Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polypeptide having a ?1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase activity; a method for producing the polypeptide; a DNA which encodes the polypeptide; a recombinant vector into which the DNA is inserted; a transformant comprising the recombinant vector; a method for producing a sugar chain or complex carbohydrate, using the polypeptide; a method for producing a sugar chain or complex carbohydrate, using the transformant; an antibody which recognizes the polypeptide; a method for screening a substance which changes the expression of the gene which encodes the polypeptide; and a method for screening a substance which changes the activity of the polypeptide.

Abstract: Method for preparing the disaccharide [?-D-Gldp(1?3)]-?-L-Rhap-YR wherein Y is selected from —O— and —S— and R is selected from the group consisting of: C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkenyl, aryl, allyl, —CO-alkyl (C1-C6), —CO-alkenyl (C1-C6), —CO-aryl comprising the step of using a mutant of a wild type glycoside hydrolase.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel moenomycin analogs as well as pharmaceutical compositions thereof, methods of synthesis, and methods of use in treating an infection by administering an inventive compound to a subject in need thereof. The moenomycin analogs may be prepared synthetically, biosynthetically, or semi-synthetically. The analogs are particularly useful in treating or preventing infections caused by Gram-positive organisms. Certain inventive compounds may have a broader spectrum of coverage, which includes Gram-negative organisms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-NeuAc), comprising adding to the cultured E. coli cells which has been transformed with both the DNA encoding N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate 2-epimerase (GlcNAc-6P 2-epimerase) and the DNA encoding N-acetylneuraminic acid synthase (NeuAc synthase) and exhibit activities of N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate 2-epimerase and N-acetylneuraminic acid synthase, a phosphate buffer containing baker's yeast cells, CMP, N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), magnesium, xylene, glucose, and CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid synthase (CMP-NeuAc synthase) to provide a reaction mixture, and allowing the reaction to proceed and produce CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-NeuAc), and wherein the process does not require adding ATP.

Abstract: The present invention provides a PEGylated and fatty acid grafted chitosan oligosaccharide comprising a structural unit represented by the following Formula (I) and a structural unit represented by the following Formula (II) and synthesize method, wherein the chitosan oligosaccharide has a molecular weight of less than 200,000 Da, and a degree of deacetylation of 70%-100%, and part of free amino groups of chitosan oligosaccharide chain are replaced by a fatty acid or PEG, where n refers to degree of polymerization of the PEG, and R is an alkyl group having 11-21 carbon atoms. The grafting ratio of fatty acids is 1%-50%, and the grafting ratio of PEG is 0.05%-50%. The present invention also comprise a pharmaceutical composition comprising the PEGylated and fatty acid grafted chitosan oligosaccharide as a carrier, and use of the PEGylated and fatty acid grafted chitosan oligosaccharide in preparation of a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules selected from the group comprising: a) nucleic acid molecules that code for a form of the polypeptide with the derived amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID No. 3, said polypeptide having a deacetylase activity; b) nucleic acid molecules that comprise the nucleotide sequence according to SEQ ID No. 1 or SEQ ID No.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing single molecules, i.e. nucleic acids. Such single molecules may be derived from natural samples, such as cells, tissues, soil, air and water without separating or enriching individual components. In certain aspects of the invention, the methods and devices are useful in performing nucleic acid sequence analysis by probe hybridization.

