Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods related to modulation of mismatch repair and genomic stability by miR-155.

Abstract: The present invention describes microRNAs that regulate the differentiation, proliferation and death of cardiac and skeletal muscles cells. These molecules represent unique targets in the developmental pathways of muscle cells. They also can be used as active agents to induce differentiation in progenitor cells, and their down-regulation permits the maintenance and expansion of progenitor cell populations.

Abstract: Improved methods that increase the specificity and sensitivity of detection of small RNAs, including miRNAs, using oligonucleotide primers and nucleic acid amplification, are provided. Reaction conditions that result in preferential decrease in cDNA synthesis of RNAs other than the small RNA molecules targeted for detection during miRNA tailing and reverse transcription reactions are described. Using these reaction conditions greater sensitivity and specificity of amplification of small RNAs including miRNAs is achieved.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a nucleic acid target-dependent adapter linked to a nucleic acid sequence. The adapter comprises linked together a biosensor having a specific sequence complementary to a target sequence of a substrate, the biosensor improving the specificity of the nucleic acid sequence for the substrate, and a blocker stem sequence complementary to a portion of the nucleic acid sequence. In absence of the target sequence of the substrate, the blocker stem sequence forms an intramolecular stem with the nucleic acid sequence linked thereto, preventing exposition of the sequence of the nucleic acid sequence, thus locking the nucleic acid sequence so linked to the adapter in an inactive conformation, and in presence of the target sequence, the blocker stem sequence dissociating from the nucleic acid sequence, thus exposing the nucleic acid sequence linked to the adapter in an active conformation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting the actions of non-coding RNAs such as miRNAs and piRNAs are provided. The compositions comprise single or double stranded oligonucleotides conjugated with Minor Groove Binders (“MGBs”). The oligonucleotides can vary in length, can contain nucleotides having one or more modifications, and have regions that are substantially complementary to one or more mature miRNAs or piRNAs.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of cardiovascular or metabolic diseases characterized by elevated serum total cholesterol, elevated serum LDL-cholesterol, or elevated serum triglycerides, through the administration of an oligomeric compound which modulates the levels or activity of miR-122a. Further provided are methods for reducing hepatic steatosis or liver tissue triglyceride accumulation through the administration of an oligomeric compound which modulates the levels or activity of miR-122a. Such methods employ oligomeric compounds which hybridize with or sterically interfere with nucleic acid molecules comprising or encoding miR-122a. Such oligomeric compounds may include one or more modifications thereon, which may improve the activity, stability, or nuclease resistance of the oligomeric compound. These modified oligomeric compounds are used as single compounds or in compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, to modulate or mimic the targeted nucleic acid comprising or encoding miR-122a.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods of treating pouchitis by administering a pharmaceutical formulation suitable for rectal use, such as an enema or suppository, comprising an antisense oligonucleotide targeted to ICAM-1 to an individual

Abstract: The present invention relates to Multicomponent Nucleic Acid Enzymes (MNAzymes) and methods for their use. MNAzymes comprise two or more oligonucleotide components which self-assemble in the presence of one or more MNAzyme assembly facilitator molecules to form a catalytically active structure. Compositions for making MNAzymes, and collections of MNAzymes are provided. Also provided are methods for using MNAzymes for the detection, identification and/or quantification of one or more targets. The methods can be practiced in solution-based assays or in assays where one or more reaction components are attached to a support structure. The methods allow for multiplexing the MNAzyme detection to detect multiple targets in a single reaction. Also provided are kits for making the compositions, and for practicing the methods provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for controlling pest infestation using double stranded RNA molecules. The invention provides methods for producing transgenic cells expressing the double stranded RNA molecules, as well as compositions and commodity products containing or treated with such molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for influencing the miR-92 expression in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a cell; and (b1) reducing the miR-92 expression in the cell in order to promote the vascularization or vessel repair by introducing an antisense molecule against miR-92 into the cell, or (b2) increasing the miR-92 expression in the cell for an inhibition of the tumor angiogenesis by introducing a construct into the cell, wherein said construct includes an expressible miR-92 sequence. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising an agent for reducing the miR-92 activity or expression in a cell in the form of an antisense molecule against miR-92, or an agent for increasing the miR-92 expression in a cell in the form of a construct for expressing miR-92.

