Abstract: Stalled ribosome:nascent molecule of interest complexes and methods of using same are provided. Plasmids, particularly DNA plasmids, comprising a stall segment are also disclosed. The methods provide for the facile and stable formation of stalled ribosome:nascent molecule of interest complexes that may be used to examine protein synthesis and protein conformational events, as well as in the creation of desired ribosomal displays. Cells transformed with these plasmids are also provided, and include both eukaryotic and prokaryotic transformed cells. Stall elements that provide for ribosomal stalling of eukaryotic and prokaryotic ribosomes are also disclosed. Various therapeutic and clinical applications of these methods are also provided and used in diseases associated with defects in protein accumulation in vivo.