Computational systems and methods are described for identifying new ?-helical antimicrobial peptides using a systemic consensus formula. Newly identified ?-helical antimicrobial peptides are tested experimentally and show potent microbiocidal activities.

Computational systems and methods are described for identifying new ?-helical antimicrobial peptides using a systemic consensus formula. Newly identified ?-helical antimicrobial peptides are tested experimentally and show potent microbiocidal activities.

An intracellular selection system allows screening for peptide bioactivity and stability. Randomized recombinant peptides are screened for bioactivity in a tightly regulated expression system, preferably derived from the wild-type lac operon. Bioactive peptides thus identified are inherently protease- and peptidase-resistant. Also provided are bioactive peptides stabilized by a stabilizing group at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, or both. The stabilizing group can be a small stable protein, such as the Rop protein, glutathione sulfotransferase, thioredoxin, maltose binding protein, or glutathione reductase, an -helical moiety, or one or more proline residues.

Provided herein are synthetic peptides with enhanced antimicrobial and antibiofilm characteristics, and are biocompatible with mammalian cellular systems. The disclosed synthetic antimicrobial moieties include a mastoparan peptide having SEQ ID NO:1 and a pentapeptide motif formed from phenylalanine, leucine, proline, and two isoleucine residues, wherein the pentapeptide motif is conjugated the N-terminus of the mastoparan peptide. Also provided are compositions comprising the synthetic peptides, as well as methods of treating a microbial infection or removing a biofilm using the peptides.

The present invention relates to the field of RNA-mediated gene silencing in insect species. The present invention is based, in part, on the inventors' sequencing of genes from eucalyptus invasive species gall wasp pests Leptocybe invasa (Li) and Ophelimus maskelli (Om). In certain aspects, the invention provides Li and Om nucleic acids, derivatives thereof and the use of such nucleic acids and derivatives as gall wasp control agents.

An intracellular selection system allows screening for peptide bioactivity and stability. Randomized recombinant peptides are screened for bioactivity in a tightly regulated expression system, preferably derived from the wild-type lac operon. Bioactive peptides thus identified are inherently protease- and peptidase-resistant. Also provided are bioactive peptides stabilized by a stabilizing group at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, or both. The stabilizing group can be a small stable protein, such as the Rop protein, glutathione sulfotransferase, thioredoxin, maltose binding protein, or glutathione reductase, an -helical moiety, or one or more proline residues.

Microorganisms are genetically engineered to continuously co-produce amino acids, proteins, microbial biomass, chemicals, or any combination thereof by microbial fermentation, particularly by microbial fermentation of a gaseous substrate. The microorganisms are C1-fixing. The production of ethylene, microbial biomass, and heterologous tandem repeat proteins can be improved. This can be effected by improved promoters or nutrient limiting means.

The present invention provides improved LAMP Constructs comprising specific fragments of the LAMP lumenal domain to deliver allergens to immune cells for enhanced processing. These LAMP Constructs can be used for the treatment of disease and in particular allergic reactions and/or allergies. The improved LAMP Constructs allow for presentation of properly configured three dimensional epitopes for production of an immune response when administered to a subject. The improved LAMP Constructs can be multivalent molecules, and/or can be provided as part of a multivalent vaccine containing two or more LAMP Constructs.

Computational systems and methods are described for identifying new -helical antimicrobial peptides using a systemic consensus formula. Newly identified -helical antimicrobial peptides are tested experimentally and show potent microbiocidal activities.