Abstract: The invention provides methods for depleting extraneous phenotypes from a mixed population of cells comprising the in vitro differentiated progeny of primate pluripotent stem cells. The invention also provides mixed cell populations enriched for a target cell phenotype where the mixed cell population comprises the differentiated in vitro progeny of primate embryonic stem cells.

Abstract: A method and kit for inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells are disclosed, based on a combination of a gemcitabine and a telomerase inhibitor. When used in cancer therapy, the two compounds in combination enhance the anti-cancer treatment efficacy obtained with gemcitabine alone or the telomerase inhibitor alone. Preferably, efficacy is supraadditive or synergistic in nature relative to the combined effects of the individual agents, with minimal exacerbation of side effects.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides with a novel sugar-phosphate backbone containing at least one 2?-arabino-fluoronucleoside and an internucleoside 3?-NH—P(?O)(OR)—O-5? linkage, where R is a positively charged counter ion or hydrogen, and methods of synthesizing and using the inventive oligonucleotides are provided. The inventive phosphoramidate 2?-arabino-fluorooligonucleotides have a high RNA binding affinity to complementary nucleic acids and are base and acid stable.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods related to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTRT), the catalytic protein subunit of human telomerase. The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are useful for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human diseases, for changing the proliferative capacity of cells and organisms, and for identification and screening of compounds and treatments useful for treatment of diseases such as cancers.

Abstract: This invention provides inhibitory polynucleotides, such as antisense molecules, directed against accessible regions in the telomerase ribonucleoprotein. The polynucleotides are useful for inhibiting the activity of telomerase in cells and for treating cancer.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide conjugates, where an oligonucleotide is covalently attached to an aromatic system, are provided. In particular embodiments the oligonucleotide is complementary to the RNA component of human telomerase and is covalently attached to a nucleobase via an optional linker. The conjugates inhibit telomerase enzyme activity.

Abstract: Compounds comprising an oligonucleotide moiety covalently linked to a lipid moiety are disclosed. The oligonucleotide moiety comprises a sequence that is complementary to the RNA component of human telomerase. The compounds inhibit telomerase activity in cells with a high potency and have superior cellular uptake characteristics.

Abstract: Orthogonally protected 3?-amino nucleoside monomers and efficient methods for their synthesis are described. The methods employ selective protection of the 3?-amino group in the presence of the unprotected nucleoside base.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for activating a T lymphocyte by contacting the T lymphocyte with a dendritic cell (DC) that presents a telomerase reverse transcriptase (TRT) peptide in the context of an MHC class I or MHC class II molecule. The DC may be pulsed with a TRT polypeptide or may comprise a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a TRT such as hTRT. The invention also provides DCs comprising a recombinant TRT polynucleotide. The methods and compositions of the invention are used in prevention and treatment of cancers and other cell proliferation diseases or conditions.

Abstract: Telomerase reverse transcriptase is part of the telomerase complex responsible for maintaining telomere length and increasing the replicative capacity of progenitor cells. Telomerase activity is turned off in mature differentiated cells, but is turned back on again in hyperplastic diseases, including many cancers. This disclosure provides regulatory elements that promote transcription in cells that express telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). The disclosure also provides systems using TERT promoter sequences for identifying compounds that can be used to modulate telomerase expression.