Abstract: This invention relates to a novel polyphosphate: AMP phosphotransferase (PAP), a gene coding this PAP, and their use. The PAP has the following properties: (A) action: catalyzing of the following two reactions: NMP+PolyP(n)?NDP+PolyP(n-1) dNMP+POlyP(n)?dNDP+PolyP(n-1) (wherein NMP represents nucleoside monophosphate, NDP represents nucleoside diphosphate, dNMP represents deoxynucleoside monophosphate, dNDP represents deoxynucleoside diphosphate, n represents degree of polymerization of the polyphosphate which is an integer of up to 100); (B) substrate specificity: specific to AMP, GMP, IMP, dAMP, and dGMP, also acting with CMP, UMP, dCMP, and TMP; (C) molecular weight: about 55 to 56 Kd (kilodalton); and (D) specific activity: at least 70 units per 1 mg of enzyme protein.

Abstract: A purine-derived substance is produced by culturing a Bacillus bacterium which has an ability to produce a purine-derived substance and has enhanced activity of an enzyme of the oxidative pentosephosphate pathway. The purine-derived substance is produced in the medium or the bacterial cells, and can be collected from the medium or the bacterial cells.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for diagnosing prostate cancer are provided. The inventive compounds include polypeptides containing at least a portion of a prostate tumor protein. The inventive polypeptides may be used to generate antibodies useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer. Nucleic acid sequences for preparing probes, primers, and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing products comprising improved host cells genetically engineered to have uncoupled productive and catabolic pathways. In particular, the present invention provides host cells having a modification in nucleic acid encoding an endogenous enzymatic activity that phosphorylates D-glucose at its 6th carbon and/or a modification of nucleic acid encoding an enzymatic activity that phosphorylates D-gluconate at its 6th carbon. Such improved host cells are used for the production of products, such as, ascorbic acid intermediates. Methods for making and using the improved host cells are provided. Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for glucokinase and gluconokinase are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for manufacturing radiohalogen-labeled steroids, nucleosides, nucleotides and proteins, for example, pyrimidines and proteins. Methods according to the example embodiments specific to pyrimidines includes dissolving a halogenated pyrimidine to obtain an initial solution, adding bis(tributyltin) and triphenylphosphine palladium to produce a catalyzed solution, heating the catalyzed solution under conditions sufficient to induce a reaction that produces an intermediate solution including a stannylated pyrimidine compound, removing substantially all of the first solvent from the intermediate solution to obtain an intermediate composition, purifying the resulting solution to obtain a purified composition including a stannylated pyrimidine, reacting the stannylated pyrimidine compound with a radiohalogen in a buffered reaction mixture to produce the radiohalogenated pyrimidine, adding an antioxidant and extracting the radiohalogenated pyrimidine from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method for generating a Drosophila clipped FRT (cFRT) chromosome is provided, wherein the chromosome is insensitive to a P transposase but remains functional to a yeast site-specific flippase recombinase (FLP). The method includes steps of: (a) exposing a FRT chromosome to the P transposase for occurring a local and imprecise transposition, wherein the FRT chromosome contains a P[FRT] insertion with a selection marker gene, (b) screening the P[FRT] insertion insensitive to the P transposase to obtain screened products, (c) selecting candidate products from the screened products by further examinations, and (d) exposing the candidate products by the P transposase and selecting a desired product by the further examinations to obtain the Drosophila clipped FRT (cFRT) chromosome insensitive to the P transposase but remaining functional to the yeast site-specific flippase recombinase. The cFRT2L2R chromosome can be used as the direct target in the direct P-transposon-induced mutagenesis.

Abstract: A glyoxal-guanosine-group compound is prepared either by reacting glyoxal-guanine with any one of ribose-1-phosphate and 2-deoxyribose-1-phosphate in the presence of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, or by reacting glyoxal-guanine with any one selected from the group consisting of uridine, 2?-deoxyuridine and thymidine, together with phosphate ion, in the presence of purine nucleoside phosphorylase and pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase. The glyoxal-guanosine-group compound is then decomposed by alkali, whereby a guanosine-group compound consisting of guanosine and 2?-deoxyguanosine is prepared.

