Abstract: This invention provides (R)-2-octanol dehydrogenase that catalyzes oxidation-reduction reaction using NAD+ (NADH) as a coenzyme and the genes that encodes them. The enzymes of this invention can be obtained from microorganisms such as the genera Pichia, Candida, and Ogataea, and so on. It is possible to produce alcohols, in particular, alcohols such as (S)-4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid esters and (R)-propoxybenzene derivatives by reducing ketones with this (R)-2-octanol dehydrogenase. Moreover, the (R)-2-octanol dehydrogenase of this invention is excellent in activity and stereoselectivity.

Abstract: The invention provides variant regulator proteins of secondary metabolite production and nucleic acids encoding said variant regulator proteins. In particular, the invention provides variant regulator molecules of the lovE protein.

Abstract: A plasmid is constructed so as to express a fused protein of a sugar chain-binding protein domain with a desired protein. Then this plasmid is transferred into cells and thus the protein is expressed in the cell surface layer. This method is particularly adequate in case of expressing a protein having an activity in the C-terminal portion in cell surface layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing desired proteins or chemicals in fungal host cells, which comprise modulating the nucleic acid encoding proteins associated with hyphal growth. The amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of hbrA and hbrB are provided.

Abstract: We disclose a PS4 variant polypeptide derivable from a parent polypeptide, the parent polypeptide having non-maltogenic exoamylase activity, which PS4 variant polypeptide comprises one or more of the following substitutions: G69P, A141P, G223A, A268P, G313P, S399P and G400P, with reference to the position numbering of a Pseudomonas saccharophilia exoamylase sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 1. Such PS4 variant polypeptides may be used as exo-amylases, particularly as non-maltogenic exoamylases. Combinations of such PS4 variant polypeptides together with Novamyl are disclosed.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding fungal ?-glucuronidases are provided. Gene products, expression vectors and host cells suitable for expressing ?-glucuronidase are also provided. In addition, uses of the ?-glucuronidase as a visual and as a selectable marker for transformation are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and disruption of essential fungal specific genes isolated in the yeast pathogen Candida albicans namely CaKRE5, CaALR1, and CaCDC24 and to the use thereof in antifungal diagnosis and as essential antifungal targets in a fungal species for antifungal drug discovery. More specifically, the invention relates to the CaKRE5, CaALR1, and CaCDC24 genes, to their use to screen for antifungal compounds and to the drugs identified by such.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fatty acid desaturases and elongases able to catalyze the conversion of linoleic acid (LA) to ?-linolenic acid (GLA); ?-linoleic acid (ALA) to stearidonic acid (STA); GLA to dihomo-?-linoleic acid (DGLA); STA to eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA); DGLA to ETA; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to docosapentaenoic acid (DPA); and arachidonic acid (ARA) to EPA. Nucleic acid sequences encoding codon-optimized desaturases and elongases, nucleic acid sequences which hybridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising the codon-optimized desaturase or elongases, and recombinant host microorganisms expressing increased levels of desaturase or elongase are described.

Abstract: This invention provides biocatalysts that are recombinant yeast cells comprising recombinant expression vectors encoding heterologous lactate dehydrogenase genes for producing lactate.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a recombinant Pichia pastoris formate dehydrogenase (FDH) enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of formate to carbon dioxide and the simultaneous reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) to its reduced form (NADH). Also related are isolated nucleic acids encoding P. pastoris FDH polypeptides, and fragments and variants thereof, as well as vectors and host cells comprising these nucleic acids. Further related are isolated, recombinant P. pastoris FDH polypeptides, and fragments and variants thereof, and antibodies that specifically bind to P. pastoris FDH polypeptides, fragments, or variants. The invention also relates to methods of obtaining isolated P. pastoris FDH nucleic acids, polypeptides, and antibodies, and methods of using P. pastoris FDH in various reactions for industrial or pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immobilization of fusion proteins to surfaces. According to this invention a fusion polypeptide comprises an adhesion polypeptide fused to a preselected polypeptide. Specifically the method takes advantage of the spontaneous immobilization properties of the adhesion polypeptide part of the fusion protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of (S)- or (R)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionic acid and to novel microorganisms capable of utilizing the propionamide of the formula in the form of the racemate or of its optically active isomers as the sole nitrogen source.

Abstract: To provide a novel antigenic protein and a nucleic acid encoding the antigenic protein, which are useful for prophylaxis, treatment and diagnosis of diseases caused by fungi including Candida albicans. An antigenic protein characterized in that the antigenic protein is recognized by antiserum derived from a mammal having Candida albicans-infection resistance; and a nucleic acid encoding an antigenic protein which is recognized by antiserum derived from a mammal having Candida albicans-infection resistance.

