Abstract: Disclosed are Klotho variant proteins in which residue Glu414 and/or residue Asp238 is substituted with an amino acid different than L-Glu or L-Asp, respectively, as well as polynucleotides encoding the variant proteins, and the use thereof in therapy, especially for the treatment of cancers, especially breast cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence that is at least ?90%, ?92%, ?94%, ?96%, ?97%, ?98%, ?99% or 100%, preferably ?97%, particularly preferably ?98%, very particularly preferably ?99%, and extremely preferably 0%, identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein SEQ ID NO:2, at position 553, or at a corresponding position of the amino acid sequence, has a proteinogenic amino acid other than L-tyrosine, to a microorganism comprising the nucleotide sequence and also to a process for producing fine chemicals using this microorganism.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising at least one carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP) of chorionic gonadotropin attached to the carboxy terminus but not to the amino terminus of a coagulation factor and polynucleotides encoding the same are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using and producing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are variants of Humicola grisea CeI7A (CBH1.1), H. jecorina CBH1 variant or S. thermophilium CBH1, nucleic acids encoding the same and methods for producing the same. The variant cellulases have the amino acid sequence of a glycosyl hydrolase of family 7A wherein one or more amino acid residues are substituted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genes, proteins and methods comprising molecules that alter amino acid levels. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to altering guanidino substrate hydrolysis activities in plants, arthropods and microorganisms using molecules within the arginase family and other molecules that alter an amino acid levels. In ones embodiment, the present invention relates to altering threonine substrate deamination and dehydration activities in plants, arthropods and microorganisms using molecules within the threonine deaminase family and other molecules that alter amino acid levels. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to using genes, proteins and methods comprising arginase or threonine deaminase for altering the pathophysiology of plants, arthropods and microorganisms. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to altering guanidino substrate hydrolysis activity in plants, arthropods, and microorganisms using arginase.

Abstract: The present invention includes methyltransferase (MTase)-defective recombinant viruses as live vaccine candidates for human metapneumovirus (hMPV), human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), and human parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3). Here the inventors provide the technical description for generating MTase-defective paramyxoviruses useful as immunogens, as well Cas related materials and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to GH61 polypeptide variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: Described herein is a variant of wild type Gaussia luciferase that catalyzes glow-type emission kinetics suited for high-throughput functional screening applications. Polypeptides, functional fragments, variants, and nucleic acids that encode the enhanced luciferase are further described. One such polypeptide corresponds to wild type Gaussia luciferase with a substitution mutation of I for M at position 43 of the mature peptide. Methods of use, assay systems and kits that contain the polypeptides and/or nucleic acids are further described.

Abstract: Mutant delta-9 elongases having the ability to convert linoleic acid [18:2, LA] to eicosadienoic acid [20:2, EDA] and/or ?-linolenic [18:3, ALA] to eicosatrienoic acid [20:3, ETrA] are disclosed herein. Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding mutant delta-9 elongases, along with a method of making long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids [“PUFAs”] using these mutant delta-9 elongases in oleaginous yeast are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases and polynucleotides encoding the same. The present invention provides non-naturally occurring polynucleotides encoding a protein having at least 85% homology to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, as well as an expression vector and transformant comprising such polynucleotides. The present invention also provides a method for producing food using the transformant, and food produced by the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.

Abstract: This disclosure describes genetically modified photosynthetic microorganisms, e.g., Cyanobacteria, that contain one or more exogenous genes encoding a phospholipase and/or thioesterase, which are capable of producing an increased amount of lipids and/or fatty acids. This disclosure also describes genetically modified photosynthetic microorganisms that contain one or more exogenous genes encoding a diacyglycerol acyltransferase, a phosphatidate phosphatase, and/or an acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which are capable of producing increased amounts of fatty acids and/or synthesizing triglycerides, as well as photosynthetic microorganism comprising mutations or deletions in a glycogen biosynthesis or storage pathway, which accumulate a reduced amount of glycogen under reduced nitrogen conditions as compared to a wild type photosynthetic microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein having an activity to promote fatty acid chain elongation, a polynucleotide encoding the same, etc. The present invention provides, for example, a polynucleotide containing the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4, a polynucleotide encoding a protein which consists of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, an expression vector and a transformant, each containing such a polynucleotide, a method for preparing lipids or fatty acids by using such a transformant, or a food or the like containing lipids or fatty acids prepared by such a method.

Abstract: Methods for the fermentive production of four carbon alcohols are provided. Specifically, butanol, preferably 2-butanol is produced by the fermentive growth of a recombinant bacteria expressing a 2-butanol biosynthetic pathway. The recombinant microorganisms and methods of the invention can also be adapted to produce 2-butanone, an intermediate in the 2-butanol biosynthetic pathways disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods and kits using polynucleotides, primary transcripts and mmRNA molecules.

