Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (1) wherein Xa and Xb are each independently X1 or X2; s is 1 or 2, R4 is an alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms, na and nb are each independently 0 or 1, R1a and R1b are each independently an alkylene group having 1-6 carbon atoms, R2a and R2b are each independently an alkylene group having 1-6 carbon atoms, Ya and Yb are each independently an ester bond, an amide bond, a carbamate bond, an ether bond or a urea bond, and R3a and R3b are each independently a sterol residue, a liposoluble vitamin residue or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 12-22 carbon atoms, and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a lipid composition comprising at least a first lipid component, at least a first helper lipid, and a shielding compound which is removable from the lipid composition under in vivo conditions.

Abstract: Methods of treating a wound in a subject are provided comprising administering to the subject an amount of an inhibitor of Fidgetin-like 2. Compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising an amount of an inhibitor of Fidgetin-like 2 are also provided. Methods are also provided for identifying an inhibitor of Fidgetin-like 2.

Abstract: Compositions for transient but prolonged exogenous mRNA expression through the use of the transcription system of negative strand RNA viruses, and methods of use thereof are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system contains only RNAs and does not include any DNA molecules. The compositions typically include an RNA template unit (rTeUn) that includes a virus regulatory sequences operably linked to a coding sequence of interest. The rTeUn is typically transfected to a host cell's cytoplasm in the presence of virus expression system proteins that mediate replication of the rTeUn and transcription of the transgene. The rTeUn RNA bonded to viral proteins exhibits high resistance to degradation, prolonged duration of expression, and is free of viral genes. The compositions can be used to reprogram cell. For example, the compositions and methods can be used to redirected lymphocytes to target cancer cells, or to dedifferentiate somatic cells into induce pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides liposomal compositions and methods of using such compositions in vitro and in vivo. In particular, the present invention provides stable, polymer-caged liposomes comprising a pH responsive delivery mechanism for delivery of nucleic acids, peptides, small molecules, drugs, etc. in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the inhibition of gene expression. In particular, the present invention provides oligonucleotide-based therapeutics for the inhibition of oncogenes involved in cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain novel shRNA molecules and methods of use thereof. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, methods for reducing the expression level of a target gene are provided. Such methods generally comprise providing a cell with one or more precursor nucleic acid sequences that encode two or more RNA molecules. A first RNA molecule comprises a double stranded sequence, which includes a guide strand sequence that is complementary to a portion of an mRNA transcript encoded by the target gene. In addition, a second RNA molecule comprises a second double stranded sequence, which includes a second guide strand sequence that is partially complementary to a portion of the mRNA transcript encoded by the target gene. Preferably, the second guide strand sequence comprises one or more bases that are mismatched with a nucleic acid sequence of the mRNA transcript encoded by the target gene.

Abstract: Disclosed are cationic lipid compounds and compositions of lipid aggregates for delivery of macromolecules and other compounds into cells. The compounds can be used alone or in combination with other compounds to prepare liposomes and other lipid aggregates suitable for transfection or delivery of compounds to target cells, either in vitro or in vivo. The compounds are preferably polycationic and preferably form highly stable complexes with various anionic macromolecules, particularly polyanions such as nucleic acids. These compounds have the property, when dispersed in water, of forming lipid aggregates which associate strongly, via their cationic portion, with polyanions. Also disclosed are intermediates for preparing the compound and compositions of the invention and methods of using the compounds to introduce other compounds into cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a group of nucleic acid fragments, shown in the sequence listing, for prevention of HIV infection or AIDS and the usage thereof. In the invention, a series of RNA fragments, which are highly homogenous to all the published HIV gene sequences, were obtained by homology compare. The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) derived from these fragments can effectively inhibit the expression of the HIV genes. The RNA transcribed by plasmid, also can suppress the expression of the HIV in the cell. After the adenovirus or associated virus which carry DNA corresponding above RNA infect the cell, the transcription dsRNA can inhibit the expression of the HIV genes.

Abstract: A cell of the present invention contains a nucleic acid construct encoding a WT1 gene product or a fragment of the WT1 gene product. The nucleic acid construct contains (i) a region encoding a desired fragment of the WT1 gene product and (ii) only AUG as a functional start codon. The present invention can provide a cell into which the nucleic acid construct is introduced so that an expression level of a WT1 gene product or a fragment of the WT1 gene product is remarkably enhanced.

