Abstract: The Tat-inhibitory polypeptide derivatives of the formula I D-Cys-D-Phe-D-Thr-D-Thr-D-Lys-D-Ala-D-Leu-D-Gly-D-Ile-D-Ser-D-Tyr-D-Gly-D-Arg-D-Lys-D-Lys-D-Arg-D-Arg-D-Gln-D-Arg-D-Arg-D-Arg-D-Pro-D-Pro-D-Gln-D-Gly-D-Ser-D-Gln-D-Thr-D-His-D-Gln-D-Val-D-Ser-D-Leu-D-Ser-D-Lys-D-Gln (SEQ ID 1) and fragments or analogs thereof, and the biologically and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof exhibit advantageous properties, including binding to &Dgr;TAR, inhibition of LTR-dependent reporter gene expression in a model cell assay and, finally, inhibition of HIV-1 replication, as determined in assays of HIV-induced syncytium formation, cytotoxicity and reverse transcriptase production. These peptides are thus capable of competing with the TAR RNA-binding domain of Tat protein and thus are useful as a therapeutic agents in the treatment of AIDS.

Abstract: Group B streptogramin derivatives of general formula (I): 1

Abstract: A chimeric polypeptide encoded by the chimeric gene formed by the DNA sequences that encode the antigenic determinants of four proteins of L. infantum is disclosed. The protein obtained, rLiPO-Ct-Q (pPQI) has a molecular mass of 38 kD with an isoelectric point of 7.37. This chimeric polypeptide is useful for preventing and/or treating leishmaniosis in animals or humans.

Abstract: Disclosed is a family of vaccines that contain stress protein-peptide complexes which when administered to a mammal are operative to initiate in the mammal a cytotoxic T cell response against cells infected with a preselected intracellular pathogen. Also disclosed are methodologies for preparing and administering vaccines containing such stress protein-peptide complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ion exchange chromatography process for purifying GLP-1 or an analog or a derivative thereof from a mixture containing said GLP-1 and related impurities, and to an industrial method including such ion exchange chromatography process.

Abstract: A method for extracting proteins from the intercellular space of plants is provided. The method is applicable to the large scale isolation of many active proteins of interest synthesized by plant cells. The method may be used commercially to recover recombinantly produced proteins from plant hosts thereby making the large scale use of plants as sources for recombinant protein production feasible.

Abstract: Pentadentate chelators (PDC) resins are the metal chelate resins capable of forming the octahedral complexes with several polyvalent metal ions including Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+ and Co2+ with five coordination sites occupied by the chelator. This results in the best stability of the complexes and in one coordination site free for interaction and selective binding of accessible cysteine/histidine residues and chiefly histidine containing biomolecules such as proteins or peptides etc. Cu-PDC can be used as concentration resins to reduce the volume of a protein solution. It can be used also as a universal support for immobilizing covalently all proteins, using a soluble carbodiimide.

Abstract: PEG-LHRH analog conjugates, where a PEG moiety is covalently bound to a serine residue of a LHRH analog either directly or via a bifunctional linker molecule, such as an amino acid, and methods for producing these conjugates are provided in the present invention. Also provided are a pharmaceutical composition and a method for treating pathologies in which LHRH analog administration is beneficial.

Abstract: A process and a kit are provided for detecting differences in two or more samples of protein, including proteins bearing post-translational modifications and peptides. Proteins are prepared, for example, from each of a different group of cell samples or body fluid samples to be compared. Each protein extract is labeled with a different one of a luminescent dye from a matched set of dyes. The matched dyes have generally the same ionic and pH characteristics but emit light at different wavelengths to exhibit a different color upon luminescence detection. The labeled protein extracts are mixed together and separated together by electrophoresis or a chromatographic method. The separation is observed to detect proteins unique to one sample or present in a greater ratio in one sample than in the other. Those unique or excess proteins will fluoresce the color of one of the dyes used. Proteins common to each sample migrate together and fluoresce the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from biological samples, for example, from human pituitary glands or human postmenopausal urine, wherein the FSH is contaminated with other proteins, by use of dye-ligand affinity chromatography (DAC). Depending on the starting material used and the initial purity of FSH in the starting material, additional purification steps may be employed. These steps preferably involve the use of hydrophobic interaction chromatography. This process may be used to generate affinity pure FSH suitable for therapeutic applications. The methods of the invention provide high purity FSH with high overall yield. A further advantage is the ability to easily regenerate the chromatography media for re-use, thus providing added economy to the purification process.