Abstract: Novel genes have been isolated which encode cytochrome P450 and NADPH reductase enzymes of the ?-hydroxylase complex of C. tropicalis 20336. Vectors including these genes, transfected host cells and transformed host cells are provided. Methods of producing of cytochrome P450 and NADPH reductase enzymes are also provided which involve transforming a host cell with a gene encoding these enzymes and culturing the cells. Methods of increasing the production of a dicarboxylic acid and methods of increasing production of the aforementioned enzymes are also provided which involve increasing in the host cell the number of genes encoding these enzymes. A method for discriminating members of a gene family by quantifying the expression of genes is also provided.

Abstract: This invention is related to novel probes, probe sets, methods and kits pertaining to the detection, identification and/or quantitation of yeasts and particularly Dekkera bruxellensis (a.k.a. Brettanomyces) an organism that spoils wine. Preferred probes for the detection of one or more species of the Dekkera/Brettanomyces genus comprise a probing nucleobase sequence, at least a portion of which is selected from the group consisting of: AGC-GGG-TCT-ATT-AGA (Seq. ID No. 1); CCA-GGT-GAG-GGT-CGC (Seq. ID No. 2); CGG-TTG-CCC-GAT-TTC (Seq. ID No. 3); TCG-CCT-TCC-TCC-TCT (Seq. ID No. 4); CGG-TCT-CCA-GCG-ATT (Seq. ID No. 5); CAC-AAG-ATG-TCC-GCG (Seq. ID No. 6); GCG-GGC-ACT-AAT-TGA (Seq. ID No. 7); CAT-CCA-CGA-GGA-ACG (Seq. ID No. 8); GTG-TAA-ACC-AGG-TGC (Seq. ID No. 9); ATG-GCT-CCC-AGA-ACC (Seq. ID No. 10) and GAC-AGA-ATC-GAA-GGG (Seq. ID No. 11).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel endoglucanase nucleic acid sequence, designated egl6, and the corresponding EGVI amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding EGVI, recombinant EGVI proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides and nucleic acids which identify and encode LaeA, a regulator of fungal secondary metabolite production which exhibits global control over secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. The invention further provides expression vectors, host cells, methods of increasing the production of secondary metabolites in an organism naturally producing a secondary metabolite or engineered to produce a secondary metabolite, and methods of identifying novel secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene clusters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel endoglucanase nucleic acid sequence, designated egl8, and the corresponding EGVIII amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding EGVIII, recombinant EGVIII proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: Novel genes have been isolated which encode cytochrome P450 and NADPH reductase enzymes of the ?-hydroxylase complex of C. tropicalis 20336. Vectors including these genes, transfected host cells and transformed host cells are provided. Methods of producing of cytochrome P450 and NADPH reductase enzymes are also provided which involve transforming a host cell with a gene encoding these enzymes and culturing the cells. Methods of increasing the production of a dicarboxylic acid and methods of increasing production of the aforementioned enzymes are also provided which involve increasing in the host cell the number of genes encoding these enzymes. A method for discriminating members of a gene family by quantifying the expression of genes is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polypeptide having a uracil phosphoribosyl transferase (UPRTase) by mutation of one or several residues of the UPRTase. The invention also concerns a nucleotide sequence coding for the UPRTase mutant, a vector for expressing the latter, a viral particle, a host cell, and a composition containing them. The invention further concerns their therapeutic use and a treatment method using them. The invention is particularly useful in the context of therapy by suicide genes, in particular, for treating proliferative and infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel endoglucanase nucleic acid sequence, designated egl7, and the corresponding EGVII amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding EGVII, recombinant EGVII proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the identification of genes involved in the desaturation of polyunsaturated fatty acids at carbon 4 (i.e., “?4-desaturase”). In particular, ?4-desaturase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of adrenic acid to ?6-docosapentaenoic acid and in the conversion of ?3-docosapentaenoic acid to docosahexaenoic acid. The polyunsaturated fatty acids produced by use of the enzyme may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, comprising a nucleic acid which codes for a polypeptide with chorismate mutase activity and derivatives thereof, whereby the derivatives have at least 10% of the chorismate mutase activity of the chorismate mutase, according to the identification number of the SEQ ID NO:2. The invention further relates to vectors containing nucleic acid molecules, to host cells comprising nucleic acid molecules and their use in methods for producing polypetides with chorismate mutase activity. The invention also relates to the polypeptides with chorismate mutase activity and antibodies which specifically recognize the same. In addition, the invention relates to methods for producing auxotrophic yeast strains using the nucleic acid molecules and to the preparation of the yeast strains.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ?-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl4, and the corresponding BGL4 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL4, recombinant BGL4 proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified enzyme of a non-heme iron (II) dependent family of oxygenases and oxidases which renders the enzyme dependent on bicarbonate for activity. In a preferred embodiment, the modification is an arginine, lysine, or other amino acid that is two amino acid residues upstream of a histidine residue that is an iron ligand in the enzyme and is one of the histidine residues of the 2-histidine-1-aspartic acid trifacial motif. In particular, the modified enzymes are isopenicillin N synthetase, deacetoxycephalosporin C synthetase, and deacetoxycephalosporin C synthetase/deacetylcephalosporin C synthetase which are used to make antibiotics. The present invention further provides a method for making antibiotics using a modified enzyme such as isopenicillin N synthetase, deacetoxycephalosporin C synthetase, and deacetoxycephalosporin C synthetase/deacetylcephalosporin C synthetase wherein the modification renders the enzyme dependent on bicarbonate for activity.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the synergistic degradation of oligosaccharides by endoglucanases. The invention further provides recombinant host cells containing one or more genes encoding endoglucanses which are capable of the synergistic degradation of oligosaccharides. Preferred host cells of the invention are ethanologenic and capable of carrying out simultaneous saccharification and fermentation resulting in the production of ethanol from complex cellulose substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of microorganisms and to the culturing of microorganisms. Means and methods are described for enhancing the culturing properties of filamentous microorganisms, particularly filamentous fungi. According to the invention, the means and methods generally comprise reducing the branching and/or enhancing the fragmentation of the microorganisms, so that their liquid culturing properties are improved. In one embodiment, this is achieved by providing the microorganisms with activity capable of enhancing fragmentation and/or reducing branching such as the activity which in, for example, Streptomyces griseus is encoded by ssgA.

