Abstract: Genes encoding an apoptosis-induced eukaryotic initiation Factor-5A (eIF-5A) and an apoptosis-induced deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS), whose expressions are induced by the onset of apoptosis, are identified. The DHS gene and the eIF-5A gene, alone or in combination, as well as inhibitors of the DHS reaction, are used to modulate apoptosis in animals and humans. For example, modulation of apoptosis in cells of animals and humans is achieved by introduction of a gene or gene fragment encoding apoptosis-induced eIF-5A, apoptosis-induced DHS, or both into the animal or human cell in antisense orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide that can complex with an oligonucleotide, e.g. an antisense oligonucleotide, and deliver it into a cell. The present invention also provides compositions comprising a complex of such a peptide and an oligonucleotide and methods of delivering an oligonucleotide into a cell and of inhibiting protein expression using such compositions. The present invention also provides a method of making such a complex, a method of sensitizing cells to anti-cancer agents such as paclitaxel, and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel non-naturally occurring cell surface receptor analogs, ligand analogs and nucleic acids encoding them. The invention further provides methods for screening of ligand analogs and bioactive agents capable of modulating the signaling activity of a non-naturally occurring cell surface receptor analog or capable of binding to a non-naturally occurring cell surface receptor analog.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of CD36L1. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding CD36L1. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of CD36L1 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of CD36L1 are provided.

Abstract: Short deoxyribonucleic acid molecules that are partially single-stranded, dumbbell-shaped, and covalently closed, which contain one or more unmethylated cytosine guanosine motif (CpG motif) and exhibit immunomodifying effects. Such molecules can be used for immunostimulation applications in humans or vertebrates.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of detecting and measuring the amount of one or more species of bcr-abl spliced mRNA present in the sample, following nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel anticode oligomers and methods of using them for controlling growth of cancer cells expressing the bcl-2 gene.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of PPP3R1. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding PPP3R1. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of PPP3R1 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of PPP3R1 are provided.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition effective for preventing and alleviating bronchoconstriction, lung allergy(ies) and inflammation comprises a surfactant and an oligonucleotide anti-sense to an adenosine receptor gene, flanking regions or regions bridging the intro/exon borders, analogues which bind thymidine but have low adenosine content or exhibit lower or no adenosine receptor agonist activity, or antisense to the corresponding mRNA, combinations, sales or mixtures thereof, and a carrier, and optionally other therapeutic agents and formulation products.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of PLML. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding PLML. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of PLML expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of PLML are provided.

Abstract: Drug-carrier complexes, drug carriers, pharmaceutical formulations, methods of delivery drugs to an organism or tissue culture, methods of increasing the solubility of a substance, targeted carriers, drug delivery systems and implants are described. The compositions and methods of the invention include forming complexes having reversible associations between nucleotides and drugs. The compositions and methods of the invention can be employed to target drugs to cells, organisms or combinations of cells to treat and to study the underlying mechanisms of diseases, and to test drug candidates.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for modulating the immune response caused by CpG-containing oligonucleotides. The methods according to the invention enable both decreasing the immunostimulatory effect for antisense applications, as well as increasing the immunostimulatory effect for immunotherapy applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a family of mammalian genes that are transcribed in the immediate early phase following exposure to Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF) during mesoderm induction, termed Mesoderm Induction Immediate Early Response (MIER) genes. Defining features of the members of this family include that these genes are a) transcribed in response to fibroblast growth factors (FGF); b) are expressed within 40 minutes of FGF treatment; and c) do not require protein synthesis for transcription. There are at least eleven members within this family. The invention relates generally to compositions of and diagnostic methods relating to the M-MIER gene family, cDNA, nucleotide fragments, polypeptides coded thereby, recombinant host cells and vectors containing M-MIER encoding polynucleotide sequences, recombinant M-MIER polypeptides, and antibodies. By way of example, the invention discloses the cloning and functional expression of different M-MIER polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods of stimulating a local immune response in selected cells or tissues employing immunopotentiating oligonucleotide analogs having at least one phosphorothioate internucleotide bond are provided. Methods of enhancing the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment by stimulating a local immune response in selected cells or tissues employing oligonucleotide analogs having at least one phosphorothioate bond are also provided. The oligonucleotide analogs may have antisense efficacy in addition to immunopotentiating activity. Methods of modulating cytokine release in skin cells and immunopotentiators which include oligonucleotide analogs having at least one phosphorothioate bond capable of eliciting a local inflammatory response are also provided.

Abstract: Chimeric oligonucleotide of the formula 5′-W-X1-Y-X2-Z-3′, where W represents a 5′-O-alkyl nucleotide, each of X1 and X2 represents a block of seven to twelve phosphodiester-linked 2′-O-alkyl ribonucleotides, Y represents a block of five to twelve phosphorothioate-linked deoxyribonucleotides, and Z represents a blocking group effective to block nuclease activity at the 3′ end of the oligonucleotide, are described. These compounds exhibit high resistance to endo- and exonucleases, high sequence specificity, and the ability to activate RNAse H, as evidenced by efficient and long-lasting suppression of target mRNA.

Abstract: Method for one-pot deprotection of RNA molecules.

Abstract: Ligand-conjugated oligomeric compounds are described wherein ligands are conjugated to one or more sites on an oligomeric compound including the 2′-, 3′-, 5′-, nucleobase and internucleotide linkage sites. The ligand can be attached via an optional linking group. Ligands are selected for conjugation that bind to one or more cellular, serum or vascular proteins imparting enhanced pharmacokinetic properties to the resulting ligand-conjugated oligomeric compounds. Also provided are methods for increasing the concentration of an oligonucleotide in serum and methods for increasing the capacity of serum for an oligonucleotide. Further, methods for increasing the binding of an oligonucleotide to a portion of the vascular system is described. Also provided are methods for promoting cellular uptake of an oligonucleotide in cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of down-regulating the expression of a gene in an animal, wherein a pharmacological formulation comprising a chimeric oligonucleotide complementary to the gene is orally administered to an animal. The oligonucleotide administered has at least one phosphorothioate internucleotide linkage and at least one alkylphosphonate, phosphorodithioate, alkylphosphonothioate, phosphoramidate, phosphoramidite, phosphate ester, carbamate, carbonate, phosphate triester, acetamidate, or carboxymethyl ester internucleotide linkage.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of modulating the shedding of L-selectin in cells or tissues using an inhibitor of TACE expression or activity. Antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding TACE are preferred forms of TACE inhibitors. These methods are believed to be useful both therapeutically and diagnostically and as research tools. The present invention further comprises methods of treating conditions associated with altered L-selectin shedding or altered L-selectin levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, as well as compositions related thereto, for the efficient transduction of cells using viral vectors. The efficiency of transduction is increased by contacting the cell to be transduced with one or more molecules that bind the cell surface. Contact with a cell surface binding molecule may occur before, after, or simultaneously with contact between the viral vector and the cell. The transduced vectors may be constructed to express a gene of interest, permitting the transduced cells to be used as therapeutic and prophylactic agents.