Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing the accumulation of cholesterol/triglycerides within mammalian cells. The present methods are based upon the surprising discovery that ER stress in a cell leads to cholesterol/triglyceride accumulation within the cell, which cholesterol/triglyceride accumulation is often a causative factor in the development of any of a number of conditions or diseases, such as atherosclerosis. The ER stress can be the result of any of a variety of causes, including homocysteine, viral infection, and hypoxia. Accordingly, counteracting the progression or the severity of ER stress can be used to inhibit the accumulation of cholesterol/triglycerides in said cell, thereby preventing or lessening the severity of any of a number of cholesterol-related diseases or conditions, e.g., atherosclerosis. In addition, the presence of ER stress in a cell can be used to diagnose a cholesterol associated disease, or to predict the propensity of a mammal to develop a disease.

Abstract: Methods for controlling expression of a gene in a living cell are disclosed. In general, the methods include contacting the 5′untranslated region (5′ UTR) of an RNA in the cell with a cell permeable, small molecule. In some embodiments of the invention, the method includes providing an aptamer that binds specifically to the cell permeable, small molecule; incorporating the aptamer into a region of a gene, which region encodes a 5′ UTR of an RNA; and contacting the cell-permeable, small molecule with a cell that contains the gene. The cell-permeable, small molecule enters the cell and binds specifically to the aptamer sequence in the 5′ UTR of RNA molecules transcribed from the gene. This binding specifically inhibits translation of the RNA molecules to which the cell permeable, small molecule is bound, thereby controlling expression of the gene.

Abstract: Methods for controlling expression of a gene in a living cell are disclosed. In general, the methods include contacting the 5′untranslated region (5′ UTR) of an RNA in the cell with a cell permeable, small molecule. In some embodiments of the invention, the method includes providing an aptamer that binds specifically to the cell permeable, small molecule; incorporating the aptamer into a region of a gene, which region encodes a 5′ UTR of an RNA; and contacting the cell-permeable, small molecule with a cell that contains the gene. The cell-permeable, small molecule enters the cell and binds specifically to the aptamer sequence in the 5′ UTR of RNA molecules transcribed from the gene. This binding specifically inhibits translation of the RNA molecules to which the cell permeable, small molecule is bound, thereby controlling expression of the gene.

Abstract: Methods for controlling expression of a gene in a living cell are disclosed. In general, the methods include contacting the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) of an RNA in the cell with a cell permeable, small molecule. In some embodiments of the invention, the method includes providing an aptamer that binds specifically to the cell permeable, small molecule; incorporating the aptamer into a region of a gene, which region encodes a 5′ UTR of an RNA; and contacting the cell-permeable, small molecule with a cell that contains the gene. The cell-permeable, small molecule enters the cell and binds specifically to the aptamer sequence in the 5′ UTR of RNA molecules transcribed from the gene. This binding specifically inhibits translation of the RNA molecules to which the cell permeable, small molecule is bound, thereby controlling expression of the gene.