Abstract: Methods of expressing an expression product of interest are provided. Accordingly there is provided a method comprising introducing into a cell a polynucleotide comprising an AimR responsive element operatively linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding the expression product of interest, and contacting said cell with an AimP peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of XXXXGG/A, wherein said AimP peptide is capable of binding said AimR polypeptide and dissociating said AimR polypeptide from said AimR responsive element. Also provided are articles of manufacture, isolated peptides, polynucleotides and nucleic acid constructs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microbial defense systems, which provide cells protection against phage infection and plasmid transformation. Methods of use of these defense systems for protecting cells from phage infection and plasmid transformation are also disclosed, wherein defense systems may be used individually or in combination. In addition, disclosed herein are methods of making cells that express these defense systems.

Abstract: Methods of expressing an expression product of interest are provided. Accordingly there is provided a method comprising introducing into a cell a polynucleotide comprising an AimR responsive element operatively linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding the expression product of interest, and contacting said cell with an AimP peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of XXXXGG/A, wherein said AimP peptide is capable of binding said AimR polypeptide and dissociating said AimR polypeptide from said AimR responsive element. Also provided are articles of manufacture, isolated peptides, polynucleotides and nucleic acid constructs.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide is disclosed. The polynucleotide comprises a clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) array nucleic acid sequence wherein at least one spacer of the CRISPR is sufficiently complementary to a portion of at least one prokaryotic gene so as to down-regulate expression of the prokaryotic gene and further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding at least one CRISPR associated (CAS) polypeptide of a repeat associated mysterious protein (RAMP) family. Uses of the polynucleotides and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polynucleotides are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chimeric polypeptide comprising an autoprocessing segment having an amino acid sequence being capable of auto-cleavage, a polynucleotide encoding such a polypeptide, and uses of such a polypeptide and such a polynucleotide are provided. a polynucleotide are provided.

Abstract: A chimeric polypeptide comprising an autoprocessing segment having an amino acid sequence being capable of auto-cleavage, a polynucleotide encoding such a polypeptide, and uses of such a polypeptide and such a polynucleotide are provided.

Abstract: A chimeric polypeptide comprising an autoprocessing segment having an amino acid sequence being capable of auto-cleavage, a polynucleotide encoding such a polypeptide, and uses of such a polypeptide and such a polynucleotide are provided.