Abstract: An expressing system which enables a large amount of production of a protein in Humicola, in particular, Humicola insolens, and particularly host-vector systems and a process for producing a protein using the systems, wherein an expression vector comprising the regulator sequences, i.e., the promoter, the signal sequence, and the terminator, of the cellulase NCE1 gene or NCE2 gene derived from Humicola insolens is constructed and used. The expression vector enables highly efficient production of cellulase NCE4, for example, in Humicola insolens at a rate as high as about 4.5 g or more per one liter of culture.

Abstract: Purified form of streptogramines, characterised in that it contains at least one component from group B streptogramines of general formula (I), wherein R1 is Me or Et, R2 is H or OH, and R3 is substituted benzyl of general formula (III), such that 1) if R2 is H, R is NR4R5, wherein one of R4 and R5 is H or an Me radical and the other is Me, and R′ is Cl or Br, or R is (C3-5)alkenyl if R4 and R5 are Me, or 2) R is H and R′ is halogen, alkylamino or dialkylamino, an ether-oxide residue, alkylthio, (C1-3)alkyl or trihalogenomethyl, or R is halogen, (C2-4)alkylamino, (C2-4)dialkylamino or methyl ethyl amino, pyrrolidino alkenyl alkyl amino, dialkylamino, an alkyl cycloalkylmethyl amino radical or in ether-oxide residue, alkylthio, alkylthiomethyl, (C1-6)alkyl, aryl or trihalogenomethyl, and R′ is H, or R is halogen, amino, alkylamino or dialkylamino, an ether-oxide residue, an alkylthio radical, (C1-6)alkyl or trihalogenomethyl and R′ is halogen, alkylamino or dialkylamino, an ether-oxide

Abstract: Biologically active, pure neutrophil-activating factor (NAF) isolated from human monocytes or after expression of a synthetic NAF gene in E.coli and having the following amino acid sequence Ser-Ala-Lys-Glu-Leu-Arg-Cys-Gln-Cys-Ile-Lys-Thr-Tyr-Ser-Lys-Pro-Phe-His-Pro-Lys-Phe-Ile-Lys-Glu-Leu-Arg-Val-Ile-Glu-Ser-Gly-Pro-His-Cys-Ala-Asn-Thr-Glu-Ile-Ile-Val-Lys-Leu-Ser-Asp-Gly-Arg-Glu-Leu-Cys-Leu-Asp-Pro-Lys-Glu-Asn-Trp-Val-Gln-Arg-Val-Val-Glu-Lys-Phe-Leu-Lys-ArgAla-Glu-Asn-Ser.

Abstract: Novel bioactive peptide compositions and process for producing the same and the use of such compositions for enhancing the growth of warm blooded animals and fish is disclosed.

Abstract: The protective group having the following formula (I): Ar—L—  (I) wherein Ar represents a substantially planar, fused ring system containing at least 4 aromatic rings, and L represents a group containing at least one carbon atom which is capable of bonding to a group to be protected.

Abstract: A system is described for conjugating, isolating, and purifying proteins. The system contains an ultrafiltration apparatus which is connected with a reaction vessel reservoir.

Abstract: A E. coli recombinant plasmid expressing a fusion protein having the human erythropoietin receptor extracellular domain is disclosed. A purified fusion protein produced from such a vector is also disclosed, the fusion protein having a cleavage site suitable for separating the erythropoietin receptor extracellular domain from the remainder of the fusion protein. Antibodies having specific binding affinity for a purified extracellular domain polypeptide are also disclosed. The purified human erythropoietin receptor fragment polypeptide binds erythropoietin. The articles, compositions and methods of the invention are useful for studying ligand binding to erythropoietin receptor and for quantitating the amounts of erythropoietin receptor, as well as for understanding receptor structure and signal transduction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the sodium salt of formula 5: which may be useful in the treatment of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Also described are lyophilized formulations that comprise the sodium salt 5 or the corresponding free acid.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of purifying and analyzing cyclic peptide libraries using hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction. An embodiment of the invention includes associating a hydrophobic tag, e.g., a fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl group (Fmoc), with non-cyclized linear peptide contaminants, followed by separation of the cyclic peptide library from the tagged linear peptide contaminants using a hydrophobic support such as a reversed phase chromatography column. Consequently, the cyclic peptide library is separated from the linear peptide contaminants since the linear peptide contaminants elute later from the support. Another aspect of the invention is directed to the analysis of the proportion of linear peptide contaminants in a cyclic peptide library. Also included within the scope of the invention are the compositions of matter which result from practicing methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for the production of recombinant peptides from bacterial cells.

