Abstract: The features of the present invention relate to compounds, compositions and methods useful for modulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), such as by the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds and compositions include iRNA agents that can be unmodified or chemically-modified.

Abstract: The invention relates to iRNA agents, which preferably include a monomer in which the ribose moiety has been replaced by a moiety other than ribose. The inclusion of such a monomer can allow for modulation of a property of the iRNA agent into which it is incorporated, e.g., by using the non-ribose moiety as a point to which a ligand or other entity, e.g., a lipophilic moiety. e.g., cholesterol, is directly, or indirectly, tethered. The invention also relates to methods of making and using such modified iRNA agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to iRNA agents, which preferably include a monomer in which the ribose moiety has been replaced by a moiety other than ribose. The inclusion of such a monomer can allow for modulation of a property of the iRNA agent into which it is incorporated, e.g., by using the non-ribose moiety as a point to which a ligand or other entity, e.g., a lipophilic moiety. e.g., cholesterol, is directly, or indirectly, tethered. The invention also relates to methods of making and using such modified iRNA agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) targeting a PROC gene, and methods of using the dsRNA to inhibit expression of PROC. At least one nucleotide of the dsRNA can be a modified nucleotide, e.g., a 2-0-methyl modified nucleotide, a nucleotide comprising a 5?-phosphorothioate group, and a terminal nucleotide linked to a cholesteryl derivative or dodecanoic acid bisdecylamide group. Other examples of modified nucleotides include a 2?-deoxy-2?-fluoro modified nucleotide, a 2?-deoxymodified nucleotide, a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide, 2?-amino-modified nucleotide, 2?-alkyl-modified nucleotide, morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, and a non-natural base comprising nucleotide. A dsRNA of the invention can include one or more of any of these modified nucleotides.

Abstract: The invention relates to lipid formulated double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) targeting a hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP) and/or HAMP-related gene, and methods of using the dsRNA to inhibit expression of HAMP and/or HAMP-related genes.

Abstract: This invention relates to conformationally locked dinucleotide motifs for exo- and phosphate stabilization. For instance, oligonucleotides can be prepared having one or more of the following formulas (IV-IX).

Abstract: This invention relates generally to chemically modified oligonucleotides useful for modulating expression of microRNAs and pre-microRNAs. More particularly, the invention relates to single stranded chemically modified oligonucleotides for inhibiting microRNA and pre-microRNA expression and to methods of making and using the modified oligonucleotides. Also included in the invention are compositions and methods for silencing microRNAs in the central nervous system.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to chemically modified oligonuceotides useful for modulating expression of microRNAs and pre-microRNAs. More particularly, the invention relates to single stranded chemically modified oligonuceotides for inhibiting microRNA and pre-microRNA expression and to methods of making and using the modified oligonucleotides.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a double-stranded oligonucleotide comprising at least one ligand tethered to an altered or non-natural nucleobase. In certain embodiments, the non-natural nucleobase is difluorotolyl, nitropyrrolyl, or nitroimidazolyl. In certain embodiments, the ligand is a steroid or aromatic compound. In certain embodiments, only one of the two oligonucleotide strands comprising the double-stranded oligonucleotide contains a ligand tethered to an altered or non-natural nucleobase. In certain embodiments, both of the oligonucleotide strands comprising the double-stranded oligonucleotide independently contain a ligand tethered to an altered or non-natural nucleobase. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide strands comprise at least one modified sugar moiety. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a single-stranded oligonucleotide comprising at least one ligand tethered to an altered or non-natural nucleobase.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a ribonucleoside substituted with a phosphonamidite group at the 3?-position. In certain embodiments, the phosphonamidite is an alkyl phosphonamidite. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a double-stranded oligonucleotide comprising at least one non-phosphate linkage. Representative non-phosphate linkages include phosphonate, hydroxylamine, hydroxylhydrazinyl, amide, and carbamate linkages. In certain embodiments, the non-phosphate linkage is a phosphonate linkage. In certain embodiments, a non-phosphate linkage occurs in only one strand. In certain embodiments, a non-phosphate linkage occurs in both strands. In certain embodiments, a ligand is bound to one of the oligonucleotide strands comprising the double-stranded oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, a ligand is bound to both of the oligonucleotide strands comprising the double-stranded oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The features of the present invention relate to compounds, compositions and methods useful for modulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), such as by the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds and compositions include iRNA agents that can be unmodified or chemically-modified.

