Abstract: Macrolides particularly erythromycins and azithromycins, having O-mycaminosyl or O-angolosaminyl groups, particularly at the 5-position, are produced using a gene cassette comprising a combination of genes which, in an appropriate strain background, are able to direct the synthesis of mycaminose or angolosamine and to direct its subsequent transfer to an aglycone or pseudoaglycone. Synthetic genes may comprise one or more of angMIII, angMI, angB, angAI, angAII, angorf14, angorf4, tylMIII, tylMI, tylB, tylAI, tylAII, eryCVI, spnO, eryBVI, eryK, tyl Ia and ery G. Glycosyltransfer genes may comprise one or more of eryCIII, tylMII, angMII, desVII, eryBV, spnP and midI.

Abstract: A method for breeding yeast having thermotolerance or recovering growth activity and a method for breeding yeast which produces beta-glucan efficiently as well as an yeast obtained by such methods for breeding are presented by a method for breeding yeast having thermotolerance or recovering growth activity including a step for controlling proofreading function of DNA polymerase in a loss-of-function mutant of yeast (for example, a step for including mutant pol3 gene or mutant cdc6?gene in a gene-disruptant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing anthrax protective antigen protein from E. coli using fed batch culture. This process creates a constitutively expressing system for rapid, efficient, cost-effective and high-level production of anthrax PA from E. coli. The steps of the process involves, transforming E. coli DH5? cells with the recombinant constitutive expression plasmid containing the PA gene to obtain recombinant DH5? cells and testing the PA expression by lysis of said cells followed by denaturing gel electrophoresis and Western Blotting technique using PA antibodies. This is followed by fermentation and harvesting of the high cell density cells. The said cells are solubilized using 6-8 Molar Urea and separated by centrifugation. The urea denatured PA is isolated from said supernatant and purified and thereafter eluted.

Abstract: 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 98 kDa outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the 98 kDa outer membrane protein gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-vaccinal and non-pharmacologic compositions and methods for controlling complex retroviral infections. In particular, the present invention provides transgenic animals expressing a transdominant negative Rex gene product that inhibits retroviral replication.

Abstract: A method of reducing superoxide damage to a cell is disclosed. In one embodiment, this method comprises the step of engineering the cell to produce more than a native amount of the YggX protein or its homolog, wherein the cells are rendered more resistant to superoxide damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotide molecules that encode Chlamydia polypeptides which can be used in methods to prevent, treat, and diagnose Chlamydia infection. In one form of the invention, the polynucleotide molecules are selected from DNA that encode polypeptides CPN100686 RY 54 (SEQ ID Nos: 1 and 14), CPN100696 RY-55 (SEQ ID Nos: 2 and 15), CPN100709 RY-57 (SEQ ID Nos: 3 and 16), CPN100710 RY-58 (SEQ ID Nos: 4 and 17), CPN100711 RY-59 (SEQ ID Nos: 5 and 18), CPN100877 RY-61 (SEQ ID Nos: 6 and 19), CPN100325 RY-62 (SEQ ID Nos: 7 and 20), CPN100368 RY-63 (SEQ ID Nos: 8 and 21), CPN100624 RY-64 (SEQ ID Nos:9 and 22), CPN100633 RY-65 (SEQ ID Nos:10 and 23), CPN100985 RY-66 (SEQ ID Nos:11 and 24), CPN100987 RY-67 (SEQ ID Nos:12 and 25) and CPN100988 RY-68 (SEQ ID Nos:13 and 26).

