Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include compositions and methods for generating RNA nanostructures, particularly in a cell. In particular embodiments, RNA subunits comprising at least one three-way junction and at least one kissing loop are configured such that multiple RNA subunits can polymerize into a specific structure. In particular embodiments, the RNA subunits are configured such that sequence of at least one kissing loop is complementary to sequence of another kissing loop, such as on another RNA subunit, and the summation of multiple RNA subunits having specific individual structures results in a combined polymerized structure of a defined shape. In specific embodiments, an RNA nanostructure generated from methods herein is utilized for an application, such as manufacturing or genetic modifications in a cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid aptamer with the capability of binding specifically to a and inhibiting TLR-4, to a complex comprising said aptamer and a functional group, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The invention also relates to uses and methods for detecting TLR-4 and to uses and methods for inhibiting TLR-4. Finally, the invention also relates to an aptamer for use in manufacturing a drug for the treatment of a pathology characterized by an increase in expression of TLR4 and/or an increase in activation of TLR-4.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for detecting and reducing or inhibiting ischemic stroke in a mammal, the method comprising: (a) selecting microRNAs to downregulate selected from the group consisting of hsa-miR-96-5p, hsa-miR-99a-5p, hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-186-5p, hsa-miR-211-5p, hsa-mir-760, PC-3p-57664, or PC-5p-12969, (b) selecting microRNAs to upregulate selected from the group consisting of ggo-miR-139, hsa-miR-30d-5p, hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-23a-3p, mmu-miR-5124a, mmu-mir-6240-5p, PC-3p-32463, or PC-5p-211, and combinations thereof, and (c) administering an agent that: downregulates that targets in (a), upregulates the targets in (b), or both, to the subject in an amount sufficient to reduce or inhibit ischemic stroke in the mammal. The present invention also includes the detection of the markers for use with stroke patients.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides materials and methods for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic cells (and imaging agents) to tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ocular administration of sd-rxRNA and rxRNAori molecules.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for treating cancer by using siRNA nanocomplex consisting of a nucleic acid molecule, a monocationic drug and a biocompatible polymer surfactant. The present nanocomplex can deliver an active ingredient (for example, a nucleic acid molecule and monocationic drug) into a cell/tissue of interest in a stable manner, and may be effectively applied for treating or detecting diverse disorders (practically, cancers).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to oligonucleotides, compositions and methods useful for reducing GYS2 expression, particularly in hepatocytes. Disclosed oligonucleotides for the reduction of GYS2 expression may be double-stranded or single-stranded, and may be modified for improved characteristics such as stronger resistance to nucleases and lower immunogenicity. Disclosed oligonucleotides for the reduction of GYS2 expression may also include targeting ligands to target a particular cell or organ, such as the hepatocytes of the liver, and may be used to treat glycogen storage diseases (e.g., GSDIa, GSDIII, GSDIV, GSDVI, and GSDIX) and related conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides inducible promoter systems and their components incorporating components of a tetracycline operon. By coordinating expression of different transcriptional units in these systems as a result of selection of promoters and/or linking the units into the same DNA molecule, these systems can achieve higher levels of expression of coding segments of interest, increased differential levels of expression between on- and off-states, and/or greater responsiveness to inducing agents than conventional systems.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide compositions, methods, systems, and kits for controlling the activity and/or improving the specificity of RNA-programmable proteins, such as Cas9. For example, provided are guide RNAs (gRNAs) that are engineered to exist in an “on” or “off” state, which control the binding and, in certain instances, cleavage activity of RNA-programmable proteins (e.g., RNA-programmable endonucleases). By incorporating ligand-responsive self-cleaving catalytic RNAs (aptazymes) into guide RNAs, a set of aptazyme-embedded guide RNAs was developed that enable small molecule-controlled nuclease-mediated genome editing and small molecule-controlled base editing, as well as small molecule-dependent transcriptional activation in mammalian cells.

