Abstract: A modified beetle luciferase protein which is an environmentally sensitive reporter protein is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lentiviral packaging constructs that are useful for the establishment of stable packaging cell lines and producer cell lines. In particular, the present invention provides novel packaging cell lines that are capable of constitutively expressing high levels of lentiviral proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a fungal host cell in a medium conducive for the production of the polypeptide, wherein the fungal host cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising a first nucleotide sequence encoding a signal peptide operably linked to a second nucleotide sequence encoding the polypeptide, wherein the first nucleotide sequence is foreign to the second nucleotide sequence and the 3? end of the first nucleotide sequence is immediately upstream of the initiator codon of the second nucleotide sequence. The present invention also relates to the isolated signal peptide sequences and to constructs, vectors, and fungal host cells comprising the signal peptide sequences operably linked to nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analyzing agonist-activity to a cytokinin receptor, which comprises (1) bringing an examinee substance into contact with a transformed cell into which DNA coding the cytokinin receptor is introduced and (2) measuring the existence or the quantity of intracellular signal transduction from the cytokinin receptor expressed in the transformed cell, and, a method for analyzing antagonist-activity to a cytokinin receptor, which comprises (1) bringing an examinee substance and a substance having agonist-activity to the cytokinin receptor into contact with a transformed cell into which DNA coding the cytokinin receptor is introduced.

Abstract: A method for producing a plant with increased yield as compared to a corresponding wild type plant whereby the method comprises at least the following step: increasing or generating in a plant or a part thereof one or more activities of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of 26S proteasome-subunit, 50S ribosomal protein L36, Autophagy-related protein, B0050-protein, Branched-chain amino acid permease, Calmodulin, carbon storage regulator, FK506-binding protein, gamma-glutamyl-gamma-aminobutyrate hydrolase, GM02LC38418-protein, Heat stress transcription factor, Mannan polymerase II complex subunit, mitochondrial precursor of Lon protease homolog, MutS protein homolog, phosphate transporter subunit, Protein EFR3, pyruvate kinase, tellurite resistance protein, Xanthine permease, and YAR047C-protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides members that produce on a large scale a coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase which has excellent substrate-recognizing ability toward glucose while providing low action on maltose. The present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding a soluble coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase that catalyzes the oxidation of glucose in the presence of an electron acceptor and has an activity toward maltose of 5% or lower; a polypeptide encoded by the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide; a recombinant vector carrying the polynucleotide; a transformed cell produced using the recombinant vector; a method for producing a polypeptide comprising culturing the transformed cell and collecting from the cultivated products a polypeptide that links to FAD to exert the glucose dehydration activity; a method for determination of glucose using the polypeptide; a reagent composition for determination of glucose; and a biosensor.

Abstract: A protein that attenuates EGFR and/or EGFR family members comprises a modified EGFR ectodomain. The protein inhibits signaling via the EGFR and/or EGFR family members. The protein includes a portion of the EGFR (or EGFR family member) and the “U” region epitope of EGFR related protein (ERRP), wherein the portion of the EGFR is operable to bind a ligand of EGFR. Also included are nucleic acids encoding such proteins. Attenuating EGFR signaling can include inhibiting the EGFR and/or EGFR family members and to provide antiproliferative activity. The present proteins and expression of nucleic acids encoding these proteins can regulate cellular growth and can be used to treat tumors and cancerous cells that express one or more of the EGFR and EGFR family members.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication are provided. Also provided are compositions and methods of treating an HCV infection; methods of reducing the incidence of complications associated with HCV and cirrhosis of the liver; and methods of reducing viral load, or reducing the time to viral clearance, or reducing morbidity or mortality in the clinical outcomes, in patients suffering from HCV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising residues 94-471 of SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein the isolated polypeptide does not comprise amino acid residues 1-47 of SEQ ID NO: 10. Nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding the peptide also are provided.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides and recombinant DNA constructs particularly useful for altering root structure of plants, compositions (such as plants or seeds) comprising these recombinant DNA constructs, and methods utilizing these recombinant DNA constructs. The recombinant DNA construct comprises a polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter functional in a plant, wherein said polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide useful for altering plant root architecture.

Abstract: The present invention refers to methods for selectively recognizing a base pair in a DNA sequence by a polypeptide, to modified polypeptides which specifically recognize one or more base pairs in a DNA sequence and, to DNA which is modified so that it can be specifically recognized by a polypeptide and to uses of the polypeptide and DNA in specific DNA targeting as well as to methods of modulating expression of target genes in a cell.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for making herbicide-tolerant plants, in particular to HPPD inhibiting herbicides, the nucleic acid sequences coding for enzymes capable of being used in said method, expression cassettes containing them and transgenic plants comprising at least one of said expression cassettes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant superoxide dismutase polypeptides, compositions comprising the polypeptides, and nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides. The present disclosure provides methods of reducing oxidative damage in a cell, tissue, or organ. The present disclosure provides methods of identifying agents that increase superoxide dismutase activity.

