Abstract: saRNAs are provided in the present invention. The saRNAs are composed of a first oligonucleotide strand containing 17 to 30 nucleotides and a second oligonucleotide strand containing 17 to 30 nucleotides. Sequences of at least 15 nucleotides in length are complementary in the two oligonucleotide strands, and the unpaired terminal nucleotides form overhangs. The first oligonucleotide strand or the second oligonucleotide strand has more than 75% homology or complementarity with any continuous fragment of 16 to 35 nucleotides in length in the promoter of the target gene. The second oligonucleotide strand has an overhang composed of 1 to 4 nucleotides at 3? end. saRNAs of the present invention can upregulate target gene expression more effectively while reducing off-target effects.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are provided for increasing the expression of a gene product in a cell by contacting the cell with a modified small activating RNA (saRNA) molecule, which provides for an increase in gene expression that is improved over the increase in expression provided by traditional saRNAs. These methods and compositions find use in any application in which an increase in gene expression in a cell is desired.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are provided for increasing the expression of a gene product in a cell by contacting the cell with a modified small activating RNA (saRNA) molecule, which provides for an increase in gene expression that is improved over the increase in expression provided by traditional saRNAs. These methods and compositions find use in any application in which an increase in gene expression in a cell is desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, pharmaceutical preparations, kits and methods for increasing expression of a gene product in a cell by contacting the cell with a microRNA (miRNA) molecule comprising a ribonucleic strand that is complementary to a non-coding nucleic acid sequence of the gene.