Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo or in vitro, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. One example involves a vector for delivering a light-activated NpHR-based molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for light-activated NpHR-based molecule and a promoter. Either a high expression of the molecule manifests a toxicity level that is less than about 75%, or the light-activated NpHR-based proteins are expressed using at least two NpHR-based molecular variants. Each of the variants characterized in being useful for expressing a light-activated NpHR-based molecule that responds to light by producing an inhibitory current to dissuade depolarization of the neuron. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems, methods, kits, compositions of matter and molecules for ion pumps or for controlling inhibitory currents in a cell (e.g., in in vivo and in vitro environments).

Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating gene expression in insects by administering a composition comprising an RNA effector molecule and a delivery agent. Methods are provided for controlling pest populations by inhibiting insect growth, development, survival, reproduction and/or viability. Also provided herein are methods for treating or preventing disease in an insect caused by a pathogen or by external factors (e.g., pollution, environment, stress, weather, etc.).

The invention provides for delivery, engineering and optimization of systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to ensure enhanced specificity for target recognition and avoidance of toxicity.

The present invention provides PiggyBac transposase proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.

Disclosed herein are a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitor of Olfr164 for the prevention or treatment of sepsis, a method for the prevention or treatment of sepsis, a use of Olfr164 as a marker for selecting sepsis therapeutic agents, a screening method for sepsis therapeutics using same, and a transgenic animal in which Olfr164 is knocked out. The composition comprising Olfr164 inhibitor can effectively prevent or treat sepsis. Additionally, sepsis therapeutics can be effectively screened by comparing the expression level or activity of Olfr164 before and after administering the candidate substance.

The present invention provides PiggyBac transposase proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.

The present invention provides a novel class of insecticides for control of disease vector insects, particularly mosquitoes. These insecticides prevent maturation or development of larvae into adult insects using interfering RNA (iRNA). The present invention further includes compositions comprising iRNA and methods of controlling, reducing, or treating an insect infestation with the iRNA or compositions described herein.

The present invention provides a novel class of insecticides for control of disease vector insects, particularly mosquitoes. These insecticides prevent maturation or development of larvae into adult insects using interfering RNA (iRNA). The present invention further includes compositions comprising iRNA and methods of controlling, reducing, or treating an insect infestation with the iRNA or compositions described herein.