Abstract: N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine can be produced by cultivating a fungus capable of producing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, such as Trichoderma hamatum AB 10282 strain (FERM BP-10623) or Trichoderma harzianum AB10283 strain (FERM BP-10624), in a culture medium supplemented with a carbon source other than chitin and chitin oligosaccharide and a nitrogen source to produce and accumulate N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the culture medium and then collecting N-acetyl-D-glucosamine from the culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enzymatically producing uridine 5?-diphospho-N-acetylgalactosamine (UDP-GalNAc) (which is an important substrate for oligosaccharide synthesis) from uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP) and N-acetylgalactosamine 1-phosphate (GalNAc 1-P), the method including using, as an enzyme, uridine 5?-diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UDP-GlcNAc pyrophosphorylase) derived from a microorganism (exclusive of a pathogenic microorganism). The GalNAc 1-P employed can be prepared from N-acetylgalactosamine and a phosphate donor in a reaction system by use of N-acetylgalactosamine kinase. According to the present invention, uridine 5?-diphospho-N-acetylgalactosamine can be efficiently produced by use of a relatively inexpensive substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to eukaryotic host cells which have been modified to produce sialylated glycoproteins by the heterologous expression of a set of glycosyltransferases, including sialyltransferase and/or trans-sialidase, to become host-strains for the production of mammalian, e.g., human therapeutic glycoproteins. Novel eukaryotic host cells expressing a CMP-sialic acid biosynthetic pathway for the production of sialylated glycoproteins are also provided. The invention provides nucleic acid molecules and combinatorial libraries which can be used to successfully target and express mammalian enzymatic activities (such as those involved in sialylation) to intracellular compartments in a eukaryotic host cell. The process provides an engineered host cell which can be used to express and target any desirable gene(s) involved in glycosylation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to eukaryotic host cells which have been modified to produce sialylated glycoproteins by the heterologous expression of a set of glycosyltransferases, including sialyltransferase and/or trans-sialidase, to become host-strains for the production of mammalian, e.g., human therapeutic glycoproteins. Novel eukaryotic host cells expressing a CMP-sialic acid biosynthetic pathway for the production of sialylated glycoproteins are also provided. The invention provides nucleic acid molecules and combinatorial libraries which can be used to successfully target and express mammalian enzymatic activities (such as those involved in sialylation) to intracellular compartments in a eukaryotic host cell. The process provides an engineered host cell which can be used to express and target any desirable gene(s) involved in glycosylation.

Abstract: The N-acetyl-D-galactosamine transferase protein of the present invention is characterized by transferring N-acetyl-D-galactosamine to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine with ?1,3 linkage, and it preferably has the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4. The canceration assay according to the present invention uses a nucleic acid for measurement which hybridizes under stringent conditions to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or a nucleotide sequence complementary to at least one of them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides, particularly, sialylated oligosaccharides comprising the carbohydrate moeities of the gangliosides GM3, GD3, and GT3.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides compositions methods and composition relating to the diagnosis and/or treatment of cancers having a cell surface de-N-acetylated sialic acid antigen, e.g., an at least partially de-N-acetylated ganglioside and/or a de-N-acetylated sialic acid-modified cell surface protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a hyaluronic acid, comprising: (a) cultivating a Bacillus host cell under conditions suitable for production of the hyaluronic acid, wherein the Bacillus host cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising a hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence operably linked to a promoter sequence foreign to the hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence; and (b) recovering the hyaluronic acid from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a hyaluronan synthase operon comprising a hyaluronan synthase gene and a UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase gene, and optionally one or more genes selected from the group consisting of a UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase gene, and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to oligosaccharides, the preparation method and use thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions containing same. More specifically, the invention relates to oligosaccharides which can be used for the treatment of cancer and, in particular, to prevent and inhibit the formation of metastases. The inventive oligosaccharides can be used, for example, during early breast, lung, prostate, colon or pancreatic cancer. The oligosaccharides can be administered subcutaneously, orally or intravenously. Moreover, said oligosaccharides can be used alone or together with other anticancer agents, e.g. cytotoxics such as docetaxel or paclitaxel.

Abstract: The disclosed nucleic acid primer sets, used in combination with quantitative amplification (PCR) of tissue cDNA, can indicate the presence of specific proteases in a tissue sample. Specifically, the present invention relates to expression of PUMP-1 protease (matrix metalloprotease 7). The detected proteases are themselves specifically over-expressed in certain cancers, and their presence may serve for early detection of associated ovarian and other malignancies, and for the design of interactive therapies for cancer treatment.

Abstract: Methods for manipulating carbohydrate processing pathways in cells of interest are provided. Methods are directed at manipulating multiple pathways involved with the sialylation reaction by using recombinant DNA technology and substrate feeding approaches to enable the production of sialylated glycoproteins in cells of interest. These carbohydrate engineering efforts encompass the implementation of new carbohydrate bioassays, the examination of a selection of insect cell lines and the use of bioinformatics to identify gene sequences for critical processing enzymes. The compositions comprise cells of interest producing sialylated glycoproteins. The methods and compositions are useful for heterologous expression of glycoproteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation of nucleotide compositions and uses thereof for conducting nucleic acid analyses. The compositions and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for nucleic acid analyses that require high-resolution detection of labeled nucleotides or labeled nucleic acid targets.

