University of Illinois

Shahid Siddiqui

Asrar B Malik

Jose S Pulido

Beatrice Yue

Dolly Mehta

Nalin M Kumar

Oscar Colamonici

The present application is directed to siRNA-based silencing of the type II receptor of TGF&#x3b2;. siRNAs that target this receptor abrogate the receptor protein and transcript, TGF&#x3b2;-mediated processes such as fibronectin assembly and cell migration also are inhibited and the molecules of the invention are efficacious in reducing the inflammatory response and matrix deposition. These findings show that siRNAs can be successfully delivered both in vitro and in vivo to regulate the TGF&#x3b2; type II receptor level and modulate wound response. Methods and compositions exploiting the findings of the present invention have a wide-ranging application, extending from treatment of disorders of the eye to other organs and tissues throughout the body.

Silencing of TGF&#x3b2; type II receptor expression by siRNA

In various aspects and embodiments the invention provides methods and reagents for controlling gene expression, and for treating disorders and diseases. Embodiments provide methods and reagents specifically for the regulation of MLCK expression and for the use thereof in treating disorders and diseases. Various embodiments provide methods and reagents for specifically down regulating the expression of MLCK-L more efficiently than that of MLCK-S, and for the use thereof in treating disorders and diseases. Embodiments provide siNA for the same, particularly siRNAs. Various of the embodiments are useful for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and diseases, including, for one example in this regard, Asthma.

Modulation of MLCK-L expression and uses thereof

The present invention provides &#x3b2;-subunit-Associated Regulator of Apoptosis, or BARA, polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, non-human transgenic animals, devices and methods for producing BARA polypeptides. The invention further provides compositions comprising BARA nucleic acids, polypeptides, and fusions or derivatives thereof. The invention further provides methods for treating, preventing, or ameliorating a medical disease, condition, or disorder comprising administering BARA or BARA compositions, as well as methods of diagnosing a pathological condition related to BARA. Still further, the invention provides methods of modulating levels of BARA expression and methods of determining whether a compound stimulates or inhibits BARA polypeptide activity or BARA polypeptide production.

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Wilmette, IL, United States of America

Shahid Siddiqui