Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of TRAF2 which demonstrate the ability to inhibit the TNF ? signaling path-way. In particular, applicants have isolated a splice variant of TRAF2 referred to hereinafter as “TRAF2 truncated” or “TRAF2TR” and a TRAF2 expression construct with enhanced dominant negative properties, hereafter referred to as “TRAF2 truncated-deleted” or “TRAF2TD”. Both TRAF2TR and TRAF2TD have the ability to inhibit the TNF ? signaling pathway and in TRAF2TD, this ability is greatly enhanced, greatly reducing the response to TNF ? binding.

Abstract: Isolated and purified chemokine peptides, variants, and derivatives thereof, as well as chemokine peptide analogs, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing highly-concentrated polyglutamic acid by culturing an aerobic micro-organism of Bascillus sp. with the additional supply of saccharides. The method for manufacturing polyglutamic acid comprises a step of culturing Bascillus sp. in a fed-batch or batch culture while supplying saccharides to the culture. Since the method for manufacturing highly-concentrated polyglutamic acid can be applicable to the industrial scale fermentation, mass production of polyglutamic acid can be feasible in a cost-efficient way.

Abstract: This invention comprises a recombinant protein comprising the maltose binding protein (MBP) of Escherichia coli fused to amino acids 5–337 of the FlaA flagellin of Campylobacter coli VC167 which has provided evidence of immunogenicity and protective efficacy against challenge by a heterologous strain of campylobacter, Campylobacter jejuni 81–176 in mammals. The invention further comprises a recombinant DNA construct encoding the immunodominant region (region I through III) of flagellin from Campylobacter spp. for use as a component of a vaccine against Campylobacter diarrhea. The invention therefore represents an effective treatment against Campylobacter but avoids inducing the autoimmune Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), a post-infection polyneuropathy caused by Campylobacter molecular mimicry of human gangliosides which has hampered the development of vaccines heretofore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Bacillus sp. strain producing a mannanase which is highly active in the neutral and the acidic media. The Bacillus sp. WL-1 strain (KCTC 0800BP), which is isolated from the soil, produces in large scale the mannanase in the culture medium containing lactose and bran, wherein the mannanase is highly active in the neutral and the acidic media so said mannanase is useful as an additive for feeds and is helpful in the decomposition of hemicellulose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel CK?-6 protein which is a member of the alpha chemokine family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human CK?-6 protein. CK?-6 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?-6 activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting CNS and immune system-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating CNS and immune system-related disorders.

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: An isolated and purified human receptor tyrosine kinase is described. A cDNA sequence which encodes the native polypeptide is disclosed as well as the structural coding region and the amino acid residue sequence of the tyrosine kinase. Methods are provided which employ novel sequences to identify compounds that modulate the biological and/or pharmacological activity of the tyrosine kinase and hence regulate cellular and tissue physiology. Biologically-effective antisense molecules, as well as dominant negative mutant versions of the kinase, are described which are suitable for therapeutic use. The invention is also related to the diagnosis, study, prevention, and treatment of pathophysiological disorders related to or mediated by the biological molecule.

Abstract: The present invention includes recombinant proteins derived from Clostridium botulinum toxins. In particular, soluble recombinant Clostridium botulinum type A, type B and type E toxin proteins are provided. Methods which allow for the isolation of recombinant proteins free of significant endotoxin contamination are provided. The soluble, endotoxin-free recombinant proteins are used as immunogens for the production of vaccines and antitoxins. These vaccines and antitoxins are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals at risk of intoxication with clostridial toxin.

Abstract: A high growth methanotrophic bacterial strain capable of growth on a C1 carbon substrate has been isolated and characterized. The strain has the unique ability to utilize both methane and methanol as a sole carbon source and has been demonstrated to possess a functional Embden-Meyerhof carbon flux pathway. The possession of this pathway conveys an energetic advantage to the strain, making it particularly suitable as a production platform for the production of biomass from a C1 carbon source.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied. In addition, nucleic acid and corresponding proteins including a domain from a physiologically active peptide and a domain from an extracellular matrix protein which is capable of providing a self-aggregate are provided. Human extracellular matrix proteins capable of providing a self-aggregate collagen are provided which are produced by prokaryotic cells. Preferred codon usage is employed to produce extracellular matrix proteins in prokaryotics.