Abstract: The invention provides a cationic lipid comprising: (i) one head group, comprising one or more amino acids, in which at least one amino acid has a side chain that comprises a cationic moiety or a cationic precursor; (ii) a linking moiety of formula (5): —(HNR5)2NC(O)R3C(O)—??(5), wherein: each R5 is independently an optionally substituted C1-4 alkylene moiety; and R3 is an optionally substituted alkylene or alkenylene moiety; and (iii) two lipophilic moieties, wherein the head group and each of the lipophilic moieties are connected to the linking moiety through amide linkages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide delivery system including a cationic polymer to which a rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) peptide is bound, wherein the cationic polymer includes a biodegradable bond, and a method of delivering polynucleotides to a target cell by using the delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable medical devices coated with polyelectrolyte assemblies that are fabricated by layer-by-layer deposition of nucleic acid and polycation. Such devices facilitate the local delivery of a nucleic acid contained in the polyelectrolyte assembly into a cell or tissue at an implantation site. Also provided are methods of fabricating and using implantable medical devices according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides lipids that are advantageously used in lipid particles for the in vivo delivery of therapeutic agents to cells. In particular, the invention provides lipids having the following structures XIV or XVII.

Abstract: The invention provides highly concentrated chitosan-nucleic acid polyplex compositions and dispersions, and methods for producing the compositions and dispersions. Methods of mixing the chitosan-nucleic acid polyplexes include an inline mixing of chitosan solution and nucleic acid solution, followed by further concentrating the dispersion of chitosan-nucleic acid polyplexes, optionally with an aggregation inhibitor. Further provided are methods for altering the diameter of chitosan-nucleic acid polyplexes.

Abstract: The invention provides siRNA compositions that interfere with viral replication in respiratory viral infections, including respiratory syncytial virus and avian influenza A, including the H5N1 strain. The invention further provides uses of the siRNA compositions to inhibit expression of viral genes in respiratory virus-infected cells, and to uses in the treatment of respiratory virus infections in a subject. Generally the invention provides polynucleotide that includes a first nucleotide sequence of 15 to 30 bases that targets the genome of a respiratory syncytial virus or an influenza A virus, a complement thereof, a double stranded polynucleotide or a hairpin polynucleotide. Additionally the invention provides vectors, cells and pharmaceutical compositions containing siRNA sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of an effective treatment for a variety of gain-of-function diseases, in particular, Huntington's disease (HD). The present invention utilizes RNA Interference technology (RNAi) against polymorphic regions in the genes encoding various gain-of-function mutant proteins resulting in an effective treatment for the gain-of-function disease.

Abstract: The invention provides new compositions and methods for immunomodulation of individuals. Immunomodulation is accomplished by administration of immunomodulatory polynucleotide/microcarrier (IMP/MC) complexes. The IMP/MC complexes may be covalently or non-covalently bound, and feature a polynucleotide comprising at least one immunostimulatory sequence bound to a biodegradable microcarrier or nanocarrier.

Abstract: Provided are novel compositions useful for delivering nucleic acids to cells. Also provided are methods for making and using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lipid nano-particles, which allow nucleic acids to be easily introduced into cells, comprising a cationic lipid represented by formula (I) (wherein: R1 and R2 are, the same or different, alkenyl, etc, and X3 is absent or is alkyl, etc, X1 and X2 are hydrogen atoms, or are combined together to form a single bond or alkylene, and Y1 is absent or anion, L1 is a single bond, etc, R3 is alkyl, etc), and a cationic lipid represented by formula (II) (wherein: R4 and R5 are, the same or different, alkenyl, etc, and X4 and X5 are hydrogen atoms, or are combined together to form a single bond or alkylene, and X6 is absent or is alkyl, etc, Y2 is absent or anion, a and b are, the same or different, 0 to 3, and L4 is a single bond, etc, R6 is alkyl, etc, L2 and L3 are —O—, —CO—O— or —O—CO—), and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to reverse-m ice liar system comprising a hydrosoluble therapeutically active agent. Reverse micelles according to the invention are particularly useful to deliver drugs. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical composition comprising said reverse micelles and methods for preparing the same.

