Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions useful in detecting protease activity in a sample, as well as methods of identifying agents that modulate protease activity. The methods and compositions provide a modified luciferase polynucleotide sequence and a luciferase polypeptide containing protease recognition sequences, wherein cleavage of the recognition sequence by a protease inhibits luciferase activity. Further provided are methods and compositions for detecting and modulating caspase activity and apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides organizers for retaining moistened blotting membranes used in biotechnology applications. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the organizer includes a ring binder and a plurality of resealable fluid-tight blot containers that are mountable in the ring binder. In additional aspects of the invention, the organizer further includes bottles to serve as buffer containers, as well as structure for retaining the buffer containers. Invention organizers provide for the storage and user-defined organization of multiple blots in an space-saving format, and further provides for the blots to be maintained in a moistened state, thereby prolonging the life of blotting membranes.