Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an approach for discovering novel insecticidal proteins from highly heterogeneous environmental sources. The methodology utilizes metagenomic enrichment procedures that increase the representation of specific genera of bacteria, prior to deep sequencing, in order to access novel variants of insecticidal proteins. In aspects, the taught methods are useful for creating large genomic libraries enriched for Bacillus sp. The enriched genomic libraries are useful for the discovery of novel cry toxin genes, which enable the identification of novel Cry proteins.

Abstract: The disclosure presents a platform for discovering novel insecticidal proteins from highly heterogeneous environmental sources. The methodology utilizes metagenomic enrichment procedures and unique genetic amplification techniques, which enables access to a broad class of unknown microbial diversity and their resultant proteome. The disclosed insecticidal protein discovery platform (IPDP) can be computationally driven and is able to integrate molecular biology, automation, and advanced machine learning protocols. The platform will enable researchers to rapidly and accurately access the vast repertoire of untapped insecticidal proteins produced by uncharacterized and complex microbial environmental samples. Also presented herein are a group of newly discovered pore-forming toxins (PFT) from a rare class of insecticidal proteins, which were discovered utilizing the insecticidal protein discovery platform.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for identifying natural product-encoding multi-gene clusters (MGCs). In some embodiments, the present disclosure also teaches methods for producing sequenced and assembled metagenomic libraries that are amenable to MGC search bionformatic tools and techniques.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for identifying variants of a given target protein or target gene that perform the same function and/or improve the phenotypic performance of a host cell transformed with such a variant. To enhance the diversity of identified candidate sequences, the methods may implement the use of a metagenomic database and/or machine learning methods. The methods and systems may be implemented in optimizing a biosynthetic pathway, e.g., to improve the production of a target molecule of interest.

Abstract: The disclosure presents a platform for discovering novel insecticidal proteins from highly heterogeneous environmental sources. The methodology utilizes metagenomic enrichment procedures and unique genetic amplification techniques, which enables access to a broad class of unknown microbial diversity and their resultant proteome. The disclosed insecticidal protein discovery platform (IPDP) can be computationally driven and is able to integrate molecular biology, automation, and advanced machine learning protocols. The platform will enable researchers to rapidly and accurately access the vast repertoire of untapped insecticidal proteins produced by uncharacterized and complex microbial environmental samples. Also presented herein are a group of newly discovered pore-forming toxins (PFT) from a rare class of insecticidal proteins, which were discovered utilizing the insecticidal protein discovery platform.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an approach for discovering novel insecticidal proteins from highly heterogeneous environmental sources. The methodology utilizes metagenomic enrichment procedures that increase the representation of specific genera of bacteria, prior to deep sequencing, in order to access novel variants of insecticidal proteins. In aspects, the taught methods are useful for creating large genomic libraries enriched for Bacillus sp. The enriched genomic libraries are useful for the discovery of novel cry toxin genes, which enable the identification of novel Cry proteins.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a hydrogel particle with optical properties substantially similar to the optical properties of a target cell, and methods for their use.

Abstract: The disclosure presents a platform for discovering novel insecticidal proteins from highly heterogeneous environmental sources. The methodology utilizes metagenomic enrichment procedures and unique genetic amplification techniques, which enables access to abroad class of unknown microbial diversity and their resultant proteome. The disclosed insecticidal protein discovery platform (IPDP) can be computationally driven and is able to integrate molecular biology, automation, and advanced machine learning protocols. The platform will enable researchers to rapidly and accurately access the vast repertoire of untapped insecticidal proteins produced by uncharacterized and complex microbial environmental samples. Also presented herein are a group of newly discovered pore-forming toxins (PFT) from a rare class of insecticidal proteins, which were discovered utilizing the insecticidal protein discovery platform.

Abstract: The disclosure presents a platform for discovering novel insecticidal proteins from highly heterogeneous environmental sources. The methodology utilizes metagenomic enrichment procedures and unique genetic amplification techniques, which enables access to a broad class of unknown microbial diversity and their resultant proteome. The disclosed insecticidal protein discovery platform (IPDP) can be computationally driven and is able to integrate molecular biology, automation, and advanced machine learning protocols. The platform will enable researchers to rapidly and accurately access the vast repertoire of untapped insecticidal proteins produced by uncharacterized and complex microbial environmental samples. Also presented herein are a group of newly discovered pore-forming toxins (PFT) from a rare class of insecticidal proteins, which were discovered utilizing the insecticidal protein discovery platform.

Abstract: Hydrogel particles and their use in cytometric applications are described. The hydrogel particles described herein are selectively tunable to have at least one optical property substantially similar to at least one optical property of a target cell. In this regard, the hydrogel particles provided herein, in one aspect, are used as a calibration reagent for the detection of a target cell in a sample.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an approach for discovering novel insecticidal proteins from highly heterogeneous environmental sources. The methodology utilizes metagenomic enrichment procedures that increase the representation of specific genera of bacteria, prior to deep sequencing, in order to access novel variants of insecticidal proteins. In aspects, the taught methods are useful for creating large genomic libraries enriched for Bacillus sp. The enriched genomic libraries are useful for the discovery of novel cry toxin genes, which enable the identification of novel Cry proteins.

Abstract: Hydrogel particles and their use in cytometric applications are described. The hydrogel particles described herein are selectively tunable to have at least one optical property substantially similar to the at least one optical property of a target cell. In this regard, the hydrogel particles provided herein in one aspect, are used as a calibration reagent for the detection of a target cell in a sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a hydrogel particle with optical properties substantially similar to the optical properties of a target cell, and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a hydrogel particle with optical properties substantially similar to the optical properties of a target cell, and methods for their use.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods for producing natural products in microorganisms that are otherwise unexpressed, poorly expressed or poorly transcribed. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides compositions and methods for activating a silent gene or gene cluster with a bacteriophage and/or Streptomyces Antibiotic Regulatory Protein (SARP) transcription factor.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods for producing natural products in microorganisms that are otherwise unexpressed, poorly expressed or poorly transcribed. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides compositions and methods for activating a silent gene or gene cluster with a bacteriophage and/or Streptomyces Antibiotic Regulatory Protein (SARP) transcription factor.

Abstract: Hydrogel particles and their use in cytometric applications are described. The hydrogel particles described herein are selectively tunable to have at least one optical property substantially similar to the at least one optical property of a target cell. In this regard, the hydrogel particles provided herein in one aspect, are used as a calibration reagent for the detection of a target cell in a sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a hydrogel particle with optical properties substantially similar to the optical properties of a target cell, and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a hydrogel particle with optical properties substantially similar to the optical properties of a target cell, and methods for their use.

Abstract: Hydrogel particles and their use in cytometic applications are described. The hydrogel particles described herein are selectively tunable to have at least one optical property substantially similar to the at least one optical property of a target cell. In this regard, the hydrogel particles provided herein in one aspect, are used as a calibration reagent for the detection of a target cell in a sample.