Abstract: The present invention relates to novel genetic markers associated with endometriosis and risk of developing endometriosis, and methods and materials for determining whether a human subject has endometriosis or is at risk of developing endometriosis and the use of such risk information in selectively administering a treatment that at least partially prevents or compensates for an endometriosis related symptom.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a set of human microRNAs, or a primary transcript for such microRNAs, or a precursor of such microRNAs, or a mimic of such microRNAs or a combination thereof, and their use as medicaments for inducing proliferation of cardiomyocytes for the prevention and treatment of heart diseases associated with a loss of cardiomyocytes. The invention also relates to a method for screening microRNAs and biological and therapeutically active compounds for their ability to increase proliferation of cardiomyocytes.

Abstract: Provided is a novel nucleic acid molecule that is a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule including an expression inhibitory sequence that inhibits expression of a target gene. The single-stranded nucleic acid molecule includes, in sequence from the 5? side to the 3? side: a 5? side region (Xc); an inner region (Z); and a 3? side region (Yc). The inner region (Z) is composed of an inner 5? side region (X) and an inner 3? side region (Y) that are linked to each other. The 5? side region (Xc) is complementary to the inner 5? side region (X). The 3? side region (Yc) is complementary to the inner 3? side region (Y). At least one of the inner region (Z), the 5? side region (Xc), and the 3? side region (Yc) includes the expression inhibitory sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed are standardized reference genes for microRNAs and the use thereof. The reference gene is microRNA let-7d, let-7g, let-7i or a combination thereof. The reference genes have extremely high stability and accuracy compared to the currently most commonly used reference genes in microRNA quantitation.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for reducing ?-1 antitrypsin target RNA and protein levels via use of dsRNAs, e.g., Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) agents.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the in vivo demonstration that RSV can be inhibited through intranasal administration of iRNA agents as well as by parenteral administration of such agents. Further, it is shown that effective viral reduction can be achieved with more than one virus being treated concurrently. Based on these findings, the present invention provides general and specific compositions and methods that are useful in reducing RSV mRNA levels, RSV protein levels and viral titers in a subject, e.g., a mammal, such as a human. These findings can be applied to other respiratory viruses.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to develop and provide a nucleic acid molecule that can specifically and efficiently inhibit the activity of a target RNAi molecule and can be produced safely at a low cost. Provided is a nucleic acid molecule for inhibiting the activity of a target RNAi molecule. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a single-stranded nucleic acid moiety that contains one unmodified DNA region composed of a nucleotide sequence completely or sufficiently complementary to a nucleotide sequence of a functional strand having the activity in the target RNAi molecule and a double-stranded nucleic acid moiety to be linked to at least one of the 5?-end and the 3?-end of the single-stranded nucleic acid moiety.

Abstract: The features of the present invention relate to compounds, compositions and methods useful for modulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), such as by the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds and compositions include iRNA agents that can be unmodified or chemically-modified.

Abstract: The invention pertains to modifications for antisense oligonucleotides, wherein the modifications are used to improve stability and provide protection from nuclease degradation. The modifications could also be incorporated into double-stranded nucleic acids, such as synthetic siRNAs and miRNAs.

Abstract: At least one microRNA selected from among hsa-miR-330, hsa-miR-7 and hsa-miR-137, the mature forms thereof, and the precursors thereof, for depigmenting the skin, and an in vitro method for identifying depigmenting compounds, which includes the steps of: a) placing at least one test compound in contact with a sample of melanocytes; b) measuring the expression or activity of at least one microRNA selected from among miR-330, miR-7 and miR-137, the mature forms thereof, and the precursors thereof, in the melanocytes; c) selecting the compounds for which at least 20% activation of the expression or of the activity of at least one of the microRNAs is measured in the melanocytes treated in a) by an element for comparing with the untreated melanocytes.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for reducing AR target RNA and protein levels via use of dsRNAs, e.g., Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) agents.