Abstract: There is provided a fermented milk product that contains lactic acid bacteria capable of producing a large amount of lactotripeptide and a large amount of active ingredient having hypotensive activity and anti-stress effect, and that can be taken pleasantly as foods or beverages. Lactic acid bacteria of Lactobacillus helveticus having specific bacteriological properties, the bacteria, when cultured in a medium of animal milk containing 9 wt % solid of non-fat milk, producing tripeptides Val-Pro-Pro and Ile-Pro-Pro in an amount of 60 ?g in terms of Val-Pro-Pro per ml medium, and the bacteria exhibiting extracellular proteinase activity of not lower than 400 U/OD590. Lactobacillus helveticus CM4 strain (deposited at National Institute of Bioscience and Human-Technology Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, deposition number FERM BP-6060). A fermented milk product obtained by fermenting an animal milk with these lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: The promoter region associated with the Yarrowia lipolytica glycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase (gpat) gene has been found to be particularly effective for the expression of heterologous genes in oleaginous yeast. The promoter regions of the instant invention have been shown to be suitable to drive high-level expression of genes involved in the production of ?-3 and ?-6 fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active agent, in particular a metalloproteinase inhibitory agent of casein-derived peptides obtained by hydrolysis of casein by a food grade bacteria. The invention also relates to the manufacture of an active agent, in which a food grade bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus helveticus is contacted with casein in order to perform a hydrolysis and obtain casein-derived peptides exhibiting metalloproteinases inhibitory property. The present invention also includes isolated and purified inhibitory peptides obtained by hydrolysis of casein by the bacteria.

Abstract: Provided are a microorganism capable of producing L-threonine and having an inactivated tyrR gene, a method of producing the same and a method of producing L-threonine using the microorganism. The microorganism can be used to produce L-threonine in high yield.

Abstract: A Ca2+ dependent recombinant antibody that specifically binds to a specific twelve peptide sequence (E D Q V D P R L I D G K) in the activation region of the Protein C has been constructed. The antibody does not bind to Activated Protein C and can be used to inhibit activation of Protein C by thrombin-thrombomodulin, in purification of Protein C, and in treatment of tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide of interest by (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent Aspergillus cell, wherein (i) the mutant comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide and a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a modification of at least one of the genes responsible for the biosynthesis or secretion of at least one toxin, and (ii) the mutant produces less of the toxin than the parent Aspergillus cell when cultured under the same conditions; and (b) isolating the polypeptide from the culture medium. Also, mutants of Aspergillus cells are provided, as well as methods for obtaining the mutant cells.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences encoding formate dehydrogenases D & E and a method for preparing succinic acid using the same, more particularly, formate dehydrogenases D & E converting formate to carbon dioxide and hydrogen, fdhD and fdhE nucleotide sequences encoding the formate dehydrogenases D & E, recombinant vectors containing the nucleotide sequences, microorganisms transformed with the recombinant vectors, and a method for preparing succinic acid using the transformed microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention describes a newly discovered full-length polynucleotide encoding an SH2 domain-containing adapter protein, called human MIST, cloned, isolated and identified from a human spleen cDNA library. Also described are the MIST polypeptide sequence, expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antagonists, antisense molecules, and antibodies related to the polynucleotide and/or polypeptide of the present invention. Novel splice variant forms of human MIST are provided. Methods for screening for modulators, particularly inhibitors, of the MIST protein and use of the human MIST polynucleotide and polypeptide for therapeutics and diagnostics are described.

Abstract: Provided are a microorganism capable of producing L-threonine and having an inactivated galR gene, a method of producing the same and a method of producing L-threonine using the microorganism. The microorganism can be used to produce L-threonine in high yield.

Abstract: Botulinum neurotoxins, the most potent of all toxins, induce lethal neuromuscular paralysis by inhibiting exocytosis at the neuromuscular junction. The light chains (LC) of these dichain neurotoxins are a new class of zinc-endopeptidases that specifically cleave the synaptosomal proteins, SNAP-25, VAMP, or syntaxin at discrete sites. The present invention relates to the construction, expression, purification, and use of synthetic or recombinant botulinum neutoroxin genes. For example, a synthetic gene for the LC of the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) was constructed and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The gene product was purified from inclusion bodies. The methods of the invention can provide 1.1 g of the LC per liter of culture. The LC product was stable in solution at 4° C. for at least 6 months. This rBoNT/A LC was proteolytically active, specifically cleaving the Glu-Arg bond in a 17-residue synthetic peptide of SNAP-25, the reported cleavage site of BoNT/A.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutant strain of bacteria, which either lacks or contains mutant genes for several key metabolic enzymes, and which produces high amounts of succinic acid under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to preparation and expression of synthetic genes encoding polypeptides containing protective epitopes of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). The invention is also directed to production of immunogenic peptides encoded by the synthetic genes, as weel as recovery and purification of the immunogenic peptides from recombinant organisms. The invention is also directed to methods of vaccination against botulism using the expressed peptides.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis, treatment and methods for discovery of new therapeutics for atopic asthma and related disorders based on variants of Asthma Associated Factor 2. One embodiment of the invention is a variant of AAF2 wherein codon 173 is deleted resulting in the loss of glutamine 173 from the mature protein precursor. This single amino acid deletion results in a non-functional AAF2 protein and therefore the presence of this phenotype should be associated with less evidence of atopic asthma. Correspondingly, the lack of susceptibility to an asthmatic, atopic phenotype is characterized by the loss of glutamine at codon 171 The invention includes isolated DNA molecules which are variants of the wild type sequence as well as the proteins encoded by such DNA and the use of such DNA molecules and expressed protein in the diagnosis and treatment of atopic asthma.