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: A method of producing a hydrolyzed fermented medium containing microorganisms includes providing at least one solid plant product reduced to small pieces and mixed with sugar and biocompatible liquid such as milk for fermentation at a temperature of between 35 and 58 degrees C. until the acidity of the medium reaches the range of 300 to 900 in Terner degrees. Alternatively, the medium is prepared by mixing in predetermined amounts of sprouted grains, biocompatible liquid inoculated with at least one of a variety of non-pathogenic microorganisms, vegetables, fruits, berries, high protein products, herbs, sugar, and a chemical element such as potassium. The mixture is then fermented at a selected temperature for a specified length of time to reach high acidity and high concentration of products of bacterial metabolism. A liquid phase is separated from a solid sediment phase and can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases.

Abstract: A method for producing a protein suitable for X-ray crystallographic analysis, in a cell-free protein synthesis system comprising a cell-free extract, a nucleic acid coding for said protein, and amino acids for the substrate of said protein, wherein said amino acids comprises at least one amino acid comprising a heavy atom, and wherein the introduced rate of said amino acid comprising the heavy atom into the synthesized protein is at least 80%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing closed bacterial ghosts by means of vesicle membrane fusion and to the bacterial ghosts which can be obtained in this way. Active compounds, e.g. genetic material, cell components, pharmaceutical and agricultural active compounds and also markers or dyes can be packaged in the closed bacterial ghosts. Metabolic functions and, where appropriate, the ability of the cells to proliferate can be restored on packaging genetic material in the bacterial ghosts. The closed ghosts can be used in medicine, in the agricultural sphere and in biotechnology.

Abstract: Hek ligand (hek-L) polypeptides as well as DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing hek-L polypeptides. The hek-L polypeptides bind to a cell surface receptor (hek) that is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family. Hek is expressed on cells that include certain tumor cell lines. The hek-L polypeptides also bind a distinct receptor tyrosine kinase known elk.

Abstract: A novel metalloproteinase inhibitor, analogs thereof, polynucleotides encoding the same, and methods of production, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating disorders caused by excessive amounts of metalloproteinase are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided to protect plants from oomycete pathogens by treating plants with a composition comprising serratamolide. The composition may also contain oocydin A obtained from Serratia marcescens MSU-97.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a family of unique antimycotic lipopeptide compounds produced by Pseudomonas viridiflava. The lipopeptides are effective against both human and plant fungal pathogens, and are typically characterized by their ability to inhibit growth of Candida albicans. Representative lipopeptides of the invention have molecular weights of 1137, 1153, 1164 and 1181 daltons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition containing proteoglycan extracts of algae and a process for preparing proteoglycan extracts from the algae.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian cytokine receptor, e.g., for cytokine IL-B50, purified proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.

Abstract: Two human G-Protein coupled receptor polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding each of such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptides. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the nucleic acid sequence of each of the G-protein coupled receptors.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a broadly reactive vaccine against Gram-negative bacteria which is composed of a biological glycan-pilus conjugate. The conjugate core is a common pilus type to which is attached the glycan of choice in vivo. Pooling of these bioconjugates produces a multivalent vaccine. These pili give high bronchial titers when delivered by the intranasal route. Mice vaccinated with pure glycosylated P. aeruginosa strain 1244 pili in this manner are protected against respiratory challenge with P. aeruginosa strain 1244. The present invention further relates to a DNA and amino acid sequence of a new gene, pilO, which is capable of glycosylating pilin of Gram-negative bacteria and uses thereof.

Abstract: A composition is provided that includes a biologically active compound bound by a glycoprotein matrix. A method is also provided for the manufacture of a composition of the invention. The glycoprotein matrix can be formed by permitting the growth of glycoprotein producing bacteria in the presence of the active ingredient. The composition of the invention provides a method for increasing the stability and bioactivity of the active ingredient. A method is also provided for administering an active ingredient to a host by utilizing a composition of the invention.

