Abstract: Methods are provided for treating fibrosis of a tissue, including fibrosis of the liver, using combinations of antagomirs and/or locked nucleic acids. Compositions therefor are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are microarrays comprising spots comprising mixtures of cDNA molecules, the cDNA mixture being complementary and substantially quantitatively proportional to a mixture of mRNA molecules present in a cell or group of cells. Also provided are methods for determining expression of a gene in a cell or group of cells using the invention microarrays. Additionally provided are methods of determining the difference in expression of a first gene between a first cell or group of cells and a second cell or group of cells, using the invention microarrays. Also provided are microarrays comprising short RNAs, and methods of using these microarrays for detecting and quantifying microarrays in cells.

Abstract: A method is provided for repopulating degenerated of immunetolerant mice which lack mature B and T lymphocytes with xenogenic mammalian hepatocytes, particularly primate hepatocytes to generate chimeric mice. In addition, a method of generating a human hepatitis virus-infected chimeric mouse is provided. A preferred xenogenic primate hepatocyte is derived from human, chimpanzee or baboon. These chimeric mice are useful in the investigation of host and viral mechanisms determining hepadnaviral persistence and hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods for monitoring the development of hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma as well as methods for testing and screening anti-viral and anti-cancer compounds with this model system are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for repopulating degenerated of immunetolerant mice which lack mature B and T lymphocytes with xenogenic mammalian hepatocytes, particularly primate hepatocytes to generate chimeric mice. In addition, a method of generating a human hepatitis virus-infected chimeric mouse is provided. A preferred xenogenic primate hepatocyte is derived from human, chimpanzee or baboon. These chimeric mice are useful in the investigation of host and viral mechanisms determining hepadnaviral persistence and hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods for monitoring the development of hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma as well as methods for testing and screening anti-viral and anti-cancer compounds with this model system are also provided.