Abstract: Provided is a method of efficiently and economically producing a sialic acid compound-containing composition, in which a content rate of a sialic acid compound is remarkably high, from natural raw materials containing a sialic acid compound such as milk, whey, or a processed product thereof. The present invention provides a method of producing a sialic acid compound-containing composition, comprising: using, as a raw material, a liquid raw material containing a sialic acid compound or a liquid in which a solid raw material containing the sialic acid compound is dissolved or suspended in water; culturing, in the raw material, a microorganism which cannot assimilate the sialic acid compound and can assimilate carbohydrates other than the sialic acid compound contained in the raw material; allowing the microorganism to assimilate the carbohydrates other than the sialic acid compound contained in the raw material; and removing the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a cell-derived extracellular matrix membrane, more particularly, to a method for preparing a chondrocyte-derived ECM membrane, the method comprising the steps of forming a suitable thickness of ECM membrane by culturing chondrocytes derived from animal cartilage at a high concentration in vitro, and drying it after decellularization process. The cell-derived ECM membrane scaffold according to the present invention is composed of extracellular matrix secreted by chondrocytes so that the membrane has excellent biocompatibility as well as an immune-previlage effect specific to cartilage. Since the membrane also has a suitable compressive strength, it can be used to replace periosteum for cartilage regeneration or artificial collagen membrane and used as dura mater transplant material, a natural ECM membrane for treating skin loss, materials for cell transplantation and a growth factor delivery vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a hyaluronic acid with a desired average molecular weight in the range of 20,000-800,000 Dalton, the methods comprising the steps of: (a) cultivating a recombinant Bacillus host cell at a first temperature conducive to its growth, wherein the Bacillus host cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising a hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence operably linked to a promoter sequence foreign to the hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence; (b) then cultivating the recombinant Bacillus host cell of step (a) at a second temperature higher than the first temperature of step (a) under conditions suitable for production of the hyaluronic acid, whereby the Bacillus host cell produces hyaluronic acid with a desired average molecular weight in the range of 20,000-800,000 Dalton; and (c) recovering the hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A gene which encodes a murine leukocyte ?(1,3)fucosyltransferase capable of synthesizing the sialyl Lewis x determinant has been cloned.

Abstract: We describe the production of nucleotide sugars other than uridine diphosphate glucose (UDP-glucose), for example UDP-rhamnose, and the use of these nucleotide sugars in the modification of acceptor molecules.

Abstract: The instant invention provides highly pure Polysialic acid and process for preparation thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to biotinylated heparins comprising constituent polysaccharides having at their reducing ends at least one covalent bond with biotin or a biotin derivative, and also to the process for preparing them, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their therapeutic use. The biotinylated polysaccharides are of the formula (I) with the variables as defined herein.

Abstract: A process for preparing hyaluronic acid primarily as a food supplement which is capable of absorption and assimilation by the human body includes desirable control of both the purity and molecular weight range of the resulting product. Chicken comb tissue is subjected to one of two disclosed processes for extracting, purifying, and controlling the molecular weight range of hyaluronic acid in solution, which is then dried and powdered to a form suitable for human consumption as a food supplement. The resulting hyaluronic acid product can also be used topically in creams or solutions for beneficial treatment of skin conditions, such as dry skin or wrinkling, for example.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides compositions comprising a polysaccharide derivative, and methods of their preparation and use for the prevention or treatment of diseases caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, particularly group B (NmB) strains, and by E. coli K1. The invention provides a de-N-acetylated PS derivative in which one or more residues of the PS has been modified by de-N-acetylation. The invention also includes derivatives in which one or more of the N-acetyl groups of PS containing de-N-acetylated PS are replaced with other N-acyl groups, usually a lower acyl group of C2-C3. Further, the invention includes de-N-acetylated PS derivatives containing long chain hydrocarbons, as well as conjugates in which the de-N-acetylated PS derivative is linked to a carrier, e.g., a carrier protein.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for use in the prevention and/or treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder comprising a compound comprised of one or more disaccharide units, the or each disaccharide unit comprising a uronate moiety linked to a glucosamine moiety, wherein the 2-O atom of the uronate moiety is substituted with a hydrogen atom, the 6-O atom of the glucosamine moiety is substituted with a sulphate group and the 2-N atom of the glucosamine moiety is substituted with an atom or group other than a sulphate group. The composition is particularly preferred for use in the prevention and/or treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Described is chondroitin sulfate obtained from microbial sources, and related compositions and methods.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing sialic acid in plants, and plants capable of synthesizing sialic acid is provided. Furthermore, a method of producing sialylated a protein in a plant is also provided. The method to synthesize sialic acid comprises providing a plant comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding N-acetyl neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) synthase or Neu5Ac lyase, and expressing the nucleotide sequence thereby synthesizing sialic acid. The plant may also co-express a nucleotide sequence encoding one or more than one of an epimerase, a CMP-Neu5 Ac synthase, CMP-Neu5Ac transporter and a sialyltransferase.

