Abstract: Described herein are methods for identifying novel nucleic acid regulatory elements and compounds that modulate the regulation of such elements. Also described herein are nucleic acid sequence identified as novel nucleic acid regulatory elements and host cells containing such nucleic acid regulatory elements in a vector.

Abstract: The invention features methods for detecting and quantifying the binding or inhibition of binding of species to biopolymers, e.g., nucleic acids. The invention is based on the use of probes that have magnetic relaxation properties that are affected by the presence of paramagnetic metal ions, e.g., Mn2+. Any class of biopolymer that binds metal ions at its active site or uses metal ion cofactors can be studied using these methods.

Abstract: The present invention features compounds useful for inhibiting RNase P activity. These compounds can be used as therapeutics for treating or preventing a variety of bacterial infections. The compounds belong to several classes including mono- and bis-guanylhydrazones, guanylhydrazone mimetics, and benzothiazolium compounds. Exemplary compounds are compounds of formula I: Y—(NR?)k—U1—(NR?)I—A—(NR1)m—U2—(NR2)n—Z??I with substituents as described herein.

Abstract: The invention features novel RNase P molecules and nucleic acids encoding the same. Methods for discovery of antimicrobial compounds are also featured.

Abstract: The invention features compounds that inhibit secretion of a protein encoded by an ARE-mRNA or that modulate regulation of an ARE-mRNA. These compounds are useful for the treatment or prevention of conditions involving proteins encoded by ARE-mRNAs, such as TNF?.

Abstract: The invention features screening assays for compounds that are potentially useful for treating or preventing a proliferative disease. The assays are based on contacting a candidate compound with a cell containing a nucleic acid including a HER2 regulatory element and a reporter sequence. In addition, the invention features compounds identified by the assays of the invention. The invention further features compounds structurally related to those identified by the screening assays. Finally, the invention features methods of treating or preventing a proliferative disease using the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid sequences which, when present in an RNA molecule, bind to RNA binding proteins. These nucleic acid sequences are present in untranslated regions of certain mRNA. They can be used in assays to identify compounds that affect the interaction of RNA containing the nucleic acid sequence, such as the source mRNA, and RNA binding proteins. The disclosed nucleic acid sequences can also be used to identify RNA binding proteins that can interact with the sequences. An assay for identifying compounds that affect interaction of RNA containing one of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences and RNA binding proteins is also disclosed. The assay involves detecting interactions between RNA binding proteins and an RNA molecule containing one of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences in the presence of a test compound and in the absence of the test compound. A difference in the detected interaction in the presence and absence of the test compound indicates that the compound affects the interaction.

Abstract: The invention features cDNA libraries consisting essentially of cDNA sequences that correspond to different mRNA untranslated region (UTR) sequences separate from adjacent mRNA coding sequences. The invention also features methods for generating these libraries and for identifying a regulatory UTR sequence.

Abstract: It has been discovered that a single set of conditions can be used to detect nearly every interaction of RNA binding proteins and RNA molecules. Prior to this discovery it was thought that each specific interaction required separate optimized conditions in order to be detected. Assays employing the disclosed universal conditions are useful for identifying RNA binding proteins that interact with specific RNA molecules of interest, detecting RNA molecules that interact with specific RNA binding proteins of interest, identifying RNA binding proteins active in certain cell types and under certain physiological conditions, identifying specific regions of an RNA molecule that interact with RNA binding proteins. Screening assays employing the disclosed universal conditions are useful for identifying compounds that modulate RNA/RBP interactions of interest.