Abstract: Methods and materials for detection of aneuploidy and other chromosomal abnormalities using fetal tissue are disclosed. Results can be obtained rapidly, without cell culture. The method uses digital PCR for amplification and detection of single target sequences, allowing an accurate count of a specific chromosome or chromosomal region. Specific polynucleic acid primers and probes are disclosed for chromosomes 1, 13, 18, 21, X and Y. These polynucleic acid sequences are chosen to be essentially invariant between individuals, so the test is not dependent on sequence differences between fetus and mother.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for introducing, into cells, nucleic acids whose expression results in chromosomal silencing. The nucleic acids are targeted to specific chromosomal regions where they subsequently reduce the expression of deleterious genes, or cause the death of deleterious cells. Where the nucleic acid sequence is a silencing sequence, it may encode an Xist RNA or other non-coding, silencing RNA. Accordingly, the present invention features, inter alia, nucleic acid constructs that include a transgene (e.g., a silencing sequence encoding an Xist RNA or other non-coding RNA that silences a segment of a chromosome); first and second sequences that direct insertion of the silencing sequence into a targeted chromosome; and, optionally, a selectable marker.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method of screening a human subject to determine if said subject has a genetic predisposition to develop, or is suffering from Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD), said method comprising: (a) providing a biological sample comprising genomic DNA from the subject; and (b) analyzing the portion of the genomic DNA in the sample corresponding to the distal D4Z4-pLAM region on chromosome 4 and determining the presence or absence of a polymorphism resulting in a functional polyadenylation sequence operationally linked to exon 3 of the DUX4 gene, wherein a determination of the absence of a functional polyadenylation sequence operationally linked to exon 3 of the DUX4 gene indicates that the subject does not have a genetic predisposition to develop, and is not suffering from FSHD, and/or wherein a determination of the presence of a functional polyadenylation sequence operationally linked to exon 3 of the DUX4 gene indicates that the subject has a genetic predisposition to devel

Abstract: The invention relates to novel variants that associate with Alzheimer's disease AD and their use in kits as a means for diagnosing AD; and also their use in nucleic acid molecules or cells/cell lines for identifying novel therapeutic, label of identification means.

Abstract: We provide a set of novel mutations in HIST3H3, AMT, GLDC and PEX7 genes which we have discovered as causative of some autism spectrum disorders and/or intellectual disability after analysis of families with more than one affected child and with consanguineous parents. Based on some of these mutations, we also provide novel treatment options for autism spectrum disorders and/or intellectual disability wherein the novel mutations have been diagnosed. The invention is based on the discovery that certain specific mutations, particularly when present in a homozygous, compound heterozygous, or trans heterozygous combinations, result in a phenotype of an autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability. Some mutations also cause the disorder or disease as heterozygous mutation.

Abstract: The invention provides interfering RNA molecule-ligand conjugates useful as a delivery system for delivering interfering RNA molecules to a cell in vitro or in vivo. The conjugates comprise a ligand that can bind to a low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) or LDLR family member. Therapeutic uses for the conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for isolating, enriching, and/or labeling miRNA molecules and for preparing and using arrays or other detection techniques for miRNA analysis. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for generating miRNA profiles and employing such profiles for therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the assessment of risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or both COPD and emphysema in smokers and non-smokers using analysis of genetic polymorphisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the assessment of risk of developing lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers using analysis of genetic polymorphisms. The present invention also relates to the use of genetic polymorphisms in assessing a subject's risk of developing lung cancer, and the suitability of a subject for an intervention in respect of lung cancer. Nucleotide probes and primers, kits, and microarrays suitable for such assessment are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a probe for detecting a V600 polymorphism in the BRAF gene, which is (P1) a fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide which has an identity of at least 80% to a base sequence having a length of 10 to 50 bases including the 228th to the 237th bases of the base sequence indicated in SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the base corresponding to the 237th base is cytosine labeled with a fluorescent dye, the oligonucleotide recognizing a polymorphism in at least one of the 228th to the 230th bases of the base sequence indicated in SEQ ID NO:1 (with the proviso that the oligonucleotide is not the one indicated in SEQ ID NO:7 or 19).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified oligonucleotide, its preparation and application. The invention eables stabilizing the oligonucleotide by introducing a relatively small amount of modified nucleotide at specific UA/UA and/or CA/UG and/or UG/CA site of the oligonucleotide, therefore to decrease the modification-related cytotoxicity and compromising effects on the biological activity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for introducing miRNA activity or function into cells using synthetic nucleic acid molecules. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for identifying miRNAs with specific cellular functions that are relevant to therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic applications wherein synthetic miRNAs and/or miRNA inhibitors are used in library screening assays.