Abstract: The present invention provides the nucleotide sequence of the M antigen gene of H. capsulatum, which is set forth in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO:1, a nucleic acid having the nucleotide sequence complementary thereto, and nucleic acids having a nucleotide sequence which is substantially the same as the foregoing nucleotide sequences. The present invention also provides vectors and host expressions systems containing the foregoing nucleic acids, and isolated or recombinantly-produced antigens encoded by the foregoing nucleic acids. The present invention further provides antibodies generated against the foregoing antigens, and methods and kits for detecting a previous or current Histoplasma capsulatum infection in a subject, and for diagnosing histoplasmosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ?-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl5, and the corresponding BGL5 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL5, recombinant BGL5 proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: A pyrF gene is useful as a selection marker gene for an expression system for the production of proteins in mushrooms of the genus Trametes, Coriolus or Polyporus. The pyrF gene includes a DNA sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 from position 1133 up to and including position 1877 or DNA-sequence SEQ, ID NO: 2 from position 1 up to and including position 684 or a DNA-sequence with a sequence homology greater than 60% relative to the above-mentioned regions of sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ?-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl3, and the corresponding BGL3 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL3, recombinant BGL3 proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: A novel microbial protein is described which appears to have significant homology to plant expansin proteins and has the ability to weaken filter paper and swell cellulose. A DNA is described which encodes the novel protein.

Abstract: Protein having an erythrose reductase activity; a DNA encoding the protein; a cell to which a DNA has been transferred in a manner such that the DNA is capable of expressing an erythrose reductases type III, II or I the DNA encodes; and a method for producing erythritol, comprising acting the erythrose reductases type III, II or I or a cell to which erythrose reductases type III, II or I has been transferred in a manner capable of expressing the erythrose reductases type III, II or I on D-erythrose and harvesting the produced erythritol.

Abstract: The invention is a gene coding for a quinone oxidoreductase from Kluyveromyces marxianus and a protein having an amino acid sequence expressed therefrom, which can be advantageously used in a reduction reaction of a quinone compound and synthesis of intermediates for a biologically active compound.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to hyphal growth in fungi and in particular describes the modulation of genes associated with hyphal growth in filamentous fungi. The present invention provides methods and systems for the production of proteins and/or chemicals from filamentous fungi which comprise modulation of genes associated with hyphal growth. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a full length cotA gene, its gene product and methods of use.

Abstract: Fusion protein comprising a cellulose binding domain and a domain having a high binding affinity for another ligand and detergent compositions comprising such fusion proteins.