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by interacting with 3? untranslated regions (UTRs) of their target mRNAs. The invention relates to the application of miR-192 and miR-215. Both of these miRNAs impact cellular proliferation through the p53-miRNA circuit, and interact with dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and thymidylate synthase (TS). Particularly, upregulation of these miRNAs reduces cellular proliferation. The invention relates to this discovery. For example, inhibiting miR-192 and/or miR-215 sensitizes a neoplasm or a subject with a neoplasm to chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, measuring the levels of miR-192 and/or miR-215 provides one with information regarding whether the neoplasm or subject will respond to chemotherapeutic agents. Accordingly, the invention relates to composition and methods relating to the identification, characterization and modulation of the expression of miR-192 and miR-215.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for reducing expression of a target gene in a cell, involving contacting a cell with an isolated double stranded nucleic acid (dsNA) in an amount effective to reduce expression of a target gene in a cell. The dsNAs of the invention possess a single stranded extension (in most embodiments, the single stranded extension comprises at least one modified nucleotide and/or phosphate back bone modification). Such single stranded extended Dicer-substrate siRNAs (DsiRNAs) were demonstrated to be effective RNA inhibitory agents compared to corresponding double stranded DsiRNAs.

Abstract: The invention relates to sense oligonucleotide having a sequence complementary to a single-stranded RNA (antisense transcript) having a sequence complementary to mRNA of iNOS gene in order to control expression of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase). The sense oligonucleotide of the present invention can control expression of iNOS and is useful for biological defense and treatment and prevention of diseases related to excessive production of NO, such as cancerogenesis, inflammatory disease, endotoxin shock by bacterial infection and the like.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide compounds modulate expression and/or function of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) polynucleotides and encoded products thereof. Methods for treating diseases associated with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) comprise administering one or more Oligonucleotide compounds designed to inhibit the VEGF natural antisense transcript to patients.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of preparing an RNA sample comprising: a) obtaining an RNA sample comprising: i. long RNA molecules that may be unfragmented or fragmented to contain 5?-OH group and a 2?-3?-cyclic phosphate group; and ii. short RNA molecules that comprise a 5? phosphate group and a 3? OH group; and b) contacting the RNA sample with an adaptor comprising either a 2?-PO group and 3?-OH group or a 2?,3?-cyclic phosphate group in the presence of a eukaryotic tRNA ligase, thereby producing a ligated RNA sample in which a) the short RNA molecules are selectively ligated to the adaptor or b) the short RNA molecules and long RNA fragments are selectively ligated to the adaptor.

Abstract: Methods for producing interfering RNA molecules in mammalian cells are provided. Therapeutic uses for the expressed molecules, including inhibiting expression of HIV, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

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: Provided are a double-stranded oligo RNA structure and a method of preparing the same, and more specifically, a double-stranded oligo RNA structure in which a polymer compound is covalently bound to a double-stranded oligo RNA in order to improve stability in vivo and a cell delivery efficiency of the double-stranded oligo RNA, and a method of preparing the same. The double-stranded oligo RNA structure having the optimized structure according to the present invention may not inhibit functions of the double-stranded oligo RNA, but effectively improve stability and cell membrane permeability of the double-stranded oligo RNA, such that the double-stranded oligo RNA may be delivered into the cell even at a low concentration dosage thereof to be significantly used as a tool for treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, and the like, as well as a new delivery system of the double-stranded oligo RNA.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to the use conditional hairpins, such as, but not limited to shRNAs. The conditional formation of these structures can allow for further events, such as gene silencing (in some embodiments).

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 present invention relates to the field of fibrosis and inflammation and more particularly to the use of ADAM12 (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 12) inhibitors to prevent or treat inflammation-induced fibrosis. The present invention also relates to the use of ADAM12 as a marker for inflammation-induced fibrosis and to the ablation of ADAM12 expressing cells as therapeutic approach to interfere with the development of pro-fibrotic cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an agent that inhibits the activity of an enzyme that mediates repair of a DNA strand break in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of diseases caused by a defect in a gene that mediates homologous recombination.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of a human NLK gene and associated drugs thereof. The present invention discloses the use of the NLK gene for tumor treatment, tumor diagnosis and drug preparation. The present invention further constructs an isolated molecule that attenuates expression of the NLK gene of tumor cells, cells comprising the isolated molecule and a NLK interference lentivirus, and discloses the use thereof as well. The isolated molecule or the NLK interference lentivirus that attenuates expression of the NLK gene provided in the present invention can specifically attenuate expression of the human NLK gene, especially the lentivirus, can effectively infect target cells, efficiently inhibit the expression of the NLK gene in target cells, and inhibit the growth of tumor cells, thus has great significance in tumor treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising a DNA-nanostructure and at least one targeting moiety, wherein the at least one targeting moiety is linked to the DNA-nanostructure; and wherein the at least one targeting moiety is selected from the group consisting of antigens, aptamers, shRNAs and combinations thereof, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated polynucleotides expressing or modulating microRNAs or targets. Further disclosed are transgenic plants comprising an isolated polynucleotide expressing or modulating microRNAs or target for improving nitrogen use efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, biomass, vigor or yield of a plant. The sequences of microRNAs and targets to be modulated are also disclosed.