Abstract: The invention discloses genetic variants that have been determined to be susceptibility variants of thyroid cancer. Methods of disease management, including methods of determining susceptibility to thyroid cancer, methods of predicting response to therapy and methods of predicting prognosis of thyroid cancer using such variants are described. The invention further relates to kits useful in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay to perform a molecular determinant-based functional killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) allele typing and ligand typing. In particular the present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay to type various allele groups of KIR2DL1 and KIR ligand with distinct functional properties based on polymorphism at position 245 in KIR2DL1, position 77 in HLA-C, and position 83 in HLA-B and HLA-A. The assays are suitable for use in predicting NK cell activity in health, disease, and transplantation.

Abstract: Arrays of nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods based on novel SNPs on genes of the bovine transforming growth factor-? (TGF-?) signaling pathway for improved bovine fertilization rate. The methods and compositions of the present invention are related to SNPs in the DNA-binding protein inhibitor 3 (ID3) gene, and in the bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) gene corresponding to position 2702 of SEQ ID NO: 2. Also disclosed are methods for determining viability of developing bovine embryos by measuring the expression level of one or more target genes in the TGF- signaling pathway, and selecting for implantation only embryos whose target gene expression level is not up-regulated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for treating pancreatic cancer. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically effective amount of an antisense nucleic acid or siRNA that inhibits expression of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of SON gene, MCM5 gene, WDR5 gene, PBK gene and CENPA gene. The composition inhibits the expression of a specific gene to provide the effect of inhibiting the proliferation, survival and tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid aptamers that are able to bind to and inhibit the function of sclerostin, which is an important negative regulator of bone growth. The aptamers have application as therapeutics for diseases of bone including osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteoarthritis and other osteoporosis-related conditions and complications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of RNA in a sample of cells. More particularly, the present invention relates to the localized detection of RNA in situ. The method relies on the conversion of RNA to complementary DNA prior to the targeting of the cDNA with a padlock probe(s). The hybridization of the padlock probe(s) relies on the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA which is derived from the corresponding nucleotide sequence of the target RNA. Rolling circle amplification of the subsequently circularized padlock probe produces a rolling circle product which may be detected. Advantageously, this allows the RNA to be detected in situ.

Abstract: Molecules are provided for inducing or facilitating exon skipping in forming spliced mRNA products from pre-mRNA molecules in cells. The molecules may be provided directly as oligonucleotides or expression products of vectors that are administered to a subject. High rates of skipping can be achieved. High rates of skipping reduce the severity of a disease like Duchene Muscular Dystrophy so that the disease is more like Becker Muscular Dystrophy. This is a severe reduction in symptom severity and mortality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of RNA in a sample of cells. More particularly, the present invention relates to the localized detection of RNA in situ. The method relies on the conversion of RNA to complementary DNA prior to the targeting of the cDNA with a padlock probe(s). The hybridization of the padlock probe(s) relies on the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA which is derived from the corresponding nucleotide sequence of the target RNA. Rolling circle amplification of the subsequently circularized padlock probe produces a rolling circle product which may be detected. Advantageously, this allows the RNA to be detected in situ.

Abstract: Methods and agents for suppressing expression of a mutant allele of a gene and providing a replacement nucleic acid are provided. The methods of the invention provide suppression effectors such as, for example, antisense nucleic acids, ribozymes, or RNAi, that bind to the gene or its RNA. The invention further provides for the introduction of a replacement nucleic acid with modified sequences such that the replacement nucleic acid is protected from suppression by the suppression effector. The replacement nucleic acid is modified at degenerate wobble positions in the target region of the suppression effector and thereby is not suppressed by the suppression effector. In addition, by altering wobble positions, the replacement nucleic acid can still encode a wild type gene product. The invention has the advantage that the same suppression strategy could be used to suppress, in principle, many mutations in a gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for classification of cancers and tissues of origin through the analysis of the expression patterns of specific microRNAs and nucleic acid molecules relating thereto. Classification according to a microRNA tree-based expression framework allows optimization of treatment, and determination of specific therapy.