Abstract: A glyoxal-guanosine-group compound is prepared either by reacting glyoxal-guanine with any one of ribose-1-phosphate and 2-deoxyribose-1-phosphate in the presence of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, or by reacting glyoxal-guanine with any one selected from the group consisting of uridine, 2?-deoxyuridine and thymidine, together with phosphate ion, in the presence of purine nucleoside phosphorylase and pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase. The glyoxal-guanosine-group compound is then decomposed by alkali, whereby a guanosine-group compound consisting of guanosine and 2?-deoxyguanosine is prepared.

Abstract: A glyoxal-guanosine-group compound is prepared either by reacting glyoxal-guanine with any one of ribose-1-phosphate and 2-deoxyribose-1-phosphate in the presence of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, or by reacting glyoxal-guanine with any one selected from the group consisting of uridine, 2?-deoxyuridine and thymidine, together with phosphate ion, in the presence of purine nucleoside phosphorylase and pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase. The glyoxal-guanosine-group compound is then decomposed by alkali, whereby a guanosine-group compound consisting of guanosine and 2?-deoxyguanosine is prepared.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or the full complementary sequence thereof. Presence of said nucleic acid in a subject predisposes the subject to an adenocarcinoma. Also disclosed are a method of diagnosing an adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: A desired isomer is selectively prepared by phosphorolyzing and isomerizing an anomer mixture of a 1-phosphorylated saccharide derivative while crystallizing one of the isomers to displace the equilibrium. Furthermore, using the action of a nucleoside phosphorylase, a nucleoside is prepared from the 1-phosphorylated saccharide derivative obtained and a base with improved stereoselectivity and a higher yield. This process is an anomer-selective process for preparing a 1-phosphorylated saccharide derivative and a nucleoside.

Abstract: L-arginine, citrulline and pyrimidine derivatives including orotic acid, uridine, uridine 5?-monophosphate (UMP), cytidine and cytidine 5?-monophosphate (CMP) are produced using a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia harboring a mutant carbamoylphosphate synthetase in which the amino acid sequence corresponding to positions from 947 to 951 in a wild type carbamoylphosphate synthetase is replaced with any one of amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 9, and feedback inhibition by uridine 5?-monophosphate in the bacterium is desensitized.

Abstract: There is provided a mutant nucleoside-5?-phosphate producing enzyme with improved nucleoside-5?-phosphate producing ability of a nucleoside-5?-phosphate producing enzyme that has transphosphorylation activity and/or phosphatase activity and has one Lys residue, two Arg residues and two His residues with distances between their C?'s within a particular ranges and a space around them allowing a binding of a nucleoside, of which mutation is designed by using the crystal structure of EB-AP.

Abstract: A method for generating a Drosophila clipped FRT (cFRT) chromosome is provided, wherein the chromosome is incapable of reacting with a P transposase but remains capable of reacting with a yeast site-specific flippase recombinase (FLP). The method includes steps of: (a) exposing a FRT chromosome to the P transposase causing a local and imprecise transposition, wherein the FRT chromosome contains a P[FRT] insertion with a selection marker gene, (b) screening the P[FRT] insertion insensitive to the P transposase to obtain screened products, (c) selecting candidate products from the screened products by further examinations, and (d) exposing the candidate products by the P transposase and selecting a desired product by the further examinations to obtain the Drosophila clipped FRT (cFRT) chromosome incapable of reacting with the P transposase but remaining capable of reacting with the yeast site-specific flippase recombinase.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to novel fed-batch fermentations wherein processes of DO-stat and pH-stat are combined for nutrient feeding control.

Abstract: The invention concerns stable aqueous solutions containing one or several nucleoside triphosphates wherein the respective solution has a pH value of more than 7.5 and contains no additional substances with a stabilizing effect. The nucleoside triphosphate solutions are used in particular for DNA synthesizing reactions such as e.g. RT-PCR, cycle sequencing, random priming and nick translation. One of the most important applications of such solutions containing deoxy-nucleoside triphosphates (d-NTP) is their use in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: Derivatives of 7-deaza-2?-deoxyguanosine are described. Also described is the use of such compounds in synthesis of nucleic acid polymers and in methods for determining a nucleotide base sequence.

