Abstract: Libraries for generating small interfering RNA (siRNA) are provided where the members of the library are optimized to inhibit the expression of genes that encode a predetermined family of proteins. The members of the library target at least mRNA encoding all members of the family of proteins. Methods for generating siRNA libraries of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high complexity substantially complete hairpin ribozyme library having a randomized recognition sequence, packaged in a vector and operably linked to a promoter suitable for high level expression in a wide variety of cells. The invention comprises using the library in a variety of selection protocols for identifying, isolating and characterizing known or unknown target RNAs, to reveal the phenotypic effects of such cleavage, and to identify the gene products that produce those phenotypic effects.

Abstract: A method of identifying a compound that modulates the activity of a cellular regulator is provided. The method consists of contacting a sample containing a cellular regulator and a nucleic acid element acted on by the cellular regulator with a test compound under conditions that allow replication or expression of the nucleic acid element or a gene or mRNA operatively linked to the nucleic acid element or gene, and an increase or decrease in the amount of replication or expression in the presence of the test compound compared to the absence of the test compound indicates that the compound has cellular regulator modulatory activity. A method of treating a HCV infection is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides substantially pure tumor suppressor nucleic acid molecules and tumor suppressor polypeptides. The invention also provides hairpin ribozymes and antibodies selective for these tumor suppressor molecules. Also provided are methods of detecting a neoplastic cell in a sample using detectable agents specific for the tumor suppressor nucleic acids and polypeptides.

Abstract: As an effective therapy for proliferative skin and eye diseases such as psoriasis and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, this invention provides ribozymes and ribozyme delivery systems which cleave RNA encoding cytokines involved in inflammation, matrix metalloproteinases, a cyclin, a cell-cycle dependent kinase, a growth factor, or a reductase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the elucidation of gene function and the identification of novel genes. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for improved functional genomic screening, functional inactivation of specific essential or non-essential genes, and identification of genes that are modulated in response to specific stimuli or encode recognizable phenotypic traits. In particular, the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, expression cassettes comprising a novel dual promoter transcription system, that utilizes modified promoters, preferably containing complementary termination sequences, positioned across a coding sequence and in opposite orientation to each other. In addition, the present invention includes libraries comprising the expression cassettes of the invention, including vectors for transforming cells, such as replication-deficient retroviral vectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the elucidation of gene function and the identification of novel genes. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for improved functional genomic screening, functional inactivation of specific essential or non-essential genes, and identification of genes that are modulated in response to specific stimuli or encode recognizable phenotypic traits. In particular, the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, expression cassettes comprising a novel polymerase primer hairpin linker that allows rapid construction of a single transcriptional unit encoding both strands of a hairpin siRNA, regardless of sequence. In addition, the present invention includes libraries comprising the expression cassettes of the invention, including vectors for transforming cells, such as replication-deficient retroviral vectors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions, systems and methods for identifying anti-cancer agents using doth in vitro and in vivo techniques. Embodiments include the screening of combinatorial libraries of peptides, antibodies, and small organic molecules as well as siRNAs, ribozymes and antisense nucleotides directed against nucleic acids encoding the GPR 39 protein.

Abstract: This invention provides ribozymes useful to treat or prevent Hepatitis C Virus (“HCV”) infection or disease in an organism or subject, as well as methods of treating an HCV infection or disease. Reagents such as vectors, host cells, DNA molecules coding for these ribozymes usefull in methods of treatment and prevention of HCV infection or disease are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides ribozymes useful to treat or prevent Hepatitis C Virus ("HCV") infection or disease in an organism or subject, as well as methods of treating an HCV infection or disease. Reagents such as vectors, host cells, DNA molecules coding for these ribozymes useful in methods of treatment and prevention of HCV infection or disease are also provided.