The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for identifying different parts of enzyme structure that can be engineered and/or assisted by engineered technologies to improve the speed and efficiency of the catalyzed chemical reactions. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to identifying and modifying distal surface regions that affect catalytic activity. These surface regions are identified and ranked for the impact on enzyme activity, based on the transfer of energy from the surface regions to the active site. Methods are described for improving the catalytic efficiency by improving the energy transfer to overcome the activation energy barrier. The methods described are also applicable for improving the stability of enzymes and development of appropriate enzyme immobilization protocols.

Nucleases and methods of using these nucleases for genetic alteration of red blood cells (RBCs), for example for providing for a protein lacking in a monogenic disorder or a biologic for the treatment of exposure to a toxin using genetically altered RBCs.

This document provides methods and materials for using butyrylcholinesterases (BChE) to treat cancer (e.g., triple negative breast cancer or prostate cancer). For example, methods and materials for using nucleic acid vectors (e.g., viral vectors) to express BChE polypeptides under conditions that reduce the number of cancer cells (e.g., triple negative breast cancer cells or prostate cancer cells) within a mammal (e.g., a human) and/or reduce the growth rate of cancer cells (e.g., triple negative breast cancer cells or prostate cancer cells) within a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

The disclosure relates to the use of cocaine hydrolase variants of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in treating nerve gas exposure or as protection against anticholinesterases such as nerve agents. The disclosure includes particular methods of use, including a method of reducing cocaine-primed reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in a mammalian subject having had prior exposure to cocaine.

An apparatus and method for detecting an analyte of interest using paper spray mass spectrometry includes a spray material; a sample on the spray material including an enzyme of interest; a solvent to hydrate the sample, promote enzymatic activity, and extract analytes of interest from the sample; a substrate specific to the enzyme of interest, wherein any of the spray material and the solvent includes the substrate; a voltage source to apply a voltage to the spray material to create charged droplets of a mixture containing the sample; and a mass spectrometer to perform spectrometry on the droplets to perform any of: identify the analytes of interest in the sample; and measure a level of inhibition in any enzymes contained in the sample.

The presently disclosed subject matter describes methods of treating cocaine use disorder and organophosphorus toxicity in which a butyrylcholinesterase fusion protein is administered to a subject in need thereof.

The invention is in the field of delivery of transgenes to target cells using viral vectors, particularly in the field of gene therapy. Compositions have been identified which allow for oral administration of viral particles, particularly adenoviral particles.

This document provides butyrylcholinesterases having an enhanced ability to hydrolyze acyl ghrelin as well as nucleic acids encoding such butyrylcholinesterases. This document also provides methods and materials for treating obesity and/or aggression. For example, methods for administering a nucleic acid encoding a wild-type or mutant butyrylcholinesterase having the ability to hydrolyze acyl ghrelin to a mammal under conditions wherein the level of acyl ghrelin within the mammal is reduced, under conditions wherein the rate of body weight gain of the mammal is reduced, under conditions wherein the mammal's level of aggression is reduced, and/or under conditions wherein the mammal's rate of developing stress-induced tissue damage are provided.

This document provides methods and materials for using butyrylcholinesterases (BChE) to treat cancer (e.g., triple negative breast cancer or prostate cancer). For example, methods and materials for using nucleic acid vectors (e.g., viral vectors) to express BChE polypeptides under conditions that reduce the number of cancer cells (e.g., triple negative breast cancer cells or prostate cancer cells) within a mammal (e.g., a human) and/or reduce the growth rate of cancer cells (e.g., triple negative breast cancer cells or prostate cancer cells) within a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

The present invention provides recombinant butyrylcholinesterase fusion proteins, including Fc fusion proteins and multi-armed high MW polymers containing hydrophilic groups conjugated to the fusion proteins, and methods of preparing such polymers.