Abstract: Described herein are methods for the enhanced production of secreted proteins. The secretion of a protein of interest having a substantially non-polar carboxy tail is enhanced by the placement of charged amino acid residues at the carboxy terminus either by adding to the native peptide or by replacing, i.e., substituting, the terminal residues of the native peptide.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification of a series of virulence genes in E. coli K1, the products of which may be implicated in the pathogenicity of the organisms. The identification of the genes allows them, or their expressed products, to be used in a number of ways to treat infection.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to plant cell transformation with a nucleic acid construct comprising a prokaryotic ammonium-specific asparagine synthetase, type A, coding sequence, operably linked to a chloroplast transit peptide-encoding sequence, wherein said plant cells also contain a nucleic acid construct comprising a chloroplastic glutamine synthetase coding sequence in antisense orientation. Plant cells containing both nucleic acid constructs, and plants regenerated therefrom, exhibit improved growth characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing modified polysaccharide in contact with a sugar group transferring enzyme and a sugar group donor. The result of the method is modified polysaccharides, which can be used for different food and non-food applications.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for obtaining a C-polysaccharide cell wall antigen containing not more than about 10% protein from Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The antigen thus obtained is conjugated to a spacer molecule, and the free end of the latter is then conjugated to a chromatographic affinity column. The column is then utilized to purify raw antibodies to S. pneumonia bacteria, thereby producing antigen-specific antibodies. A portion of such antibodies is conjugated to a labeling agent which displays a visible color change upon reaction of the antibodies with their antigenic binding partner and embedded in a first zone of an immunochromatographic assay device. Another portion of such antibodies is bound to the reaction zone of the device which has a view window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to these novel human secreted proteins.

Abstract: A member of a specific binding pair (sbp) is identified by expressing DNA encoding a genetically diverse population of such sbp members in recombinant host cells in which the sbp members are displayed in functional form at the surface of a secreted recombinant genetic display package (rgdp) containing DNA encoding the sbp member or a polypeptide component thereof, by virtue of the sbp member or a polypeptide component thereof being expressed as a fusion with a capsid component of the rgdp. The displayed sbps may be selected by affinity with a complementary sbp member, and the DNA recovered from selected rgdps for expression of the selected sbp members. Antibody sbp members may be thus obtained, with the different chains thereof expressed, one fused to the capsid component and the other in free form for association with the fusion partner polypeptide. A phagemid may be used as an expression vector, with said capsid fusion helping to package the phagemid DNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to pairs of parent plants for producing hybrid seeds and to methods for producing plants with a desired phenotype. The desired phenotype is an active enzyme, a regulatory protein or a protein which affects the functionality and/or viability and/or structural integrity of a cell. Preferably, the desired phenotype is substantially absent from the parent plants/lines. In particular, the invention relates to parent plants and methods involving plant lines for producing male-sterile plants and seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the finding that the accumulation of flavodoxin within chloroplasts of plant cells provides enhanced resistance to sources of environmental stress, including ultraviolet AB radiation, extreme temperatures, infection and/or high doses of irradiation. Nucleic acids encoding flavodoxin fused to a chloroplast targeting peptide, cells, plants and methods pertaining thereto are described.

Abstract: Novel cytokine polypeptides, materials and methods for making them, and method of use are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise at least nine contiguous amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4, and may be prepared as polypeptide fusions comprise heterologous sequences, such as affinity tags. The polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding them may be used within a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications.

