Modified ribosomes that were selected using a dipeptidyl-puromycin aminonucleoside are used to mediate site-specific incorporation of one or more peptides and peptidomimetics into protein in a cell free translation system. In addition, new fluorescent dipeptidomimetics have been synthesized and incorporated into proteins, as well as modified proteins containing one or more non-naturally occurring dipeptides.

Modified ribosomes that were selected using a dipeptidyl-puromycin aminonucleoside are used to mediate site-specific incorporation of one or more peptides and peptidomimetics into protein in a cell free translation system. In addition, new fluorescent dipeptidomimetics have been synthesized and incorporated into proteins, as well as modified proteins containing one or more non-naturally occurring dipeptides.

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.

Protein enriched micro-vesicles and methods of making and using the same are provided. Aspects of the methods include maintaining a cell having a membrane-associated protein comprising a first dimerization domain and a target protein having a second dimerization domain under conditions sufficient to produce a micro-vesicle from the cell, wherein the micro-vesicle includes the target protein. Also provided are cells, reagents and kits that find use in making the micro-vesicles, as well as methods of using the micro-vesicles, e.g., in research and therapeutic applications.

The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for using cells having chemically-induced fusion protein complexes to spatially and temporally control immune cell signal initiation and downstream responses for treating disease. As a preferred example, the present disclosure relates to fusion polypeptides comprising (a) a first polypeptide comprising a first secretion signal, a first multimerization domain, a first transmembrane domain, and an actuator domain, (b) a viral self-cleaving polypeptide, and (c) a second polypeptide comprising a second secretion signal, a binding domain that comprises a single chain antibody, a receptor ectodomain, or a ligand, a second multimerization domain, and a second transmembrane domain.

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods related to transcription factor systems. Such systems provide for modular and tunable protein expression driven by regulated transcriptional activity.

The present invention provides polynucleotide vectors for high expression of heterologous genes. Some vectors further comprise novel transposons and transposases that further improve expression. Further disclosed are vectors that can be used in a gene transfer system for stably introducing nucleic acids into the DNA of a cell. The gene transfer systems can be used in methods, for example, gene expression, bioprocessing, gene therapy, insertional mutagenesis, or gene discovery

Provided herein are CasX:gNA systems comprising CasX polypeptides, guide nucleic acids (gNA), and optionally donor template nucleic acids useful in the modification of a SOD1 gene. The systems are also useful for introduction into cells, for example eukaryotic cells having mutations in the SOD1 protein or the SOD1 regulatory element. Also provided are methods of using such CasX:gNA systems to modify cells having such mutations and utility in methods of treatment of a subject with a SOD1-related disease.

The present disclosure is related to compositions and methods for the regulated and controlled expression of proteins.

The present invention provides biocircuit systems, effector modules and compositions for cancer immunotherapy. Methods for inducing anti-cancer immune responses in a subject are also provided.