Abstract: The present invention relates to a hypoallergenic protein consisting of at least one hypoallergenic molecule derived from an allergen, which is fused or conjugated to at least one second non-allergenic protein or fragment thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated aquaporin having a bound ligand, wherein said ligand close the conformation of said aquaporin and inhibit and/or reduce water transport of said aquaporin, and/or a high resolution structure of an isolated aquaporin in a closed conformation characterised by the coordinates deposited at the Protein Data Bank ID:1Z98, a crystal of said isolated aquaporin as well as the coordinates defining said crystal and the use of said aquaporin, and the use of the high-resolution structure as defined by the coordinates deposited at PDB ID:1Z98, and a method to produce said aquaporin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of a non-transgenic plant resistant or tolerant to a herbicide of the phosphonomethylglycine family, e.g., glyphosate. The present invention also relates to the use of a recombinagenic oligonucleobase to make a desired mutation in the chromosomal or episomal sequences of a plant in the gene encoding for 5-enol pyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS). The mutated protein, which substantially maintains the catalytic activity of the wild-type protein, allows for increased resistance or tolerance of the plant to a herbicide of the phosphonomethylglycine family, and allows for the substantially normal growth or development of the plant, its organs, tissues or cells as compared to the wild-type plant irrespective of the presence or absence of the herbicide. Additionally the present invention relates to mutant E. coli cells that contain mutated EPSPS genes.

Abstract: A modified isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence encoding a photocatalytic unit of a photosynthetic organism being capable of covalent attachment to a solid surface and having a photocatalytic activity when attached thereto is disclosed.

Abstract: Modular antigen transporter molecules (MAT molecules), which are used as vaccines and for the treatment of allergies, include three modules: a translocation module which brings about transport of the MAT molecule into the interior of the cell; a targeting module which directs the MAT molecule to intracellular organelles involved in antigen processing and loading; and an antigen module which contains an allergen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes, flavonoid-regulating transcription factors and a flavonoid-specific membrane transporter in plants, and the use thereof for the modification of flavonoid biosynthesis in plants. The present invention also relates to constructs and vectors including such nucleic acids, and related polypeptides. More particularly, the protein involved in flavonoid biosynthesis is selected from the group consisting of TRANSPARENT TESTA 12 (TT12), TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA 1 (TTG1), TRANSPARENT TESTA 2 (TT2), TRANSPARENT TESTA 8 (TT8), leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase (LDOX), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H), 4-coumaroyl:CoA-ligase (4CL); and functionally active fragments and variants thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a polypeptide participating in pyridoxine biosynthesis, a polynucleotide coding the polypeptide and those uses. Particularly, this present invention discloses a polypeptide participating in pyridoxine biosynthesis, a polynucleotide coding the polypeptide, a method for inducing plant growth inhibition, a method for screening a compound inducing plant growth inhibition, and composition for inducing plant growth inhibition which comprises the compound obtained by the screening method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crystal of a ternary complex composed of the protein 14-3-3, a ligand thereof and a fragment of Plasma Membrane ATPase (PMA) comprising the coordinates of table 4 or coordinates which differ from the coordinates of table 4 by a root mean square deviation of the C-alpha atoms of less than 3 Angstrom, wherein (a) protein 14-3-3 consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or of the sequence of a species homolog; (b) the ligand is Fusicocdin; (c) PMA is a C-terminal peptide of up to 15 amino acid residues in length; comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or comprising the sequence of a species homolog. Moreover, the invention also relates to methods for obtaining crystals of 14-3-3 in ternary complex and to methods relating to the determination of said 14-3-3 crystal coordinates.

