Abstract: Nucleic acid molecule which blocks synthesis and/or expression of an mRNA encoding B7-1, B7-2, B7-3 and/or CD40.

Abstract: A new method for the identification of useful promoters is disclosed. The method is capable of identifying bacterial promoters sensitive to a particular cellular insult and may be modified to identify promoters sensitive to herbicides and crop protection chemicals. Constructs comprising promoters upstream of a luminescent reporter genes are placed in transformed hosts. Transformants grown in liquid media to a predetermined growth stage and contacted with a cellular insult are assessed for regulatory region activity by measurement of the resulting change in bioluminescence. The method is able to identify promoters undetectable by standard methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are diagnostic techniques for the detection of human disease states that affect gene expression in peripheral leukocytes. The invention relates particularly to probes and methods for evaluating the presence of RNA species that are differentially expressed in the peripheral blood of individuals with such a disease state compared to normal healthy individuals. The invention further relates to methods for detection of protein species that are differentially expressed in the peripheral blood of individuals with such a disease state compared to normal healthy individuals. Genetic probes, antibody probes and methods useful in monitoring the progression and diagnosis of two specific disease states, prostatic cancer and breast cancer, are described.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of Protein kinase C-theta. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding Protein kinase C-theta. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of Protein kinase C-theta expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of Protein kinase C-theta are provided.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of Akt-3. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding Akt-3. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of Akt-3 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of Akt-3 are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel genes for human phospholipase D (PLD2), proteins produced by the gene, variants of PLD2, antibodies to the protein, assays using the protein and antibodies, and methods of treating PLD-dependent diseases using the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: Compositions of chitosan-based compounds and nucleic acid or oligonucleotide which are capable of delivery to a cell. Methods of preparation of the compositions. Methods of administering the compositions in vitro to cells in culture or in vivo to an organism.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting the expression of human mdm2. The compositions include antisense compounds targeted to nucleic acids encoding mdm2. Methods of using these oligonucleotides for inhibition of mdm2 expression and for treatment of diseases such as cancers associated with overexpression of mdm2 are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of preparing oligonucleotide libraries, isolating oligonucleotide aptamers to target molecules from the libraries, and using the aptamers to purify target molecules by affinity separation. Specific oligonucleotide aptamers to erythropoietin were isolated accordingly.

Abstract: A compound for targeted gene delivery is provided consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG) grafted poly(L-lysine) (PLL) and a targeting moiety, wherein at least one free amino function of the PLL is substituted with the targeting moiety, and the grafted PLL contains at least 50% unsubstituted free amino function groups. TM is preferably lactose or galactose which are capable of specifically targeting a hepatoma cell or a liver cell. The new synthetic carriers with various substitution ratios of targeting moiety-PEG were characterized using NMR spectroscopy. The new polymeric gene carriers of this invention are capable of forming stable and soluble complexes with nucleic acids, which in turn are able to efficiently transform cells. PEG attached to the PLL gives better solubility properties to the gene/carrier complex and improved transfection efficiency without considerable cytotoxicity. Methods of preparing and using the targeting moiety-PEG-PLL as gene carriers to efficiently transfect cells are disclosed.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs are provided which are capable of antisense interaction with messenger RNA of papillomavirus. Such oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs can be used for diagnostics and therapeutics as well as for research purposes. In accordance with preferred embodiments of this invention, oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog is provided which is hybridizable with a messenger RNA from a papillomavirus. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog is able to inhibit the function of the RNA, and accordingly is useful for therapy for infections by such papillomavirus. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, portions of the papillomavirus are targeted for antisense attack. Thus oligonucleotides are preferably provided which hybridize with the E2, E1, E7, E6 or E6-7 messenger RNAs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for treating both the early and late phases of allergic asthma by introducing naked polynucleotides which operatively encode for the asthma-initiating antigen into the host. The antigen-encoding polynucleotides are administered to host tissues which contain a high concentration of antigen presenting cells (e.g., skin and mucosa) relative to other host tissues. Expression of the asthma-initiating antigen encoding polynucleotides of the invention inside of antigen presenting cells (without substantial secretion therefrom) induces antigen tolerance while suppressing IgE antibody formation in the early phase of the disease, and also suppresses cytokine-mediated eosinophil accumulation in the late phase of the disease. Devices and compositions for use in the methods of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A human protein termed CIF150/hTAFII150 recognizes and selects TATA-less core promoters for cell cycle specific genes. Thus, CIF150/hTAFII150 plays an important and selective role in establishing gene expression patterns necessary for progression through the cell cycle. The CIF150/hTAFII150 gene and its expression products can be used to alter the spatial or temporal patterns of mitosis or cell cycle progression of a human cell and to treat disorders involving alterations in the regulation of mitosis or cell cycle progression.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting the expression of RANK. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding RANK. Methods of using these compounds for inhibition of RANK expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of RANK are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel phosphonic acid-based cationic lipids of the general structure: or a salt, or solvate, or enantiomers thereof wherein; (a) R1 is a lipophilic moiety; (b) R2 is a positively charged moiety; (c) R3 is a lipophilic moiety of 1 to about 24 carbon atoms, a positively charged moiety, or a negatively charged moiety; (d) n is an integer from 0 to 8; (e) X− is an anion or polyanion; (f) Y is N or 0, and (g) m is an integer from 0 to a number equivalent to the positive charge(s) present on the lipid. The present invention further provides compositions of these lipids with polyanionic macromolecules, methods for interfering with protein expression in a cell utilizing these compositions and a kit for preparing the same.

Abstract: The invention features purified nucleic acid encoding a novel internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence from the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) gene. The invention also features methods for using the XIAP IRES to increase cap-independent translation of polypeptide coding sequences linked to the XIAP IRES, and methods for isolating compounds that modulate cap-independent translation.

Abstract: The invention describes novel nucleic acids encoding the KARP-1 polypeptide, including fragments and biologically functional variants thereof. Also included are polypeptides and fragments thereof encoded by such nucleic acids, and antibodies relating thereto. Methods and products for using such nucleic acids and polypeptides also are provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for generating nucleic acid ligands of CD40ligand. The methods of the invention use the SELEX method for the isolation of nucleic acid ligands. The invention also includes nucleic acid ligands to CD40ligand, and methods and compositions for the treatment and diagnosis of disease using the nucleic acid ligands.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases amenable to treatment through modulation of the synthesis or metabolism of intercellular adhesion molecules. In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides are provided which are specifically hybridizable with nucleic acids encoding intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1. The oligonucleotide comprises nucleotide units sufficient in identity and number to effect said specific hybridization. In other preferred embodiments, the oligonucleotides are specifically hybridizable with a transcription initiation site, a translation initiation site, 5′-untranslated sequences, 3′-untranslated sequences, and intervening sequences.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of MEKK1. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding MEKK1. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of MEKK1 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of MEKK1 are provided.