnadiene-3.beta.,21-diol derivatives of general formula I ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 means a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group andR.sub.2 means a lower alkyl group orR.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together represent a tetramethylene group or a pentamethylene group and a process for their production are described.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms comprising reacting a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.4 is a remainder of an easily cleavable ether, K is a protected ketone function in the form of ketal, thioketal or mixed ketal and R.sub.1 has the above definition with a magnesium organic compound reagent of the formulaHalMg--CH.sub.2 --R.sub.2 Awherein Hal is a halogen and R.sub.2 is defined as above to obtain a compound of the formula ##STR3## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and K are defined as above, reacting the latter with an acylation agent to obtain a compound of the formula ##STR4## wherein R.sub.5 is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or aryl of 6 to 10 carbon atoms and R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and K are defined as above, reacting the latter with an appropriate alkylation agent to obtain a compound of the formula ##STR5## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.

Abstract: A process for the production of 4-pregnene-3,20-dione and its derivatives of general formula I ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 means a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or a methyl group,R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy group, andR.sub.3 and R.sub.4 together symbolize a carbon-carbon bond orR.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group or an alkanoyloxy group with up to 6 carbon atoms andR.sub.4 means a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, is described, which is characterized in that a pregnane derivative of general formula II ##STR2## in which R.sub.1, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 have the above-mentioned meaning, symbolizes a single bond or a double bond,R.sub.5 represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group or an alkanoyloxy group with at most 6 carbon atoms andR.sub.6 means a hydrogen atom or an alkanoyl group with at most 6 carbon atoms, is fermented with a bacterial culture of species Mycobacterium spec. NRRL B-3805.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of 20-keto-21(S)-hydroxy steroids of the Formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and R.sub.3 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and novel intermediates therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel process for the production of 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione which comprises culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Myrothecium and capable of hydrolyzing 4-androstene-3,17-dione to produce 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione in a medium supplemented with 4-androstene-3,17-dione, and isolating 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione from the cultured medium. According to the process of the present invention, 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione and 14.alpha.-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,6,17-trione can be produced with a high yield in a simple manner.

Abstract: 9.alpha.-hydroxy-17-keto steroids are prepared by fermenting steroids having a C-17-side chain of 5-10 carbon atoms inclusive, with the novel Mycobacterium species CBS 482.86. Starting from various substrates containing a 5-10 C carbon chain on C-17, 9.alpha.-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione, 7.alpha.,9.alpha.,12.alpha.-trihydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione or 9.alpha.-hydroxyandrost-4,11-diene-3,17-dione is obtained in high yield. The resulting compounds are useful intermediates in the synthesis of therapeutically important steroids, particularly corticosteroids.

Abstract: Energy-transfer systems which can be used, inter alia, for measuring distances within or between different molecules are described, comprising derivatives of lumazine and ruthenium, in particular derivatives of DNA or RNA sequences.

Abstract: A process is claimed for the preparation of 1-methyl-1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione characterized by fermenting 1-methyl-5.alpha.-androst-1-ene-3,17-dione (metenolone) with a microorganism culture of the genera Nocardia, Mycobacterium, or Fusarium.

Abstract: Complexes which contain at least one glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol protein and at least one cholanic acid derivative of the formula I ##STR1## are suitable, inter alia, in enzyme tests and as aids in chemical reactions; where R.sup.1 is --NH--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --SO.sub.3 or --NH--CH.sub.2 --COOH, R.sup.2 is NR.sup.3 R.sup.4 or --OR.sup.5 ; R.sup.3, R.sup.4 or R.sup.5 are a hydrogen atom, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5)-alkyl, (C.sub.3 -C.sub.6)-cycloalkyl, substituted acetyl, halogen, succinyl, substituted benzyl or substituted benzoyl.

Abstract: This invention concerns a coordination complex and salts and optically resolved enantiomers thereof, of the formula (R).sub.3 --M, wherein R comprises 1,10-phenanthroline or a substituted derivative thereof, M comprises a suitable transition metal, e.g. ruthenium(II), RHODIUM(III) or cobalt(III), and R is bonded to M by a coordination bond.The complexes of this invention are useful in methods for labeling, nicking and cleaving DNA. The lambda enantiomer of complexes of this invention is useful in methods for specifically labeling, detecting, nicking and cleaving Z-DNA or A-DNA.The complexes may also be used in a method for killing tumor cells and may be combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to form a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of tumor cells in a subject. The invention further concerns methods for treating a subject affilicted with tumor cells.

Abstract: A process for reacting(1) a component selected from the group consisting of sterols and branched aliphatic primary or secondary alcohols having 14 to 32 carbon atoms, and(2) a component selected from the group consisting of fatty acids and fatty acid estersin contact with an enzyme selected from the group consisting of lipase and cholesterol esterase or with the selected enzyme in an immobilized form, in a system selected from the group consisting of an aqueous medium and water-containing organic solvent to prepare a fatty acid ester of the component (1).

Abstract: A process is described which uses a "cold" gas shock to accelerate microprojectiles wherein particles are presented to the gas shock on a planar surface perpendicular to the plane of expansion of the gas shock wave. Several different apparatus capable of accomplishing this method are described.

Abstract: Before a high permittivity interlayer insulating film of a non-volatile memory having a two-level gate electrode structure, a surface of a substrate in a peripheral circuit MOS area is successively covered with a thermal oxide film and a polycrystalline silicon film. Before the interlayer insulating film is selectively removed on the peripheral circuit MOS area, the surface of the interlayer insulating film of the non-volatile memory is covered with a polycrystalline silicon film. When the interlayer insulating film in the peripheral circuit MOS area is removed, the polycrystalline silicon film as a lower layer in the peripheral circuit area serves as a buffer layer against contamination or damage due to the etching, and the conductive layer on the surface of the interlayer insulating film in the non-volatile memory portion also serves as a buffer layer against the contamination or damage due to the etching.

Abstract: Novel 7.beta.-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione derivatives are disclosed.The group of these compounds has possibility of being utilized as an intermediate for the synthesis of progesterone derivatives having ovulation-inhibiting activity. These compounds themselves have also cell differentiation activity for M1 cells.