Abstract: A selectively inducible, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) expression library, a method for constructing a ssDNA expression library, a method for screening ssDNA using the expression library, and a method for identifying ssDNA molecules that alter expression of bacterial and fungal gene(s) related to cell growth and toxin production and secretion. The screening library is used to, among other things, identify ODNs effective in stopping cell growth, killing bacteria or fungi, or preventing bacteria and/or fungi from synthesizing and secreting their toxins, and/or to discover ODNs effective in eukaryotic (e.g., mammalian) cells for targeted alteration of gene function. The library is also useful for identifying ssDNAs or ODNs that are used as therapeutic agents for, for instance, providing a method for treatment of bacterial infections such as sepsis.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to oligonucleotide sequences isolated from a sequence designated rbl-1 [SEQ ID NO. 19] that either kill or inhibit growth, or prevent the production of endogenously expressed toxin, of microorganisms. These ssDNA sequences, identified through use of a screening method, appear to act as modulators of essential growth functions which may act at the level of triplex formation, antisense inhibition, or as aptamers that alter gene function. The sequences, referred to as minimum functional regions, or MFRs, are useful inter alia as therapeutic agents for treatment of sepsis and other pathologies caused by microorganisms such as sepsis and/or in which microorganisms are contributory agents.

Abstract: A selectively inducible, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) expression library, a method for constructing a ssDNA expression library, a method for screening ssDNA using the expression library, and a method for identifying ssDNA molecules that alter expression of bacterial and fungal gene(s) related to cell growth and toxin production and secretion. The screening library is used to, among other things, identify ODNs effective in stopping cell growth, killing bacteria or fungi, or preventing bacteria and/or fungi from synthesizing and secreting their toxins, and/or to discover ODNs effective in eukaryotic (e.g., mammalian) cells for targeted alteration of gene function. The library is also useful for identifying ssDNAs or ODNs that are used as therapeutic agents for, for instance, providing a method for treatment of bacterial infections such as sepsis.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to oligonucleotide sequences isolated from a sequence designated rbl-1 [SEQ ID NO. 19] that either kill or inhibit growth, or prevent the production of endogenously expressed toxin, of microorganisms. These ssDNA sequences, identified through use of a screening method, appear to act as modulators of essential growth functions which may act at the level of triplex formation, antisense inhibition, or as aptamers that alter gene function. The sequences, referred to as minimum functional regions, or MFRs, are useful inter alia as therapeutic agents for treatment of sepsis and other pathologies caused by microorganisms such as sepsis and/or in which microorganisms are contributory agents.