This invention entails a method to make a Tra-2 RNAi kernel sequence, and uses for this kernel sequence. The method includes the steps of amplifying an RNA recognition motive (RRM) DNA sequence from a Culcinae mosquito species, to obtain a first RRM DNA sequence of 240 base pairs; then reversely connecting the first RRM DNA sequence with a second RRM DNA sequence via an intron or a linker DNA sequence, in such a way that the second RRM DNA sequence forms an inverted sequence to the first RRM DNA sequence. Transcription of the two DNA sequences produces single strands of mRNA that can bind together to form a double strand hairpin mRNA structure. Other steps include inserting a tetracycline repressible transactivator, and an insect spermatogenesis promoter.

Transgenic silkworms stably expressing synthetic spider silk genes or composite silkworm/spider silk genes are disclosed. The exogenous spider silk genes are stably intergrated into a defined site of the fibroin heavy chain intron or a fibroin light chain intron of silkworms. Synthetic spider silk proteins and composite spider silk-silkworm genes and proteins are provided. The expression of exogenous spider silk genes is driven by the endogenous fibroin heavy chain promoter, improving the genetic stability of transgenic silkworms. The composite silkworm/spider silk fibers exhibit exceptional mechanical performance, compared to normal silkworm silk fibers and other transgenic silkworm fibers.

Certain embodiments are directed to marker peptides or marker peptide antibodies can be used in producing diagnostic kits or used in diagnostic methods for Alzheimer's disease. The antibodies and/or marker peptides can be used in immunohistochemical and biochemical methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of marker peptide levels and/or localization in brain samples and CSF samples.

The present invention relates to an anti-CRISPR construct useful to counteract the spread of a gene-drive in an arthropod population. The invention is also concerned with a system comprising the anti-CRISPR construct and a crispr-based gene-drive construct, a method of producing a genetically modified arthropod, a genetically modified arthropod, and a method for counteracting a CRISPR-based gene-drive in an arthropod population.

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for maggot debridement therapy. More specifically, the invention relates to recombinant nucleic acid constructs, transgenic maggots comprising the recombinant nucleic acids, methods for making the maggots, and methods for the use of the maggots, including debridement and promoting of wound healing.

A polynucleotide expression system is provided that is capable of alternative splicing of RNA transcripts of a polynucleotide sequence to be expressed in an organism.

Disclosed are methods, compositions, and systems for transforming silkworms to produce spider silk and analogs of spider silk. In certain embodiments, the method may include inserting a DNA sequence coding for at least a portion of a spider silk fibroin polypeptide, or an analog of a spider silk fibroin polypeptide, positioned between at least a portion of the 5 and 3 ends of a silkworm fibroin gene to generate a fusion gene construct having a sequence that encodes for a polypeptide comprising both spider silk fibroin and silkworm silk fibroin sequences. In certain embodiments, the fused gene is able to replace a native gene present in the silkworm such that the transformed silkworm expresses a polypeptide comprising a spider silk fibroin polypeptide, or an analog thereof, and expresses significantly less of the native silkworm silk.

In one aspect, a singulation chamber apparatus defines a volume having a receiving end and an opposing end. The receiving end may be couplable to an insect chamber for a plurality of ambulatory insects and define an opening to receive the plurality of ambulatory insects from the insect chamber. A surface of the chamber is ramped to provide a pathway between the receiving end and the opposing end such that the opposing end is elevated with respect to the first end via the ramped surface. The pathway has a width sized to accommodate a single-file line of the plurality of ambulatory insects traversing the ramped surface.

Described herein are embodiments relating to manipulation of populations and sex ratio in populations through DNA sequence modifications.

The present disclosure provides, among other things, compounds that inhibit the expression or activity of gene products having a synthetic lethal interaction with loss of TSC1 and/or TSC2. Also provided are applications, such as therapeutic and diagnostic methods, in which the compounds are useful. For example, the compounds described herein can be used in methods for treating a proliferative disorder (e.g., a cancer) or an inflammatory disorder.