Title: SiRNA-Encoding Constructs and Methods for Using the Same.
Number: 20050060771.
Filed: Aug. 27, 2004.
Inventor: Andrew Alan Farmer, BD Biosciences.
According to its abstract, the patent application covers "siRNA encoding constructs and methods for using" them.
"The subject constructs are characterized by including a siRNA coding domain flanked by opposing promoters," the abstract states. "In using the subject constructs, sense and antisense strands of the desired siRNA product encoded by the coding domain are transcribed under the direction of the two opposing promoters flanking the coding domain. The transcribed sense and antisense strands are then annealed to each other to produce the desired siRNA double-stranded molecule."
The abstract adds that "the subject constructs and methods find use in a variety of applications, including applications where the specific reduction or silencing of a gene is desired. Also provided are systems and kits for use in practicing the subject invention."
Title: Double-Stranded Nucleic Acid.
Number: 20050059044.
Filed: June 3, 2004.
Lead Inventor: Michael Graham, Benitec.
"The invention is directed towards constructs for RNAi techniques," the patent application's abstract states. "The invention provides a ribonucleic acid for use as interfering RNA in gene silencing techniques to silence a target gene comprising in a 5' to 3' direction at least a first effector sequence; a second effector sequence; a sequence substantially complementary to the second effector sequence and a sequence substantially complementary to the first effector sequence, wherein the complementary sequences are capable of forming double stranded regions with their respective effector sequences and wherein at least one of these sequences is substantially identical to the predicted transcript of a region of the target gene; and a nucleic acid construct encoding such an RNA."
Title: RNAi-Based Sensors, Caged Interfering RNAs, and Methods of Use Thereof.
Number: 20050059028.
Filed: Nov. 17, 2003.
Lead Inventor: Quan Nguyen, Genospectra.
The patent application covers "methods of using labeled interfering RNAs to detect and/or quantitate target mRNAs in cells," its abstract states. "Related compositions, systems, and kits are also provided. Caged interfering RNAs (e.g., photoactivatable interfering RNAs), methods of using such caged RNAs, and related systems and kits are also provided."
The abstract adds that "methods and compositions for introducing interfering RNAs into cells, using RNAs covalently associated with protein transduction domains and/or lipids, are provided" by the application, as are "methods and compositions for selectively attenuating expression of a target mRNA by controlling expression of an interfering RNA."
Title: Methods and Compositions for Isolating Small RNA Molecules.
Number: 20050059024.
Filed: Sept. 19, 2003.
Inventor: Richard Conrad, Ambion.
"The … invention concerns the use of methods and compositions for the isolation of small RNA molecules (100 nucleotides or fewer), such as microRNA and siRNA molecules," the patent application's abstract states. "Such molecules are routinely lost in commonly used isolation procedures and therefore the present invention allows for a much higher level of enrichment or isolation of these small RNA molecules."
Title: Gene-Related RNAi Transfection Method.
Number: 20050059019.
Filed: Sept. 11, 2003.
Lead Inventor: Sven Bulow.
"The … invention relates to a novel method for determining the biological effect of a siRNA species in a cell," the patent application's abstract states. "In particular, the present invention provides a method, wherein a support is provided, containing on predetermined locations thereof nucleic acids, representing or giving rise to a siRNA species. The support is covered by cells, into which the siRNA are taken up and exert their effect. Then the biological effect of the siRNA in the cell may be determined."
Title: Modified Small-Interfering RNA Molecules and Methods of Use.
Number: 20050058982.
Filed: July 25, 2003.
Lead Inventor: Jang Han, Chiron.
According to the patent application's abstract, "the invention provides double-stranded RNA molecules that mediate RNA interference in target cells, preferably hepatic cells. The invention also provides double-stranded RNA molecules that are modified to be resistant to nuclease degradation, which inactivates a virus, and more specifically, hepatitis C virus."
The invention, the abstract notes, "also provides a method of using these modified RNA molecules to inactivate virus in mammalian cells and a method of making modified small interfering RNAs using human Dicer."
Title: MicroRNA Molecules.
Number: 20050059005.
Filed: Sept. 15, 2004. PCT Filed: Sept. 27, 2002.
Lead Inventor: Thomas Tuschl, Max Plank Institute (Rockefeller University, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals).
"In Caenorhabditis elegans, lin-4 and let-7 encode 22- and 21-nucleotide RNAs, respectively, that function as key regulators of developmental timing," the patent application's abstract states. "Because the appearance of these short RNAs is regulated during development, they are also referred to as small-temporal RNAs. We show that many more 21- and 22-nt expressed RNAs, termed microRNAs, exist in invertebrates and vertebrates, and that some of these novel RNAs, similar to let-7 stRNA, are also highly conserved. This suggests that sequence-specific post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms mediated by small RNAs are more general than previously appreciated."