Abstract: A process for substantially enhancing the regio and stereoselective synthesis of 9-?-anomeric nucleoside analogs is described. The introduction of the sugar moiety onto a 6-substituted purine base was preformed so that only the 9-?-D- or L-purine nucleoside analogs were obtained. This regio and stereoselective introduction of the sugar moiety allows the synthesis of nucleoside analogs and in particular 2?-deoxy, 3?-deoxy, 2?-deoxy-2?-?-fluoro and 2?,3?-dideoxy-2?-?-fluoro purine nucleoside analogs in high yield without virtually any formation of the 7-positional isomers. The compounds are drugs or intermediates to drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinatorial methods for rapidly generating a diverse library of glycorandomized structures, comprising incubating one or more aglycons and a pool of NDP-sugars in the presence of a glycosyltransferase. The glycosyltransferase may be one that is associated with or involved in production of natural secondary metabolites, or one which is putatively associated with or involved in production of natural secondary metabolites. The glycosyltransferase may show significant flexibility with respect to its NDP-sugar donors and/or its aglycons. NDP-sugar donors may be commercially available, or may be produced by utilizing mutant or wild type nucleotidyltransferases significant flexibility with respect to their substrates.

Abstract: Processes for producing GDP-fucose, comprising allowing GKDM and a culture broth of a microorganism capable of converting GKDM into GDP-fucose to be present in an aqueous medium, forming and accumulating GDP-fucose therein, and recovering the GDP-fucose therefrom; or comprising allowing a GTP precursor, a saccharide, a culture broth of a microorganism capable of forming GTP from a GTP precursor, and a culture broth of a microorganism capable of forming GKDM from a saccharide and GTP to be present in an aqueous medium, forming and accumulating GKDM therein, converting the accumulated GKDM into GDP-fucose using as a culture broth of a microorganism capable of converting GKDM into GDP-fucose to form and accumulate GDP-fucose therein, and recovering the GDP-fucose therefrom; and a process for producing GKDM, comprising allowing a GTP precursor, a saccharide, a culture broth of a microorganism capable of forming GTP from a GTP precursor, and a culture broth of a microorganism capable forming GKDM from a saccharide

Abstract: The present invention provides RNA purification and/or analysis methods that use ammonium sulfate to mitigate or neutralize inhibitory effects of certain molecules. Exemplary inhibitory molecules that interfere with RNA function or analysis are those that bind to or cleave RNA, or stabilize RNA secondary structures.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a cytosine nucleoside compound from pentose-1-phosphate and cytosine or a derivative thereof using a nucleoside phosphorylase reactive to cytosine or a bacterium having the enzyme activity. The invention also provides a method for specifically reducing an activity to degrade the substrates or the product, resulting in efficient production of the cytosine nucleoside compound. According to the invention, little by-product is produced in producing cytonucleocide compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloning and characterization of a human serine/threonine kinase (h-sgk: serum and glucocorticoid dependent kinase). The invention furthermore relates to reagents for diagnosing conditions associated with a change in cell volume and/or in “macromolecular crowding” in the body, such as, for example, hypernatremia, hyponatremia, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, hypercatabolism, hepatic encephalopathy, inflammation and microbial or viral infections. The present invention additionally relates to pharmaceuticals comprising the h-sgk, nucleic acids which code for the h-sgk, or receptors, in particular antibodies, which specifically bind to the h-sgk.