Abstract: Substantially pure conopeptides containing &ggr;-carboxyglutamic acid are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of pentapeptide analogs of LHRH. These compounds are useful in the treatment of disease conditions which are mediated by reproductive hormones, including benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate tumors, breast and ovaries tumors, cryptorchidism, hirsuitism, gastric motility disorders, dysmenorrhea, and endometriosis.

Abstract: A process is provided for isolating a protein component of animal muscle tissue by mixing a particulate form of the tissue with an acidic aqueous liquid having a pH below about 3.5 to produce a protein rich solution. A protein rich aqueous solution is separated from solids and lipids, including membrane lipids. The protein rich aqueous solution can be treated to effect protein precipitation, followed by protein recovery.

Abstract: Novel methods and compositions are provided for preferentially bonding an oligomeric molecule to a macromolecular target where the target is a member of a complex mixture and/or there is preferential bonding at one of a plurality of available bonding sites of the macromolecular target. The methods represent a complete system for both producing and identifying affinity label molecules from a combinatorial library which preferentially bind to a marcomolecular target or target site and preferentially binding those affinity labels to a macromolecule of interest either ex vivo or in vivo. Macromolecular targets include a variety of cellular- and non-cellular-associated proteins.

Abstract: A process for purifying molecules from contaminants is provided. In this process a mixture containing the molecule (peptide, polypeptide, or biologically active non-peptidyl compound) and its contaminants is loaded onto a reversed-phase liquid chromatography column and the molecule is eluted from the column with a buffer containing hexylene glycol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the one-stage resalting and purification of oligopeptides. Oligopeptides are often not formed directly as acetates when synthesised. Acetate salts of oligopeptides are however desirable as bulk-active material for medical and formulation reasons. Processes known from the prior art have hitherto involved two separate steps or pyridine-containing solvents. The resalting and purification can be combined in one step and the use of pyridine as solvent can be avoided, if the oligopeptide in the form of its chloride salt is purified with an acetate-containing solvent by liquid chromatography methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to Helicobacter species aliphatic amidase AmiE polypeptides, the DNA encoding those polypeptides and transformed microorganisms capable of expressing those polypeptides. This invention also relates to the use of Helicobacter sp. (particularly Helicobacter pylori) amidase AmiE polypeptides and antibodies specific for those polypeptides in immunogenic, therapeutic, and diagnostic applications. The invention additionally relates to processes of producing Helicobacter species aliphatic amidase AmiE polypeptides and intermediates useful in the production of those polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal charged iminodiacetic acid (IDA) cellulose for detecting a test sample having a histidine tag. The present invention also provides methods for determining cloned protein expression and function. Additionally, the present invention includes a method for the handling of denatured proteins with subsequent renaturation in situ (parenthetically after binding to metal charged IDA cellulose). A wide range of applications are contemplated for the metal charged IDA cellulose including two-dimensional high throughput screening of proteins.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are provided for diagnosing Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The disclosed compounds are polypeptides, or antibodies thereto, that contain one or more epitopes of T. cruzi antigens. The compounds are useful in a variety of immunoassays for detecting T. cruzi infection. The polypeptide compounds are further useful in vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for inducing protective immunity against Chagas' disease in individuals exposed to T. cruzi.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to semaphorin K1 (sema K1) polypeptides which regulate cellular guidance and physiology, and related nucleic acids. The polypeptides may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells from the disclosed sema K1 encoding nucleic acids or purified from human cells. The invention provides isolated sema K1 hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed sema K1 genes, sema K1-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, and methods of making and using the subject compositions in diagnosis, therapy and in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: An anti-microbial protein comprising a peptide having the amino acid sequence: AA1-AA2-AA3-Cys-AA5-AA6-AA7-AA8-AA9-CYS-AA11-AA12-AA13-AA14-Cys-Cys-AA17-AA18-AA19-AA20-AA21-Cys-AA23-AA24-AA25-AA26-AA27-AA28-Cys-AA30. An anti-microbial protein having the sequence depicted in any one of SEQ ID Nos 1-3. Recombinant DNA encoding such proteins. A vector comprising such DNA which is expressible in plants and which is linked to a plant operable promoter and terminator. Plants transformed with such recombinant DNA; the progeny of such plants which contain the DNA stably incorporated and hereditable in a Mendelian manner, and/or the seeds of such plants or such progeny.

