Abstract: Provided herein are fluorogenic sensors which can be used to detect targets (e.g., antigens). In general, the fluorogenic sensors provided herein comprise a protein (e.g., antibody, nanobody, mini-protein) and a fluorogenic small molecule conjugated to the target-binding domain (e.g., antigen-binding domain) of the protein. Upon binding of the protein to said target (e.g., antigen), the fluorogenic small molecule may increase or decrease in fluorescence or exhibit a change in fluorescence lifetime (i.e., “turn on”), thereby indicating the presence of the target (e.g., antigen).

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds (i.e., fluorogenic amino acids (FgAAs), e.g., compounds of Formulae (I), (II), (III), and (IV)) that can be used in fluorescent labeling of biomolecules (e.g., proteins) and/or cells. Also described herein are methods of labeling and detecting biomolecules and/or cells by incorporating the FgAA compounds described herein into the biomolecules and/or cells (e.g., by enzymatic incorporation). Also provided herein are biomolecules, cells, compositions, and kits comprising the FgAA compounds described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for the controlled de novo synthesis of RNA oligonucleotides using enzymatic catalysis. For example, provided herein are methods for preparing RNA oligonucleotides via controlled, template-independent addition of nucleotides to an initiator oligonucleotide 3?-terminus via enzymatic catalysis (also known as terminal transferase activity). Single nucleotides can be iteratively added by a compatible polymerase (e.g., a poly(N) polymerase such as a poly(U) polymerase) until a desired RNA oligonucleotide sequence is synthesized. Also provided are nucleotides and polymerases useful in the methods described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for assessing peptidoglycan (PG) biosynthesis in bacteria using modified D-amino acids covalently attached to a molecular rotor and visualizing the labeled PG in bacteria based upon the enhanced fluorescence of the molecular rotor incorporated in the PG. The resultant, labeled peptidoglycan structures are amenable for identification by microscopic visualization, flow cytometry or other suitable methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for assessing peptidoglycan (PG) biosynthesis in bacteria using modified D-amino acids covalently attached to a molecular rotor and visualizing the labeled PG in bacteria based upon the enhanced fluorescence of the molecular rotor incorporated in the PG. The resultant, labeled peptidoglycan structures are amenable for identification by microscopic visualization, flow cytometry or other suitable methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for assessing peptidoglycan biosynthesis in bacteria, for identifying bacteria, and for screening for bacterial cell wall-acting and/or cell wall-disrupting agents via modified D-amino acids and methods of use thereof. Also disclosed are live bacteria having one or more modified D-amino acids as described herein incorporated into peptidoglycan of a bacterial cell wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for assessing peptidoglycan biosynthesis in bacteria, for identifying bacteria, and for screening for bacterial cell wall-acting and/or cell wall-disrupting agents via modified D-amino acids and methods of use thereof. Also disclosed are live bacteria having one or more modified D-amino acids as described herein incorporated into peptidoglycan of a bacterial cell wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for assessing peptidoglycan biosynthesis in bacteria, for identifying bacteria, and for screening for bacterial cell wall-acting and/or cell wall-disrupting agents via modified D-amino acids and methods of use thereof. Also disclosed are live bacteria having one or more modified D-amino acids as described herein incorporated into peptidoglycan of a bacterial cell wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for assessing peptidoglycan biosynthesis in bacteria using modified dipeptides containing a bioorthogonal tag and applying novel post-labeling methods to label the bioorthogonal tag. The resultant, labeled peptidoglycan structures are amenable for identifying bacteria by microscopic visualization.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for assessing peptidoglycan biosynthesis in bacteria using modified dipeptides containing a bioorthogonal tag and applying novel post-labeling methods to label the bioorthogonal tag. The resultant, labeled peptidoglycan structures are amenable for identifying bacteria by microscopic visualization.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for assessing peptidoglycan biosynthesis in bacteria, for identifying bacteria, and for screening for bacterial cell wall-acting and/or cell wall-disrupting agents via modified D-amino acids and methods of use thereof. Also disclosed are live bacteria having one or more modified D-amino acids as described herein incorporated into peptidoglycan of a bacterial cell wall.