Abstract: Purine nucleotides are produced by culturing a microorganism having the ability to produce a precursor of the purine nucleotide and carrying an introduced DNA which can express an enzyme capable of synthesizing the purine nucleotide from the precursor upon induction; allowing the purine nucleotide precursor to accumulate in the culture; inducing the expression of the enzyme; allowing the purine nucleotide formed to accumulate in the culture; and recovering the purine nucleotide. Suitable microorganisms include Corynebacterium ammoniagenes which are induced to express GMP synthetase/XMP aminase and inosine-guanosine kinase for use in producing IMP and GMP, especially from the nucleotide precursor XMP.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for preparing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). The process of the present invention comprises performing phosphorylation using a polyphosphoric acid or a salt thereof and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as substrates in the presence of a polyphosphate-dependent NAD+ kinase from a Mycobacterium, wherein the reaction solution contains 0.1-15% by weight of the polyphosphoric acid or a salt thereof, and 5-150 mM of a divalent metal ion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing vitamin B12 using Bacillus megaterium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a sugar nucleotide, in which a) a culture broth of a microorganism capable of producing NTP from a nucleotide precursor, or a treated product of the culture broth, and b) a culture broth of a microorganism capable of producing a sugar nucleotide from a sugar and NTP, or a treated product of the culture broth, are used as enzyme sources; a process for producing a complex carbohydrate, in which the above-described a) and b) and c) a culture broth of a microorganism, an animal cell or an insect cell capable of producing a complex carbohydrate from a sugar nucleotide and a complex carbohydrate precursor, or a treated product of the culture broth, are used as enzyme sources; a process for producing a complex carbohydrate, in which a culture broth of a microorganism, an animal cell or an insect cell capable of producing a complex carbohydrate from a sugar nucleotide and a complex carbohydrate precursor, or a treated product of the culture broth, is as an enzyme sour

Abstract: This invention provides prokaryotic glycosyltransferases, including a bifunctional sialyltransferase that has both an &agr;2,3- and an &agr;2,8-activity. A &bgr;1,4-GalNAc transferase and a &bgr;1,3-galactosyltransferase are also provided by the invention, as are other glycosyltransferases and enzymes involved in synthesis of lipooligosaccharide (LOS). The glycosyltransferases can be obtained from, for example, Campylobacter species, including C. jejuni. In additional embodiments, the invention provides nucleic acids that encode the glycosyltransferases, as well as expression vectors and host cells for expressing the glycosyltransferases.

Abstract: This invention provides prokaryotic glycosyltransferases, including a bifunctional sialyltransferase that has both an &agr;2,3- and an &agr;2,8-activity. A &bgr;1,4-GalNAc transferase and a &bgr;1,3-galactosyltransferase are also provided by the invention, as are other glycosyltransferases and enzymes involved in synthesis of lipooligosaccharide (LOS). The glycosyltransferases can be obtained from, for example, Campylobacter species, including C. jejuni. In additional embodiments, the invention provides nucleic acids that encode the glycosyltransferases, as well as expression vectors and host cells for expressing the glycosyltransferases.

Abstract: Processes and kits for immobilizing a high density of nucleic acids on an insoluble surface, which are particularly useful for mass spectrometric detection of nucleic acids, are disclosed. Arrays containing the immobilized nucleic acids and use of the immobilized nucleic acids in a variety of solid phase nucleic acid chemistry applications, including nucleic acid synthesis (chemical and enzymatic), hybridization and/or extension, and sequencing, are provided. Serial and parallel dispensing tools that can deliver defined volumes of fluid to generate multi-element arrays of sample material on a substrate surface are further provided. Tools provided herein can include an assembly of vesicle elements, or pins, wherein each of the pins can include a narrow interior chamber suitable for holding nanoliter volumes of fluid. Methods for dispensing tools that can be employed to generate multi-element arrays of sample material on a substrate surface are also provided.