Abstract: The invention relates to microRNAs (miRNAs) for the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of heart diseases. It relates in particular to SEQ ID No: 1 to SEQ ID No: 29 for the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of heart diseases. In addition, the invention relates to the use of these sequences to produce a medicament for heart diseases and for the diagnosis thereof. Also encompassed are a method for the diagnosis of a heart disease, a kit and an expression vector comprising these sequences, a cell which contains the expression vector, and also a method for modulating a heart disease and a method for screening a pharmaceutically active compound for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a heart disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of nucleic acids and, more particularly, to aptamers capable of binding to toxins produced by Clostridium difficile; diagnostic kits and methods comprising such aptamers; and methods of making and using such aptamers.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, pharmaceutical preparations, kits and methods for increasing expression of a gene product in a cell by contacting the cell with a small activating RNA (saRNA) molecule comprising a ribonucleic strand that is complementary to a non-coding nucleic acid sequence of the gene.

Abstract: Amplification-based methods and kits for rapidly producing siRNA expression cassettes are provided. Also provided are methods for expressing amplified siRNA expression cassettes in cells.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a double-stranded siRNA molecule comprising a sense Strand and an antisense Strand which is essentially complementary to the sense Strand, each of the sense and the antisense Strands comprising at least 17 nucleotides (nt), the siRNA further comprising at least one overhang at the 5? and/or 3? end, wherein the overhang residue or overhang residues are chemically modified and selected independently from each other from the group consisting of: (a) 2?-deoxy modified nucleotides; (b) 2?-methoxy modified nucleotides; (c) two nucleosides linked by a 3? to 5? or 2? to 5? formacetal linkage; (d) nucleotides modified at the 2?-position by a —O—CH2—O—(CH2)2—OH group; and (e) nucleotides comprising in the 3?-position a —CH2—O—(CH2)7—CH3 group.

Abstract: Modulation of mRNA activity is achieved with precursor miRNAs (ta-RNAs). ta-RNAs, primarily pre-miRNAs and pri-miRNAs, including truncated and mutated ta-RNAs, are employed for modulation of mRNA expression where it is found that pri- and pre-miRNA have activity independently of the presence of functional mature miRNAs. Modification of at least one of the stem and loop of the ta-RNAs to enhance binding of the ta-RNA to the target mRNA is employed. The modification may be enhanced complementarity between the ta-RNA and the target mRNA and/or improved thermodynamic efficiency in binding of the ta-RNA to the target.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides non-naturally occurring miR-196a-2 miRNAs and non-naturally occurring miR-204 miRNAs. The non-naturally occurring miRNAs of the disclosure have mature strand sequences distinct from their endogenous counterparts. The disclosure also provides methods of selecting mature strand sequences that function optimally in non-naturally occurring miR-196a-2 miRNAs. The methods and compositions of the disclosure may be used to mediate gene silencing via the RNAi pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a short RNA capable of upregulating MafA expression in a human cell, wherein the short RNA includes a first strand which is 19 to 25 nucleotides in length and comprises the sequence AUCUGUACUGGAUGAGCGG (SEQ ID NO:1) or UUUCCCGCAGGAGAUUGAC (SEQ ID NO:2). Also provided are uses of the short RNA, particular medical uses, and induced cells and uses of the induced cells.

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: Methods and products for the repair of genetically defective DNA in the region of a mutated exon, for the specific destruction of tumor cells, and for the identification of naturally trans-spliced RNA. The methods inter alia are based on the utilization of cellular RNA splicing components.