Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting protein-protein interactions and/or detecting a targeted cell using a split supercharged protein reporter system are described.

Abstract: Compositions, preparations, systems, and related methods for delivering a supercharged protein, or a complex of a supercharged protein and an agent (e.g., nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, small molecules) to cells are provided. Such systems and methods include the use of supercharged proteins. For example, superpositively charged proteins may be associated with nucleic acids (which typically have a net negative charge) via electrostatic interactions. In some embodiments, such systems and methods involve altering the primary sequence of a protein in order to “supercharge” the protein (e.g., to generate a superpositively-charged protein). In some embodiments, complexes comprising supercharged proteins and one or more agents to be delivered are useful as therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, complexes and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof are administered to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Compositions, systems and related methods for delivering a supercharged protein or a complex of a supercharged protein and therapeutic agent (e g, nucleic acid, peptide, small molecule) to cells are disclosed. Superpositively charged proteins may be associated with nucleic acids (which typically have a net negative charge) via electrostatic interactions. The systems and methods may involve altering the primary sequence of a protein in order to “supercharge” the protein (e g, to generate a superpositively-charged protein). The compositions may be used to treat proliferative diseases, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, inborn errors in metabolism, genetic diseases, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to homo- and hetero-dimer compounds formed by a disulfide, sulfinyl thio, or olefin bond between two monomers. A method of making a homo- or hetero-dimer compound is also disclosed. The present invention also relates to monomer compounds capable of forming homo- or hetero-dimer compounds, as well as oligomers formed via linkage of one or more dimers. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting the activity of target RNA molecules, particularly those having a secondary structure that include a stem or stem-loop formation. Dimer compounds capable of inhibiting the activity of an HIV-I RNA frameshifting stem-loop and a (CUG)n expanded repeat stem-loop are disclosed, as are methods of treating diseases associated with these target RNA molecules. The dimer compounds can also be used for selectively detecting presence of the target RNA molecule in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to small molecule modulators of melanin expression and methods of making the small molecules. Also disclosed are methods of increasing pigmentation in a cell which involve providing compounds of the present invention and contacting a cell with the compounds under conditions effective to induce melanin expression in the cell, thereby increasing pigmentation. The present invention also relates to compositions containing compounds of the present invention and a carrier.