Abstract: Micro-organisms having a chromosome in which at least one gene has been partly or wholly replaced by a homologous gene from another micro-organism, and an artificially introduced reporter gene is present and is expressed in a manner related to a homologous gene expression product. Panels of such microorganisms are also described. Methods of assessing an agent for antibiotic activity and using the agent as an antibiotic. Methods of killing or inhibiting growth of bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a class of genes called oil body protein genes that have unique features. The discovery of these features allowed the invention of methods for the production of recombinant proteins wherein a protein of interest can be easily separated from other host cell components. The invention is further exemplified by methods for exploitation of the unique characteristics of the oil body proteins and oil body genes for expression of polypeptides of interest in many organisms, particularly plant seeds. Said polypeptides may include but are not limited to: seed storage proteins, enzymes, bioactive peptides, antibodies and the like. The invention can also be modified to recover recombinant polypeptides fused to oil body proteins from non-plant host cells. Additionally the invention provides a method of using recombinant proteins associated with seed oil bodies released during seed germination for expression of polypeptides that afford protection to seedlings from pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic plants over-expressing a transgene encoding a calcium-binding protein or peptide (CaBP). Preferably, the CaBP is a calcium storage protein and over-expression thereof does not have undue adverse effects on calcium homeostasis or biochemical pathways that are regulated by calcium. In preferred embodiments, the CaBP is calreticulin (CRT) or calsequestrin. In more preferred embodiments, the CaBP is the C-domain of CRT, a fragment of the C-domain, or multimers of the foregoing. In other preferred embodiments, the CaBP is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum by operatively associating the transgene encoding the CaBP with an endoplasmic reticulum localization peptide. Alternatively, the CaBP is targeted to any other sub-cellular compartment that permits the calcium to be stored in a form that is biologically available to the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a class of genes called oil body protein genes that have unique features. The discovery of these features allowed the invention of methods for the production of recombinant proteins wherein a protein of interest can be easily separated from other host cell components. The invention is further exemplified by methods for exploitation of the unique characteristics of the oil body proteins and oil body genes for expression of polypeptides of interest in many organisms, particularly plant seeds. Said polypeptides include thioredoxin and/or thioredoxin reductase. The invention can also be modified to recover recombinant polypeptides fused to oil body proteins from non-plant host cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to activating gene expression or causing over-expression of a gene by recombination methods in situ. The invention also is directed generally to methods for expressing an endogenous gene in a cell at levels higher than those normally found in the cell. In one embodiment of the invention, expression of an endogenous gene is activated or increased following integration into the cell, by non-homologous or illegitimate recombination, of a regulatory sequence that activates expression of the gene. The invention also provides methods for the identification, activation, isolation, and/or expression of genes undiscoverable by current methods since no target sequence is necessary for integration. Thus, by the present invention, endogenous genes, including those associated with human disease and development, may be activated and isolated without prior knowledge of the, sequence, structure, function, or expression profile of the genes.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA constructs and genetically engineered seeds for the expression of amylopullulanase in plant seeds such as rice seeds. Related methods are also provided for the production of sugars, modified starches, and high protein products, and use of the glutelin promoter in the methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation of the prepro form of cathepsin L, of its leader sequence, of cathepsin L and of the affiliated propeptide from ciliates, in particular Paramecium, to the use of these peptides and to a process for preparing cathepsin L from ciliates.

Abstract: A universal secretory signal originally derived from a piscine vitellogenin (Vtg) gene is inserted into various expression vectors for driving the secretion of the recombinant protein into the culture medium. This enhances the detection, quantification and downstream scaled-up purification of a recombinant protein of interest. The secretory signal system is very versatile, being conveniently and widely applicable to an array of heterologous host cells such as bacteria, yeast, insect, piscine, and mammalian cell lines (e.g., COS, CHO, NIH/3T3). The said secretory system is also applicable as a reporter vector for secretion of reporter proteins/enzymes, thus, enabling the detection of the reporter proteins (e.g., CAT, GFP) in the culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides formaldehyde dehydrogenase genes (FLD) from methylotrophic yeasts. The FLD structural genes confer resistance to formaldehyde and are therefore useful as a selectable marker in methylotrophic yeasts. The FLD promoter sequences are strongly and independently induced by either methanol as sole carbon source (with ammonium sulfate as nitrogen source) or methylamine as sole nitrogen source (with glucose as carbon source). Induction under either methanol, methylamine or both provides levels of heterologous gene expression comparable to those obtained with the commonly used alcohol oxidase I gene promoter (PAOX1). The FLD promoter of Pichia pastoris (PFLD1)is an attractive alternative to PAOX1 for expression of foreign genes in P. pastoris, allowing regulation by carbon (methanol) or nitrogen (methylamine) source within the same expression strain.