Abstract: Method for producing derivatives of wild-type protein allergen Phl p 1 with reduced allergenic activity compared to the wild-type allergen, comprising the following steps: providing wild-type protein allergen Phl p 1, fragmenting said wild-type protein allergen into at least three fragments, wherein at least one fragment of said at least three fragments comprises at least one T-cell epitope and said at least three fragments have a reduced allergenic activity or lack allergenic activity and rejoining said at least three fragments in an order differing from the order of the fragments in the wild-type allergen.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is mainly to provide, using a genetically engineering technique, a plant with enhanced root elongation; a plant immune to suppression in root elongation ability even under hyperosmotic stress; and a method for enhancing plant root elongation. The subject invention produces a transgenic plant in which a Ran protein derived from a wild watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is expressed, using a genetically engineering technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to SVP protein which controls the flowering time of plants originating from Arabidopsis, a gene encoding SVP protein, a recombinant vector comprising said gene, a plant transformed with said recombinant vector, a method of controlling flowering time of plants by using said gene, and a method of searching a protein or a gene which controls the flowering time of plants by using said SVP protein or said gene encoding the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (1) like (CAD1L) polypeptides. CAD1L polypeptides are produced in a plant in the same organs and the same developmental stages and processes of CAD1 and are likely to be involved in the same developmental processes as CAD enzymes. CAD1L-like sequences are also disclosed. They can be used for modification of, for example, lignification, cellulose, degradation, plant cell walls or plant defence response.

Abstract: A ?5 fatty acid desaturase gene, a ?6 fatty acid desaturase gene, and a ?6 fatty-acid-chain elongase gene are isolated from a single species of Marchantiales. By introducing these genes into higher plants, transformed plants which can produce arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and characterization of a grass-pollen allergen, and to the recombinant DNA molecule encoding therefore, and to corresponding DNA and peptide sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel nucleic acid and protein sequences from the mung bean Vigna radiata. The nucleic acid sequence, isolated from a bruchid resistant mung bean line, encodes a thionin-like protein with insecticidal properties.

Abstract: Thioredoxin, a small dithiol protein, is a specific reductant for allergenic proteins and particularly allergenic proteins present in pollen and animal and plant sources. All targeted proteins contain disulfide (S—S) bonds that are reduced to the sulfhydryl (SH) level by thioredoxin. The proteins are allergenically active and less digestible in the oxidized (S—S) state. When reduced (SH state), they lose their allergenicity and/or become more digestible. Thioredoxin achieved this reduction when activated (reduced) either by NADPH via NADP-thioredoxin reductase (physiological conditions) or by lipoic acid chemical reductant. Skin tests carried out with sensitized dogs showed that treatment of the pollens with reduced thioredoxin prior to injection eliminated or decreased the allergenicity of the pollen. Studies showed increased digestion of the pollen proteins by pepsin following reduction by thioredoxin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lectin protein, designated MFA isolated and purified from the bark of the Korean legume Maackia fauriei, process for preparing the same and the use thereof. This protein can be used as reagents in the study of carbohydrate binding proteins as well as to examine the distribution of N-acetylneuraminic acid in cancer cells owing to its capability that specifically recognizes N-acetylneuraminic acid which plays important structural and functional roles in the expressions of various cells or oligosaccharide terminal residue of glycoconjugates, and, in addition, used as an anti-cancer drug in view of its anti-proliferation effect against various cancers such as breast cancer, melanoma, hepatoma, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and each represents SO3H or H; X represents an ?-amino acid or a single bond; Z1 and Z2 are the same or different and each represents an ?-amino acid; and Y represents OH or NH2. This peptide has plant growth factor properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified recombinant allergen mutants which can be obtained from recombinant allergens which are derived from allergens which can be obtained by extraction from natural raw materials such as pollen of the species Phleum pratense. While these modified recombinant allergens stimulate lymphocytes from patients who are allergic to pollent to proliferate and synthesize cytokines, they exhibit a markedly diminished ability to bind to the IgE antibodies which are present in the serum of the T lymphocyte donors and to grass pollen allergen-specific IgEs and can therefore be used for a specific, made-to-release allergy therapy.