Abstract: The features of the present invention relate to compounds, compositions and methods useful for modulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), such as by the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds and compositions include iRNA agents that can be unmodified or chemically-modified.

Abstract: This invention relates to modified double-stranded oligoribonucleic acid (dsRNA) having improved stability in cells and biological fluids, and methods of making and identifying dsRNA having improved stability, and of using the dsRNA to inhibit the expression or function of a target gene.

Abstract: This invention relates composition and methods for making and using chemically modified oligonucleotides agents for inhibiting gene expression.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a double-stranded oligonucleotide comprising at least one non-natural nucleobase. In certain embodiments, the non-natural nucleobase is difluorotolyl, nitroindolyl, nitropyrrolyl, or nitroimidazolyl. In a preferred embodiment, the non-natural nucleobase is difluorotolyl. In certain embodiments, only one of the two oligonucleotide strands comprising the double-stranded oligonucleotide contains a non-natural nucleobase. In certain embodiments, both of the oligonucleotide strands comprising the double-stranded oligonucleotide independently contain a non-natural nucleobase. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide strands comprise at least one modified sugar moiety. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a single-stranded oligonucleotide comprising at least one non-natural nucleobase. In a preferred embodiment, the non-natural nucleobase is difluorotolyl.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a double-stranded oligonucleotide comprising at least one aralkyl ligand. In certain embodiments, an aralkyl ligand is bound to only one of the two oligonucleotide strands comprising the double-stranded oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, an aralkyl ligand is bound to both of the oligonucleotide strands comprising the double-stranded oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide strands comprise at least one modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, at least one phosphate linkage in the oligonucleotide has been replaced with a phosphorothioate linkage. In a preferred embodiment, the aralkyl ligand is naproxen or ibuprofen. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a single-stranded oligonucleotide comprising at least one aralkyl ligand. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises at least one modified sugar moiety.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a double-stranded oligonucleotide comprising at least one ligand. In certain embodiments, a ligand is bound to only one of the two oligonucleotide strands comprising the double-stranded oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, both of the oligonucleotide strands of the double-stranded oligonucleotide independently comprise a bound ligand. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide strands comprise at least one modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, a phosphate linkage in one or both of the strands of the oligonucleotide has been replaced with a phosphorothioate or phosphorodithioate linkage. In a preferred embodiment, the ligand is cholesterol or 5?-cholanic acid. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a single-stranded oligonucleotide comprising at least one ligand. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises at least one modified sugar moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and reagents for oligonucleotide synthesis and purification. One aspect of the present invention relates to compounds useful for activating phosphoramidites in oligonucleotide synthesis. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preparing oligonucleotides via the phosphoramidite method using an activator of the invention. Another aspect of the present invention relates to sulfur-transfer agents. In a preferred embodiment, the sulfur-transfer agent is a 3-amino-1,2,4-dithiazolidine-5-one. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preparing a phosphorothioate by treating a phosphite with a sulfur-transfer reagent of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the sulfur-transfer agent is a 3-amino-1,2,4-dithiazolidine-5-one. Another aspect of the present invention relates to compounds that scavenge acrylonitrile produced during the deprotection of phosphate groups bearing ethylnitrile protecting groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to iRNA agents, which preferably include a monomer in which the ribose moiety has been replaced by a moiety other than ribose that further includes a tether having one or more linking groups, in which at least one of the linking groups is a cleavable linking group. The tether in turn can be connected to a selected moiety, e.g., a ligand, e.g., a targeting or delivery moiety, or a moiety which alters a physical property. The cleavable linking group is one which is sufficiently stable outside the cell such that it allows targeting of a therapeutically beneficial amount of an iRNA agent (e.g., a single stranded or double stranded iRNA agent), coupled by way of the cleavable linking group to a targeting agent—to targets cells, but which upon entry into a target cell is cleaved to release the iRNA agent from the targeting agent. The inclusion of such a monomer can allow for modulation of a property of the iRNA agent into which it is incorporated, e.g.

Abstract: Aspects featured in the invention relate to compositions and methods for inhibiting off-target gene silencing by iRNA agents.