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: Methods and compositions relating to diagnosing and treating cardiomyopathy and particularly relating to methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyophathy (ARVD/C) are described. Provided are methods for screening for, diagnosing or detecting a risk of developing arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) comprising detecting the presence of a transmembrane protein 43 (TMEM43) disease associated variant in a sample of a subject, wherein the presence of a TMEM43 disease variant is indicative that the subject has ARVD/C or an increased risk of developing ARVD/C compared to an individual having wild type TMEM43.

Abstract: Agents that reduce the amount of IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 and that are known to be useful in the treatment of cancer result in increased expression of the protein clusterin. Since clusterin can provide protection against apoptosis, this secondary effect detracts from the efficacy of the therapeutic agent. In overcoming this, the present invention provides a combination of therapeutic agents that is useful in the treatment of cancer. The combination includes an agent that reduces the amount of IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 and that stimulates expression of clusterin as a secondary effect, and an oligonucleotide that is effective to reduce the amount of clusterin in cancer cells. In some embodiments of the invention, the agent that reduces IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 is a bispecific antisense species. The oligonucleotide may be an antisense oligonucleotide or an RNAi oligonucleotide.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to chemically modified oligonuceotides useful for modulating expression of microRNAs and pre-microRNAs. More particularly, the invention relates to single stranded chemically modified oligonuceotides for inhibiting microRNA and pre-microRNA expression and to methods of making and using the modified oligonucleotides. Also included in the invention are compositions and methods for silencing microRNAs in the central nervous system.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of a cancer that is resistant to at least one anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) kinase inhibitor are provided herein. The present invention is based on the discovery of mutations within ALK that confer resistance to at least one ALK kinase inhibitor. Polynucleotides and polypeptides having at least one ALK inhibitor resistance mutation are provided and find use in methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment of diseases associated with aberrant ALK activity, more particularly, those that are resistant to at least one ALK kinase inhibitors. Methods and compositions are also provided for the identification of agents that can inhibit the kinase activity and/or reduce the expression level of the ALK resistance mutants.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining risk for depression, as well as compositions for use in such methods.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating lysosomal storage disease, for instance Pompe disease, through inhibition of autophagy. Optionally, treatment is administered as an adjunct to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).

Abstract: The present invention provides LMCD1 cancer markers, and methods, compositions, and kits for their use. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, and transgenic animals comprising one or more LMCD1 mutations, and methods for their use in characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancers, and for identifying potential therapeutics. The invention also provides cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: Described are methods and kits for identifying a subject at risk of, or having, a sensory neuropathy related disease, such as sensory neuropathies. In particular, the disclosure is based on the determination of mutations in the SPTLC2 gene causing sensory neuropathies.

Abstract: A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the UBE2E2 locus or C2CD4A-C2CD4B locus is analyzed and type II diabetes is examined based on the results of the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations and related methods for transdermal delivery of nucleic acids. Specifically, the invention relates to a formulation containing lipids and an alcohol and which is capable of providing effective transdermal delivery of nucleic acid. The formulation can be used effectively to deliver nucleic acids for gene therapy and the treatment of disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of molecular markers and related signaling mechanisms for the preclinical and clinical profiling of inhibitors of enzymes having histone deacetylase activity. The invention also relates to the use of such markers as diagnostic and/or prognostic tools for the treatment of tumor patients with such inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule containing a repeat region of an isolated spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) coding sequence, the coding sequence located within the long arm of chromosome 13, and the complement of the nucleic acid molecule. Diagnostic methods based on identification of this repeat region are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, which comprises measuring the expression level of a periostin gene or the amount of a periostin protein in a biological sample. Thereby, a method for detecting idiopathic interstitial pneumonia using a marker is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for diagnosis and for providing a prognosis of a cancer patient by assessing CK2 alpha 1 pseudogene (CSNK2A1P) status. The present disclosure also provides polypeptide, polynucleotide, host cell, and transgenic animal compositions associated with CSNK2A1P.

Abstract: Novel collectin related molecules i.e., a novel collectin gene comprising a nucleotide sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 1, and a novel collectin comprising an amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2, which are expected to exhibit anti-bacterial, anti-viral activity or the like especially in human body, and methods in which these molecules are used are provided.