Abstract: A novel gene defining a novel human UDP-GlcNAc: Gal&bgr;1-3GalNAca &bgr;1,6GlcNAc-transferase, termed C2GnT3, with unique enzymatic properties is disclosed. The enzymatic activity of C2GnT3 is shown to be distinct from that of previously identified enzymes of this gene family. The invention discloses isolated DNA molecules and DNA constructs encoding C2GnT3 and derivatives thereof by way of amino acid deletion, substitution or insertion exhibiting C2GnT3 activity, as well as cloning and expression vectors including such DNA, cells transfected with the vectors, and recombinant methods for providing C2GnT3. The enzyme C2GnT3 and C2GnT3-active derivatives thereof are disclosed, in particular soluble derivatives comprising the catalytically active domain of C2GnT3.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of 6-O-sulfating glucosaminyl N-acetylglucosamine residues (GlcNAc) in a polysaccharide preparation and methods of converting anticoagulant-inactive heparan sulfate to anticoagulant-active heparan sulfate and substantially pure polysaccharide preparations may by such methods. Also disclosed is a mutant CHO cell which hyper-produces anticoagulant-active heparan sulfate. Methods for elucidating the sequence of activity of enzymes in a biosynthetic pathway are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quickly determining cAMP content or an adenylate cyclase activity in a biological sample containing non-cyclic adenine nucleotides without the use of radioactive agents.

Abstract: A method of making didanosine (ddI) including the steps of: (a) obtaining an enzyme expressing ddA deaminase activity; (b) immobilizing the enzyme onto an insoluble support; (c) contacting the enzyme with a dideoxyadenosine (ddA) solution of at least about 4% weight volume ddA in water for a time and under conditions to produce a ddI solution; and (d) isolating the ddI from the ddI solution. Optionally, the ddI mother liquor is reused in subsequent runs to improve yield.

Abstract: A method for fermentative production of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), includes culturing a bacterial strain obtainable from a starting strain and having increased SAM-synthetase activity, compared to the starting strain, in a culture medium, the bacterial strain secreting SAM into the culture medium and the SAM being removed from the culture medium.

Abstract: A process for the resolution of a racemic mixture of nucleoside enantiomers that includes the step of exposing the racemic mixture to an enzyme that preferentially catalyzes a reaction in one of the enantiomers. The nucleoside enantiomer (−)-2-hydroxymethyl-5-(5-fluorocytosin-1-yl)-1,3-oxathiolane is an effective antiviral agent against HIV, HBV, and other viruses replicating in a similar manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a complex carbohydrate, which comprises: selecting, as enzyme sources, a culture broth of a microorganism capable of producing a sugar nucleotide from a nucleotide precursor and a sugar, or a treated product of the culture broth, and a culture broth of a microorganism or animal cell capable of producing a complex carbohydrate from a sugar nucleotide and a complex carbohydrate precursor, or a treated product of the culture broth; carrying out an enzyme reaction in an aqueous medium containing the enzyme sources, the nucleotide precursor, the sugar and the complex carbohydrate precursor to form and accumulate the complex carbohydrate in the aqueous medium; and recovering the complex carbohydrate from the aqueous medium, and a process for producing a sugar nucleotide, which comprises selecting, as an enzyme source, a culture broth of a microorganism capable of producing a sugar nucleotide from a nucleotide precursor and a sugar, or a treated product of the cultur

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a compound with &bgr;1-4 linkage which contains the lactosamine structure involving reacting at least one donor substance Gal&bgr;OR where R is an organic group, and at least one acceptor substance which is a glucopyranosamino derivative having the formula GlcNR″-R′″, wherein NR″ is an azido, 2-N-acetyl-, 2-N-phtalimido, or an organic group bound to the 2-N-group of glucosamine, wherein R′″ is a glycosidically bound fluoro or is an O-, C-, N- or S-glycosidically bound aliphatic or aromatic compound, with the proviso that if NR″ is NRAc then R′″ is not OH and if NR″ is not NHAc then R′″ may be OH, in the presence of Bullera singularis or an E.C. group 3.2 glycosidase of essentially the same structure as an E.C. Group 3.2 glycosidase obtained from Bullera singularis to form the lactosamine derivative; and optionally isolating the compound with &bgr;1-4 linkage which contains the lactosamine structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sialytransferases, such as SiaA sialytransferases isolated from Haemophilus influenzae. Further provided herein are methods for producing sialylated lipooligosaccharides, vaccines, and host cells and systems for the production of sialylated lipooligosaccharides.

Abstract: Nucleoside 5′-phosphate ester is produced by culturing a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia having an ability to produce nucleoside 5′-phosphate ester, in which ushA gene and aphA gene do not function normally, in a medium to produce and accumulate nucleoside 5′-phosphate ester in the medium, and collecting the nucleoside 5′-phosphate ester from the medium.