Abstract: An anti-tumor pharmaceutical composition comprises the conjugation of Canavalia ensiformis-extracted protein with metal ions to form a metalloprotein complex for inhibiting the growth of tumor with enhanced activity and stability, but without toxicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteins belonging to a novel class of proteins designated as &bgr;-expansins, a composition comprising such proteins, isolated polynucleotides encoding &bgr;-expansins, methods for using the polynucleotides and proteins of the invention and methods for identifying, isolating and purifying expansins, including &agr; and &bgr;-expansins. Beta-expansins of the invention have the property of altering physical properties of a plant cell wall, such as for example by loosening or expanding plant cell walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the controlled enzymatic cleavage of purified and depigmented active allergenic proteins from indoor and outdoor source materials, which process produces fragments of allergens that retain the natural T-lymphocyte stimulating epitopes, but are depleted of IgE-binding B-cell epitopes and complement-activating agents. The invention also relates to the new pharmaceutical products. These allergen fragments do not exhibit the disadvantages of conventional allergenic extracts for immunotherapy and can be safely used to induce a state of specific T-cell anergy and immunological tolerance in allergic human beings.

Abstract: The present invention includes biodegradable plant protein composites.

Abstract: A 30 kDa ragweed complete pollen extract disulfide protein allergen has been purified from ragweed pollen. IgE immunoblots with sera of ragweed, walnut and ryegrass sensitive patients indicated that the 30 kDa protein is a major allergen. The 30 kDa protein finds use in allergy testing and immunotherapy regimens.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence (I) which codes for a polypeptide displaying the antigenicity of one, two or more of the Phl p I epitope clones (28, 34, 41, 42, 43, 50, 52, 64, 80, 85, 86, 95, 97, 98, 103, 108, 109, 113, 114) with the amino acid sequences defined in FIG. 2 and preferably being derived from grasses or monocotyledonic plants, or a nucleotide sequence (II) which hybridizes with such a nucleotide sequence (I) under conditions of high stringency. Polypeptides displaying the antigenicity of one, two or more of the Phl p I epitope clones (28, 34, 41, 42, 43, 50, 52, 64, 80, 85, 86. 95, 97, 98, 103, 108, 109, 113, 114) with the amino acid sequences defined in FIG. 2. Recombinant expression vectors containing the recombinant molecule and host cells transformed with the vector. Diagnostic methods based on utilizing the polypeptides in immunoassays for humoral antibodies and cellular reactions.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods and compositions for suppressing cell death in plants. Specifically, novel proteins and genes are provided for use in plant transformation. The proteins and genes are useful for activating disease resistance, enhancing plant cell transformation efficiency, engineering herbicide resistance, genetically targeting cell ablations, and other methods involving the regulation of cell death in plants.

Abstract: The NDR1 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana has been cloned and sequenced. NDR1 is necessary for plant defense mediated by numerous disease resistance gene products. Expression of NDR1 in transgenic plants confers resistance to a broad variety of plant pathogens.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing preservative-free allergen test solutions in a prepared sterile environment. A sterile environment is prepared by utilizing a disinfectant wipe and a sterile barrier field. An antigen is added to a diluent to form a solution of the antigen by dispersing or suspending the antigen in the diluent. The solution is subjected to triple filtration under specific and sequential conditions to provide consistent and preservative-free allergen test solutions. Shelf life is extended by storing the solution at a temperature below 5° F. or by lyophilizing the allergen test solution.

Abstract: Thioredoxin, a small dithiol protein, is a specific reductant for allergenic proteins and particularly allergenic proteins present in pollen and animal and plant sources. All targeted proteins contain disulfide (S—S) bonds that are reduced to the sulfhydryl (SH) level by thioredoxin. The proteins are allergenically active and less digestible in the oxidized (S—S) state. When reduced (SH state), they lose their allergenicity and/or become more digestible. Thioredoxin achieved this reduction when activated (reduced) either by NADPH via NADP-thioredoxin reductase (physiological conditions) or by lipoic acid chemical reductant. Skin tests carried out with sensitized dogs showed that treatment of the pollens with reduced thioredoxin prior to injection eliminated or decreased the allergenicity of the pollen. Studies showed increased digestion of the pollen proteins by pepsin following reduction by thioredoxin.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling pests, particularly insect pests, are provided. The compositions comprise proteins isolated from plants of the genus Pentaclethra which exhibit trypsin inhibiting activity. Nucleotide sequences encoding the proteins are also provided. Such sequences find use in transforming organisms for control of pests.

