Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting adventitious agents in a composition comprising a microorganism by using ribozyme-expressing indicator cells, as well as indicator cells useful in such detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising at least one oligomeric compound comprising an alternating motif and further include a region that is complementary to a nucleic acid target. The compositions are useful for targeting selected nucleic acid molecules and modulating the expression of one or more genes. In preferred embodiments the compositions of the present invention hybridize to a portion of a target RNA resulting in loss of normal function of the target RNA. The present invention also provides methods for modulating gene expression.

Abstract: Methods and means are provided for reducing the phenotypic expression of a nucleic acid of interest in eucaryotic cells, particularly in plant cells, by introducing chimeric genes encoding sense and antisense RNA molecules directed towards the target nucleic acid, which are capable of forming a double stranded RNA region by base-pairing between the regions with sense and antisense nucleotide sequence or by introducing the RNA molecules themselves. Preferably, the RNA molecules comprises simultaneously both sense and antisense nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing steroid efficacy in a steroid refractory patient afflicted with an inflammatory condition who does not respond or responds poorly or inadequately to steroid anti-inflammatory treatment or a steroid dependent patient afflicted with an inflammatory condition and currently on steroid anti-inflammatory treatment who shows an inability to be weaned off systemic or topical administered steroid treatment comprise administering an oligonucleotide having the sequence 5?-Xm-CG-Yn-3? wherein X is A, T, C, or G, Y is A, T, C, or G, m is 1-20 and n is 1-20, or the sequence 5?-CG-3? and from 8 to 40 nucleotides, wherein at least one CG dinucleotide is unmethylated. The oligonucleotide is administered in an amount effective to improve sensitivity of the patient to the steroid anti-inflammatory treatment and thereby induce a clinical response in the steroid refractory patient or improve a clinical response in the steroid dependent patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dsRNA construct that relates to a method to control Formicidae (ants) via double-stranded RNA interference of the PBAN/Pyrokinin gene.

Abstract: Conserved consensus sequences from known hepatitis B virus strains and known hepatitis C virus strains, which are useful in inhibiting the expression of the viruses in mammalian cells, are provided. These sequences are useful to silence the genes of HBV and HCV, thereby providing therapeutic utility against HBV and HCV viral infection in humans.

Abstract: A method for enhancing steroid efficacy in a steroid refractory patient afflicted with an inflammatory condition not responding or responding poorly or inadequately to anti-inflammatory treatment comprises administering an oligonucleotide having the sequence formula (SEQ.?ID.?No.?18) 5?-Xm-TTCGT-Yn-3? in an effective amount to said patient and wherein X is A, T, C or G, Y is A, T, C or G, m=0-7, n=0-7 and wherein at least one CG dinucleotide is unmethylated.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating a patient having an inflammatory disease by using a compound which inhibits the complex I-mediated ROS production, a medicament containing such compound and methods for screening for such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) having a nucleotide sequence which is substantially identical to at least a part of a target gene and which is no more than 49, preferably less than 25, nucleotides in length, and which comprises a complementary (antisense) RNA strand having a 1 to 4 nucleotide overhang at the 3?-end and a blunt 5?-end. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful for inhibiting the expression of a target gene, as well as for treating diseases caused by expression of the target gene, at low dosages (i.e., less than 5 milligrams, preferably less than 25 micrograms, per kg body weight per day). The invention also relates to methods for inhibiting the expression of a target gene, as well as methods for treating diseases caused by the expression of the gene.

Abstract: Agents that reduce the amount of IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 and that are known to be useful in the treatment of cancer result in increased expression of the protein clusterin. Since clusterin can provide protection against apoptosis, this secondary effect detracts from the efficacy of the therapeutic agent. In overcoming this, the present invention provides a combination of therapeutic agents that is useful in the treatment of cancer. The combination includes an agent that reduces the amount of IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 and that stimulates expression of clusterin as a secondary effect, and an oligonucleotide that is effective to reduce the amount of clusterin in cancer cells. In some embodiments of the invention, the agent that reduces IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 is a bispecific antisense species. The oligonucleotide may be an antisense oligonucleotide or an RNAi oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the HGF/c-met signaling pathway, in particular by inhibiting a hyperstabilized c-met protein.

Abstract: A capture probe suitable for use with a method for isolating miRNAs. A method for isolating an miRNA of interest from a sample comprising the miRNA of interest comprising providing the capture probe. A method for identifying an miRNA of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the broadly active chelation of diverse divalent 2+ metal cations by any oligonucleotide (ON), regardless of size or modification. This chelation effect is specific to cations which are divalent (or of higher valency) and results in the formation of oligonucleotide chelate complexes which do not behave like salts. It is described herein a novel composition of an ON chelate complex prepared using any ON and a divalent metal cation and methods for the suppression of anti-coagulation and or subcutaneous injection site reactions and or improved tolerability with oligonucleotides by the use of ON chelate complexes during oligonucleotide administration.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating an autoimmune and/or complement mediated disease or condition in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a compound which inhibits the subject's classical complement pathway. The methods include administering to the subject a compound which inhibits the subject's classical complement pathway. Compositions which include inhibitors of C1q, C1r, C1s, C2 or C4 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides novel immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These IROs have unique sequences that inhibit or suppress TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of cancer, an autoimmune disorder, airway inflammation, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, skin disorders, allergy, asthma or a disease caused by a pathogen.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition comprising a chemotherapeutic agent and a TGF-beta antisense oligonucleotide, wherein the antisense oligonucleotide reduces the sensitivity and IC50, respectively, of the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent. Preferably, the antisense oligonucleotide is a TGF-beta 1, 2, and/or 3 antisense oligonucleotide and the chemotherapeutic agent is preferably gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, temozolomide, dacarbacine, docetaxel, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, tamoxifen, or irinotecan.

Abstract: Agents that reduce the amount of IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 and that are known to be useful in the treatment of cancer result in increased expression of the protein clusterin. Since clusterin can provide protection against apoptosis, this secondary effect detracts from the efficacy of the therapeutic agent. In overcoming this, the present invention provides a combination of therapeutic agents that is useful in the treatment of cancer. The combination includes an agent that reduces the amount of IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 and that stimulates expression of clusterin as a secondary effect, and an oligonucleotide that is effective to reduce the amount of clusterin in cancer cells. In some embodiments of the invention, the agent that reduces IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 is a bispecific antisense species. The oligonucleotide may be an antisense oligonucleotide or an RNAi oligonucleotide.

Abstract: There are disclosed agents that inhibit Blood Brain Barrier Proteins (BBBP). Such agents are useful in controlling agents entering and exiting the CNS. This allows for drugs to be more effective and/or allowing side effects of the drugs to be lowered.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for decreasing the size and density of amyloid plaques, decreasing cognitive decline associated with amyloid pathology, and treating Alzheimer's disease by selectively inhibiting the activity of Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase 1, but not Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase 2.

Abstract: It has been discovered that certain natural mRNAs serve as metabolite-sensitive genetic switches wherein the RNA directly binds a small organic molecule. This binding process changes the conformation of the mRNA, which causes a change in gene expression by a variety of different mechanisms. Modified versions of these natural “riboswitches” (created by using various nucleic acid engineering strategies) can be employed as designer genetic switches that are controlled by specific effector compounds. Such effector compounds that activate a riboswitch are referred to herein as trigger molecules. The natural switches are targets for antibiotics and other small molecule therapies.