Abstract: Provided herein are methods for a novel bead-based next-generation “X-aptamer” selection scheme that extends aptamer technology to include X-modified bases, thus resulting in X-aptamers, at any position along the sequence because the aptamers are chemically synthesized via a split-pool scheme on individual beads. Also provides are application to a wide range of commonly used DNA modifications, including, but not limited to, monothioate and dithioate backbone substitutions. This new class of aptamer allows chemical modifications introduced to any of the bases in the aptamer sequence as well as the phosphate backbones and can be extended to other carbohydrate-based systems.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library to identify modified thioaptamers that bind to, and affect the immune response of a host animal, transcription factors such as IL-6, NF-?B, AP-1 and the like. Composition and methods are also provided for the treatment of viral infections, as well as, vaccines and vaccine adjuvants are provided that modify host immune responses.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for a novel bead-based next-generation “X-aptamer” selection scheme that extends aptamer technology to include X-modified bases, thus resulting in X-aptamers, at any position along the sequence because the aptamers are chemically synthesized via a split-pool scheme on individual beads. Also provides are application to a wide range of commonly used DNA modifications, including, but not limited to, monothioate and dithioate backbone substitutions. This new class of aptamer allows chemical modifications introduced to any of the bases in the aptamer sequence as well as the phosphate backbones and can be extended to other carbohydrate-based systems.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule that selectively binds to an E-selectin protein comprises a contiguous 29-30 nucleotide sequence that includes at least one monothiophosphate or a dithiophosphate modified nucleotide. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting an E-selectin mediated interaction with a natural E-selectin ligand, and methods of targeting an imaging agent or therapeutic agent to a target tissue bearing E-selectin.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for split synthesis combinatorial chemistry that provides candidate libraries where an even distribution of theoretical products is obtainable through even mixing during the pooling step, followed by controlled redistribution of the mixed pooled products from the prior addition step into separate synthesis columns, one for each different specie of subunit to be added.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule that selectively binds to an E-selectin protein comprises a contiguous 29-30 nucleotide sequence that includes at least one monothiophosphate or a dithiophosphate modified nucleotide. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting an E-selectin mediated interaction with a natural E-selectin ligand, and methods of targeting an imaging agent or therapeutic agent to a target tissue bearing E-selectin.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library having two or more beads, wherein attached to each bead is a unique nucleic acid aptamer that have disposed thereon a unique sequence. The library aptamers may be attached covalently to the one or more beads, which may be polystyrene beads. The aptamers may include phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate and/or methylphosphonate linkages and may be single or double stranded DNA, RNA or even PNAs.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library to identify modified thioaptamers that bind to, and affect the immune response of a host animal, transcription factors such as IL-6, NF-?B, AP-1 and the like. Composition and methods are also provided for the treatment of viral infections, as well as, vaccines and vaccine adjuvants are provided that modify host immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library to identify modified thioaptamers that bind to, and affect the immune response of a host animal, transcription factors such as IL-6, NF-?B, AP-1 and the like. Composition and methods are also provided for the treatment of viral infections, as well as, vaccines and vaccine adjuvants are provided that modify host immune responses.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for split synthesis combinatorial chemistry that provides candidate libraries where an even distribution of theoretical products is obtainable through even mixing during the pooling step, followed by controlled redistribution of the mixed pooled products from the prior addition step into separate synthesis columns, one for each different specie of subunit to be added.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library having two or more beads, wherein attached to each bead is a unique nucleic acid aptamer that have disposed thereon a unique sequence. The library aptamers may be attached covalently to the one or more beads, which may be polystyrene beads. The aptamers may include phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate and/or methylphosphonate linkages and may be single or double stranded DNA, RNA or even PNAs.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library having two or more beads, wherein attached to each bead is a unique nucleic acid aptamer that have disposed thereon a unique sequence. The library aptamers may be attached covalently to the one or more beads, which may be polystyrene beads. The aptamers may include phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate and/or methylphosphonate linkages and may be single or double stranded DNA, RNA or even PNAs.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library having two or more beads, wherein attached to each bead is a unique nucleic acid aptamer that have disposed thereon a unique sequence. The library aptamers may be attached covalently to the one or more beads, which may be polystyrene beads. The aptamers may include phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate and/or methylphosphonate linkages and may be single or double stranded DNA, RNA or even PNAs.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library having two or more beads, wherein attached to each bead is a unique nucleic acid aptamer that have disposed thereon a unique sequence. The library aptamers may be attached covalently to the one or more beads, which may be polystyrene beads. The aptamers may include phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate and/or methylphosphonate linkages and may be single or double stranded DNA, RNA or even PNAs.

Abstract: A random combinatorial selection method is disclosed for the construction of oligonucleotide aptamers in which nuclease resistance is conferred by the inclusion of modified nucleotides. The modified nucleotides are incorporated during PCR amplification to form achiral modified oligonucleotides. Thio-substituted aptamers are provided that bind tightly to the nuclear factor for human IL6 (NF-IL6).

Abstract: This invention generally relates the generation of aptamers and to the use of aptamers as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods using combinatorial chemistry to prepare aptamers having controlled thiophosphate replacement in the phosphate backbone for improved binding efficiencies to a target and to RNA and/or DNA products having novel nucleotide sequences and enhanced target binding efficacies.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library to identify modified thioaptamers that bind to, and affect the immune response of a host animal, transcription factors such as IL-6, NF-&kgr;B, AP-1 and the like. Composition and methods are also provided for the treatment of viral infections, as well as, vaccines and vaccine adjuvants are provided that modify host immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention includes thioaptamers, methods and libraries for the isolation, selection, improvement, characterization and use of RNA thioaptamers for gene silencing, including degradative and non-degradative interference with translation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring biological interactions is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substrate, a modified nucleotide aptamer attached to the substrate, a target molecule or portion thereof, wherein the interaction between the modified nucleotide aptamer and the target molecule or portion thereof is detected.

Abstract: A random combinatorial selection method is disclosed for the construction of oligonucleotide aptamers in which nuclease resistance is conferred by the inclusion of modified nucleotides. The modified nucleotides are incorporated during PCR amplification to form achiral modified oligonucleotides. Thio-substituted aptamers are provided that bind tightly to the nuclear factor for human IL6 (NF-IL6).