Abstract: Recombinant fragments of Factor C are disclosed. These proteins and peptides show great potency in recognizing, binding to, neutralizing and removing endotoxin. These molecules can thus be used for anti-microbial, anti-endotoxin, and anti-sepsis therapy. SSCrFCES is a 38 kDa protein representing the LPS-binding domain of Factor C. The ability of SSCrFCES to bind lipid A was analyzed using an ELISA-based assay as well as surface plasmon resonance. Surface plasmon resonance similarly carried out for SSCrFC-sushi-1,2,3-GFP, SSCrFC-sushi-1GFP, and SSCrFC-sushi-3GFP confirmed their superior affinity for endotoxin. The 50% endotoxin-neutralizing concentration of SSCrFCES against 200 EU of endotoxin is 0.069 &mgr;M, suggesting that SSCrFCES is an effective inhibitor of LAL coagulation cascade.

Abstract: DNA constructs, host cells and production methods are disclosed for the expression and recovery of polypeptides, especially those altered to have one or more glycosylation sites added or deleted. The DNA constructs, host cells and methods provided herein employ a DNA segment corresponding to a mammalian tissue plasminogen activator signal and/or pro peptide.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding allergens of Dermatophagoides (house dust mites) particularly of the species Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which are protein allergens or peptides which include at least one epitope of the protein allergen. In particular, DNA encoding two major D. farinae allergens, Der f I and Der f II and DNA encoding a D. pteronyssinus allergen, Der p I. In addition, the proteins or peptides encoded by the isolated DNA, their use as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents and methods of diagnosing and treating sensitivity to house dust mite allergens.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of a novel member of the laminin family, laminin 12. Accordingly, the present invention features a purified or isolated preparation or a recombinant preparation of laminin 12 which includes an &agr;2 subunit, &bgr;1 subunit and a &ggr;3 subunit.

Abstract: Provided is a signal peptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90% homologous to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1. Further provided is a fusion protein comprising the signal peptide fused to a heterologous protein. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding the signal peptide and encoding the fusion protein, as well as vectors and recombinant host cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules. The recombinant host cell can be a recombinant bacterium having a functional type III secretion system and having loss-of-function mutations in genes that encode secreted substrate proteins of the type III secretion system. The recombinant host cell can be used in a method of producing the heterologous protein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a transgenic plant with a modified inulin producing profile comprising in its genome a combination of one or more expressible 1-SST enzyme encoding genes and one or more expressible 1-FFT enzyme encoding genes, wherein either of these genes or both of them comprise one or more recombinant genes containing one or more 1-SST, respectively 1-FFT, enzyme encoding DNA sequences of plant origin or an expressible homologous sequence thereof. The invention also relates to a method for modifying and controlling the inulin profile of plants and to a method for producing inulin from said transgenic plants. Furthermore, a novel cDNA sequence of a 1-SST enzyme encoding gene of Helianthus tuberosus and a novel cDNA sequence of a 1-FFT enzyme encoding gene of Cichorium intybus are disclosed, novel recombinant DNA constructs and genes derived thereof, as well as novel combinations of expressible 1-SST and 1-FFT enzyme encoding genes.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to plant genetic engineering. In particular, the invention is directed to new dehydroascorbate reductase (“DHAR”) genes useful in modulating ascorbic acid levels in plants.

Abstract: In summary of this disclosure, the present invention provides a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae, employing a vector, containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a lorf2 protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the lorf2 gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: Methods for producing proteins in plant seeds are disclosed. Expression of the protein is driven by a seed-specific promoter and the protein is preferably expressed as a fusion polypeptide that includes a signal peptide that causes the protein to accumulate in a subcellular compartment to protect the protein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for efficient production of human insulin-like growth factor. Synthetic IGF I and IGF II genes are joined to leader and processing signals which provide for expression and secretion of the gene product in yeast. Enhanced yields of the product may then be recovered from the nutrient medium. Yeast strains S. cerevisiae AB103 (pYIGF-I-10/1) and AB103 (pYIGF-II-10/1) were deposited at the American Type Culture Collection on Apr. 23, 1983 and granted Accession Nos. 20673 and 20674, respectively.

