Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing tagatose using soy oligosaccharide or soluble sugar solution containing the same, more precisely, a method for producing tagatose comprising the following steps; hydrolyzing soy oligosaccharide by using ?-galactosidase selectively; producing tagatose continuously by enzymatic isomerization of galactose obtained from the hydrolysate; separating the produced tagatose by chromatography; and recycling the non-reacted materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a isolated polypeptide characterised in that it comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 80% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO 2, SEQ ID NO 21 and SEQ ID NO 22, to polynucleotides encoding such a polypeptide and to the use thereof in the production of fructose syrups.

Abstract: This invention provides a series of recombinant Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum glucose isomerases with improved catalytic activity and thermostability obtained by using recombinant techniques. These recombinant glucose isomerases comprise amino acid variation including phenylalanine (Phe) at position 139, alanine (Ala) at position 182, serine (Ser) at position 187, and glutamine (Gin) at position 299, and carry at least one additional mutated amino acid at position 87, position 217, position 260 or position 276, and possess a higher catalytic activity than that of the wild-type when using D-glucose as substrate. These recombinant glucose isomerases can be used for direct production of high fructose corn syrup containing 55% [wt] or higher concentration of fructose.

Abstract: The invention concerns identification of a gene encoding a novel L-arabinose isomerase of the Bacillus stearothernivphilus strain US 100 (L-AI US 100), a L-arabinose isomerase expressed from said gene, recombinant vectors harbouring said gene, microorganisms transformed with said vector, a protocol for preparing and purifying said recombinant protein, biochemical and kinetic characterization of said recombinant enzyme and a method for bioconversion of a D-galactose solution into a solution rich in D-tagatose using said polypeptide. This novel protein has original characteristics, in particular its independence from metal ions for its activity and its low need for such ions for its thermostability, as well as its potential for isomerizing D-galactose into D-tagatose with great efficacy of about 48% after 7 hours at 70° C.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel ketose 3-epimerase, a process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, and a process for producing a ketose by using the enzyme. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a ketose 3-epimerase which is obtainable from a microorganism of the genus Rhizobium, a process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, and a process for converting D- or L-ketohexose into corresponding D- or L-ketohexose by epimerizing the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of the D- or L-ketohexose; and D- or L-ketopentose into corresponding D- or L-ketopentose by epimerizing the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of the D- or L-ketopentose; by using the enzyme.

Abstract: Providing 1- or 6-deoxy products corresponding to all of aldohexoses, ketohexoses and sugar alcohols, as based on Deoxy-Izumoring, as well as a method for systematically producing those products. A method for producing deoxyketohexose and a derivative thereof using a deoxyketohexose isomerase derived from Pseudomonas cichorii ST-24 (FERM BP-2736), comprising epimerizing 1-deoxy D-ketohexose or 6-deoxy D-ketohexose or 1-deoxy L-ketohexose or 6-deoxy L-ketohexose at position 3 to produce the individually corresponding 1-deoxy D-ketohexose or 6-deoxy D-ketohexose or 1-deoxy L-ketohexose or 6-deoxy L-ketohexose as an intended product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated protein including an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2 and having an L-rhamnose isomerase activity. This novel enzyme has a higher reaction efficiency between D-psicose and D-allose and is excellent in thermal stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) strains expressing thermophilic arabinose isomerase as an active form and method of food grade tagatose by using the same, and more precisely, a gene encoding arabinose isomerase originating from the thermophilic Geobacillus stearothermophilus DSM22 and Geobacillus thermodenitrificans, a recombinant expression vector containing the gene, a recombinant GRAS strains expressing the thermophilic arabinose isomerase as an active form by transformed with the expression vector, and a method of preparing food grade tagatose from galactose by using the same.

Abstract: Alpha-amylases from Bacillus subtilis (AmyE), variants thereof, nucleic acids encoding the same, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids are provided. Methods of using AmyE or variants thereof are disclosed, including liquefaction and/or saccharification of starch. Such methods may yield sugars useful for ethanol production or high fructose corn syrup production. In some cases, the amylases can be used at low pH, in the absence of calcium, and/or in the absence of a glucoamylase.

