Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for cell and tissue assays and agent delivery are generally described.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for identifying mutations within the 3?UTR of genes that lead to increased risk or probability of developing cancer.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for identifying mutations within the 3?UTR of genes that lead to increased risk or probability of developing cancer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating aging genes or their targets for the treatment or prevention of senescence or symptoms thereof have been developed based on the discovery of naturally occurring inhibitory nucleic acids, in particular lin-4 miRNA, that downregulate genes involved in senescence, lifespan, or age-related disorders. Representative aging genes include, but are not limited to lin-4, lin-14, let-7, lin-28, egl-35 and lin-42. Methods for identifying modulators of aging genes and targets of aging genes are also provided. The disclosed compositions are useful as diagnostics. These can be used in assays to compare genes in normal individuals, with those who are aging well or who demonstrate early senescence, and with those who have age-related disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The genes can be used to study the pathways and mechanisms involved in aging and age-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treating or assessing treatment of diseases related to mis-expression of genes or genetic pathways that can be modulated by let-7. Methods may include evaluating patients for genes or genetic pathways modulated by let-7, and/or using an expression profile to assess the condition of a patient or treating the patient with an appropriate miRNA.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for identifying mutations within the 3? UTRs of genes that lead to increased risk or probability of developing cancer.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for identifying mutations within the 3? UTRs of genes that lead to increased risk or probability of developing cancer.

Abstract: The invention comprises compositions and methods for modifying gene expression. Modified oligos of the invention restore the lost function of let-7 wild type miRNA molecules that are prevented from silencing target genes by mutations occurring within their binding sites. Administration of a particular modified oligo (SEQ ID NO: 22) leads to increased cell death in cancer cells carrying the LCS6 SNP.

Abstract: Naturally occurring miRNAs that regulate human oncogenes and methods of use thereof are described. Suitable nucleic acids for use in the methods and compositions described herein include, but are not limited to, pri-miRNA, pre-miRNA, mature miRNA or fragments of variants thereof that retain the biological activity of the mature miRNA and DNA encoding a pri-miRNA, pre-miRNA, mature miRNA, fragments or variants thereof, or regulatory elements of the miRNA. The compositions are administered to a subject prior to administration of a cytotoxic therapy in an amount effective to sensitize cells or tissues to be treated to the effects of the cytotoxic therapy.

Abstract: Naturally occurring miRNAs that regulate human oncogenes and methods of use therof are described. Suitable nucleic acids for use in the methods and compositions described herein include, but are not limited to, pri-miRNA, pre-miRNA, mature miRNA or fragments of variants thereof that retain the biological activity of the mature miRNA and DNA encoding a pri-miRNA, pre-miRNA, mature miRNA, fragments or variants thereof, or regulatory elements of the miRNA. The compositions containing nucleic acids are administered to a patient in need of treatment or prophylaxis of at least one symptom or manifestation of cancer. In one embodiment, the compositions are administered in an effective amount to inhibit gene expression of one or more oncogenes. Methods for treatment or prevention of at least one symptom or manifestation of cancer are also described.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for identifying mutations within the 3? UTRs of genes that lead to increased risk or probability of developing cancer.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for identifying mutations within the 3? UTRs of genes that lead to increased risk or probability of developing cancer.

Abstract: Naturally occurring miRNAs that regulate human oncogenes and methods of use thereof are described. Suitable nucleic acids for use in the methods and compositions described herein include, but are not limited to, pri-miRNA, pre-miRNA, mature miRNA ,or fragments of variants thereof that retain the biological activity of the mature miRNA and DNA encoding a pri-miRNA, pre-miRNA, mature miRNA, fragments or variants thereof, or regulatory elements of the miRNA. The compositions are administered to a subject prior to administration of a cytotoxic therapy in an amount effective to sensitize cells or tissues to be treated to the effects of the cytotoxic therapy.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treating or assessing treatment of diseases related to mis-expression of genes or genetic pathways that can be modulated by let-7. Methods may include evaluating patients for genes or genetic pathways modulated by let-7, and/or using an expression profile to assess the condition of a patient or treating the patient with an appropriate miRNA.

Abstract: Naturally occurring miRNAs that regulate human oncogenes and methods of use thereof are described. Suitable nucleic acids for use in the methods and compositions described herein include, but are not limited to, pri-miRNA, pre-miRNA, mature miRNA or fragments of variants thereof that retain the biological activity of the mature miRNA and DNA encoding a pri-miRNA, pre-miRNA, mature miRNA, fragments or variants thereof, or regulatory elements of the miRNA. The compositions are administered to a subject prior to administration of a cytotoxic therapy in an amount effective to sensitize cells or tissues to be treated to the effects of the cytotoxic therapy.