The University of Texas System

Geron Corporation

Other

University of California

Geron Corporation & Board of Regents

Woodring E Wright

Jerry W Shay

Michael D West

Calvin B Harley

Elizabeth H Blackburn

Scott L Weinrich

Michael J McEachern

David R Corey

Nam Woo Kim

Mieczyslaw A Piatyszek

Homayoun Vaziri

Catherine M Strahl

James C Norton

Sergei M Gryaznov

Nam Hoon Kim

James C Norton, Jr

Compounds of the form O-(x-L)n, where O is an oligonucleoside having at least a plurality of N3'&#x2192;P5&#x2032; thiophosphoramidate (NPS) internucleoside linkages, a conjugated lipid moiety L, and at least one G-rich sequence motif as described, are effective to morphologically alter and reduce adhesion of cancer cells.

Compounds having anti-adhesive effects on cancer cells

Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to increase or decrease telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity and means are shown for slowing or reversing the loss of telomeric repeats in aging cells.

Diagnostic methods for conditions associated with elevated cellular levels of telomerase activity

Methods and kits are provided for diagnosis of specific cancerous conditions. The invention features a method for diagnosis of a condition in a patient associated with an elevated level of telomerase activity within a cell. The method involves determining the presence or amount of telomerase within the cells in the patient, e.g. by the use of the polymerase chain reaction. In one embodiment of the invention, the condition associated with elevated telomerase activity is chosen from prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, renal cancer, ovarian/cervical cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. The invention allows cancer to be detected even in tissues and cells which are not positive by pathology.

Detecting cancerous conditions by assaying for telomerase activity

Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to inhibit telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity and means are shown for slowing the loss of telomeric repeats in aging cells.

Screening methods to identify inhibitors of telomerase activity

The invention relates to peptide nucleic acids that inhibit telomerase activity in mammalian cells.

Inhibition of mammalian telomerase by peptide nucleic acids

A method of extracting telomerase from a cell sample having telomerase is provided which includes the step of contacting a cell sample with a buffer having (i) a non-ionic detergent at a concentration of not more than 5% (v/v) and (ii) an ionic detergent at a concentration of not more than 1 mM, to form a cell lysate. The method provides efficient extraction of telomerase that can be assayed for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.

Telomerase extraction method

Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to inhibit telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity.

Use of oligonucleotide telomerase inhibitors to reduce telomere length

Modulation of mammalian telomerase by peptide nucleic acids

The invention relates to peptide nucleic acids that modulate telomerase activity in mammalian cells.

Methods of screening for compounds that derepress or increase telomerase

Methods for diagnosis of conditions associated with elevated levels of

Method for screening for agents which increase telomerase activity in a

Therapy and diagnosis of conditions related to telomere length and/or

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Arlington, TX, United States of America

Woodring E Wright