Abstract: The invention relates to iRNA agents, which preferably include a monomer in which the ribose moiety has been replaced by a moiety other than ribose.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 carbohydrate; or a steroid, e.g., cholesterol, which is optionally substituted with at least one carbohydrate. is directly, or indirectly, tethered. The invention also relates to methods of making and using such modified iRNA agents.

Abstract: This invention features modified iRNA agents having improved stability in cells and biological fluids, and methods of making and identifying iRNA agents having improved stability, and of using the iRNA agents to inhibit the expression or function of a target gene.

Abstract: Oligomer compositions comprising first and second oligomers are provided wherein at least a portion of the first oligomer is capable of hybridizing with at least a portion of the second oligomer, at least a portion of the first oligomer is complementary to and capble of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid, and at least one of the first or second oligomers has a modified base for binding to an adenine or guanine base in the opposite strand. Oligonucleotide/protein compositions are also provided comprising an oligomer complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid and at least one protein comprising at least a portion of an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), wherein the oligomer has a modified base for binding to an adenine or guanine base in the opposite strand.

Abstract: The invention relates to iRNA agents, which preferably include a monomer in which the ribose moiety has been replaced by a moiety other than ribose.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 is directly, or indirectly, tethered. The invention also relates to methods of making and using such modified iRNA agents.

Abstract: Oligomer compositions comprising first and second oligomers are provided wherein at least a portion of the first oligomer is capable of hybridizing with at least a portion of the second oligomer, at least a portion of the first oligomer is complementary to and capble of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid, and at least one of the first or second oligomers has a modified base for binding to an adenine or guanine base in the opposite strand. Oligonucleotide/protein compositions are also provided comprising an oligomer complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid and at least one protein comprising at least a portion of an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), wherein the oligomer has a modified base for binding to an adenine or guanine base in the opposite strand.

Abstract: Oligomer compositions comprising first and second oligomers are provided wherein at least a portion of the first oligomer is capable of hybridizing with at least a portion of the second oligomer, at least a portion of the first oligomer is complementary to and capble of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid, and at least one of the first or second oligomers has a modified base for binding to an adenine or guanine base in the opposite strand. Oligonucleotide/protein compositions are also provided comprising an oligomer complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid and at least one protein comprising at least a portion of an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), wherein the oligomer has a modified base for binding to an adenine or guanine base in the opposite strand.