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.

Aspects of the disclosure provide compounds, compositions, and methods for modulating the expression or activity of plasma prekallikrein (PKK). In some aspects, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the disclosure can be used to reduce the expression of PKK mRNA in a cell or animal. In some aspects, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the disclosure can be used to reduce the expression of PKK protein in a cell or animal.

The present disclosure relates to methods of administering, subcutaneously, to a subject, multimeric oligonucleotides having monomeric subunits joined by covalent linkers. The multimeric oligonucleotides have a molecular weight and/or size configured to increase in vivo activity of one or more subunits within the multimeric oligonucleotide relative to in vivo activity of the same subunit when administered in monomeric form of at least about 45 kD and other characteristics, such that their clearance due to glomerular filtration is reduced. The present disclosure also relates to such multimeric oligonucleotides and methods of synthesizing such multimeric oligonucleotides.

Described herein are aptamers capable of binding to human complement component 3 (C3) protein; compositions comprising a C3 binding aptamer with a C3-Protein; and methods of making and using the same.

The application discloses methods and compositions for the inhibition of the alternative complement pathway. The methods and compositions involve the use of aptamers for inhibiting complement Factor D. The application further provides anti-Factor D aptamers for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy, wet age-related macular degeneration or Stargardt disease. In some cases, stem-loop aptamers are provided for the inhibition of Factor D.

The present invention is directed to an aptamer composition comprising at least one oligonucleotide consisting of: deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, derivatives of deoxyribonucleotides, derivatives of ribonucleotides, and mixtures thereof; wherein said aptamer composition has a binding affinity for one or more bacterial species from the genera Prevotella and Porphyromonas.

The present invention provides an aptamer that binds to chymase, and contains a common sequence represented by UAACR.sub.1N.sub.1R.sub.2GGGG wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each any one base, and N.sub.1 shows 3 to 30 bases (uracil is optionally thymine).

Disclosed herein are polynucleic acid molecules, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for treating muscle atrophy or myotonic dystrophy.

The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) compositions targeting the GPAM gene, as well as methods of inhibiting expression of GPAM, and methods of treating subjects that would benefit from reduction in expression of GPAM, such as subjects having a GPAM-associated disease, disorder, or condition, using such dsRNA compositions.

The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) compositions targeting the GPAM gene, as well as methods of inhibiting expression of GPAM, and methods of treating subjects that would benefit from reduction in expression of GPAM, such as subjects having a GPAM-associated disease, disorder, or condition, using such dsRNA compositions.