Abstract: Provided is an efficiency improving agent for gene transfer to mammalian cells, a method for improving efficiency of gene transfer to mammalian cells, and a method for transforming mammalian cells. The method is characterized in that tRNA is used in combination with a lipofection reagent. Preferably, the agent may be used so that the tRNA concentration in a lipofection solution falls within the range of 3 to 50 ?g/mL, and the concentration in a culture is approximately 1/10. More preferably, tRNA and PEG may be used in combination with a lipofection reagent. According to the present invention, gene transfer to mammalian cells with high efficiency can be achieved.

Abstract: System and method for loading the front line anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX) onto DNA-capped gold nanoparticles whose duplex DNA has been designed for specific DOX intercalation. Since each AuNP contains about 108 high affinity drug sites, this design allows for a high local DOX concentration on the particle. Drug binding was confirmed by monitoring the increase in DNA melting temperature, the shift in the plasmon resonance maximum, and the increase in the NP hydrodynamic radius as a function of [DOX]/[DNA] ratio. The feasibility of the nanoparticles as a drug delivery system was demonstrated by showing that particle-bound DOX could be transferred to a target DNA.

Abstract: Viral replicon selected nucleic acid expression libraries are useful for analyzing multiple antigens associated with a parasite, pathogen or neoplasia or for preparing immunogenic compositions for generating immune responses specific for the parasite, pathogen or neoplasia. Alphavirus replicon particles representative of the nucleic acid expression library are preferred. The nucleic acid library can be a random library, or it can be prepared after a selection step, for example, by differential hybridization prior to cloning into the replicon vector.

Abstract: With the object of providing a liposome having cellular and nuclear entry ability, to achieve this object, a liposome is provided having on its surface a peptide comprising multiple consecutive arginine residues, and specifically a liposome is provided wherein the peptide is modified with a hydrophobic group or hydrophobic compound and the hydrophobic group or hydrophobic compound is inserted into a lipid bilayer so that the peptide is exposed on the surface of the bilayer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) having a nucleotide sequence which is substantially identical to at least a part of a target gene and which is no more than 49, preferably less than 25, nucleotides in length, and which comprises a complementary (antisense) RNA strand having a 1 to 4 nucleotide overhang at the 3?-end and a blunt 5?-end. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful for inhibiting the expression of a target gene, as well as for treating diseases caused by expression of the target gene, at low dosages (i.e., less than 5 milligrams, preferably less than 25 micrograms, per kg body weight per day). The invention also relates to methods for inhibiting the expression of a target gene, as well as methods for treating diseases caused by the expression of the gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides dynamic charge state cationic polymers that are useful for delivery of anionic molecules. The dynamic charge state cationic polymers are designed to have cationic charge densities that decrease by removal of removable functional groups from the polymers. The present invention also provides interpolyelectrolyte complexes containing the polymers complexed to a polyanion. Methods for using the interpolyelectrolyte complexes to deliver anionic compounds are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for differentiating tissue resident multipotent mesenchmal stromal cells (MSCs) such as adipose tissue resident MSCs into a hematopoietic lineage are described.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition comprising a chemotherapeutic agent and a TGF-beta antisense oligonucleotide, wherein the antisense oligonucleotide reduces the sensitivity and IC50, respectively, of the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent. Preferably, the antisense oligonucleotide is a TGF-beta 1, 2, and/or 3 antisense oligonucleotide and the chemotherapeutic agent is preferably gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, temozolomide, dacarbacine, docetaxel, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, tamoxifen, or irinotecan.

Abstract: A method for preparing neoplastically transformed cells from human-derived cells, including the step of introducing human telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) gene, SV40 small T antigen (SV40ST) gene, and an antisense oligonucleotide derived from human 28S rRNA into the human-derived cells. The method for preparing neoplastically transformed cells from human-derived cells can be utilized when a variety of human normal cells are induced to be neoplastically transformed in order to elucidate cancer onset mechanisms, so that the method can be effectively utilized in search of target molecules for a new medicament.

Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic-acid-transfecting composition which exhibits low cytotoxicity, which facilitates an effective nucleic acid transfection into a cell, and which improves expression of the nucleic acid in the cell. The composition for transfecting a nucleic acid into a cell, contains a di(C12-16 alkyl)dimethylammonium halide and a phospholipid.

