Abstract: Oligonucleotides with a novel sugar-phosphate backbone containing at least one internucleoside 3′-NHP(O)(S−)O-5′ linkage, and methods of synthesizing and using the inventive oligonucleotides are provided. The inventive thiophosphoramidate oligonucleotides were found to retain the high RNA binding affinity of the parent oligonucleotide N3′→P5′ phosphoramidates and to exhibit a much higher acid stability.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides with a novel sugar-phosphate backbone containing at least one internucleoside 3′-NHP(O)(S−)O-5′ linkage, and methods of synthesizing and using the inventive oligonucleotides are provided. The inventive thiophosphoramidate oligonucleotides were found to retain the high RNA binding affinity of the parent oligonucleotide N3′→P5′ phosphoramidates and to exhibit a much higher acid stability.

Abstract: 5-(3-Isatinylidinyl)thiazolidineones and 3-(thiazolidinon-5-yl)indoles compounds, compositions, and methods of inhibiting telomerase activity in vitro and treatment of telomerase mediated conditions or diseases ex vivo and in vivo are provided. The methods, compounds and compositions of the invention may be employed alone, or in combination with other pharmacologically active agents in the treatment of conditions or diseases mediated by telomerase activity, such as in the treatment of cancer. Also disclosed are novel methods for assaying or screening for inhibitors of telomerase activity.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods related to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTRT), the catalytic protein subunit of human telomerase. Catalytically active human telomerase reverse transcriptase variants comprising deletions or other mutations are provided.

Abstract: Purified and recombinant proteins TPC2 and TPC3 and recombinant or synthetic oligonucleotides corresponding to those proteins or fragments thereof can be used to detect regulators of telomere length and telomerase activity in mammalian cells and for a variety of related diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA primase assays suitable for identifying DN primase modulating agents, methods of modulating DNA primase activity, compounds for modulating DNA primase activity, and compositions which modulate DNA primase.

Abstract: This invention provides purified human telomerase and methods of purifying it. The methods involve the use of several sequential steps, including the use of a first matrix that binds molecules bearing negative charges, a matrix that binds molecules bearing positive charges, a second matrix that binds molecules bearing negative charges, an affinity purification step and a matrix that separates molecules according to their size.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting a mammalian embryo involves transferring the nucleus from a quiescent donor cell into a suitable recipient cell. The donor cell is quiescent, in that it is caused to exit from the growth and division cycle at G1 and to arrest in the G0 state. Nuclear transfer may take place by cell fusion. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more mammals. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic mammals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.