Abstract: A novel protein is a component of stem bromelain and is an anti-cancer agent, an immunostimulant and has antimicrobial activity. The protein may be isolated from stem bromelain by methods such as HPLC.

Abstract: A rapid and simple method of isolating heat stable proteinase inhibitor proteins from plant tissues such as potato tubers is disclosed. The method comprises three steps. Proteins from potato tubers are extracted in an aqueous/alcohol extraction medium to form an alcohol extract. The alcohol extract is heated to a first temperature then cooled to a second temperature to form an insoluble precipitate phase containing debris and a soluble phase that contains the heat stable proteinase inhibitor proteins. The heat stable proteinase inhibitor proteins are precipitated from the soluble phase by dialysis against a suitable dialysis medium. The precipitated proteins may include a single inhibitor protein, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A method of extracting and purifying recombinant protein(s) from transgenic sugarcane is disclosed. Fractioning of sugarcane juice that has been extracted from the cane stalks is obtained by using a multiple stage filtering process that uses multiple stages of decreasing porosity (preferably screening) followed by preferably membrane type filters, ion exchange, membrane adsorber, and chromatographic processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cosmetic treatment for combating the effects of skin ageing and to novel cosmetic compositions which are particularly suitable for carrying it out. According to the invention, at least one agent for promoting the adhesion of the keratinocytes of the epidermal baseal layer to the dermo-epidermal junction, especially to the collagen IV of said junction, such as, in particular, a divalent metal salt or complex, preferably magnesium aspartate or magnesium chloride, is used, optionally in association with a stimulant of collagen IV synthesis and/or a stimulant of collagen VII synthesis. The application is for the preparation of cosmetic compositions with anti-wrinkle activity.

Abstract: A novel plant steroid 5&agr;-reductase, DET2, is provided, as well as polynucleotides encoding DET2. DET2 is useful in promoting increased plant yield and/or increased plant biomass. Genetically modified plants characterized as having increased yield and methods for producing such plants are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the controlled enzymatic cleavage of purified and depigmented active allergenic proteins from indoor and outdoor source materials, which process produces fragments of allergens that retain the the natural T-lymphocyte stimulating epitopes, but are depleted of IgE-binding B-cell epitopes and complement-activating agents. The invention also relates to the new pharmaceutical products. These allergen fragments do not exhibit the disadvantages of conventional allergenic extracts for immunotherapy and can be safely used to induce a state of specific T-cell anergy and immunological tolerance in allergic human beings.

Abstract: A novel protein is a component of stem bromelain and is an anti-cancer agent, an immunostimulant and has antimicrobial activity. The protein may be isolated from stem bromelain by methods such as HPLC and has a molecular weight of about 25.08 kDa and an isoelectric point of about 3.8 or 3.85.

Abstract: Antigen E or Amb a I of ragweed pollen has been shown to be a family or families of proteins. cDNAs encoding Amb a I, the major human allergen of ragweed and Amb a II, peptides derived from Amb a I or Amb a II, antibodies against the peptides; and methods of treating individuals for sensitivity to ragweed are disclosed.

Abstract: Plant cell expansion is regulated by wall relaxation and yielding, which is thought to be catalyzed by elusive “wall loosening” enzymes. By employing a reconstitution approach, we initially found that a crude protein extract from the cell walls of growing cucumber seedlings possessed the ability to induce the extension of isolated cell walls. This activity was restricted to the growing region of the stem and could induce the extension of isolated cell walls from various dicots and monocots, but was less effective on grass coleoptile walls. Sequential HPLC fractionation of the active wall extract revealed two proteins with molecular masses of 29 and 30 kD, as measured by SDS-PAGE, associated with such activity. Each protein, by itself, could induce wall extension without detectable hydrolytic breakdown of the wall. We proposed the name “expansins” for this class of proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to amphipathic protein-1 polypeptides that can protect plants from tissue damage caused by the hypersensitive response, which is often elicited by bacterial infection in higher plants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sweet proteins that are variants of Brazzein, and nucleotide sequences capable of expressing them. Through a replacement of an amino acid in the naturally occurring Brazzein sequence with Arg or Ala (or the addition of Arg or Ala), the taste profile and sweetness strength can be changed.