Abstract: The invention comprises compositions and methods for determining the function of proteins. It advantageously uses cotransfection of a reporter gene to remove transfection efficiency as a factor affecting the success of cell based assays. This method links the activity of the gene product of interest to the expression of the reporter gene. In addition, it also allows for the development of assays that allow for rapid screening for protein function in cells and whole animals by using cloned genes in a high throughput assay format which is simple, fast and inexpensive.

Abstract: Modified antigen presenting cells provided herein have improved lifespan and immunogenicity compared to unmodified antigen presenting cells, and are useful for immunotherapy. The modified antigen presenting cells express an altered protein kinase, referred to herein as “Akt.” The altered Akt associates with the cell membrane with greater frequency than unaltered Akt, and is referred to herein as “membrane-targeted Akt.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nucleic acid-lipid compositions for use in delivering nucleic acids to cells in vitro or in vivo. In particular, it relates to the preparation and use of resilient transfection sheets that comprise the nucleic acid-lipid compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a cationic lipid comprising: (i) one head group, comprising one or more amino acids, in which at least one amino acid has a side chain that comprises a cationic moiety or a cationic precursor; (ii) a linking moiety of formula (5): —(HNR5)2NC(O)R3C(O)—??(5), wherein: each R5 is independently an optionally substituted C1-4 alkylene moiety; and R3 is an optionally substituted alkylene or alkenylene moiety; and (iii) two lipophilic moieties, wherein the head group and each of the lipophilic moieties are connected to the linking moiety through amide linkages.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and applications that increase the efficiency of nucleic acid transfection are provided. In one aspect, a pharmaceutical composition may include at least about 0.5 mg/ml concentration of a nucleic acid condensed with a cationic lipopolymer suspended in an isotonic solution, where the cationic lipopolymer includes a cationic polymer backbone having cholesterol and polyethylene glycol covalently attached thereto, and wherein the molar ratio of cholesterol to cationic polymer backbone is within a range of from about 0.1 to about 10, and the molar ratio of polyethylene glycol to cationic polymer backbone is within a range of from about 0.1 to about 10. The composition further may include a filler excipient.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel cationic lipids, compositions comprising the cationic lipids, and methods of using the cationic lipids. In some claims, the cationic lipids have cytotoxic activity and can be used alone or in combination with a cytotoxic bioactive compound to kill a cell. In some of these claims, the cationic lipid enhances the cytotoxic activity of the cytotoxic bioactive compound. Methods for treating a subject afflicted with a disease or unwanted condition are provided, wherein the method comprises administering a delivery system comprising a novel cationic lipid to the subject. The invention further provides methods for making delivery systems comprising the novel cationic lipids of the invention.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing cells within a lineage (lineage restricted cells) from post-mitotic differentiated cells of the same lineage ex vivo and in vivo, and for treating a subject in need of tissue regeneration therapy by employing these lineage-restricted cells. In addition, the production of lineage restricted cells from postmitotic tissues derived from patients with diseases allows for a characterization of pathways that have gone awry in these diseases and for screening of drugs that will ameliorate or correct the defects as a means of novel drug discovery. Also provided are kits for performing these methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a group of nucleic acid fragments, shown in the sequence listing, for prevention of HIV infection or AIDS and the usage thereof. In the invention, a series of RNA fragments, which are highly homogenous to all the published HIV gene sequences, were obtained by homology compare. The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) derived from these fragments can effectively inhibit the expression of the HIV genes. The RNA transcribed by plasmid, also can suppress the expression of the HIV in the cell. After the adenovirus or associated virus which carry DNA corresponding above RNA infect the cell, the transcription dsRNA can inhibit the expression of the HIV genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cancer therapy comprising co-administration with the E1A 1-80 transcription-repression domain activity. In addition, E1A 1-80 can act as a monotherapy against cancers that express elevated HER2/Neu or in combination with anti-HER2/Neu, chemo- or radiotherapeutic treatments.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for enhancing the sensitivity of cancer cells to anti-EGFR treatment, wherein the method comprises the introduction of a miR-200 miRNA to the cancer cells. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods for treating cancer by exposing the cancer cells to an anti-EGFR composition after the above-mentioned enhancement step. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods for assessing and enhancing the sensitivity of cancer cells to anti-EGFR treatment. In various other embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and expression vectors for practicing the afore-mentioned methods.