Abstract: An inhibitor for use for preventing and/or treating an infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and an in vitro screening method for the identification of a candidate compound suitable for preventing and/or treating an infection with hepatitis B virus is provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for introducing double-stranded breaks within the SERPINA1 gene are provided. Compositions and methods for reducing and eliminating mutant forms of ?1-antitrypsin (AAT), such as seen in subjects having ?1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double stranded RNAi agents, able to inhibit xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene expression. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include XDH RNAi agents and methods of use thereof. The XDH RNAi agents disclosed herein may be conjugated to targeting ligands to facilitate the delivery to cells, including to hepatocytes. Delivery of the XDH RNAi agents in vivo provides for inhibition of XDH gene expression. The RNAi agents can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, disorders, or symptoms mediated in part by XDH gene expression, such as gout and hyperuricemia.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of using a microRNA-210 inhibitor in preparation of drugs for treating inflammatory skin diseases. The present inventor has demonstrated through a large number of experiments that in vitro inhibition of microRNA-210 expression can significantly enhance the expression of its target gene STAT6, thereby inhibiting proliferation and chemokine CCL20 secretion of keratinocytes, further inhibiting chemotactic T cell migration towards skin lesion, and also inhibiting differentiation of TH1 and TH17. MicroRNA-210 knockout and intradermal injection of a microRNA-210 inhibitor (cholesterol-modified antagomiR-210) on a skin lesion specifically inhibit the expression of microRNA-210, so that skin inflammation in mice can be significantly inhibited, and T cell immune imbalance is mitigated. The present invention provides a new pathophysiological mechanism for inflammatory skin diseases and provides a new strategy for preparing drugs for treating inflammatory skin diseases.

Abstract: A method for identifying a compound that prevents, ameliorates and/or inhibits a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is provided, wherein a compound that reduces the expression and/or activity of PAP associated domain containing 5 (PAPD5) and/or PAP associated domain containing 7 (PAPD7) is identified as a compound that prevents, ameliorates and/or inhibits a HBV infection. Inhibitors of PAPD5 or PAPD7 are provided for use in treating and/or preventing a HBV infection; as well as a combined preparation comprising an inhibitor of PAPD5 and an inhibitor of PAPD7 for simultaneous or sequential use in the treatment or prevention of a HBV infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of transthyretin mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate transthyretin amyloidosis, or a symptom thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods comprising the in vivo delivery of small nucleic acid molecules capable of mediating RNA interference and reducing the expression of myostatin, wherein the small nucleic acid molecules are introduced to a subject by systemic administration. Specifically, the invention relates to methods comprising the in vivo delivery of short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules that target a myostatin gene expressed by a subject, wherein the siNA molecule is conjugated to a lipophilic moiety, such as cholesterol. The myostatin siNA conjugates that are delivered as per the methods disclosed are useful to modulate the in vivo expression of myostatin, increase muscle mass and/or enhance muscle performance. Use of the disclosed methods is further indicated for treating musculoskeletal diseases or disorders and/or diseases or disorders that result in conditions in which muscle is adversely affected.

Abstract: A method for re-expression of hypermethylated RASAL1, hypermethylated LRFN2, and hypermethylated KLOTHO based on an inactivated CRISPR-based system and a DNA dioxygenase as well as a gRNA guiding the construct to the RASAL1, LRFN2, and KLOTHO gene for demethylation of hypermethylated RASAL1, hypermethylated LRFN2, and hypermethylated KLOTHO, in particular, hypermethylated RASAL1, LRFN2, and KLOTHO promoter, thus, allowing re-expression of RASAL1, LRFN2, and KLOTHO for the treatment of fibrosis, cancer or neuronal disorders in a subject is provided. A kit of parts for allowing re-expression of hypermethylated RASAL1, hypermethylated LRFN2, and hypermethylated KLOTHO in a subject, a vector or vector system, and nucleic acid constructs are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of treating patients having an ophthalmic condition, methods of identifying subjects having an increased risk of developing an ophthalmic condition, methods of detecting human angiopoietin like 7 (ANGPTL7) variant nucleic acid molecules and variant polypeptides, and ANGPTL7 variant nucleic acid molecules and variant polypeptides.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding peptides, proteins, enzymes, and functional fragments thereof are disclosed. The polynucleotides of the disclosure can be effectively delivered to an organ, such as the lung, and expressed within cells of the organ. The polyribonucleotides of the disclosure can be used to treat a disease or condition associated with cilia maintenance and function, impaired function of the axoneme, such as DNAI1 or DNAH5.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of loading exosomes with oligonucleotide cargo, by incubating an oligonucleotide comprising one or more hydrophobic modifications with a population of exosomes for a period of time sufficient to allow loading of the exosomes with the oligonucleotide. Exosomes loaded with hydrophobically modified oligonucleotide cargo, and uses thereof, are also provided.