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: The present invention concerns a method for the production of a biochemical selected among acetol and 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol comprising culturing a microorganism modified for an improved production of the biochemical selected among acetol and 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol in an appropriate culture medium and recovery of the desired biochemical which may be further purified wherein the microorganism expresses a YqhD enzyme which catalytic efficiency toward NADPH is increased. The present invention also relates to a mutant YqhD enzyme comprising at least one amino acid residue in the protein sequence of the parent enzyme replaced by a different amino acid residue at the same position wherein the mutant enzyme has retained more than 50% of the YqhD activity of the parent enzyme and the catalytic efficiency toward NADPH of the mutant YqhD is increased as compared with the catalytic efficiency toward NADPH of the parent enzyme.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode novel fatty acid desaturases and elongases from the organism Emiliana huxleyi. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing desaturase or elongase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for large-scale production of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), e.g. arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Abstract: A new strain Bacillus sp. P203 (Bacillus plakortiensis) is disclosed. Isolated mature functional polypeptide which is obtainable from the bacterium strain Bacillus sp. P203 deposited under accession number DSM 17419 are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the production of a biochemical selected among lactic acid, acetol and 1,2-propanediol, comprising culturing a microorganism modified for an improved production of the biochemical selected among lactic acid, acetol and 1,2-propanediol in an appropriate culture medium and recovery of the desired biochemical which may be further purified wherein the microorganism expresses a methylglyoxal synthase (MGS) enzyme which activity is not inhibited by orthophosphate. The present invention concerns a mutant methylglyoxal synthase (MGS) comprising at least one amino acid residue in the protein sequence of the parent enzyme replaced by a different amino acid residue at the same position wherein the mutant enzyme has retained more than 50% of the methylglyoxal synthase activity of the parent enzyme and the methylglyoxal synthase activity of the mutant MGS is not inhibited by orthophosphate as compared to the parent enzyme.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: Methods for the fermentative production of four carbon alcohols is provided. Specifically, butanol, preferably isobutanol is produced by the fermentative growth of a recombinant bacterium expressing an isobutanol biosynthetic pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity. More specifically, the invention relates to proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases.

Abstract: Carbohydrate utilization-related and multidrug transporter nucleic acids and polypeptides, and fragments and variants thereof, are disclosed in the current invention. In addition, carbohydrate utilization-related and multidrug transporter fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-carbohydrate utilization-related and anti-multidrug transporter antibodies are encompassed. The invention also provides vectors containing a nucleic acid of the invention and cells into which the vector has been introduced. Methods for producing the polypeptides and methods of use for the polypeptides of the invention are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated Elo1 and Mig3 nucleic acid sequences capable of conferring increased ethanol tolerance on recombinant yeast and methods of using same in biofuel production, particularly ethanol production. Methods of bioengineering yeast using the Elo1 and, or, Mig3 nucleic acid sequences are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to obtaining a recombinant DNA and RNA cleaving nuclease. This involves the over-expression of a fusion protein between maltose-binding protein and a truncated nuclease in a soluble form in the cytoplasm of a host cell from which it can be readily extracted.

Abstract: Use of a preparation as an antimicrobial agent or as an anti-oxidant; wherein said preparation comprises a polypeptide having hexose oxidase activity, the polypeptide being in a substantially pure form, and said polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of (i) (SEQ?ID?NO:?1) Tyr-Glu-Pro-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Val-Pro (ii) (SEQ?ID?NO:?2) Ala-Ile-Ile-Asn-Val-Thr-Gly-Leu-Val-Glu-Ser-Gly- Tyr-Asp-X-X-X-Gly-Tyr-X-Val-Ser-Ser- (iii) (SEQ?ID?NO:?3) Asp-Leu-Pro-Met-Ser-Pro-Arg-Gly-Val-Ile-Ala-Ser- Asn-Leu-X-Phe- (iv) (SEQ?ID?NO:?4) Asp-Ser-Glu-Gly-Asn-Asp-Gly-Glu-Leu-Phe-X-Ala-His- Thr (v) (SEQ?ID?NO:?5) Tyr-Tyr-Phe-Lys (vi) (SEQ?ID?NO:?6) Asp-Pro-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Val-Ile-Asp-Val-Asn-Ala-Gly- Thr-X-Asp (vii) (SEQ?ID?NO:?7) Leu-Gln-Tyr-Gln-Thr-Tyr-Trp-Gln-Glu-Glu-Asp (viii) (SEQ?ID?NO:?8) X-Ile-Arg-Asp-Phe-Tyr-Glu-Glu

Abstract: We describe a PS4 variant polypeptide derivable from a parent polypeptide having non-maltogenic exoamylase activity, in which the PS4 variant polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 307 to lysine (K) or arginine (R), with reference to the position numbering of a Pseudomonas saccharophilia exoamylase sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 1. Preferably, the PS4 variant polypeptide further comprises an amino acid substitution at position 70, preferably G70D. The amino acid at positions 272 and 303 of the sequence of the are preferably histidine (H) and glycine (G).