Abstract: Object: To provide a thermostable L-ribose isomerase. Means for Resolution: The thermostable L-ribose isomerase with MW. 32,000 (by SDS-PAGE), optimal temperature of 45° C., optimal pH of pH 9.0 (glycine-NaOH buffer), and stable physicochemical properties such as temperature stability up to 45° C. during thermal treatment at pH 9.0 for 10 minutes, and with an action to isomerize L-ribose to generate L-ribulose or of inversely to isomerize L-ribulose to generate L-ribose.

Abstract: An ?-amylase from Bacillus subtilis (AmyE) produces significant amounts of glucose from various carbohydrate substrates, including vegetable starch, maltoheptaose, and maltotriose. Among other things, this advantageous property allows AmyE or variants thereof to be used in a saccharification reaction having a reduced or eliminated requirement for glucoamylase. The reduction or elimination of the glucoamylase requirement significantly improves the efficiency of the production of ethanol or high fructose corn syrup, for example.

Abstract: A process for preparing saccharide oligomers uses an aqueous feed composition that comprises at least one monosaccharide or linear saccharide oligomer, and has a solids concentration of at least about 70% by weight. The feed composition is heated to a temperature of at least about 40° C., and is contacted with at least one catalyst that accelerates the rate of cleavage or formation of glucosyl bonds, such as enzyme or acid, for a time sufficient to cause formation of non-linear saccharide oligomers. A product composition is produced that contains a higher concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers than linear saccharide oligomers.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases, for example, alpha amylases, to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for continuously converting sucrose to ?-D-glucose. The method comprises a three-stage enzymatic reactor in which an aqueous solution of sucrose is first converted into a solution of fructose and ?-D-glucose by passing it through a porous, packed column containing an inert media on which invertase is immobilized. This solution is then sent through a second packed column containing glucose isomerase and finally a third packed column containing mutarotase. Solution temperature and pH are adjusted to maximize glucose output.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel enzymes that convert sucrose to isomaltulose. More particularly, the present invention discloses novel sucrose isomerases, polynucleotides encoding these sucrose isomerases, methods for isolating such polynucleotides and nucleic acid constructs that express these polynucleotides. Also disclosed are cells, including transformed bacterial or plant cells, and differentiated plants comprising cells, which contain these sucrose isomerase-encoding polynucleotides, as well as extracts thereof. Methods of producing isomaltulose are also disclosed which use the polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells, cell extracts and plants of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a crystalline sugar comprising D-psicose and D-allose. Also disclosed is a process for producing the sugar. A complex crystalline sugar comprising D-psicose and D-allose. The compositional ratio between D-psicose and D-allose in the sugar is about 1:1 to 1:4. A process for producing a complex crystalline sugar comprising D-psicose and D-allose, the process comprising producing a complex crystalline sugar comprising D-psicose and D-allose from a sugar solution containing D-psicose and p-allose and collecting the complex crystalline sugar. The solvent of the sugar solution used in the production of the complex crystalline sugar is water or a mixture of water and ethanol. The sugar solution containing D-psicose and D-allose is produced by a process comprising reacting D-psicose with L-rhamnose isomerase to convert D-psicose into D-allose. The L-rhamnose isomerase is derived from a strain (IPOD FERM BP-08593) belonging to Pseudomonas stutzeri.

Abstract: Plant materials such as corn kernels which contain starch and fiber comprising cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin are refined. The starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin are converted to sugars which are then fermented to ethanol. Additional sources of starch and fiber are optionally added to the refining process to further increase the yield of ethanol.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide the sequence of a thermotolerant L-rhamnose isomerase gene. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A DNA comprising the base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1. A protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2. A protein originating in Bacillus pallidus strain 14a (FERM AP-20172) and having an L-rhamnose isomerase activity. A protein having an L-rhamnose isomerase activity which is specified as having the following characteristics: optimum temperature and working temperature: showing the maximum enzymatic activity at 80° C. (the optimum temperature) and working temperature ranging from 30 to 80° C.; heat stability: concerning the effect of temperature on the enzymatic activity, being stable at up to 50° C. in the case of heating for 1 hour; and catalyzing the isomerization from D-psicose to D-allose.