Abstract: A method of isolating chondroitin sulfate product from a feedstock comprising connective tissue.

Abstract: Glycosaminoglycans derived from the K5 polysaccharide having high anticoagulant and antithrombotic activity obtained by a process comprising the preparation of the K5 polysaccharide from Escherichia coli, N-deacetilation/N-sulfation, C-5 epimerization, supersulfation, selective O-desulfation, selective 6-O sulfation and N-sulfation, wherein said epimerization is carried out using the glucuronosyl C-5 epimerase enzyme in solution or in immobilized form in presence of specific divalent cations.

Abstract: N-acetylglycosaminyltransferase V nucleic acids, proteins encoded by the nucleic acids, and uses of the nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methodology for polymer grafting by a polysaccharide synthase and, more particularly, polymer grafting using the hyaluronate or chondroitin or heparin/heparosan synthases from Pasteurella, in order to create a variety of glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharides having a natural or chimeric or hybrid sugar structure with a targeted size that are substantially monodisperse in size.

Abstract: It is to provide a method for producing hyaluronic acid or a hyaluronic acid derivative which is a simple preparation method as compared with a cockscomb extraction method or a fermentation method which has conventionally been employed industrially, and with which isolation and purification of the product from the reaction liquid is easy. It is a method for producing hyaluronic acid or a hyaluronic acid derivative, which comprises acting a hyaluronidase on an oxazoline derivative.

Abstract: A method of flocculating a micro-organism and/or removal of high molecular weight contaminants from a fermentation broth, comprising adding a divalent salt to the fermentation broth comprising a glycosaminoglucan of interest after which the micro-organism and/or the high molecular weight contaminants are removed, wherein said micro-organism produces the glycosaminoglucan of interest.

Abstract: A human AZU-1 gene, mutants, variants and fragments thereof. Protein products encoded by the AZU-1 gene and homologs encoded by the variants of AZU-1 gene acting as tumor suppressors or markers of malignancy progression and tumorigenicity reversion. Identification, isolation and characterization of AZU-1 and AZU-2 genes localized to a tumor suppressive locus at chromosome 10q26, highly expressed in nonmalignant and premalignant cells derived from a human breast tumor progression model. A recombinant full length protein sequences encoded by the AZU-1 gene and nucleotide sequences of AZU-1 and AZU-2 genes and variant and fragments thereof. Monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies specific to AZU-1, AZU-2 encoded protein and to AZU-1, or AZU-2 encoded protein homologs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polypeptide having a &bgr;1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase activity, an agent for synthesizing a sugar chain comprising the polypeptide, a process for producing a sugar chain or a complex carbohydrate using the agent for synthesizing a sugar chain, DNA encoding the polypeptide, a process for producing the polypeptide, an antibody against the polypeptide, and a diagnosis method and a medicament for treatment for inflammation, cancer or tumor metastasis using the DNA or the antibody. The present invention is useful for synthesis of a useful sugar chain and diagnosis and treatment for inflammatory diseases, cancer or tumor metastasis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the preparation of 3′-O and 5′-O-levulinyl nucleosides from common precursors using an enzymatic approach.

Abstract: A gene encoding an enzyme required for operation of a novel biochemical pathway for oxidation of the reduced phosphorus (P) compound phosphite was cloned from Pseudomonas and also found in other bacteria. The enzyme (designated PtxD) was overproduced in the host Escherichia coli by use of a recombinant system and purified to homogeneity via a two-step affinity protocol and characterized. The enzyme stoichiometrically produces NADH and phosphate from NAD and phosphite. Mechanistic studies indicate stereoselective transfer of hydride from phosphite to the Re-face of NAD+ with observed steady-state kinetic isotope effects of 2.1 on Vmax and 1.8 on Vmax/Km. The novel enzyme is useful for methods requiring regenerating the cofactor NADH, for use in synthetic oxidoreductases, and to synthesize chiral compounds, complex carbohydrates, and isotopically-labelled compounds.