Abstract: Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and multi-drug resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus are becoming increasingly prevalent in both human and veterinary clinics. S. aureus-causing bovine mastitis yields high annual losses to the dairy industry. Treatment of mastitis by broad range antibiotics is often not successful and may contribute to development of antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophage endolysins are a promising new source of antimicrobials. The endolysin of prophage ?SH2 of Staphylococcus haemolyticus strain JCSC1435 (?SH2 lysin) shows lytic activity against live staphylococcal cells. Deletion constructs were tested in zymograms and turbidity reduction assays to evaluate the contribution of each functional module to lysis. The CHAP domain exhibited three-fold higher activity than the full length protein. Activity was further enhanced in the presence of bivalent calcium ions.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide compositions, methods, and kits for improving the specificity of RNA-programmable endonucleases, such as Cas9. Also provided are variants of Cas9, e.g., Cas9 dimers and fusion proteins, engineered to have improved specificity for cleaving nucleic acid targets. Also provided are compositions, methods, and kits for site-specific nucleic acid modification using Cas9 fusion proteins (e.g., nuclease-inactivated Cas9 fused to a nuclease catalytic domain). Such Cas9 variants are useful in clinical and research settings involving site-specific modification of DNA, for example, genomic modifications.

Abstract: The present provides selection markers, methods, nucleic acids, and vectors of use in the preparation of recombinant Clostridium spp.

Abstract: There is provided a novel Campanula flavonoid 3?,5?-hydroxylase gene, and a plasmid comprising the gene under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter.

Abstract: The invention concerns nucleic acids coding for mutated or truncated forms of the human parkin gene, or forms comprising multiplication of exons, and the corresponding proteins and antibodies. The invention also concerns methods and kits for identifying mutations of the parkin gene, and for studying compounds for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided encoding a thermostable cellulase and directing its increased expression are provided, and the use of the thermostable cellulase in hydraulic fracturing methods and the treatment of flowback fluids.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide compositions, methods, and kits for improving the specificity of RNA-programmable endonucleases, such as Cas9. Also provided are variants of Cas9, e.g., Cas9 dimers and fusion proteins, engineered to have improved specificity for cleaving nucleic acid targets. Also provided are compositions, methods, and kits for site-specific recombination, using Cas9 fusion proteins (e.g., nuclease-inactivated Cas9 fused to a recombinase catalytic domain). Such Cas9 variants are useful in clinical and research settings involving site-specific modification of DNA, for example, genomic modifications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered transaminase polypeptides for the production of amines, polynucleotides encoding the engineered transaminases, host cells capable of expressing the engineered transaminases, and methods of using the engineered transaminases to prepare compounds useful in the production of active pharmaceutical agents. The present disclosure provides engineered polypeptides having transaminase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods of the making the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides for the biocatalytic conversion of ketone substrates to amine products. The present enzymes have been engineered to have one or more residue differences as compared to the amino acid sequence of the naturally occurring transaminase of Vibrio fluvialis. In particular, the transaminases of the present disclosure have been engineered for efficient formation of chiral tryptamine derivatives from its corresponding prochiral ketone substrates.

Abstract: The present invention describes bacterial strains CECT 7968, CECT 7969 and NCIMB 42026 of the species B. subtilis, capable of expressing the heterologous synthetic mutated genes: pdc and adhB, originating from Z. mobilis, 'tesA, originating from E. coli, and atfl, originating from Acinetobacter sp. ADP1. Furthermore, said strains may overexpress at least one of the genes of the ACC (acetyl-CoA carboxylase) and acyl-CoA synthetase enzymatic complexes. The use of said strains produces an increase in the production of biofuel, preferably biodiesel from glycerin as the carbon source. Moreover, the present invention describes the use of said bacterial strains for the production of said biofuel, biodiesel, from glycerin, as well as a process for synthesising biofuel, preferably biodiesel, using the strains described in the present invention and the biofuel duly obtained.

Abstract: An object is to efficiently produce thermostable catalase at low cost by expressing it as a recombinant protein in large quantity. A recombinant microorganism capable of efficiently expressing thermostable catalase can be provided by obtaining a DNA necessary for efficiently producing it as a recombinant protein, and the thermostable catalase can be efficiently produced at low cost by cultivating the obtained recombinant microorganism. Hydrogen peroxide can be efficiently decomposed at low cost, even at high temperature, by treating a solution containing hydrogen peroxide with the thermostable catalase of the present invention.

Abstract: Preparation and use of isolated nucleic acids useful in altering the oil phenotype of plants are described. Isolated nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides are described that alter the content of alpha-tocotrienol, beta-tocotrienol, or both, in transformed seeds and oil obtained from the transformed seeds. Expression cassettes, host cells and transformed plants are described that contain the foregoing nucleic acids.

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: The present invention relates to host cells that produce compounds that are characterized as benzylisoquinolines, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof. The host cells comprise one, two or more heterologous coding sequences wherein each of the heterologous coding sequences encodes an enzyme involved in the metabolic pathway of a benzylisoquinoline, or its precursors or intermediates from a starting compound. The invention also relates to methods of producing the benzylisoquinoline, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof by culturing the host cells under culture conditions that promote expression of the enzymes that produce the benzylisoquinoline or precursors or intermediates thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Described is a method for generating conjugated dienes through a biological process. More specifically, the application describes a method for producing conjugated dienes (for example butadiene, isoprene or dimethylbutadiene) from light alkenols via enzymatic dehydration, in particular by making use of an alkenol dehydratase.