Abstract: This invention provides a series of recombinant Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum glucose isomerases with improved catalytic activity and thermostability obtained by using recombinant techniques. These recombinant glucose isomerases comprise amino acid variation including phenylalanine Phe) at position 139, alanine (Ala) at position 182, serine (Ser) at position 187, and glutamine (Gln) at position 299, and carry at least one additional mutated amino acid at position 87, position 217, position 260 or position 276, and possess a higher catalytic activity than that of the wild-type when using D-glucose as substrate. These recombinant glucose isomerases can be used for direct production of high fructose corn syrup containing 55.% [wt] or higher concentration of fructose.

Abstract: A grain containing starch, such as corn, is refined. The grain is steeped in water at a temperature of about 125 to 160° F., which water is essentially free of sulfurous acid and contains recycled enzymes from downstream processes, in a counter-current steeping reactor for about 10 to 20 hours to produce an aqueous slurry of steeped grain having a moisture content of about 40 to 50 percent. The various components of the grain are then separated and the starch is converted to ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermophilic arabinose isomerase and a method of manufacturing tagatose using the same, and more precisely, a gene encoding arabinose isomerase originating from the thermophilic Thermotoga neapolitana DSM 5068, a recombinant expression vector containing the gene, a method of preparing a food grade thermophilic arabinose isomerase from the recombinant GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) strain transformed with the said expression vector, and a method of preparing tagatose from galactose using the said enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermophilic arabinose isomerase and a method of manufacturing tagatose using the same, and more precisely, a gene encoding arabinose isomerase originating from the thermophile Geobacillus stearothermophilus DSM22, a recombinant expression vector containing the gene, a method of preparing a food grade thermophilic arabinose isomerase from the recombinant GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) strain transformed with the said expression vector, and a method of preparing tagatose from galactose using the said enzyme.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for continuously converting sucrose to ?-D-glucose. The method comprises a three stage enzymatic reactor in which an aqueous solution of sucrose is first converted into a solution of fructose and ?-D-glucose by passing it through a porous, packed column containing an inert media on which invertase is immobilized. This solution is then sent through a second packed column containing glucose isomerase and finally a third packed column containing mutarotase. Solution temperature and pH are adjusted to maximize glucose output.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of regulating the destruction of mRNA molecules containing an AU-rich element (ARE), for example, methods of stimulating the degradation of an mRNA molecule encoding TNF-?, and methods of inhibiting the degradation of an mRNA molecule encoding GM-CSF. Also provided are methods for identifying compounds that regulate the destruction of mRNA molecules containing AREs.

Abstract: A novel gene, PB39, that is up-regulated, or over-expressed, in prostate cancer has been identified. The gene has been identified by means of its cDNA obtained by reverse transcription of the corresponding mRNA. Microdissection of prostate glands that had been surgically removed from prostate cancer patients revealed a novel up-regulated transcript in an aggressive prostate carcinoma. Differential analysis for the presence of this gene was carried out from the same glands by comparing transcription in microdissected normal prostatic epithelium versus that in microdissected invasive tumor. The transcript was over-expressed in 5 of 10 prostate carcinomas examined. A variant transcript was over-expressed in 4 of 4 prostate carcinomas, and was found in 1 of 4 normal samples.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid sequence of a mitotic checkpoint gene, chfr, encodes a Chfr protein having a Forkhead-associated domain and a Ring Finger. This protein is required for regulation of the transition of cells from prophase to metaphase during mitosis. The chfr nucleic acid and Chfr polypeptide are useful in diagnosing tumorigenic cells and in screening for drugs which can inhibit the activity of Chfr in a cancer cell, thereby rendering the cell more sensitive to additional anti-tumor therapies.

Abstract: A novel L-arabinose isomerase active enzyme and its corresponding gene, derived from a thermophilic source are provided. The enzyme is suitable for the production of D-tagatose, a useful low-calorie sweetener. The enzyme may be obtained from a Thermoanaerobacter species such as Thermoanaerobacter mathranii.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for practical enzymatic conversion of GDP-mannose to GDP-fucose. These methods are useful for efficient synthesis of reactants used in the synthesis of fucosylated oligosaccharides.