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 is directed to purified and isolated novel TSLP polypeptides, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptides, and the uses of the above.

Abstract: the Present Invention Provides Vectors, Including a Novel Attenuated Strain of Salmonella, for Efficient Gene Transfer into an Animal, e.g. a Mammalian Host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of functional analysis of Jatropha genes on a genomic scale. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for high-throughtput functional analysis of Jatropha curcas genes on a genomic scale using virus-induced gene silencing. The method involves use of the tobacco rattle virus (TRV).

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of a Down Syndrome Gene, in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of a Down Syndrome Gene. The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of Down Syndrome Genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to gene expression and, in particular, to a method of inhibiting the expression of a target gene and to constructs suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1 (NRF1), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1 (NRF1). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of NRF1.

Abstract: Methods for slowing disease progression in an individual suffering from familial ALS are provided. Also provided are methods of increasing the survival time of an individual suffering from familial ALS. These methods employ antisense oligonucleotides targeted to SOD1, for use in inhibiting the expression of SOD1 in the central nervous system of an individual suffering from familial ALS.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic agent for a tumor, particularly a therapeutic agent for drug-resistant cancer, an agent for suppression or prophylaxis of tumor metastasis, and an agent for suppression or prophylaxis of cancer recurrence, containing a nucleic acid containing miR27b or a nucleotide having a nucleotide sequence having an identity of 70% or more with the nucleotide sequence shown by SEQ ID NO: 1 and having a function equivalent to miR27b.