Abstract: A mutant SepRS which is suitable for a site-specific introduction of phosphoserine into a protein is prepared by analyzing the structure and functions of a phosphoseryl-tRNA synthetase (SepRS) derived from an archaebacterium. A mutant SepRS composed of an amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:2, in which any one or more of glutamic acids at position-418 and position-420 and threonine at position-423 are substituted with other amino acid, and having enhanced binding affinity with a suppressor tRNA as compared with a wild type phosphoseryl-tRNA synthetase (SepRS) composed of an amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:2 is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel oligonucleotide chimera used as therapeutic agents to selectively prevent gene transcription and expression in a sequence-specific manner. In particular, this invention is directed to the selective inhibition of protein biosynthesis via antisense strategy using oligonucleotides constructed from arabinonucleotide or modified arabinonucleotide residues, flanking a series of deoxyribose nucleotide residues of variable length. Particularly this invention relates to the use of antisense oligonucleotides constructed from arabinonucleotide or modified arabinonucleotide residues, flanking a series of deoxyribose nucleotide residues of variable length, to hybridize to complementary RNA such as cellular messenger RNA, viral RNA, etc.

Abstract: A highly active L-isoleucine dioxygenase from Bacillus thuringiensis is provided. A method for manufacturing (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxy-L-isoleucine or a salt thereof by reacting L-isoleucine in an aqueous solvent in the presence of L-isoleucine dioxygenase and isolating (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxy-L-isoleucine is also provided.

Abstract: The formation of acrylamide during heat treatment in the production of a food product is reduced by treating the raw material with an enzyme before the heat treatment. The enzyme is capable of reacting on asparagine or glutamine (optionally substituted) as a substrate or is a laccase or a peroxidase.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants of plasminogen and plasmin comprising one or more point mutations in the catalytic domain which reduce or prevent autocatylic destruction of the protease activity of plasmin. Compositions, uses and methods of using said variants of plasminogen and plasmin are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lysophospholipid acyltransferases. The object of the present invention is attained by the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 6 and the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 7 of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker for the prognosis of liver cancer; a composition for estimating the prognosis of liver cancer, which contains a substance for detecting a change in the expression level of the prognostic marker for liver cancer; a kit for estimating the prognosis of liver cancer, which contains the composition for estimating liver cancer prognosis; a method for estimating the prognosis of liver cancer using the marker for liver cancer prognosis; and a method for screening a therapeutic agent for liver cancer using the marker for the prognosis of liver cancer.

Abstract: Modified (iso)eugenol 4-O-methyltransferase enzymes having novel capacity for methylation of monolignols and reduction of lignin polymerization in plant cell wall are disclosed. Sequences encoding the modified enzymes are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, chimeric DNA polymerases containing heterologous domains having sequences derived from at least two DNA polymerases that have at least one distinct functional characteristics (e.g., elongation rate, processivity, error rate or fidelity, salt tolerance or resistance) and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention can combine desired functional characteristics (e.g., high processivity; high elongation rate; thermostability; resistance to salt, PCR additives (e.g., PCR enhancers) and other impurities; and high fidelity) of different DNA polymerases in a chimeric polymerase.