Abstract: A method for introducing and stabilizing heterologous and recombinant genes in a thermophilic host in which a characteristic gene defining a detectable host characteristic is inactivated or deleted from the thermophilic host, resulting in a modified thermophilic host expressing an absence of the detectable host characteristic. A DNA fragment of interest is inserted into the modified thermophilic host together with an intact characteristic gene, whereby the detectable host characteristic is restored to the thermophilic host, thereby enabling detection and confirmation of successful transformation using plasmid vectors and integration of the DNA fragment into the chromosome of the thermophilic host.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an antifusogenic peptide by producing a fusion peptide of from about 14 amino acids up to 70 amino acids in a prokaryotic host cell under conditions in which inclusion bodies are formed. The antifusogenic peptide recovered from the inclusion bodies is a fragment cleaved from the fusion peptide which comprises an antifusogenic peptide.

Abstract: A novel protein allergen Der p VII of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is described. A cDNA clone encoding Der p VII was isolated from a ?gt11 library of D. pteronyssinus cDNA. The nucleic acid sequence of Der p VII encodes a 198 residue mature processed protein having a predicted molecular weight of 22,177 daltons. Der p VII protein may be used as the active ingredient in therapeutic composition for the treatment of sensitivity to house dust mites. The protein may also be used in methods of diagnosing such sensitivity.

Abstract: GLUT 10 is an insulin-responsive glucose transporter gene located in the type 2 diabetes linked region of chromosome 20Q12-13.3. Isolated nucleic acids encoding the GLUT 10 glucose transporter, the encoded protein, antibodies that bind the protein, and methods of use are described herein.

Abstract: A new aldehyde dehydrogenase having the physico-chemical properties: molecular weight:150,000±6,000 or 230,000±9,000; substrate specificity active on aldehyde compounds; cofactors:pyrroloquinoline quinone and heme c; optimum pH: 7.0-8.5; and inhibitors: Co2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, monoiodoacetate and EDTA, is derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Gluconobacter. Said aldehyde dehydrogenase can be produced by cultivating a microorganism of the genus Gluconobacter which is capable of producing an aldehyde dehydrogenase having the above properties, in an aqueous nutrient medium under aerobic conditions, disrupting the cells of the microorganism and isolating and purifying the aldehyde dehydrogenase from the cell-free extract of the disrupted cells of the microorganism.

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 concerns a novel construct for expressing a gene coding for a recombinant protein of interest placed under the control of the Ptrp tryptophan operon promoter in a procaryotic host cell. The invention is characterised in that the construct comprises a nucleic sequence capable of inactivating the gene coding for a TnaA tryptophanase when said nucleic sequence is introduced in said host cell. The invention also concerns vectors containing said construct and host cells transformed by said vectors. The invention further concerns methods for producing said recombinant proteins using said novel constructs.

Abstract: An E. coli strain is described that is deficient in chromosomal degP and prc encoding protease DegP and Prc, respectively, and harbors a mutant spr gene that encodes a protein that suppresses growth phenotypes exhibited by strains harboring prc mutants. Preferably, the strain comprises nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide heterologous to the strain, so that a heterologous polypeptide can be produced therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to advantageous processes for preparing heterologous proteins in prokaryotic host cells by improved codon use and/or expression of tRNAs which code for codons occurring rarely in said host cell.

Abstract: There are disclosed therapeutic compositions and methods using a human monocyte-colony inhibitory factor (M-CIF) polypeptide (previously termed MIP1-&ggr; chemokine &bgr;1(CK&bgr;1 or ckb-1)), as well as ioslated nucleic acid molecules encoding M-CIF, and vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problem of integrating multiple copies of a gene of interest by homologous recombination into well defined positions adjacent to conditionally essential genes in a bacterial host strain chromosome, which already comprises at least one copy of the gene of interest in a different position.

Abstract: The invention provides human oxidoreductase molecules (OXRE) and polynucleotides which identify and encode OXRE. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with expression of OXRE.