Abstract: Fusion protein including a fusion part and a protein of interest, the combination of the two proteins leading to the fusion protein being secreted into a supernatant of a bacterial host with the protein of interest being present in its correct three-dimensional structure. Nucleic acid including a sequence coding for a fusion protein, the sequence including: —F—Asm—Rn—Y—, where F is a nucleic acid sequence coding for an amino acid sequence which allows secretion of a protein encoded by Y into a fermentation medium, As is a chemical bond or a nucleic acid sequence comprising a codon, m is an integer from 0–10, R is a chemical bond or an arginine codon, n is 0 or 1, and Y is a nucleic acid sequence coding for a protein of interest. Processes therefor.

Abstract: A polypeptide which contains the amino acid sequence described in SEQ ID NO: 1 in the Sequence Listing encoded by a gene originating in human being. Because of serving as a chemical efficacious in the suppression of the proliferation and differentiation of undifferentiated blood cells, this polypeptide is expected to be usable in medicines and medical supplies.

Abstract: (Beauveria) sp. FO-6979 (FERM BP-6681), which belongs to the genus Beauveria and is capable of producing FO-6979-M0, -M1, -M2, -M3 and -M4 substances, is cultured in a medium to thereby accumulate the FO-6979-M0, -M1, -M2, -M3 and -M4 substances in the liquid culture medium. Then the FO-6979-M0, -M1, -M2, -M3 and -M4 substances are collected from the culture medium. The substances thus obtained are less toxic, specifically inhibit acyl-Coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase, and inhibit the formation of oil droplets in macrophages. Owing to these characteristics, the above substances are useful in preventing and treating human diseases caused by cholesterol accumulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein having ?1,3-galactosyltransferase activity, a DNA encoding the protein, a transformant comprising the DNA, a process for producing the protein using the transformant, and a process for producing a galactose-containing complex carbohydrate using the transformant.

Abstract: A polypeptide which contains the amino acid sequence described in SEQ ID NO: 1 in the Sequence Listing encoded by a gene originating in human being. Because of serving as a chemical efficacious in the suppression of the proliferation and differentiation of undifferentiated blood cells, this polypeptide is expected to be usable in medicines and medical supplies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of microbial infection, and in particular meningococcal disease, comprise a commensal Neisseria or an extract of a commensal Neisseria. Further methods and compositions comprise commensal Neisseria which express genes from virulent strains of Neisseria and/or heterologous gene products from non-neisserial sources. Such compositions are used in vaccine preparations for the treatment of microbial infection.

Abstract: Isolated DNAs which are DNAs having a base sequence represented by any of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 6 in Sequence Listing or fragments thereof and showing a stationary phase-specific promoter activity in Gram-positive bacteria.

Abstract: A minicell display method has been developed which has significant advantages for screening peptide libraries for candidates that can bind and effectively modulate a particular biological process. The method, based on the small, anucleate minicell, has increased versatility in generating unique sequences to screen as well as increasing the size of the peptides to be screened. In vivo mutagenesis, at the level of protein synthesis, as well as DNA replication, increases diversification of the library to be screened and therefore substantially increases the number of potential peptides that can modulate a particular biological response or mechanism.

