Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions and systems comprising synthetic nucleic acid molecules that enable inducible or conditional pri-miRNA processing, preferably in mammalian cells in vivo. Provided herein are synthetic nucleic acid molecules referred to as Orthogonal RNA Interference induced by Trigger RNA (ORIENTR) that switches between an inactive form and an active form upon interaction with one or more specific RNA-trigger molecules, which can be e.g., a synthetic RNA-trigger, or a disease-specific RNA signals, such as disease-specific mRNA, miRNA, or other cellular RNA products with sequences that characterize a disease state of a cell. The interaction between the RNA-trigger molecules and the ORIENTR is preferably mediated by hybridization, which exposes, facilitates the formation, and/or allows the formation of a correctly folded pri-miRNA scaffold substrate that can be processed by proteins of the RNAi pathway (such as Dicer), leading to RNAi-mediated repression of a target gene.

Abstract: Vectors and methods are disclosed for immortalizing mammalian cells by co-expression of v-raf and v-myc proteins. A replication-defective viral vector is used for improved safety. The vector comprises an optional marker gene, and is especially useful for producing an immortalized macrophage by a method that involves contacting the vector with a monocyte, proliferatively growing the monocyte, growing the monocytic cell on a solid surface, and then growing the monocytic cell on a porous surface. An immortalized macrophage is also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for performing quantitative-trait loci (QTL) analysis in bacteria. The methods of the instant disclosure utilize multiple rounds of protoplast fusion-induced genomic recombination to break genetic linkages in bacterial genomes. The methods of the instant disclosure allow determining which genetic elements (QTL) are associated with phenotypic al features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RNAi agents, e.g., dsRNA agents, targeting the Coagulation Factor V (F5) gene. The invention also relates to methods of using such RNAi agents to inhibit expression of an F5 gene and to methods of treating or preventing an F5-associated disease, e.g., a disorder associated with thrombosis, in a subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improved cell-based methods of characterizing botulinum neurotoxins are provided. Cells utilized in these methods include a reporting construct that is cleaved following uptake and processing of botulinum neurotoxin by the cell, resulting in proteolysis of the portion of the reporting construct that is released following cleavage. The released portion includes a fluorophore and amino acid substitutions or sequences that enhance the rate of proteolysis. A pair of reporting constructs can be utilized in which one member of the pair is modified to resist cleavage by the botulinum neurotoxin while co-localizing with the remaining member of the pair.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the multiplexed profiling of RNA and DNA modifications across transcriptomes and genomes, respectively. The methods combine molecular recognition of non-canonical features (e.g., base modifications, backbone modifications, lesions, and/or structural elements) of a target nucleic acid with a step of writing the information from this recognition event into the neighboring genetic sequence of the target nucleic acid using a barcode. The resultant barcoded nucleic acids are then converted into sequencing libraries and read by DNA/RNA sequencing methods. This step reveals the sequence of the barcode, which is correlated with the non-canonical feature in the target nucleic acid(s). The high throughput profiling methods described herein allow for identification and/or localization of one or more modifications in a target nucleic acid. The methods also allow for identification of the nature and location of several or all DNA/RNA modifications in parallel.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to one or more compositions or methods that upregulate the production of one or more sequences of micro-interfering ribonucleic acid (miRNA). The sequences of miRNA may be complimentary to a sequence of target messenger RNA (mRNA) that encodes for translation of a target biomolecule, such as JAK. The miRNA can cause the target mRNA to be degraded or inactivated, thereby causing a decrease in bioavailability of the target biomolecule because it is degraded or inactivated by the miRNA. Decreasing the bioavailability of the target biomolecule within a subject that is administered the one or more compositions may address the afflictions experienced by the subject due to expression of the target biomolecule.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polynucleotides comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an AP-1 transcription factor (i.e., c-Jun). In some aspects, the nucleotide sequence is codon-optimized. In some aspects, the polynucleotides comprise one or more additional nucleotide sequences encoding a linker, signal peptide, antigen-binding domain, spacer, transmembrane domain, costimulatory domain, intracellular signaling domain, truncated EGFR, and combinations thereof. Also disclosed herein are cells, vectors, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such polynucleotides. The use of such polynucleotides, cells, vectors, and pharmaceutical compositions to treat a disease or disorder (e.g., cancer) is also provided.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides are provided herein that inhibit apolipoprotein(a) (LPA) expression. Also provided are compositions including the same and uses thereof, particularly uses relating to treating diseases, disorders and/or conditions associated with LPA expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides comprising a Factor IX nucleotide sequence, wherein the Factor IX nucleotide sequence comprises a coding sequence that encodes a Factor IX protein or fragment thereof and wherein a portion of the coding sequence is not wild type. The present invention further relates to viral particles comprising a recombinant genome comprising the polynucleotide of the invention, compositions comprising the polynucleotides or viral particles, and methods and uses of the polynucleotides, viral particles or compositions.

Abstract: SLC46A3 has been identified as a lipid-based nanoparticle-specific biomarker predictive of nanoparticle-cancer cell affinity. SLC46A3 has a strong inverse association with lipid-based nanoparticle uptake across multiple nanoparticle formulations. Tissues with decreased expression levels of SLC46A3 have a greater uptake of lipid-based nanoparticles. The inverse relationship of SLC46A3 expression in tumor tissue and affinity for lipid-based nanoparticles has therapeutic and diagnostic implications, including cancer therapy and diagnosis, and identification of patients most likely to benefit from a lipid-based nanotherapeutic for improved stratification in clinical trials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal ion-start DNA polymerase switch, a composition for isothermal polymerase amplification containing the same, and an isothermal amplification method using the metal ion-start DNA polymerase switch. The metal ion-start DNA polymerase switch according to the present invention may comprise: a binding module composed of TQ30 aptamer; a locking or unlocking module; and a catalytic module connecting between the binding module and the locking or unlocking module and composed of DNAzyme.