Abstract: Described herein are multimeric oxidoreductase complexes which function in the enzymatic conversion of a carbon substrate. The complexes comprise a dehydrogenase subunit and a cytochrome C subunit. Also described are polynucleotides coding for the multimeric complexes and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The properties of an Fc-containing protein, for example, an antibody, are controlled by altering the sialylation of the oligosaccharides in the Fc region by transfecting the cell line expressing the Fc-containing protein with a vector sequence encoding a sialidase. The modified Fc-containing proteins have therapeutic utility in diseases or conditions in which it is desirable to control the affinity for one or more of the Fc?RI, Fc?RIIA, and Fc?RIIIA receptors, ADCC activity, macrophage or monocyte activation, serum half-life, and avidity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and compositions for reversing antibiotic resistance or virulence in and/or destroying pathogenic microbial cells such as, for example, pathogenic bacterial cells. The methods include exposing microbial cells to a delivery vehicle with at least one nucleic acid encoding an engineered autonomously distributed circuit that contains a programmable nuclease targeted to one or multiple genes of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for linking DNA binding domains and cleavage domains (or cleavage half-domains) to form non-naturally occurring nucleases. Also described are methods of making and using compositions comprising these linkers.

Abstract: The present invention provides native Goodpasture antigen binding protein isoforms, monoclonal antibodies directed against such proteins, and methods for their use.

Abstract: Targeted therapeutics that localize to a specific subcellular compartment such as the lysosome are provided. The targeted therapeutics include a therapeutic agent and a targeting moiety that binds a receptor on an exterior surface of the cell, permitting proper subcellular localization of the targeted therapeutic upon internalization of the receptor. Nucleic acids, cells, and methods relating to the practice of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating a subject suffering from a deficiency in arylsulfatase A in the CNS. The methods include systemic administration of a bifunctional fusion antibody comprising an antibody to a human insulin receptor and an arylsulfatase A.

Abstract: Described herein are novel nucleic acids, proteins and methods that can be used to provide new catalysts with desirable traits for industrial processes. In particular, novel reductases isolated from the environment using PCR methods are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides further improved compositions and methods for efficient lysosomal targeting based on the GILT technology. Among other things, the present invention provides methods and compositions for targeting lysosomal enzymes to lysosomes using furin-resistant lysosomal targeting peptides. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for targeting lysosomal enzymes to lysosomes using a lysosomal targeting peptide that has reduced or diminished binding affinity for the insulin receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered protease variants. In particular, the protease variants comprise combinable mutations at selected surface positions that affect the charge and/or hydrophobicity of the enzyme to enhance at least one desired property of the resulting variant enzyme in a chosen application. Compositions comprising the protease variants, and methods for using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to the engineering of an improved protein with methionine-?-lyase enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-?-lyase (CGL) comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading methionine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with methionine depletion using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: Methods and compositions related to the engineering of a protein with L-cyst(e)ine degrading enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-?-lyase comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading L-cyst(e)ine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with L-cyst(e)ine using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: A polypeptide conferring an acid-tolerant property on a yeast cell, a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, a yeast cell including an increased amount of the polypeptide, a method of producing a product by using the yeast cell, and a method of producing an acid-tolerant yeast cell are provided.

Abstract: Polypeptides, viruses, methods and compositions provided herein are useful for the selective elimination of senescent cells. Method aspects include methods for inducing apoptosis in a senescent cell comprising administering to the cell a polynucleotide, virus, host cell, or pharmaceutical composition described herein. Other methods include expressing a pro-apoptotic gene in a senescent cell comprising administering to the cell the polynucleotide, virus, or pharmaceutical composition as described herein.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, kits and methods are disclosed for assaying glucose with a glycosylated, modified flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (FAD-GDH), variant thereof or an active fragment thereof, where at least one asparagine residue at positions N2, N168 and N346 of mature, wild-type A. oryzae FAD-GDH according to SEQ ID NO:2 is substituted by one or more amino acids not suitable for glycosylation, thereby eliminating or inactivating, respectively, a potential glycosylation site at this position.

Abstract: Methods and compositions related to the use of a protein with kynureninase activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified kynureninase capable of degrading kynurenine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with kynurenine depletion using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to epilepsy-inducing brain somatic mutations which are associated with intractable epilepsy caused by malformations of cortical development, and uses thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to an mTOR (Mammalian target of rapamycin) gene having mutations in a nucleotide sequence or an mTOR protein having mutations in an amino acid sequence resulting from the mutations in the nucleotide sequence. Further, the present invention relates to a technique for diagnosing intractable epilepsy caused by malformations of cortical development using the gene or the protein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions have been described that relate to a newly identified polypeptide family wherein each member has O-glycosidase activity and specified sequence characteristics. This family of enzymes can be used for example for cleaving O-linked glycans and for synthesis of neoglycopeptides or neoglycoproteins.