Abstract: A mammalian cytokine-like polypeptide, called Mammalian Cytokine-like polypeptide-10, (Zcyto10), polynucleotides encoding the same, antibodies which specifically bind to the polypeptide, and anti-idiotypic antibodies which bind to the antibodies. Zcyto10 is useful for promoting the healing of wounds and for stimulating the proliferation of platelets.

Abstract: Disclosed is DNA encoding diphtheria toxin polypeptides having multiple mutations, which render the polypeptides useful as vaccines.

Abstract: This invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising a bacterial extract containing at least one expression products of the vrg genes of a strain of Bordetella chosen from B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, or B. bronchiseptica. The invention also relates to a method for producing the extract, comprising culturing the bacteria on blood medium to obtain isolated nonhemolytic colonies; inoculating cells of one or more colonies in liquid medium to give a suspension of cells; separating the cells from the liquid medium after culture; suspending the separated cells in a buffer comprising urea for at least an amount of time sufficient to form a bacterial lysate; and separating intact cells and insoluble material from soluble material, wherein the extract comprises the soluble material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polypeptide comprising a human IL-2 mutein numbered in accordance with wild-type IL-2 wherein said human IL-2 is substituted at at least one of positions 20, 88 or 126, whereby said mutein preferentially activates T cells over NK cells. D20H and I, N88G, I, and R, in particular have a relative T cell-differential activity much greater than native IL-2, with predicted associated reduced in vivo toxicity. The invention also includes polynucleotides coding for the muteins of the invention, vectors containing the polynucleotides, transformed host cells, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the muteins, and therapeutic methods of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and compositions for expressing proteins or polypeptides in prokaryotic hosts using eukaryotic signal sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide, called EspA, which is secreted by pathogenic E. coli, such as the enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) E. coli. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding EspA polypeptide, EspA peptides, a recombinant method for producing recombinant EspA, antibodies which bind to EspA, and a kit for the detection of EspA-producing E. coli.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family of cytokines. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the endokine alpha protein. Endokine alpha polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. Also provided are diagnostic and therapeutic methods concerning TNF family-related disorders.

Abstract: A recombinant heteromultimeric protein including at least (a) a polypeptide fusion molecule A consisting of a C4BP ?-chain C-terminal fragment and a polypeptide fragment heterologous to said ?-chain, and (a) a polypeptide fusion molecule B consisting of a C4BP ?-chain C-terminal fragment and a polypeptide fragment heterologous to said ?-chain, wherein (a) and (b) are linked in the C-terminal portion to form said multimeric protein.

Abstract: Methods for identifying modulators of fatty acid transport and/or uptake, comprising contacting, under conditions favorable for fatty acid uptake, a putative modulator, e.g., an inhibitor with a system comprising genetic material encoding a fatty acid transport mediator (“TTM”), particularly FAA1, FAA2, FAA3, FAA4, FAT1, fadL, fadD, FATP, CD36 and FABP, or orthologs, homologs, isoforms, variants, analogs, derivatives or fragments thereof, and combinations thereof, or fatty acid transport mediator proteins (“TTMps”), e.g., Faa1p, Faa2p, Faa3p, Faa4p, Fat1p, FadL, fatty acyl CoA synthetase, FATP, CD36 and FABP, or orthologs, homologs, isoforms, variants, analogs, derivatives or fragments thereof, and combinations thereof, and determining the effect of the putative modulator. The test system may be a cell such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. coli, H. sapiens, etc. or an in vitro system.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding each of human calcium channel ?1-, ?2-, ?- and ?-subunits, including subunits that arise as splice variants of primary transcripts, is provided. Cells and vectors containing the DNA and methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of human calcium channels are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel CK?-5 protein which is a member of the alpha chemokine family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human CK?-5 protein. CK?-5 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of CK?-5 activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting immune system-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating immune system-related disorders.

