Abstract: The present invention relates to sequence and structural features of single-stranded (ss) RNA molecules required to mediate target-specific nucleic acid modifications by RNA-interference (RNAi), such as target mRNA degradation and/or DNA methylation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the down regulation of mitochondrial protein, voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC1), expression by RNAi or antisense therapy. In particular, the present invention is directed to VDAC1 silencing molecules useful in regulating cell proliferation and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising same useful in the treatment of diseases associated with aberrant cell proliferation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for modulating gene expression by contacting a cellular system with a double-stranded ribonucleic acid molecule capable of associating with a regulatory machinery that controls transcription of one or more genes, wherein the association results in altered expression of the one or more genes. The invention is further directed to method for directing the differentiation of neuronal stem cells into neurons by contacting a cellular system with a double-stranded ribonucleic acid molecule capable of associating with a regulatory machinery that controls transcription of one or more genes involved in neuronal differentiation and directing the transcription of the one or more genes. In related embodiments, the invention provides particular compositions of double-stranded ribonucleic acid molecules as well as therapeutic and screening applications of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods of treating pouchitis by administering a pharmaceutical formulation suitable for rectal use, such as an enema or suppository, comprising an antisense oligonucleotide targeted to ICAM-1 to an individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The invention also provides methods of identifying anti-CLL agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid interfering RNA molecule comprising a duplex RNA and a single stranded DNA molecule and its use in the ablation of mRNA and in polymerase chain reactions.

Abstract: In order to identify the molecules involved in esophageal carcinogenesis and those to be useful for diagnostic markers as well as targets for new drugs and immunotherapy, a cDNA microarray representing 32,256 genes was constructed to analyze the expression profiles of 19 esophageal squamous-cell carcinomas (ESCCS) purified by laser-capture microdissection. a detailed genome-wide database for sets of genes that are significantly up- or down-regulated in esophageal cancer is disclosed herein. these genes find use in the development of therapeutic drugs or immunotherapy as well as tumor markers. additionally, genes associated with lymph-node metastasis and post-surgery recurrence are disclosed herein. among the candidate molecular target genes, ECT2 and CDC45L and DKK1 are further characterized. treatment of ESCC cells with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) of ECT2 or CDC45L suppressed growth of the cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel RNA, designated herein as the “HSR1” (Heat Shock RNA), and its use together with translation elongation factor eEF1A in activation of heat shock transcription factor HSF. The invention further provides the use of HSR1 for generation of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, inflammation, ischemia, neurodegeneration, age-related diseases, HIV infection, deafness, and related disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides novel oligonucleotide-based compounds that individually provide distinct immune response profiles through their interactions as agonists with TLR9. The TLR9 agonists according to the invention are characterized by specific and unique chemical modifications, which provide their distinctive immune response activation profiles.

Abstract: Described are polynucleotides associated with lung cancer. The polynucleotides are miRNAs, miRNA precursors, and associated nucleic acids. Methods and compositions are described that can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of lung cancer. Also described are methods that can be used to identify modulators of the disease-associated polynucleotides. Also described are methods and compositions for linear amplification and labeling of a targeted nucleic acid. The amplified targeted molecules may be used in hybridization techniques like Luminex and Microarray analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a group of viral RNA regulatory genes, here identified as “viral genomic address messenger genes” or “VGAM genes”, and as “genomic record” or “GR” genes. VGAM genes selectively inhibit translation of known host target genes, and are believed to represent a pervasive viral attack mechanism. GR genes encode an operon-like cluster of VGAM genes. VGAM and viral GR genes may therefore be useful in diagnosing, preventing and treating viral disease. Several nucleic acid molecules are provided respectively encoding several VGAM genes, as are vectors and probes, both comprising the nucleic acid molecules, and methods and systems for detecting VGAM genes, and for counteracting their activity.

Abstract: Described herein are polynucleotides associated with prostate and lung cancer. The polynucleotides are miRNAs and miRNA precursors. Related methods and compositions that can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of those medical conditions are disclosed. Also described herein are methods that can be used to identify modulators of prostate and lung cancer.

Abstract: Sensors comprising aptazymes capable of detecting the presence and concentration of effectors, as well as methods of using such sensors, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating hormone-regulated tumors (for example, breast and prostatic tumors) in mammals, including humans, by administration of an antisense ODN which is complementary to a portion of the gene encoding IGFBP-5. Using the Shionogi tumor model in vitro and in vivo, the administration of such an ODN was shown to reduce proliferation of tumor cells, and also to delay the progression to androgen independence. Thus, treatment of prostate cancer in mammals, including humans, and delay of the progression of prostate tumors to androgen independence is accomplished by administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide which is complementary to a portion of the nucleic acid sequence encoding IGFBP-5 and which hybridizes with such a sequence to inhibit expression of IGFBP-5. Specific antisense ODN's which are suitable for use in the method are GACCACGCTGATCACCAT (Seq. ID. No.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide inhibitors that inhibit expression of a mammalian MBD2/DNA demethylase (MBD2/dMTase) are provided. The oligonucleotide inhibitors can be used to inhibit the growth or proliferation of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. The use of the oligonucleotide inhibitors in the treatment of cancer and methods of identifying potential target genes for cancer therapy or diagnosis using the oligonucleotide inhibitors are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic agents useful for the treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans. In particular, the present invention relates to RNA interference (RNAi) molecules useful for inhibiting the infection and replication of hSARS virus. Preferably, the RNAi molecules target the replicase region of the hSARS virus, or combinations of different sites of hSARS virus genes. The present invention further encompasses methods of using the RNAi molecules for preventing and/or treating SARS. Vaccines and kits comprising therapeutically effective amounts of the RNAi molecules are also encompassed.

Abstract: A method of treating a disease resulting from the expression of a harmful gene is described. The method includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition having at least one double stranded oligonucleotide including two complementary oligonucleotide sequences forming a hybrid. Each oligonucleotide sequence comprises at one of their 3? or 5? ends one to five unpaired nucleotides forming single-strand ends extending beyond the hybrid. One of the oligonucleotide sequences is substantially complementary to a target sequence belonging to a DNA or messenger RNA molecule of a gene coding a mutated or nonmutated androgen receptor.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating hormone-regulated tumors (for example, breast and prostatic tumors) in mammals, including humans, by administration of an antisense ODN which is complementary to a portion of the gene encoding IGFBP-5. Using the Shionogi tumor model in vitro and in vivo, the administration of such an ODN was shown to reduce proliferation of tumor cells, and also to delay the progression to androgen independence. Thus, treatment of prostate cancer in mammals, including humans, and delay of the progression of prostate tumors to androgen independence is accomplished by administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide which is complementary to a portion of the nucleic acid sequence encoding IGFBP-5 and which hybridizes with such a sequence to inhibit expression of IGFBP-5. Specific antisense ODN's which are suitable for use in the method are GACCACGCTGATCACCAT (Seq. ID. No.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for inhibiting metastasis of colorectal cancer and a method for inhibiting metastasis of colorectal cancer, which inhibit the function of Asef (i.e., binding activity to the APC gene product or guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity) that binds to the gene product of the tumor suppressor gene APC that plays an important role in tumorigenesis and in developmental processes, and/or inhibit the expression of the Asef gene.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of decreasing viral replication in cells, the method comprising decreasing levels of functional cellular protease in the cells. The invention further provides a method of treating or preventing a viral infection in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject an amount of a compound effective to decrease levels of functional cellular protease in the cells of the subject.