Abstract: An antisense molecule capable of binding to a selected target site to induce exon skipping in the dystrophin gene, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 202.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to small interfering RNA molecules (siRNA) targeted against nucleic acid sequence that encodes huntingtin or ataxin-1, and methods of using these siRNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of examining polycystic kidney disease or a complication of polycystic kidney disease using a gene(s) selected from the group consisting of NTNG1, POSTN, TNC, KAL1, BST1, ACAT2, INSIG1, SCD, HSD3B1, KRT7, USP40, SULT1E1, BMP6, CD274, CTGF, E2F7, EDN1, FAM43A, FRMD3, MMP10, MYEOV, NR2F1, NRCAM, PDCK1, PLXNA2, SLC30A3, SNAI1, SPOCD1, MMP1, TFPI2, HMGA2, KRTAP4-7, KRTAP4-8, KRTAP4-9, MYPN, RPPH1, and SIAE, and a method of screening for a therapeutic agent or a preventive agent therefore, and further vascular endothelial cells or vascular mural cells obtained via differentiation induction from iPS cells formed from a somatic cell of a subject suffered from polycystic kidney disease and having cerebral aneurysm as a complication.

Abstract: Inhibition of RIP140 increases glucose transport. Compounds that inhibit RIP140 expression or activity are useful for treating disorders associated with aberrant glucose transport (e.g., diabetes), treating obesity, increasing metabolism (e.g., fatty acid metabolism), and increasing brown fat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting a clinical response of a patient suffering from or at risk of developing cancer, preferably colorectal cancer, towards a given mode of treatment, the method including the steps of: a) obtaining a biological sample from the patient; b) determining the expression level of at least SPON-2, and optionally determining the expression level of SPON-1, in the sample; c) comparing the expression level or expression levels determined in (b) with one or several reference expression levels; and d) predicting therapeutic success for the given mode of treatment in the patient or implementing therapeutic regimen in the patient from the outcome of the comparison in step (c).

Abstract: The present invention relates to antifungal and/or antibacterial peptides, especially antifungal peptides obtained from insect species, particularly lepidopterans. The present invention also provides methods of using these antifungal peptides to treat or prevent fungal growth for a variety of purposes, such as protecting plants from fungal infections; treating fungal infections of animals, especially humans; and prevention of food spoilage.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting target nucleic acid sequences with diagnostic probes including first and second probe regions that are substantially complementary to first and second target regions respectively on a target nucleic acid strand wherein the first probe region is located 5? to the second probe region. The first probe region is substantially complementary to the first target region, on the target nucleic acid strand, which also includes a second target region, wherein when said first target region is contiguous with the second target region on the target nucleic acid strand, then the first and second probe regions on the diagnostic probe are separated by a spacer region of nucleic acid.

Abstract: A family of microRNAs, called the miR-15 family, which includes miR-195, are shown to be up-regulated during pathological cardiac remodeling and repress the expression of mRNAs required for cell proliferation and survival, with consequent loss of cardiomyocytes. Strategies to block expression of the miR-15 family in the heart as a treatment for diverse cardiac disease are provided.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a novel reagent for tumor testing and a novel pharmaceutical composition for tumor prevention. The present invention provides a reagent for tumor detection, which comprises a probe for the FEAT gene or amplification primers for the FEAT gene, or an antibody against the FEAT protein or a fragment of the antibody. Moreover, the present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition for tumor prevention, which is configured to use the FEAT gene or the FEAT protein as a tumor marker to thereby recognize tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with psoriasis and related pathologies. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, including groups of nucleic acid molecules that may be used as a signature marker set, such as a haplotype, a diplotype, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.

Abstract: Compositions for use in diagnostic screens for Mycoplasma haemofelis are provided. In one embodiment an immunogenic peptide selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 60, or a fragment thereof, is immobilized on a solid support and is used to detect the presence of Mycoplasma haemofelis antibodies in a patient bodily fluid. In accordance with one embodiment a method for detecting a Mycoplasma haemofelis infection in a feline species, is provided.

Abstract: Target-specific hybrid capture (TSHC) provides a nucleic acid detection method that is not only rapid and sensitive, but is also highly specific and capable of discriminating highly homologous nucleic acid sequences. The method produces DNA/RNA hybrids which can be detected by a variety of methods.