Abstract: A chondroitin polymerase having such properties that it transfers GlcUA and GalNAc alternately to a non-reduced terminal of a sugar chain from a GlcUA donor and a GalNAc donor, respectively, and the like; and a process for producing the chondroitin polymerase.

Abstract: Production of efficiently producing agaro-oligosaccharide; a polypeptide having an agarase activity which is usable in, for example, efficiently extracting a substance such as a nucleic acid from an agarose gel; the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide; a gene encoding the polypeptide; a process for producing the polypeptide; a process for producing agaro-oligosaccharide; and a process for extracting a substance such as a nucleic acid from an agarose gel.

Abstract: A microorganism which has a gene encoding an enzyme in which feedback inhibition is desensitized by substitution of one or two amino acids in PRPP amidotransferase encoded by purF of Escherichia coli, a gene encoding a protein which is an inactivated repressor of purine nucleotide biosynthesis encoded by purR, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated purine nucleoside phosphorylase encoded by deoD, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated succinyl-AMP synthase encoded by purA, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated 6-phosphogluconate dehydrase encoded by edd, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated phosphoglucose isomerase encoded by pgi and like is bred and a purine nucleoside is produced by culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: A microorganism which has a gene encoding an enzyme in which feedback inhibition is desensitized by substitution of one or two amino acids in PRPP amidotransferase encoded by purF of Escherichia coli, a gene encoding a protein which is an inactivated repressor of purine nucleotide biosynthesis encoded by purR, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated purine nucleoside phosphorylase encoded by deoD, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated succinyl-AMP synthase encoded by purA, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated 6-phosphogluconate dehydrase encoded by edd, a gene encoding an enzyme which is inactivated phosphoglucose isomerase encoded by pgi and like is bred and a purine nucleoside is produced by culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fusion protein comprising a bifunctional sialytransferase and a poly-sialytransferase and methods to use the fusion proteins for production of poly-sialylated end products, e.g. oligosaccharides and glycoproteins.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a fraction containing more than 50% of CH represented by the general formula (1), which comprises at least the step of allowing a glucuronic acid donor, an N-acetylgalactosamine donor, a saccharide receptor, a chondroitin polymerase derived from the Escherichia coli K4 strain, and Mn2+ at a final concentration of 0.02 to 100 mM to coexist, and performing a reaction thereof under conditions of 20 to 40° C. and pH 6 to 8 for 0.5 minutes to 4 hours, and a method for producing a fraction containing more than 50% of CH represented by the general formula (2), which comprises at least the step of performing the reaction under same conditions for 10 hours or longer, which enable industrial scale production of a CH fraction of a controlled even number saccharide and odd number saccharide content ratio by a simple procedure at a low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant Bacillus host cell containing a recombinant vector including a nucleic acid segment having a coding region segment encoding enzymatically active hyaluronan synthase (HAS). The recombinant Bacillus host cell is utilized in a method for producing hyaluronic acid (HA).

Abstract: A dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, particularly to provide a synthetic macromolecular network for a wide variety of tissue types. In particular, artificial or synthetic cartilage, vocal cord material, vitreous material, soft tissue material and mitral valve material are described. In an embodiment, the network is composed of tyramine-substituted and cross-linked hyaluronan molecules, wherein cross-linking is achieved via peroxidase-mediated dityramine-linkages that can be performed in vivo. The dityramine bonds provide a stable, coherent hyaluronan-based hydrogel with desired physical properties.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production by microbiological process of oligopolysaccharides of biological interest. More particularly, the invention concerns a method for synthesizing in vivo oligopolysaccharides by internalization of an exogenous precursor in growing bacterial cells expressing adequate modifying and glycosylating genes.

Abstract: Methods for producing quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines for serotypes A, C, Y and W-135 disclosed. Neisseria meningitidis fastidious medium was designed to maximize the yield of capsular polysaccharides and generate minimal cellular biomass and endotoxin in a short duration of fermentation. The crude polysaccharides are isolated, purified, and mechanically depolymerized by sonication. These purified polysaccharides were found in human clinical trials to be safe and immunogenic against meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis A, C, Y and W-135 serogroups in sub-Saharan Africa. In the preferred embodiment, the polysaccharides are conjugated to carrier proteins of diphtheria or tetanus toxiod to an average molecular size of 5100 to 9900 Daltons and provide broad spectrum protection to humans of all ages. Accelerated polysaccharide production and the efficacy of the resulting vaccine are demonstrated.

