Recent advancements in LNA oligonucleotides include the use of amine linkers to link an LNA antisense oligonucleotide to a conjugate group. For example please see WO2014/I18267. The present invention originates from the identification of a problem when de-protecting LNA oligonucleotides which comprise an aliphatic amine group and DMF protected LNA G nucleoside, which results in the production of a +28 Da impurity. This problem is solved by using acyl protection groups on the exocyclic nitrogen of the LNA-G residue, rather than the standard DMF protection group.

Disclosed herein are STMN2 oligonucleotides with one or more spacers. In various embodiments, STMN2 oligonucleotides with spacer(s) reduce STMN2 transcripts with cryptic exon and increase full length STMN2 transcripts, thereby imparting therapeutic efficacy against neurological diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), or Alzheimer's disease (AD).

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of loading exosomes with oligonucleotide cargo, by incubating an oligonucleotide comprising one or more hydrophobic modifications with a population of exosomes for a period of time sufficient to allow loading of the exosomes with the oligonucleotide. Exosomes loaded with hydrophobically modified oligonucleotide cargo, and uses thereof, are also provided.

In certain aspects, the present invention provides methods for inducing a stable gene modification of a target nucleic acid via homologous recombination in a primary cell, such as a primary blood cell and/or a primary mesenchymal cell. In certain other aspects, the present invention provides methods for enriching a population of genetically modified primary cells having targeted integration at a target nucleic acid. The methods of the present invention rely on the introduction of a DNA nuclease such as a Cas polypeptide and a homologous donor adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector into the primary cell to mediate targeted integration of the target nucleic acid. Also provided herein are methods for preventing or treating a disease in a subject in need thereof by administering to the subject any of the genetically modified primary cells or pharmaceutical compositions described herein to prevent the disease or ameliorate one or more symptoms of the disease.

In certain aspects, the present invention provides methods for inducing a stable gene modification of a target nucleic acid via homologous recombination in a primary cell, such as a primary blood cell and/or a primary mesenchymal cell. In certain other aspects, the present invention provides methods for enriching a population of genetically modified primary cells having targeted integration at a target nucleic acid. The methods of the present invention rely on the introduction of a DNA nuclease such as a Cas polypeptide and a homologous donor adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector into the primary cell to mediate targeted integration of the target nucleic acid. Also provided herein are methods for preventing or treating a disease in a subject in need thereof by administering to the subject any of the genetically modified primary cells or pharmaceutical compositions described herein to prevent the disease or ameliorate one or more symptoms of the disease.

Immunomodulating polynucleotides are disclosed. The immunomodulating polynucleotides may contain 5-modified uridine, 5-modified cytidine, a total of from 6 to 16 nucleotides, and/or one or more abasic spacers and/or internucleoside phosphotriesters. Also disclosed are conjugates containing a targeting moiety and one or more immunomodulating polynucleotides. The immunomodulating polynucleotides and conjugates may further contain one or more auxiliary moieties. Also disclosed are compositions containing the immunomodulating polynucleotides or the conjugates containing one or more stereochemically enriched internucleoside phosphorothioates. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the immunomodulating polynucleotides or the conjugates and methods of their use.

The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of GDNF.

The invention generally relates to isolated nucleic acid ligands that are neutral under physiological conditions.

Immunomodulating polynucleotides are disclosed. The immunomodulating polynucleotides may contain 5-modified uridine, 5-modified cytidine, a total of from 6 to 16 nucleotides, and/or one or more abasic spacers and/or internucleoside phosphotriesters. Also disclosed are conjugates containing a targeting moiety and one or more immunomodulating polynucleotides. The immunomodulating polynucleotides and conjugates may further contain one or more auxiliary moieties. Also disclosed are compositions containing the immunomodulating polynucleotides or the conjugates containing one or more stereochemically enriched internucleoside phosphorothioates. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the immunomodulating polynucleotides or the conjugates and methods of their use.

Described herein are methods and compositions related to the modulation of progranulin expression or activity in the brain for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.