Abstract: Stable cell lines are produced to express high levels of a gene product of interest using VP16, a herpes simplex virus transactivator, and a promoter from herpes simplex virus which is a target for VP16. The transactivator and promoter are introduced to a cell line separately using antibiotic resistance genes as selectable markers on separate vectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to secretion in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic acid amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis secretion factors SecDF. The present invention also provides improved methods for the secretion of heterologous or homologous proteins in gram-positive microorganisms.

Abstract: A plant, the nuclear genome of which is transformed with a foreign DNA sequence encoding a product which selectively disrupts the metabolism, functioning and/or development of stamen cells of the plant. The foreign DNA sequence also optionally encodes a marker.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for transforming a rice plant to provide it with a C4 photosynthetic pathway by way of the introduction of some genes participating in a C4 photosynthetic pathway. To this end, the method of the invention comprises introducing a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and a gene coding for a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK) which has been connected with a DNA fragment coding for a transit peptide into a rice plant.

Abstract: The present invention describes transgenic plant cells and plants which due to a reduced activity of a disproportionating enzyme (D enzyme) synthesize a modified starch. Furthermore, the starch synthesized in these plant cells and plants is described.

Abstract: Interleukin-1 inhibitors are provided. Compositions comprising an interleukin-1 inhibitor are provided. Methods of treating a patient comprising administering an interleukin-1 inhibitor are provided.

Abstract: A method for identifying specific protein-protein (i.e., ligand/anti-ligand) interactions that internalize and are detected by transgene expression. A ligand displaying genetic package that carries a reporter or selectable marker and presents a ligand or putative ligand on its surface is utilized to screen cells displaying known or putative anti-ligands for the ability to successfully internalize the ligand displaying genetic package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a class of genes called oil body protein genes that have unique features. The discovery of these features allowed the invention of methods for the production of recombinant proteins wherein a protein of interest can be easily separated from other host cell components. The invention is further exemplified by methods for exploitation of the unique characteristics of the oil body proteins and oil body genes for expression of polypeptides of interest in many organisms, particularly plant seeds. Said polypeptides may include but are not limited to: seed storage proteins, enzymes, bioactive peptides, antibodies and the like. The invention can also be modified to recover recombinant polypeptides fused to oil body proteins from non-plant host cells. Additionally the invention provides a method of using recombinant proteins associated with seed oil bodies released during seed germination for expression of polypeptides that afford protection to seedlings from pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the production of transgenic organisms or transgenic cells, to transgenic orgaisms or transgenic cells obtainable by the process of the present invention, to the use of vectors comprising DNA encoding a recombination promoting enzymes for curing impairments caused by environmental influences in plants or plant cells and for gene therapy in mammals or mammalian cells, and to novel vectors.

Abstract: A new approach in the field of plant gums is described which presents a new solution to the production of hydroxyproline(Hyp)-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs), repetitive proline-rich proteins (RPRPs) and arabino-galactan proteins (AGPs). The expression of synthetic genes designed from repetitive peptide sequences of such glycoproteins, including the peptide sequences of gum arabic glycoprotein (GAGP), is taught in host cells, including plant host cells.

Abstract: Transgenic plant cells and plants with an increased activity of an amylosucrase protein and an increased activity of a branching enzyme are provided. Such plant cells and plants synthesize a modified starch and/or synthesize &agr;-1,6 branched &agr;-1,4-glucans with a modified branching degree in O-6-position and/or give a higher yield in comparison with corresponding genetically non-modified wild type plants (plant cells).