Abstract: In this application is described the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) AMA-1 ectodomain. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified protein which retains folding and disulfide bridging of the native molecule. The recombinant AMA-1 is useful as a diagnostic reagent, for use in antibody production, and as a vaccine.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for identifying nucleotide fragments that contain an open reading frame are provided. Compositions comprise a nucleotide sequence that encodes, in each of the three possible reading frames, an ATG start codon and a histidine tag, and vectors comprising such a nucleotide sequence. The vectors may be provided with cloning sites for insertion of nucleotide sequences of interest 5? or 3? to the 3-frame His-tag DNA sequence. Vectors also are provided with cloning sites for inserting nucleotide sequences of interest 3? of the ATG start codon and 5? of the 3-frame His-tag DNA sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, comprising a nucleic acid which codes for a polypeptide with chorismate mutase activity and derivatives thereof, whereby the derivatives have at least 10% of the chorismate mutase activity of the chorismate mutase, according to the identification number of the SEQ ID NO:2. The invention further relates to vectors containing nucleic acid molecules, to host cells comprising nucleic acid molecules and their use in methods for producing polypetides with chorismate mutase activity. The invention also relates to the polypeptides with chorismate mutase activity and antibodies which specifically recognize the same. In addition, the invention relates to methods for producing auxotrophic yeast strains using the nucleic acid molecules and to the preparation of the yeast strains.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated TANGO 239, TANGO 219, TANGO 232, TANGO 281, A236 (INTERCEPT 236), TANGO 300, TANGO 353, TANGO 393, TANGO 402, TANGO 351 and TANGO 509 nucleic acid molecules and polypeptide molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Botulinum neurotoxins, the most potent of all toxins, induce lethal neuromuscular paralysis by inhibiting exocytosis at the neuromuscular junction. The light chains (LC) of these dichain neurotoxins are a new class of zinc-endopeptidases that specifically cleave the synaptosomal proteins, SNAP-25, VAMP, or syntaxin at discrete sites. The present invention relates to the construction, expression, purification, and use of synthetic or recombinant botulinum neutoroxin genes. For example, a synthetic gene for the LC of the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) was constructed and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The gene product was purified from inclusion bodies. The methods of the invention can provide 1.1 g of the LC per liter of culture. The LC product was stable in solution at 4° C. for at least 6 months. This rBoNT/A LC was proteolytically active, specifically cleaving the Glu-Arg bond in a 17-residue synthetic peptide of SNAP-25, the reported cleavage site of BoNT/A.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to isolated nucleic acid molecules (polynucleotides) which encode Schistocerca americana (grasshopper) glutamate-gated chloride channels. The present invention also relates to recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which contain a DNA fragment encoding S. americana glutamate-gated chloride channels, substantially purified forms of associated S. americana glutamate-gated chloride channels and recombinant membrane fractions comprising these proteins, associated mutant proteins, and methods associated with identifying compounds which modulate associated Schistocerca americana glutamate-gated chloride channels, which will be useful as insecticides.

Abstract: A family of fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs) mediate transport of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) across cell membranes into cells. These proteins exhibit different expression patterns among the organs of mammals. Nucleic acids encoding FATPs of this family, vectors comprising these nucleic acids, as well as the production of FATP proteins in host cells are described. Also described are methods to test FATPs for fatty acid transport function, and methods to identify inhibitors or enhancers of transport function. The altering of LCFA uptake by administering to the mammal an inhibitor or enhancer of FATP transport function of a FATP in the small intestine can decrease or increase calories available as fats, and can decrease or increase circulating fatty acids. The organ specificity of FATP distribution can be exploited in methods to direct drugs, diagnostic indicators and so forth to an organ such as the heart.

Abstract: The present invention relates to deletion and substitution mutant polypeptides of human chemokine ?-7 (Ck?-7), as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides and processes for producing such polypeptides using recombinant techniques. In one aspect, the invention also relates to uses of the full-length and mature forms of Ck?-7, as well as deletion and substitution mutants, in medical treatment regimens. In particular, the Ck?-7 polypeptides described herein may be employed to treat a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, respiratory diseases, allergy, and IgE-mediated allergic reactions.

Abstract: Disclosure herein are mutant IL-15 polypeptides and methods for using these polypeptides to modulate the immune response in a patient.

Abstract: Purified genes encoding cytokines from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding this molecule are provided. Methods of using the reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.