Abstract: There are provided proteins having the amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10; proteins having amino acid sequences derived from these amino acid sequences by deletion, substitution or addition of one to several amino acids; and nucleotide sequences encoding the same; transgenic non-human animals with altered expression level of a serine protease BSSP2; an antibody against BSSP2; and a method for detecting BSSP2 in a specimen by using the antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides variants of precursor phenol oxidizing enzymes. The precursor enzymes can be, for example, naturally-occurring or recombinant phenol oxidizing enzymes. The variant enzymes, in general, are obtained by modification of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally-occurring or recombinant phenol oxidizing enzyme to generate the substitution of one or more amino acids in the encoded amino acid sequence. Variant enzymes are disclosed having properties which differ from those of their respective precursor enzymes, e.g., altered pH optima and/or phenol oxidizing activity and/or altered stability. The variant enzymes of the present invention are especially useful in detergent formulations, for example, to modify (bleach) the color associated with colored compounds.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules are described which encode polypeptides having the enzymatic activity of a fructosyltransferase. Also, vectors, host cells and transgenic plants are described which contain such nucleic acid molecules. Furthermore, processes for producing polyfructose, particularly that of the inulin type, using the hosts described and/or the fructosyltransferase produced by them are described.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a carotenoid, which process includes cultivating a recombinant organism having a gene for one or more active oxygen species-quenching factor(s) that is substantially disrupted with a disruption cassette specific to the gene, and recovering carotenoids from the culture.

Abstract: A method is provided which comprises: performing a plurality of fermentations, each fermentation in a different sample vessel; and performing a further processing step on the plurality of fermented samples where the sample is retained in the same sample vessel as the fermentation during the processing step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel expression vectors which can produce foreign proteins as soluble forms by using lysyl-tRNA synthetase and a process for preparing foreign proteins by using the expression vectors. Particularly, the present invention relates to the expression vectors which can provide foreign proteins as fused and soluble forms by exploiting the structure and expression pattern of lysyl-tRNA synthetase and the processes for preparing foreign proteins in E. coli effectively, which can be utilized industrially to produce active proteins in mass.

Abstract: Disclosed are Hansenula polymorpha mutants useful as host cells through which various proteins can be produced as being intact at high yield and a process for preparing recombinant proteins using the host cells. Using various vectors, Hansenula polymorpha is made to be a mutant which is deprived of methanol assimilating ability and incapable of utilizing methanol as a carbon source. This Hansenula polymorpha mutant is used as a high yield host to produce recombinant proteins without continuous feeding of methanol, with the aid of an expression cassette carrying a promoter capable of inducing the expression at a low concentration of methanol. Further, the mutant is also lacking in carboxypeptidase Y, protease Y and/or carboxypeptidase a activity, so the recombinant protein of interest is not degraded at its carboxyl terminal when being expressed in the cell. Thus, intact recombinant protein can be obtained.

Abstract: An isolated DNA encoding the enzyme I-SceI is provided. The DNA sequence can be incorporated in cloning and expression vectors, transformed cell lines and transgenic animals. The vectors are useful in gene mapping and site-directed insertion of genes.

Abstract: A synthetic fatty acid desaturase gene for expression in a multicellular plant is provided. The gene comprises a desaturase domain and a cyt b5 domain, and is customized for expression in a plant cytoplasm. Methods for designing and making a synthetic fatty acid desaturase gene customized for expression in a plant cytoplasm are also provided.

Abstract: The production of carotenoid is accomplished using a DNA molecule that encodes a polypeptide as obtained from Haematococcus pluvialis, Phaffia rhodozyma, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, having isopentonyl pyrophosphate (IPP) isomerase activity, or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes thereto. In particular, one can introduce such a DNA molecule into a carotenoid-producing microorganism, culture the microorganism thus transformed, and then obtain carotenoids in the culture broth and cells.

Abstract: Transgenic plants which express cellulose-degrading enzymes, methods to make the transgenic plants, and methods to use the cellulose-degrading enzymes produced by the transgenic plants are disclosed.

Abstract: An endo-&bgr;-N-acetylglucosaminidase gene encoding the following protein (a) or (b): (a) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3; and (b) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 by deletion, substitution, or addition of at least one amino acid and having the activity of endo-&bgr;-N-acetylglucosaminidase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides having transcriptional activation activity and to the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences. The invention further relates to host cells useful for the production of polypeptides in which the production or function of the transcriptional activator has been altered, as well as to methods for producing the polypeptides.