Abstract: Isolated proteins having anti-fungal activity against at least Cercospora spp. The proteins contain an amino acid sequence which has at least 95% sequence identity to any of the following sequences: SEQ ID NO:3 wherein the amino acid in position 80 is alanine instead of valine, SEQ ID NO:5 and SEQ ID NO:6. Recombinant DNA molecules 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: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequences coding for the ryegrass pollen allergens Lol pIa and Lol pIb, purified Lol pIa and Lol pIb protein and fragments thereof, methods of producing recombinant Lol pIa and Lol pIb or at least one fragment thereof or derivative or homologue thereof, and methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, proteins and peptides of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated DNA sequences capable of conferring nematode resistance in plants. The isolated DNA sequences can be inserted into a DNA vector to form a transformation construct for the expression of the isolated DNA sequences in plants. The transformation construct can be introduced into plant cells. Plants expressing the isolated DNA sequences can be regenerated from the transformed cells. Methods for improving genetic traits for nematode resistance in plants are also provided, comprising transforming cells with the isolated DNA sequences and regenerating plants from the transformed cells expressing the isolated DNA sequences necessary for nematode resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequences coding for the ryegrass pollen allergens Lol pIa and Lol pIb, purified Lol pIa and Lol pIb protein and fragments thereof, methods of producing recombinant Lol pIa and Lol pIb or at least one fragment thereof or derivative or homologue thereof, and methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, proteins and peptides of the invention.

Abstract: NGF microencapsulation compositions having controlled release characteristics, preferably with increased stability, for the NGF component, particularly human recombinant NGF ("rhNGF") are provided that yield enhanced stability of NGF for use in promoting nerve cell growth, repair, survival, differentiation, maturation or function. Methods for making and using such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for isolating and purifying viruses, proteins and peptides of interest from a plant host which is applicable on a large scale. Moreover, the present invention provides a more efficient method for isolating viruses, proteins and peptides of interest than those methods described in the prior art. In general, the present method of isolating viruses, proteins and peptides of interest comprises the steps of homogenizing a plant to produce a green juice, adjusting the pH of and heating the green juice, separating the target species, either virus or protein/peptide, from other components of the green juice by one or more cycles of centrifugation, resuspenion, and ultrafiltration, and finally purifying virus particles by such procedure as PEG-precipitation or purifying proteins and peptides by such procedures as chromatography and/or salt precipitation.

Abstract: Enzyme activities which transfer glucose from uridine 5'-diphosphate glucose to fatty acids to form 1-O-acyl-.beta.-glucoses which act as acyl donors in the esterification of glucose and further esterification of partially acylated glucose and in the esterification of sucrose and further esterification of partially acylated sucrose, are separated according to specificity for transferring glucose to short, medium or long chain length fatty acids. DNA molecules coding for the enzyme activities are isolated. Methods for preparing 1-O-acyl-.beta.-D-glucoses comprise reacting uridine 5'-diphosphate glucose and fatty acid in the presence of the appropriate enzyme activity.

Abstract: DNA molecules are described which code for a plastid 2-oxoglutarate/malate translocator, particularly from Spinacia oleracea, as well as bacteria, fungi, transgenic plant cells and transgenic plants containing such DNA molecules.

Abstract: A plurality of polypeptides derived from intercellular spaces of plant cells having frost tolerance. Some of the polypeptides are ice nucleators for developing ice crystals in extracellular spaces of plant tissue, some of the polypeptides are antifreeze components which control ice crystal growth in extracellular spaces and some of the polypeptides are enzymes which adapt plant cell walls to function differently during formation of ice crystals in plant intercellular spaces.