Provided herein are methods for inducing CRISPR/Cas-based gene regulation (e.g., genome editing or gene expression) of a target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA or target RNA) in a cell. The methods include using modified single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) that enhance gene regulation of the target nucleic acid in a primary cell for use in ex vivo therapy or in a cell in a subject for use in in vivo therapy. Additionally, provided herein are methods for preventing or treating a genetic disease in a subject by administering a sufficient amount of a modified sgRNA to correct a mutation in a target gene associated with the genetic disease.

RNA from a biological fluid is stabilized during isolation and/or storage using DNA. In especially preferred aspects, the RNA is cfRNA and/or ctRNA, and the biological fluid is blood.

This disclosure relates to novel huntingtin targets. Novel oligonucleotides for the treatment of Huntington's disease are also provided.

Chemically modified crRNAs and tracrRNAs are provided. crRNAs and tracrRNAs with 5′ and/or 3′ conjugated moieties are provided. crRNAs and tracrRNAs with modifications in the repeat region of the crRNA or the anti-repeat region of the tracrRNA are provided. Methods of using the crRNAs and tracrRNAs for genome editing with a CRISPR nuclease and kits for performing the same are also provided.

This disclosure relates to the synthesis of novel modified oligonucleotides. The synthesis of novel phosphoramidites are also provided.

One aspect of the present invention relates to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) agent capable of inhibiting the expression of a target gene. The sense strand of the dsRNA agent comprises at least one thermally destabilizing nucleotide, and at least one said thermally destabilizing nucleotide occurring at a site opposite to the seed region (positions 2-8) of the antisense strand; and the antisense strand of the dsRNA agent comprises. at least two modified nucleotides that provide the nucleotide a steric bulk that is less than or equal to the steric bulk of a 2′-OMe modification, wherein said modified nucleotides are separated by 11 nucleotides in length. Other aspects of the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these dsRNA agents suitable for therapeutic use, and methods of inhibiting the expression of a target gene by administering these dsRNA agents, e.g., for the treatment of various disease conditions.

The invention relates to polynucleotide agents, e.g., antisense polynucleotide agents, targeting the ALAS1 gene, and methods of using such agents to alter (e.g., inhibit) expression of ALAS1 and to treat ALAS1 associated diseases, e.g., porphyria.

RNA from a biological fluid is stabilized during isolation and/or storage using DNA. In especially preferred aspects, the RNA is cfRNA and/or ctRNA, and the biological fluid is blood.

Oligonucleotides, chemically-modified oligonucleotides, and oligonucleotide-conjugate complexes for use in research, diagnostics, and/or therapeutics are described herein. In some embodiments, oligonucleotides comprising a stabilized phosphate moiety covalently attached to the 5′-terminal nucleoside are provided.

The invention relates to iRNA, e.g., double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA), compositions targeting the complement factor B (CFB) gene, the complement component C3 gene, and the complement component C9 gene and methods of using such iRNA, e.g., dsRNA, compositions to inhibit expression of CFB, C9 and/or C3 and to treat subjects having a complement component-associated disease, e.g., paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.