Abstract: The invention relates to Citrobacter phytases derived from Citrobacter amalonaticus, Citrobacter gillenii, and related phytases. The phytases belong to the acid histidine phosphatase family, are acid-stable, and expectedly of a high specific activity. The invention also relates to the corresponding DNA, the recombinant and wild-type production of the phytases, as well as the use thereof, in particular in animal feed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of centromere discovery using centromere-associated proteins in a variety of experimental formats. The methods of the invention can be used on any organism, and include using Cal1, Cbf1, Cbf3, Cbf5, CenH3 (Cenp-A), Cenp-B, Cenp-C, Cenp-D, Cenp-E, Cenp-F, Cenp-G, Cenp-H, Cenp-I, Cenp-K, Cenp-L, Cenp-M, Cenp-N, Cenp-O, Cenp-P, Cenp-Q, Cenp-R, Cenp-S, Cenp-T, Cenp-U, Cenp-V, Cenp-W, Chd1, Chp1, cohesin, condensin, Dnmt3b, Fact, Gcn5p, H2A.Z, Haspin, Hjurp, HP1, Hst4, Ima1, Incep, Ino80, Kms2, Knl-2, Mif2, Mis6, Np95, Pich, Sad1, Scm3, Shugoshin, Sim3, Skp1, Sororin, Survivin, Tas3, ZW10, and homologs thereof to identify centromere sequences. The invention is also directed to artificial chromosomes comprising centromeres made according to the methods of the invention, as well as to cells comprising such artificial chromosomes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise fusion polypeptides comprising Leishmania antigens, in particular, SMT and NH antigens or immunogenic portions or variants thereof, as well as polynucleotides encoding such fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: The specification discloses modified Clostridial toxins comprising a Clostridial toxin substrate cleavage site located within the di-chain loop region; polynucleotide molecules encoding such modified Clostridial toxins comprising a Clostridial toxin substrate cleavage site located in the di-chain loop region; and method of producing modified Clostridial toxins comprising Clostridial toxin substrate cleavage site located within the di-chain loop region.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that an amplification of the CYP24 gene or an increase in CYP24 activity is a marker for the presence of, progression of, or predisposition to, a cancer (e.g., breast cancer). Using this information, this invention provides methods of detecting a predisposition to cancer in an animal. The methods involve (i) providing a biological sample from an animal (e.g. a human patient); (ii) detecting the level of CYP24 within the biological sample; and (iii) comparing the level of CYP24 with a level of CYP24 in a control sample taken from a normal, cancer-free tissue where an increased level of CYP24 in the biological sample compared to the level of CYP24 in the control sample indicates the presence of said cancer in said animal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel acid proteases and more specifically to NSP24 family proteases and NSP25 family proteases including biologically active fragments thereof and to nucleic acid molecules encoding said proteases. Also provided are vectors and host cells including nucleic acid sequences coding for the proteases, methods for producing the proteases, enzyme compositions and methods employing said proteases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preventing glyconoylation of polypeptides produced in micororganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one isoprene synthase enzyme with improved catalytic activity and/or solubility. In particular, the present invention provides variant plant isoprene synthases for increased isoprene production in microbial host cells. Biosynthetically produced isoprene of the present invention finds use in the manufacture of rubber and elastomers.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include polynucleotides that encode mutant Cnidarian luciferases that exhibit modulated properties as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferases, and the modulated properties include at least one of: modulated stability; enhanced light output; and modulated emission maximum. Embodiments of the present disclosure also include polypeptides or fragments thereof encoded by the polynucleotides, constructs including the polynucleotide, expression cassettes, cells, methods of producing the polynucleotides and polypeptides, antibodies, transgenic cells and/or animals, kits, and the like.

Abstract: Recombinant carrier molecules having amino acid sequences from thermostable enzymes and methods of use for expression, recovery and delivery of foreign sequences (peptides and polypeptides) produced in different systems (bacteria, yeast, DNA, cell cultures such as mammalian, plant, insect cell cultures, protoplast and whole plants in vitro or in vivo are provided. The recombinant carrier molecule using sequences from lichenase B(Lic B) were also made and used as part of carrier protein to express, recover and deliver a variety of target polypeptides of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel yeast strains, methods and genetic constructs for their preparation, and their use for the synthesis or modification of steroidal compounds. More particularly, the invention describes strains having a reduced 20?HSD type activity, in particular by modifying the GCY1 and/or YPR1 genes. The yeast strains of the invention make it possible to improve the efficiency of the synthesis or to increase the selectivity or the yields of the method, as well as the quality of the final product. The strains, methods and compounds of the invention are useful in the search for, the development and the production of products with therapeutic or prophylactic activity, in humans or animals, in particular of steroidal derivatives.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance in plants by modulating levels or activities of GmUBox1 polynucleotides and polypeptides are provided. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided having enhanced disease resistance.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.

Abstract: Provided is a preventive, progression inhibitor or remedy for a disease one of the causes of which is the activation of the P13K/AKT signaling pathway or vice versa. A phosphorylation-inhibiting and/or dephosphorylating agent, which has an effect of inhibiting the phosphorylation at least at one of the phosphorylation sites of PTEN protein selected from the group consisting of T382, T383 and S380 and/or an effect of dephosphorylating the same, is prepared. Alternatively, a phosphorylation-inhibiting or dephosphorylating agent for PTEN is screened by a method comprising a step for confirming an ability of a test substance to inhibit the phosphorylation at least at one of the phosphorylation sites of PTEN protein selected from the group consisting of T382, T383 and S380 or a dephosphorylation ability thereof. Then, a substance having an effect opposite to the inhibition of PTEN phosphorylation or dephosphorylation thereof, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to CAB molecules, ADEPT constructs directed against CEA, and their use in therapy.