Abstract: Tagatose is manufactured by hydrolyzing lactose to galactose and glucose and isomerizing galactose to tagatose and chromatographic separation and recycling any unconverted compounds. Thereby high yields of pure tagatose are obtained.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that CREB regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis via the co-activator, PGC-1. PGC-1 potentiated glucocorticoid induction of the gene for PEPCK, the rate limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis, via the glucocorticoid response unit in the promoter, indicating that activation of PGC-1 by CREB in liver contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. In accordance with the above discoveries, the present invention provides a method of identifying a compound that modulates gluconeogenesis. The invention method comprises contacting CREB and a nucleic acid comprising a PGC-1 promoter with a test compound, and determining if the test compound modulates binding between CREB and the PGC-1 promoter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, prognosticating, imaging and treating prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel protein having N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase activity; a DNA encoding the protein; a recombinant vector containing the DNA; a transformant obtainable by introducing the recombinant vector into a host cell; and a process for producing the protein or N-acetylmannosamine using the transformant.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel gene coding for L-arabinose isomease derived from Thermotoga neapolitana 5068, a thermostable arabinose isomerase expressed from the said gene, a recombinant expression vector containing the said gene, a microorganism transformed with the said expression vector, a process for preparing thermostable arabinose isomerase from the said transformant and a process for preparing D-tagatose employing the said enzyme. Since the recombinant arabinose isomerase is highly thermostable and can produce tagatose with high yield at high temperature, it can be efficiently applied in pharmaceutical and food industries.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, reagents, and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer in a mammal, e.g., a human. This invention is based upon the discovery that G2A, GPR4, GPR65, and OGR1 are overexpressed and/or amplified in cancer. Methods to detect cancer or a propensity to develop cancer, to monitor the efficacy of a cancer treatment, and to treat cancer, by inhibiting the expression and/or activity of G2A, GPR4, GPR65, and OGR1 in a cancer cell are included.

Abstract: A method of detecting increased levels of DNA single strand breaks in a eukaryotic cell sample, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a eukaryotic cell sample to a water-soluble tetrazolium salt under conditions in which said tetrazolium salt is converted to a formazan dye in said cell sample in the presence of NADH or NADPH; and then (b) detecting the presence of the formazan dye in said cell sample, with decreased levels of the formazan dye indicating increased levels of DNA single strand breaks in the eukaryotic cell sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of xylitol. The process utilises ribulose for the preparation of xylitol and involves several different conversion reactions, such as reduction, epimerisation and/or isomerisation. The present invention also relates to the use of ribulose for the preparation of xylitol.

Abstract: Novel methods, membrane supports and immunodiagnostic test kits for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection, are disclosed. The methods can also be used to monitor the progress of treatment of an infection. The methods, supports and kits employ both type-common and type-specific H. pylori antigens and can conveniently be performed in a single-step assay format. The methods provide for highly accurate results and discriminate between H. pylori Type I and H. pylori Type II infection so that an accurate diagnosis can be accomplished.

Abstract: A thermostable mannose isomerase generated from a bacterium belonging to the genus Agrobacterium, excellent in thermostability, capable of being continuously used at a temperature of 55° C. to 60° C. for a prolonged period of time, and has, for example, the following enzymatic properties: (a) function: converts D-mannose to D-fructose and vice versa; (b) substrate specificity: isomerizes the aldoses D-mannose and D-lyxose to their corresponding kitoses, but does not interact with D-glucose, D-galactose, L-mannose, D-xylose, L-xylose, D-arabinose, L-arabinose or D-ribose; (c) optimum pH: 7.5 to 8.5; (d) optimum temperature: 55° C. to 60° C.; and (e) stable pH: 6.0 to 10.0, is provided.