Abstract: Provided is an efficiency improving agent for gene transfer to mammalian cells, a method for improving efficiency of gene transfer to mammalian cells, and a method for transforming mammalian cells. The method is characterized in that tRNA is used in combination with a lipofection reagent. Preferably, the agent may be used so that the tRNA concentration in a lipofection solution falls within the range of 3 to 50 ?g/mL, and the concentration in a culture is approximately 1/10. More preferably, tRNA and PEG may be used in combination with a lipofection reagent. According to the present invention, gene transfer to mammalian cells with high efficiency can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) targeting a G-alpha q subunit (GNAQ) of a heterotrimeric G gene, and methods of using the dsRNA to inhibit expression of GNAQ.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite of a nanoscale particle size. The composite is able to specifically deliver therapeutic agents such as therapeutic nucleic acids or drugs to the liver and selectively release them into hepatic cells to manifest potent therapeutic effects of the therapeutic agents. The composite may be comprised of an apolipoprotein A-1 and a liposome-forming material. A composition containing the composite and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a group of nucleic acid fragments, shown in the sequence listing, for prevention of HIV infection or AIDS and the usage thereof. In the invention, a series of RNA fragments, which are highly homogenous to all the published HIV gene sequences, were obtained by homology compare. The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) derived from these fragments can effectively inhibit the expression of the HIV genes. The RNA transcribed by plasmid, also can suppress the expression of the HIV in the cell. After the adenovirus or associated virus which carry DNA corresponding above RNA infect the cell, the transcription dsRNA can inhibit the expression of the HIV genes.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition containing particulate composite of a polymer and a therapeutic agent. The composition also contains a complexing agent. The polymer interacts with the complexing agent in a host-guest or a guest-host interaction to form an inclusion complex. A therapeutic composition of the invention may be used to deliver the therapeutic agent and to treat various disorders. Both the polymer of the particulate composite and the complexing agent may be used to introduce functionality into the therapeutic composition. The invention also relates to a method of preparing a composition. The method combines a therapeutic agent, a polymer having host or guest functionality, and a complexing agent having guest or host functionality to form the therapeutic composition. The complexing agent forms an inclusion complex with the polymer. The invention also relates to a method of delivering a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention concerns lipid assemblies, liposomes having an outer surface comprising a mixture of anionic and cationic moieties; wherein at least a portion of the cationic moieties are imino moieties that are essentially charged under physiological conditions, and their use for serum resistant transfection of cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to oligomer compounds (oligomers), which target HER3 mRNA in a cell, leading to reduced expression of HER3 and/or HER2 and/or EGFR. Reduction of HER3 and/or HER2 and/or EGFR expression is beneficial for a range of medical disorders, such hyperproliferative disorders (e.g., cancer). The invention provides therapeutic compositions comprising oligomers and methods for modulating the expression of HER3 and/or HER2 and/or EGFR using said oligomers, including methods of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of isolating an enriched or purified population of motor neurons from a population of embryonic stem cells. This method involves providing a population of embryonic stem cells and selecting a promoter or enhancer which functions only in the motor neurons selected. A nucleic acid molecule encoding a marker protein under control of the promoter or enhancer is introduced into the induced population of embryonic stem cells. The motor neurons are allowed to express the marker protein and, the cells expressed in the marker protein are separated from the population of embryonic stem cells. The population of embryonic stem cells can be induced to produce a mixed population of cells comprising motor neurons before or after a nucleic acid molecule encoding the marker protein under control of the promoter enhancer is introduced into the population of embryonic stem cells. As a result, an enriched or purified population of motor neurons is isolated.

Abstract: The invention provides a group of nucleic acid fragments, shown in the sequence listing, for prevention of HIV infection or AIDS and the usage thereof. In the invention, a series of RNA fragments, which are highly homogenous to all the published HIV gene sequences, were obtained by homology compare. The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) derived from these fragments can effectively inhibit the expression of the HIV genes. The RNA transcribed by plasmid, also can suppress the expression of the HIV in the cell. After the adenovirus or associated virus which carry DNA corresponding above RNA infect the cell, the transcription dsRNA can inhibit the expression of the HIV genes.