Abstract: A therapeutic method whereby an individual suspected of having an &agr;-galactosidase A deficiency, such as Fabry disease, is treated either with (1) human cells that have been genetically modified to overexpress and secrete human &agr;-gal A, or (2) purified human &agr;-gal A obtained from cultured, genetically modified human cells.

Abstract: The invention provides for DNA encoding Fas ligand muteins and chimeras and the proteins encoded thereby. The invention further includes the use of DNA and vectors to produce transformed cells expressing the mutant or chimeric Fas ligand. When the Fas ligand of the invention is a non cleavable form, the cells expressing the Fas ligand are useful in vitro for identifying Fas expressing cells and in vitro or in vivo for reducing populations of Fas expressing cells. Thus, in other embodiments, the present invention is also directed to a method for treating a patient, for example a mammal, for autoimmune disease or transplant rejection by administering a Fas ligand therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent is a polypeptide, a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide or a small molecule. The polypeptides include full-length Fas ligand polypeptide, or a biologically active variant, derivative, portion, fusion or peptide thereof.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the production of anti-self antibodies and antibody fragments, being antibodies or fragments of a particular species of mammal which bind self antigens of that species. Methods comprise providing a library of replicable genetic display packages (rgdps), such as filamentous phage, each rgdp displaying at its surface a member of a specific binding pair which is an antibody or antibody fragment, and each rgdp containing nucleic acid sequence derived from a species of mammal. The nucleic acid sequence in each rgdp encodes a polypeptide chain which is a component part of the sbp member displayed at the surface of that rgdp. Anti-self antibody fragments are selected by binding with a self antigen from the said species of mammal. The displayed antibody fragments may be scFv, Fd, Fab or any other fragment which has the capability of binding antigen. Nucleic acid libraries used may be derived from a rearranged V-gene sequences of unimmunised mammal.

Abstract: Transformed plant cells which have increased'starch content are disclosed. Also disclosed are whole plants comprising plant cells which express CTP/ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase genes.

Abstract: Promoters for enhanced expression of ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase in potato tubers and fruits such as tomato; methods of using them; DNA molecules, plant cells and plants containing them. A method of decreasing the oil content of seeds by expression of ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and DNA molecules for the synthesis of heterologous proteins in the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans either intracellularly or with secretion out of the cells using a regulated xylanase promoter and for secreted protein synthesis, a signal sequence. Further described are kits containing host cells for recombinant protein production, a vector containing an XynA transcription regulatory sequence, and instructions for using the vector to transform the host cells.

Abstract: Assays for the detection of &bgr;-lactamase induction can be used to identify compounds that kill bacteria (i.e., bacteriocidal activity) or inhibit bacterial growth (i.e., bacteriostatic activity). The &bgr;-lactamase can be encoded, for example, by a &bgr;-lactamase gene carried by a bacterial host. The identified compounds can be use to treat bacterial infections in organisms such as mammals. The new methods can be used, for example, for high throughput screening of libraries of potential inhibitors.

Abstract: New bacteriocins capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria are disclosed, along with methods of obtaining secretion of proteins from lactic acid bacteria, and methods for protecting foodstuffs.

Abstract: Expression of an endogenous gene is activated or increased following integration into the cell, by non-homologous or illegitimate recombination, of a regulatory sequence that activates expression of the gene. The invention also provides methods for the identification, activation, isolation, and/or expression of genes undiscoverable by current methods since no target sequence is necessary for integration. The invention also provides methods for the isolation of nucleic acid molecules (particularly cDNA molecules) encoding a variety of proteins, including transmembrane proteins, and for the isolation of cells expressing such transmembrane proteins which may be heterologous transmembrane proteins. Thus, by the present invention, endogenous genes, including those associated with human disease and development, may be activated and isolated without prior knowledge of the sequence, structure, function, or expression profile of the genes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to DNA encoding human endothelial cell growth factors, and to plasmids comprising said DNA. In particular, the invention relates to DNA encoding a cleavable signal peptide and an endothelial cell growth factor, wherein removal of said signal peptide yields a mature form of the growth factor.