Abstract: A cDNA molecule corresponding to a newly discovered human gene is disclosed. The new gene, which is frequently deleted in liver cancer cells and cell lines, is called the DLC-1 gene. Because the gene is frequently deleted in liver cancer cells, but present in normal cells, it is thought to act as a tumor suppressor. This gene is also frequently deleted in breast and colon cancers, and its expression is decreased or undetectable in many prostate and colon cancers. Also disclosed is the amino acid sequence of the protein encoded by the DLC-1 gene. Methods of using these biological materials in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and adenocarcinomas are presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel protein designated 20P2H8 which shares homology with several heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). A full length approximately 3600 bp 20P2H8 cDNA (SEQ ID NO: 10, encoding a 517 amino acid open reading frame (SEQ ID NO: 2), is provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of xylitol. In particular, processes utilising L-xylose as an intermediate for xylitol production are described. The present invention also relates to process for the preparation or L-xylose, as an intermediate, by-product or end-product to be used per se.

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 present invention provides a new method for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging and prognosticating prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for economically producing N-acetylneuraminic acid without using expensive materials such as pyruvic acid and phosphoenolpyruvic acid. The process comprises: allowing (i) a culture of a microorganism having N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase activity or N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase activity, or a treated matter of the culture, (ii) a culture of a microorganism capable of producing pyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, or a culture of a microorganism capable of producing phosphoenolpyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, (iii) N-acetylmannosamine, and (iv) an energy source which is necessary for the formation of pyruvic acid or phosphoenolpyruvic acid to be present in an aqueous medium to form and accumulate N-acetylneuraminic acid in the aqueous medium; and recovering N-acetylneuraminic acid from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant DNA molecule which comprises genes for biosynthesizing acarbose and homologous pseudo-oligosaccharides; to oligonucleotide primers for the PCR amplification of the molecule; to proteins which can be obtained by expressing the genes located on a molecule; to vectors and host cells which comprise the above-mentioned DNA molecule; to proteins which are encoded by the DNA molecule; to proteins which are expressed by means of said vectors in said host cells; to processes for preparing acarbose by introducing the characterized genes into appropriate host organisms and/or eliminating these genes from the host organisms; to processes for completing the gene cluster of genes for biosynthesizing acarbose, to processes for isolating analogous gene clusters in organisms other than Streptomyces glaucescens GLA.

Abstract: A set of contiguous and partially overlapping cDNA sequences and polypeptides encoded thereby, designated as BU101 and transcribed from breast tissue, is described. These sequences are useful for the detecting, diagnosing, staging, monitoring, prognosticating, in vivo imaging, preventing or treating, or determining the predisposition of an individual to diseases and conditions of the breast, such as breast cancer. Also provided are antibodies which specifically bind to BU101-encoded polypeptide or protein, and agonists or inhibitors which prevent action of the tissue-specific BU101 polypeptide, which molecules are useful for the therapeutic treatment of breast diseases, tumors or metastases.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay, preferably immunoassay, is provided for the detection and determination of MGP in a human serum sample, which comprises the use of one or more antibodies, in particular monoclonal antibodies, specifically recognising epitopes on and/or conformations of human Matrix Gla-Protein. Also, a method is provided for using MGP-related antigens as biomarkers for certain diseases, for example, atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases, and angiogenesis/neogenesis in tumor development. Further, monoclonal antibodies of class IgG are provided for use in the assay, which are defined herein as mAb3-15 and mAb35-49.

Abstract: The present invention features human HX2004-6 polypeptide and nucleotide sequences encoding HX2004-6 polypeptides. In a particular aspect, the polynucleotide is the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. In related aspects the invention features expression vectors and host cells comprising polynucleotides that encode a human HX2004-6 polypeptide. The present invention also relates to antibodies that bind specifically to a human HX2004-6 polypeptide. Further provided are diagnostic and screening methods using HX2004-6 polynucleotides and antibodies specific for HX2004-6 polypeptides.

Abstract: Fucose and fucose analogs are synthesized enzymatically in a three step synthetic protocol. In the first step, L-fuculose-1-phosphate of analog thereof is produced by means of an aldolase catalyzed aldol addition reaction. In the second step, the fuculose-1-phosphate or analog thereof is dephosphorylated to form L-fuculose or an analog thereof using acid dephosphorylase as a catalyst. In the third step, the L-fuculose or analog thereof is converted to L-fucose or an analog thereof using L-fucose isomerase as a catalyst. The synthesis may be a one pot reaction involving the addition substrates and each of the above enzymes to a single reaction vessel. Alternatively, the synthesis may be carried out with purification steps after each reaction.