Abstract: Iduronic acid (IdoUA)-free heparan sulfate (HS)-like compounds are provided. Also provided are methods of synthesizing IdoUA-free HS-like compounds. The methods can include providing at least one O-sulfotransferase (OST) enzyme and a reaction mixture comprising 3?-phosphoadenosine 5?-phosphosulfate (PAPS); and incubating a polysaccharide substrate with the at least one OST and the reaction mixture, whereby the HS-like compounds are synthesized. Also disclosed are methods of synthesizing a library of HS-like compounds and methods of determining the mechanism of activity of HS-like compounds.

Abstract: The presently claimed and disclosed invention relates, in general, to dual action heparin synthases and, more particularly, to dual action heparin synthases obtained from Pasteurella multocida. The presently claimed and disclosed invention also relates to heparosan, heparin and heparin-like molecules provided by recombinant techniques and methods of using such molecules and also the identification or prediction of heparin synthases or component single action enzymes. The presently claimed and disclosed invention also relates to methods, and molecules produced according to such methods, for using the presently claimed and disclosed heparosan and/or heparin synthase for polymer grafting and the production of non-naturally occurring chimeric polymers incorporating stretches of one or more acidic GAG molecules, such as heparin, chondroitin, hyaluronan, and/or heparosan.

Abstract: A human-derived novel chondroitin synthase, which is an enzyme for synthesizing a fundamental backbone of chondroitin and has both glucuronic acid transferring activity and N-acetylgalactosamine transferring activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plant cells and plants which synthesize an increased amount of hyaluronan, and to methods for preparing such plants, and also to methods for preparing hyaluronan with the aid of these plant cells or plants. Here, plant cells or genetically modified plants according to the invention have hyaluronan synthase activity and additionally an increased UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UDP-Glc-DH) activity compared to wild-type plant cells or wild-type plants. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of plants having increased hyaluronan synthesis for preparing hyaluronan and food or feedstuff containing hyaluronan.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods related to truncated mutants of ST6GalNAcI. In particular, the invention features truncated human, mouse, and chicken ST6GalNAcI polypeptides. The invention also features nucleic acids encoding such truncated polypeptides, as well as vectors, host cells, expression systems, and methods of expressing and using such polypeptides.

Abstract: Process for preparing a modified alginate polymers are disclosed. The processes comprise the steps of covalently attaching a modifying moiety to one or more unmodified monomeric subunits of an alginate polymer; and changing one or more unmodified mannuronic (M) monomeric subunits of the alginate polymer to one or more unmodified guluronic (G) monomeric sub-units by an enzymatic epimerization reaction performed in any order. Processes for preparing alginate gels, fiber, and compositions are also disclosed. Modified alginates in which only M monomeric subunits are modified, and alginate gels, fibers and compositions comprising the same, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing heterologous glycosylated proteins in non-animal eukaryotic cells such as in transformed bryophyte, yeast, ciliate or algae cells. In particular, the method relates to a method for producing glycosylated proteins comprising animal glycosylation patterns—comprising sialic acid residues—, such as pharmaceutical proteins for use in mammals, e.g. humans, in bryophyte cells such as those of Physcomitrella patens, the genetic material required therefore, such as DNA and RNA, vectors, host cells, methods of introducing genetic material there into, and uses thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to novel polypeptides and proteins obtained by the method according to the invention. Moreover, the present invention provides a method of producing sialic acid or CMP-sialic acid in a transformed non-mammalian eukaryotic cell, tissue or organism.

Abstract: A glycosaminoglycan sulfotransferase, a peptide thereof, a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding the same, an enzyme agent for the synthesis of a glycosaminoglycan, which comprises the above-described enzyme or polypeptide, and a process for producing a glycosaminoglycan, which uses the enzyme agent.

Abstract: A more efficient method for producing glucosamine from microbial biomass such as, for example, fungal biomass is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for obtaining glucosamine from fungal biomass includes providing fungal biomass containing chitin, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, or mushroom. The fungal biomass is then reacted in an acidic solution with an acid concentration of greater than about 20% by weight and at a reaction temperature greater than about 60° C. to convert the chitin to glucosamine. This reaction is performed for a period of less than 4 hours. The glucosamine is then separated from the acidic solution. In selected embodiments, dried fungal biomass is used to accelerate the reaction. This dried fungal biomass may, in some embodiments, have a moisture content of less than about 20% and in some cases less than about 13%.