Abstract: Parkinson's disease is caused by the preferential loss of substantia nigra dopamine neurons. A Parkin Interacting Substrate, PARIS (ZNF746) is identified. The levels of PARIS are regulated by the ubiquitin proteasome system via binding to and ubiquitination by the E3 ubiquitin ligase, parkin. PARIS is a KRAB and zinc finger protein that accumulates in models of parkin inactivation and in human brain Parkinson's disease patients. PARIS represses the expression of the transcriptional co-activator, PGC-1? and the PGC-1? target gene, NRF-1 by binding to insulin response sequences in the PGC-1? promoter. Conditional knockout of parkin in adult animals leads to progressive loss of dopamine (DA) neurons that is PARIS dependent. Overexpression of PARIS causes selective loss of DA neurons in the substantia nigra, which is reversed by either parkin or PGC-1? co-expression. The identification of PARIS provides a molecular mechanism for neurodegeneration due to parkin inactivation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified cells that are capable of optimal transgene expression by co-expressing a silencing suppressor whilst at the same time are also capable of silencing a gene, such as a naturally occurring gene of the cell. The present invention also relates to methods of producing the modified cells, as well as relates to processes for obtaining a genetically modified cell with a desired property.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to transgenic plants, including transgenic tobacco plants and derivative seeds, genetically modified to impede the transport of Cadmium (Cd) from the root system to aerial portions of transgenic plants by reducing the expression levels of HMA-related transporters. Various embodiments are directed to transgenic tobacco plants genetically modified to stably express a RNAi construct encoding RNAi polynucleotides that enable the degradation of endogenous NtHMA RNA variants. Reduced expression of NtHMA transporters in transgenic plants results in substantially reduced content of Cadmium (Cd) in the leaf lamina. Various consumable products that are substantially free or substantially reduced in Cd content can be produced by incorporating leaves derived from transgenic tobacco plants modified to reduce the expression of NtHMA transporters.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to the novel finding that pattern recognition receptor activation is central to pancreatic cancer progression, and provides antagonists of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including the TLRs 4, 7, and 9, and the CLR dectin-1, for treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer and pancreatic inflammation. The inventors have discovered that cancer development and progression can be prevented by pattern recognition receptor inhibition, a powerful finding with important clinical and therapeutic implications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antisense compounds, compositions and methods for modulating an RNA target by targeting a repetitive sequence in the RNA target and modulating an associated disease, disorder and/or condition related to such RNA target. Also disclosed herein are methods of identifying such compounds and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel antitumor agent that acts through a novel mechanism. The novel antitumor agent contains as an active ingredient a substance capable of inhibiting a cell cycle-dependent Rho GTPase activating protein (RhoGAP). The RhoGAP is cell cycle-dependent and plays an important role in a process through which cancer cells acquire invasive capacity and/or metastatic capacity. The invasion and/or metastasis of cancer cells can be controlled by targeting the RhoGAP. Examples of the substance capable of inhibiting a cell cycle-dependent RhoGAP include an antisense oligonucleotide against a gene encoding the RhoGAP and an oligonucleotide that induces RNA interference of the gene. As the oligonucleotide, one containing an artificial nucleic acid such as BNA is preferred because of its excellent stability. The present invention also provides a screening method including selecting an antitumor agent capable of suppressing cancer cell invasion and/or metastasis through a novel mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to oligonucleotides for inducing skipping of exon 55 of the dystrophin gene. The invention also relates to methods of inducing exon 55 skipping using the oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel customized sRNA that reduces gene expression in prokaryotic cells, a preparation method thereof, and the use thereof, and more particularly to a synthetic sRNA comprising an Hfq binding site, derived from the sRNA of any one of MicC, SgrS and MicF, and a region that base-pairs with the target gene mRNA, and to a preparation method thereof and the use thereof. The synthetic sRNA according to the invention has an advantage in that the degree of inhibition of the target gene can be controlled by regulating the ability of the synthetic sRNA to bind to the mRNA of the target gene. The use of the synthetic sRNA that regulates the expression of the target gene makes it possible to effectively construct a recombinant microorganism without using a conventional gene deletion method and to reduce the expression of the target gene, and thus the synthetic sRNA is useful for the production of recombinant microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology. The present invention provides agonists and antagonists of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 13. In particular, the present invention provides TLR13 activating and inhibiting nucleic acids, and provides such nucleic acids for use as pharmaceutical agents. The present invention further provides in vitro methods using such nucleic acids.

Abstract: Universal nucleic acid binding molecules (e.g., antisense oligonucleotides or RNAi molecules) having an inhibitory or activating nucleic acid sequence which binds a receiving nucleic acid sequence (e.g., RNA or DNA) are provided. In some embodiments, the universal nucleic acid binding molecules bind the receiving nucleic acid sequence (e.g., RNA or DNA) via at least one non-Watson Crick or non-canonical paired base.

Abstract: Methods for treating a subject determined to have a cancer comprising a heterozygous inactivation of a housekeeping gene (or a homozygous deletion of a functionally redundant housekeeping gene) by treating the subject with an inhibitor of the gene. For example, a subject having a cancer with an ENO gene deletion can be treated with a glycolysis inhibitor, such as an enolase inhibitor. In some aspects, a subject having a cancer with an ARS gene deletion can be treated with an ARS inhibitor.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that miR-221 and miR-222 down-regulate PTEN and TIMP3 tumor suppressors, resulting in TRAIL resistance. The present invention provides research, diagnostic, and therapeutic tools and methods related to this discovery. Diagnostics, prognostics and treatments for human hepatocellular cancer and non-small cell lung carcinoma having a TRAIL resistance are particularly described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inducing insulin production in a cell by up-regulating a target gene involved in insulin production in said cell using an saRNA (short activating ribonucleic acid) which specifically down-regulates a target antisense RNA transcript present in said cell, wherein (i) said target RNA transcript is complementary to a sequence located on the coding strand of the target gene between 1000 nucleotides upstream and 1000 nucleotides downstream of the transcription start site of the target gene; and (ii) said sRNA is a single or double stranded RNA molecule up to 30 nucleotides in length comprising a sequence of at least 13 nucleotides which has at least 95% complementarity to a region of the target transcript. Also provided are certain saRNA molecules and uses thereof, particular medical uses, and induced cells and uses thereof.