Synthetic, persistent RNA vectors for controlled expression of one or more heterologous polynucleotide sequences, each of the one or more heterologous polynucleotide sequences encoding for a reprogramming factor, are described. The vectors comprise a mechanism for silencing (off) and initiation or resumption (on) control of expression of the one or more reprogramming factors in the cell, tissue, or organ. Methods of using the vectors are also described, for example, to treat the age-related disease or condition, where the methods provide for treatment of the disease or condition, and in some embodiments, with retention of cellular identity.

The invention provides a platform and methods of using the platform for the regulation of the expression of a target gene using exposure to an aptamer ligand (for example, a small molecule). The platform features a polynucleotide gene regulation cassette that is placed in the target gene and includes a synthetic riboswitch positioned in the context of a 5′ intron-alternative exon-3′ intron. The riboswitch comprises an effector region and a sensor region (e.g., an aptamer that binds a small molecule ligand) such that the alternative exon is spliced into the target gene mRNA when the ligand is not present thereby preventing expression of the target gene. When the ligand is present, the alternative exon is not spliced into the target gene mRNA thereby providing expression of the target gene.

Genetically programmed microorganisms, such as bacteria or virus, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of modulating and treating cancers are disclosed.

Methods and compositions related to type 2 diabetes therapy are described, where the methods and compositions relieve ER stress in pancreatic islet cells. The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for reducing hepatic steatosis, e.g., associated with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of reducing hepatic steatosis, e.g., associated with T2D, in a subject in need thereof.

Disclosed herein include methods, compositions, and kits suitable for use in imaging of in situ gene expression. There are provided, in some embodiments, viral vector compositions. Disclosed herein includes a single viral vector comprising one or more gas vesicle assembly (GVA) gene(s) encoding one or more GVA protein(s), and one or more gas vesicle structural (GVS) gene(s) encoding one or more GVS protein(s). The one or more GVA protein(s) and the one or more GVS protein(s) can be capable of forming gas vesicles (GVs) upon expression in a cell.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for regulation of transgene (e.g., miRNAs, shRNAs or coding sequences) expression from viral vectors. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides expression constructs comprising a viral vector encoding one or more transgenes, the expression of which is regulated by a rapamycin/rapalog-based system.

Genetically programmed microorganisms, such as bacteria or virus, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of modulating and treating cancers are disclosed.

A production method for a crystal of a crystalline protein, the method including a step of inducing expression of a crystalline protein in Escherichia coli into which an expression construct of the crystalline protein has been introduced, and incubating the Escherichia coli for a predetermined time until a crystal of the crystalline protein is formed inside the Escherichia coli, and a crystal structure analysis method including a step of subjecting a crystal produced by the above-described production method to an X-ray crystal structure analysis together with the Escherichia coli, are useful as technologies for conveniently producing and analyzing a crystal of a protein.

The present disclosure describes methods and systems for use in the production of adeno-associated virus (AAV) particles, including recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) particles. In certain embodiments, the production process and system use Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells (such as Sf9 or Sf21) as viral production cells. In certain embodiments, the production process and system use Baculoviral Expression Vectors (BEVs) in the production of AAV particles. In certain embodiments, the production process and system allow for the controlled expression of AAV capsid proteins, such as VP1, VP2 and VP3.

Systems and methods are presented that allow for selection of tumor neoepitopes that are then used to generate a recombinant polytope that is optimized for proper trafficking and processing. In preferred methods, the polytope is encoded in a viral expression system that is used as a therapeutic agent.