Abstract: Improved chemical process for preparing the compounds of formula (I), wherein: R1 represents (C9-C12)alkyl; M represents hydrogen, &agr;-D-mannopyranosyl or 6-O-acetyl-&agr;-D-mannopyranosyl and Y represents an amino group of formula —NR2-alk1-(NR3-alk2)p-(NR4-alk3)q-W. One aspect of the invention refers to the preparation of the intermediate compound of formula (III) (which corresponds to the above compound of formula (I) wherein R1 and M are as above defined and Y is hydroxy), by reacting a compound of formula (II) (which corresponds to the above compound of formula (I) wherein R1 and M are as above defined and Y is hydroxymethyl), with a (C1-C4)alkanol in the presence of a concentrated mineral acid, using the same alkanol as the reaction solvent and submitting the obtained ester compound to a reductive process by adding an alkali metal borohndride into the same reaction mixture.

Abstract: In a method of purifying whey separated from lactic acid fermentation liquid by electrodialysis wherein said whey contains angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibiting peptides, the improvement which comprises using an anion exchange membrane having a permeability of diffusion coefficient in the range of 3.0 to 9.0×10−6 cm/sec. An anion exchange membrane having a permeability of diffusion coefficient in the range of 5.0 to 7.0×10−6 cm/sec. is more efficiently used. The product is particularly suited to produce granules and tablets.

Abstract: Methods for detecting human factor VIII or factor VIII-like polypeptides in and isolating it from solutions such as blood or conditioned media are disclosed, together with reagents suitable for the purpose comprising binding moieties that recognize human factor VIII and/or a factor VIII-like polypeptide and form a binding complex therewith. Preferred polypeptide binding moieties are particularly disclosed.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which is specific to a polypeptide having a molecular weight of 18, 500±3,000 daltons on SDS-PAGE and a pI of 4.9±1.0 on chromatofocusing. The monoclonal antibody is obtainable from hybridomas and can be used for the purification and detection of the polypeptide. The polypeptide strongly induces the IFN-&ggr; production by immunocompetent cells with only a small amount, and does not cause serious side effects even when administered to human in a relatively-high dose.

Abstract: A method for preparing polypeptide ligands of target molecules wherein candidate mixtures comprised of ribosome complexes or mRNA•polypeptide copolymers are partitioned relative to their affinity to the target and amplified to create a new candidate mixture enriched in ribosome complexes or mRNA•polypeptide copolymers with an affinity to the target.

Abstract: Viruses expressing ligands on their surfaces are used as a detection means for the related polypeptide which binds the ligand. Multiple copies of the ligand can be expressed on the viral surface. These viruses may be used to detect polypeptides, cells, receptors and channel proteins.

Abstract: Transfection of host cells cultured in the presence of serum is increased by adding VSV-G or polybrene to a nucleic acid-lipid complex or culture medium prior to transfection.

Abstract: Dehydrodidemnin B with useful biological activity has formula (1). It can be isolated from natural sources or synthesized, and it forms active derivatives.

Abstract: A process and a kit are provided for detecting differences in two or more samples of protein. Protein extracts are prepared, for example, from each of a different group of cell samples to be compared. Each protein extract is labeled with a different one of a luminescent dye from a matched set of dyes. The matched dyes have generally the same ionic and pH characteristics but emit light at different wavelengths to exhibit a different color upon luminescence detection. The labeled protein extracts are mixed together and electrophoresed together. The gel is observed to detect proteins unique to one sample or present in a greater ratio in one sample than in the other. Those unique or excess proteins will fluoresce the color of one of the dyes used. Proteins common to each sample migrate together and fluoresce the same.

Abstract: The invention herein provides a method for recovering a polypeptide comprising exposing a composition comprising a polypeptide to a reagent which binds to, or modifies, the polypeptide, wherein the reagent is immobilized on a solid phase; and then passing the composition through a filter bearing a charge which is opposite to the charge of the reagent in the composition, so as to remove leached reagent from the composition.