Abstract: In an expression vector having a ColE1 replication system, the homology of the RNAI and RNAII of the ColE1 origin of replication to uncharged tRNAs is modified mutations in the coding region of the RNAI gene and corresponding mutations in the RNAII gene. The mutation results in one or more base exchanges in loop 1 and/or loop 2 and/or loop 3 of RNAI and RNAII. In methods using this vector for producing recombinant proteins, plasmid copy number is stably maintained. In methods for plasmid production, high plasmid copy numbers can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure eotaxin DNA sequence and eotaxin polypeptide, and methods of using such DNA and polypeptide to direct chemotaxis of eosinophils. Methods are provided for the treatment diseases and disorders such as inflammation and tumorigenesis.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the recombinant production of S-layer proteins in gram-negative host cells. Furthermore the nucleotide sequence of a new S-layer gene and processes for the production of modified S-layer proteins are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a high bone mass gene and a corresponding wild-type gene, and mutants thereof. The present invention also relates to the high bone mass gene, the corresponding wild-type gene, and mutants thereof The genes identified in the present invention are implicated in bone development. The invention also provides nucleic acids, including coding sequences, oligonucleotide primers and probes, proteins, cloning vectors, expression vectors, transformed hosts, methods of developing pharmaceutical compositions, methods of identifying molecules involved in bone development, and methods of diagnosing and treating diseases involved in bone development. In preferred embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods for treating, diagnosing and preventing osteoporosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the copy number of a chromosomally integrated expression cassette in a microbial strain without leaving antibiotic resistance markers behind in the strain, the necessary genetic constructs, and the strains resulting from the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel cysteine proteases in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis cysteine proteases CP1, CP2 and CP3. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding CP1, CP2 or CP3. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising nucleic acid encoding desired heterologous proteins such as enzymes. The present invention also provides a cleaning composition comprising a cysteine protease of the present invention.

Abstract: Novel genes significantly homologous to organic cation transporters OCT1 and OCT2 have been successfully isolated by screening a fetal gene library by random sequencing. Proteins encoded by these genes function as transporters of various organic cations.

Abstract: Uses of recombinant procalcitonin 3-116 in the diagnosis and therapy of septic diseases and the measurement of prohormones other than procalcitonin, and of dipeptidyl peptidase IV, as biomarkers in the diagnosis of sepsis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for displaying (poly)peptides/proteins on the surface of bacteriophage particles by attaching the (poly)peptide/proteins via disulfide bonds.

Abstract: Modified proteins, modified interferons &agr;'s and &bgr;'s, phosphorylated modified proteins and DNA sequences encoding the above, applications and uses thereof. Modified phosphorylated Hu-IFN-&agr;-like proteins are provided which carry an identifiable label such as a radio-label. Corresponding phosphorylatable Hu-IFN-&agr;-like proteins which contain a putative phosphorylation site. DNA sequences which encode a Hu-IFN-&agr;-like protein and contain a sequence encoding a putative phosphorylatable site. Appropriate expression vectors are used to transform compatible host cells of various microorganisms, such as E. coli. Numerous uses for the phosphorylated proteins are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel chemokines and 7 transmembrane receptors from mammals, reagents related thereto, including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding the chemokines and receptors are disclosed. Methods of using the chemokines, receptors, reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: A nanoporous silicon support comprising a plurality of macropores is provided to function as a bioreactor for the maintenance of cells in culture in a differentiated state. Each cell or group of cells is grown in an individual macropore and is provided with nutrients such as by perfusion of the nanoporous silicon support with fluid. The macropores may be between 0.2 and 200 microns and be coated with a substance that provides cell adhesion. The support containing cells may be used to used to test compounds for biological activity, metabolism, toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity or to characterize novel or unknown comounds. The support is sufficiently robust that it may be assembled into larger reactors to simulate organ function or be used for the production of biomolecules.

Abstract: Novel GPCR-like polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated, full-length GPCR-like proteins, the invention further provides isolated GPCR-like fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-GPCR-like antibodies. The invention also provides GPCR-like nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a GPCR-like gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.