Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds and methods for inhibiting the formation of miRNAs that inhibit translation of one or more identified proteins. The compounds comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeting the pri-miRNA precursor of miRNAs.

Abstract: A method and conjugate for selectively targeting activated hematopoietic cells, e.g., macrophage or T-lymphocyte cells, are disclosed. The conjugate is composed of a substantially uncharged antisense compound targeted against HIV, and a reverse TAT (rTAT) polypeptide coupled covalently to the antisense compound. The rTAT polypeptide is effective to produce selective uptake of the conjugate into activated, HIV-infected cells, e.g., activated, HIV-infected macrophage and T-lymphocyte cells. An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an antisense compound directed to the HIV Vif gene, causing the production of defective HIV virions in an infected individual.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating colorectal cancer is disclosed. The method involves administering to a subject, a therapeutically effective amount of a morpholino antisense compound (i) having a nuclease-resistant backbone, (ii) capable of uptake by target cancer cells in the subject, (iii) containing between 10-40 nucleotide bases, and (iv) having a base sequence effective to hybridize to a region of processed or preprocessed human SNAIL RNA transcript.

Abstract: This invention provides for a rapid and convenient method of simultaneous collection of both genomic and diagnostic information from a single sample on a bibulous pad by differential extraction of the diagnostic information from the genomic information. It is a surprising discovery of this invention that a PCR assay on the contents of the bibulous pad provides results comparable in reliability, specificity, and sensitivity to the best available serum (blood) based assays. The assays of this invention can be used to confirm each other, either by detecting the genomic information leading to the diagnostic information, or by detecting in the genomic information, a predisposition to a disease and confirming the presence of the disease through diagnostic testing.

Abstract: This invention provides for a rapid and convenient method of simultaneous collection of both genomic and diagnostic information from a single sample on a bibulous pad by differential extraction of the diagnostic information from the genomic information. It is a surprising discovery of this invention that a PCR assay on the contents of the bibulous pad provides results comparable in reliability, specificity, and sensitivity to the best available serum (blood) based assays. The assays of this invention can be used to confirm each other, either by detecting the genomic information leading to the diagnostic information, or by detecting in the genomic information, a predisposition to a disease and confirming the presence of the disease through diagnostic testing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic hybrid promoter composed of polynucleotide segments derived from the E8 and E4 gene promoters. The hybrid promoter is capable of providing high-level expression of heterologous genes, particularly in transformed fruit. DNA constructs containing the E8-E4 hybrid promoter operably linked to an exemplary heterologous SAMase gene are effective in conferring a delayed ripening phenotype to transformed fruit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification and isolation of a promoter region from a raspberry genome. The promoter is operably linked, in a native raspberry genome, to the coding region of a raspberry E4 gene. The raspberry E4 gene promoter of the invention is capable of regulating moderate level, constitutive expression of a heterologous plant gene under its control. The invention is further directed to chimeric genes, cassette vectors, kits, transgenic plants, and methods employing a raspberry E4 promoter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique strain of Bacillus subtilis for inhibiting growth of plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria and methods for treating or protecting plants from fingal and bacterial infections.

Abstract: An approximately 37 kilodalton (kd) protein associated with grapevine leafroll disease infected plants is disclosed. The 37 kd protein is the coat protein for a grapevine leafroll-associated virus designated GLRaV-8. The grapevine virus-encoded 37 kd polypeptide is immunologically distinct from the approximately 36 kd proteins associated with GLRaV-4 or GLRaV-5 or the approximately 38 kd protein associated with GLRaV-1. The invention further provides a substantially pure antibody directed against the 37 kd virus-associated protein, a stable cell line capable of producing such a monoclonal antibody, and a method for assaying for a virus infection in Vitis species. The method involves detecting the presence of a 37 kd polypeptide encoded by an RNA-containing plant virus using an antibody that does not react with a viral encoded polypeptide of ca. 38 kd.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification and isolation of two different promoter regions from the raspberry genome. The promoter regions are operably linked, in a native raspberry genome, to the coding region of a raspberry dru1 gene. Promoters of the invention are capable of regulating moderate level, constitutive expression of heterologous plant genes under their control. The invention is further directed to chimeric genes, cassette vectors, kits, transgenic plants, and methods employing such promoters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel strain antibiotic-producing Bacillus subtilis which is effective against plant fungal and bacterial infections. The invention also includes methods of protecting plants from fungal and bacterial infections comprising the step of applying to the plant an effective amount of the antibiotic-producing Bacillus subtilis, the antibiotic produced by the antibiotic-producing Bacillus subtilis or a combination thereof, optionally further comprising another antibiotic-producing bacterial strain and/or a chemical pesticide. The invention includes methods of treating fungal and bacterial infections using whole broth cultures or supernatants obtained from cultures of antibiotic-producing Bacillus subtilis cultures. The invention also includes treating plant infections using a combination of whole broth and/or supernatant obtained from the antibiotic-producing strain of Bacillus subtilis optionally in combination with chemical pesticides.

Abstract: A method for control of ethylene biosynthesis in plants comprising a vector containing a selective gene under plant promoter control, and a DNA insert comprising codons for a functional heterologous polypeptide having AdoMetase activity and flanked by a plant promoter on one side and a polyA signal sequence on the other side; and, transforming a plant host with said vector wherein the plant host transformed thereby is capable of expressing the heterologous polypeptide having AdoMetase activity under the control of said control region. The presence of the AdoMetase gene and the expression of AdoMetase in transgenic plants lowers AdoMet levels and generates an inhibitor of ACC synthase causing a corresponding decrease in ethylene biosynthesis and precursor availability.

Abstract: Method for extending bloom life of a cut flower by bathing the flower in a solution which contains isoniazid. Also disclosed are compositions for use in the method.

Abstract: A method for control of ethylene biosynthesis in plants comprising a vector containing a selective gene under plant promoter control, and a DNA insert comprising codons for a functional heterologous polypeptide having AdoMetase activity and flanked by a plant promoter on one side and a polyA signal sequence on the other side; and,transforming a plant host with said vector wherein the plant host transformed thereby is capable of expressing the heterologous polypeptide having AdoMetase activity under the control of said control region. The presence of the AdoMetase gene and the expression of AdoMetase in transgenic plants lowers AdoMet levels and generates an inhibitor of ACC synthase causing a corresponding decrease in ethylene biosynthesis and precursor availability.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of extending bloom life of a cut flower. In the method, a storage solution containing 5-deoxy-5-ethylthio-D-ribose (ETR) is provided, and the stem of the cut flower is bathed in the solution. ETR is safe for human use, and is effective at relatively low concentrations. A method for synthesizing 5-deoxy-5-alkylthioribose compounds is also disclosed.