Abstract: Hybrid polypeptides are provided formed with encapsulating regions from genes that encode for anabolic proteins. More particularly, the present invention relates to recombinant nucleic acid molecules that code for genes which encapsulate an attached protein within a matrix; preferably, these genes encapsulate a desired ("payload") polypeptide within starch, and more specifically within the starch granule matrix. Expression vectors comprising these recombinant nucleic acid molecules, and hosts therefor, and more specifically the starch-bearing portions of such hosts, transformed with such vectors, are also provided. Preferably, grain containing a foreign protein encapsulated within the starch is provided, useful to produce mammalian, fish and avian food. The invention also encompasses methods of producing purified protein from starch and particularly from starch granules, and industrial uses of such protein.

Abstract: Aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen exists in serum in two forms: classical type I procollagen which is a heterotrimer containing two pro .alpha.1-chains and one pro .alpha.2-chain of type I procollagen, and an .alpha.1-homotrimer type I procollagen containing three identical pro .alpha.1-chains. These intact, trimeric aminoterminal propeptides may be isolated without the use of proteolytic enzymes and the resultant propeptides may be used to prepare antibodies specific for the intact trimeric propeptide, having no affinity for the monomeric form of the propeptide. Such antibodies are useful in methods of assaying intact trimeric aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen in serum, without false information resulting from inadvertent assay of the monomeric form of the propeptide.

Abstract: Methods are provided for eluting peptides that are bound to major histocompatibility complex ("MHC") molecules expressed on the cell surfaces of viable cells that have at least one MHC-peptide complex on the surfaces of the cells. Methods are provided for using such acid-eluted T cell epitopes, preferably obtained from a patient's tumor, and autologous dendritic cells as the basis for antitumor vaccines.

Abstract: A type IV collagen high molecular form having a higher molecular weight than the 7S domain of type IV collagen and including the 7S domain in its structure, is obtained from the supernatant being recovered from a collagen solution digested by pepsin in the following steps;1) salt precipitating with sodium chloride at a concentration no higher than 1.2 M,2) dissolving the precipitates,3) salt precipitating with sodium chloride at a concentration no higher than previous concentration. By reacting a sample with an antibody which reacts with this form, the type IV collagen high molecular form in the sample can be measured to allow diagnosis of the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with liver diseases.

Abstract: A method for removing excess salts, sulfites, sulfates and fatty components from liquid protein hydrolysate is described. Purified liquid protein products having reduced concentrations of salts, sulfites, sulfates and fatty material are also described. The purified liquid protein hydrolysate product can be characterized as having lower than about 0.5% sulfites or sulfates and can also be enhanced with nutrients such as phosphate, potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, cobalt, zinc or amino acid such as methionine or lysine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for synthesis of well-defined conjugates of peptides to the tolerogenic polymer monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). This method results in the preparation of conjugates in which one molecule of tolerogenic polymer is specifically coupled to one or the other or both of the termini of an otherwise unaltered peptide molecule. A synthetic peptide synthesized using this method and corresponding to a myasthenogenic region of an acetylcholine receptor was conjugated to monomethoxypolyethylene glycol. Injection of animals with the mPEG-conjugate and subsequent immunization with whole receptor suppressed the development of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) by electrophysiological criteria. Specifically-conjugated, tolerogenic peptides are also disclosed for diseases as diverse as ragweed pollen allergy and Grave's disease.

Abstract: Mature alveolar surfactant protein B and a process for producing the same is disclosed. The process includes the use of a fusion protein of SP-B having a propeptide only at its amino terminus. A propeptide at its carboxyl terminus is not necessary, and thus not included in the fusion protein, to produce the mature SP-B of this process. Cleavage of the amino-terminus propeptide results in the production of mature SP-B.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for isolating antitumor agents, inhibiting enterocytogenins, from pig intestinal mucosa. It further provides the antitumor agents, which are nucleopeptides. Additionally the invention provides methods for suppressing the growth of certain tumor cells comprising administering an inhibiting enterocytogenin to tumor cells.

Abstract: There is disclosed the preparation and recovery of proteins, in particular of enzymes, by controlled proteolytic cleavage of pro-proteins, in particular pro-enzymes, in a single method step, wherein a pro-protein-containing solution is contacted with a protease and with a solid carrier which has a higher affinity to the protein than to the pro-protein or to the functionally inactive degradation products thereof, the pro-protein being proteolytically cleaved to said protein, and the protein being selectively separated by absorption on the solid carrier.