Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of an ion includes contacting a nucleic acid enzyme with a sample suspected of containing the ion, where the enzyme contains a ribonucleotide and is dependent on the ion to produce a product from a substrate, and measuring an amount of the product produced. The ion is Pb2+, and is in the presence of other ions.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for delivery of macromolecules, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids, are disclosed, where the macromolecule is dissolved or dispersed in a low toxicity organic solvent which can be aerosolized for delivery to a patient's lungs by inhalation. Optionally, appropriate solubility enhancers are also present in the formulations composition.

Abstract: Ligand-conjugated oligomeric compounds are described wherein ligands are conjugated to one or more sites on an oligomeric compound including the 2′-, 3′-, 5′-, nucleobase and internucleotide linkage sites. The ligand can be attached via an optional linking group. Ligands are selected for conjugation that bind to one or more cellular, serum or vascular proteins imparting enhanced pharmacokinetic properties to the resulting ligand-conjugated oligomeric compounds. Also provided are methods for increasing the concentration of an oligonucleotide in serum and methods for increasing the capacity of serum for an oligonucleotide. Further, methods for increasing the binding of an oligonucleotide to a portion of the vascular system is described. Also provided are methods for promoting cellular uptake of an oligonucleotide in cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, as well as compositions related thereto, for the efficient transduction of cells using viral vectors. The efficiency of transduction is increased by contacting the cell to be transduced with one or more molecules that bind the cell surface. Contact with a cell surface binding molecule may occur before, after, or simultaneously with contact between the viral vector and the cell. The transduced vectors may be constructed to express a gene of interest, permitting the transduced cells to be used as therapeutic and prophylactic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the mutation, synthesis and selection of a protein which binds to a target molecule, the method comprising: (a) incubating a replicable mRNA molecule encoding the protein with ribonucleoside triphosphate precursors of RNA and an RNA-directed RNA polymerase, wherein the RNA-directed RNA polymerase replicates the mRNA molecule but introduces mutations thereby generating a population of mutant mRNA molecules; (b) incubating the mutant mRNA molecules from step (a) with a translation system under conditions which results in the synthesis of population of mutant proteins such that after translation, mutant proteins are linked to their encoding mRNA molecules thereby forming a population of mutant proteins such that after translation, mutant proteins are linked to their encoding mRNA molecules thereby forming a population of mutant/mRNA complexes; (c) selecting one or more mutant protein/mRNA complex(es) by exposing the population of mutant protein/mRNA complexes from step

Abstract: Nucleic acids comprising the RNA component of a mammalian telomerase are useful as pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of Dual specific phosphatase 8. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding Dual specific phosphatase 8. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of Dual specific phosphatase 8 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of Dual specific phosphatase 8 are provided.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting the expression of human Her-1. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides complementary to mRNA targeted to nucleic acids encoding Her-1. Methods of using these oligonucleotides for inhibition of Her-1 expression and for treatment of diseases such as cancers associated with overexpression of Her-1 are provided.

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

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of glioma-associated oncogene-2. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding glioma-associated oncogene-2. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of glioma-associated oncogene-2 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of glioma-associated oncogene-2 are provided.

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

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of BCAS1. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding BCAS1. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of BCAS1 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of BCAS1 are provided.

Abstract: The invention features antisense oligonucleotide molecules that specifically bind polynucleotides encoding COX-2. The present invention provides antisense oligonucleotides capable of inhibiting COX-2 expression, and methods of use thereof to reduce activity of COX-2 in tissues in order to treat diseases such as, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic liver disease, ulcerative colitis, cell proliferative disorders, and inflammation associated with Alzheimer's Disease and stroke.