Abstract: Modified oligonucleotides having a GGG motif sequence and a sufficient number of flanking nucleotides to modulate the telomere length of a chromosome are provided. Methods of modulating telomere length of a mammalian chromosome in vitro and in vivo are also provided, as are methods for inhibiting the division of a malignant mammalian cell and for modulating the effects of cellular aging.

Abstract: Methods for modulating expression of a gene are provided. The methods comprise the steps of selecting a portion of an RNA coded by the gene, wherein the RNA is capable of interacting with a protein, preparing an oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog to mimic the portion of the RNA, and contacting cells containing the gene with the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog. Methods of treating a disease are also provided. The methods comprise selecting a portion of an RNA coded by a gene whose expression is believed to be responsible for the disease, preparing an oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog to mimic the portion, and contacting an organism suspected of having the disease with the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of immune states and disorders amenable to treatment through modulation of T cell activation are provided. In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides are provided which are specifically hybridizable with nucleic acids encoding B7 proteins.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of immune states and disorders amenable to treatment through modulation of T cell activation are provided. In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides are provided which are specifically hybridizable with nucleic acids encoding B7 proteins.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the activity of the TAR element of HIV are provided. Oligonucleotides having 6 to 50 bases and at least one 2'-O alkyl modification and selected sequences are disclosed.

Abstract: Modified oligonucleotides having a conserved G.sub.4 sequence and a sufficient number of flanking nucleotides to significantly inhibit the activity of a virus such as HSV-1 or phospholipase A.sub.2 or to modulate the telomere length of a chromosome are provided. G.sub.4 quartet oligonucleotide structures are also provided. Methods of prophylaxis, diagnosis and therapeutics for viral-associated diseases and diseases associated with elevated levels of phospholipase A.sub.2 are also provided. Methods of modulating telomere length of a chromosome are also provided; modulation of telomere length is believed to plat a role in the aging process of a cell and in control of malignant cell growth.

Abstract: Expression of genes may be modulated by employment of compositions which are capable of RNA mimicry. A portion of RNA coded by the gene whose expression is to be modulated is selected which is capable of interacting with one or more proteins. An oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog is then prepared in such a way as to mimic the portion of the RNA. Cells containing the gene are then contacted with the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog to effect the modulation. Therapeutic compositions and methods, especially for the treatment of human immunodeficiency, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for modulating the expression of viral genes are provided by selecting a portion of RNA coded by the gene, said RNA portion having subportions forming a secondary structure, and contacting the RNA with oligonucleotide of 6 to 50 which can bind with at least one of said subportions of the RNA. In accordance with the preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides are designed to bind to RNA secondary structures which are of significance to the expression of the gene coding for said RNA. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, methods of treatment of human immunodeficiency virus are similarly disclosed wherein the oligonucleotides are targeted at the CAR or gag-pol region of HIV RNA.

Abstract: Expression of genes may be modulated by employment of compositions which are capable of RNA mimicry. A portion of RNA coded by the gene whose expression is to be modulated is selected which is capable of interacting with one or more proteins. An oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog is then prepared in such a way as to mimic the portion of the RNA. Cells containing the gene are then contacted with the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog to effect the modulation. Therapeutic compositions and methods, especially for the treatment of human immunodeficiency, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods useful for the determination of oligomers which have specific activity for a target molecule from a pool of primarily randomly assembled oligomers are provided. The disclosed methods involve repeated syntheses of increasingly simplified sets of oligomers coupled with selection procedures for determining oligomers having the highest activity. Freedom from the use of enzymes allows the application of these methods to any molecules which can be oligomerized in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: Methods useful for the determination of oligomers which have specific activity for a target molecule from a pool of primarily randomly assembled subunits are provided. The disclosed methods involve repeated syntheses of increasingly simplified sets of oligomers coupled with selection procedures for determining oligomers having the highest activity. Freedom from the use of enzymes allows the application of these methods to any molecules which can be oligomerized in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: Methods for identifying oligonucleotides having a desired activity in vivo are disclosed. In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides capable of conferring a desired phenotype are identified. Therapeutic, diagnostic and research methods and compositions employing such oligonucleotides are provided. Prior knowledge of the sequence or structure of a target molecule is generally not required.