Enzymatic nucleic acid-mediated treatment of ocular diseases or conditions related to levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R)

Abstract

The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules which modulate the synthesis, expression and/or stability of an mRNA encoding one or more receptors of vascular endothelial growth factor, such as flt-1 and KDR. Nucleic acid molecules and methods for the inhibition of angiogenesis and treatment of cancer and ocular diseases are provided, optionally in conjunction with other therapeutic agents.

1 : A method of locally or intraconjunctivally administering to a cell a nucleic acid molecule that down regulates the expression of a flt-1 gene, wherein said nucleic acid molecule comprises sequence that is complementary to RNA encoded by said flt-1 gene and is 17-30 nucleotides in length, comprising contacting said cell with said nucleic acid molecule under conditions suitable for said administration.  
     
     
         2 : The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cell is a mammalian cell.  
     
     
         3 : The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cell is a human cell.  
     
     
         4 : The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administration is in the presence of a delivery reagent.  
     
     
         5 : The method of  claim 4 , wherein said delivery reagent is a lipid.  
     
     
         6 : The method of  claim 5 , wherein said lipid is a cationic lipid.  
     
     
         7 : The method of  claim 5 , wherein said lipid is a phospholipid.  
     
     
         8 : The method of  claim 4 , wherein said delivery reagent is a liposome.  
     
     
         9 : A method of inhibiting diabetic retinopathy in a patient comprising the step of locally or intraconjunctivally administering a nucleic acid molecule that down regulates the expression of a flt-1 gene to a patient under conditions suitable for said inhibition, wherein said nucleic acid molecule comprises sequence that is complementary to RNA encoded by said flt-1 gene and is 17-30 nucleotides in length.  
     
     
         10 : A method of inhibiting age related macular degeneration in a patient comprising the step of locally or intraconjunctivally administering a nucleic acid molecule that down regulates the expression of a flt-1 gene to a patient under conditions suitable for said inhibition, wherein said nucleic acid molecule comprises sequence that is complementary to RNA encoded by said flt-1 gene and is 17-30 nucleotides in length.  
     
     
         11 : A method of inhibiting neovascular glaucoma in a patient comprising the step of locally or intraconjunctivally administering a nucleic acid molecule that down regulates the expression of a flt-1 gene to a patient under conditions suitable for said inhibition, wherein said nucleic acid molecule comprises sequence that is complementary to RNA encoded by said flt-1 gene and is 17-30 nucleotides in length.  
     
     
         12 : A method of locally or intraconjunctivally administering to a mammal a nucleic acid molecule that down regulates the expression of a flt-1 gene, wherein said nucleic acid molecule comprises sequence that is complementary to RNA encoded by said fit-1 gene and is 17-30 nucleotides in length, comprising contacting the mammal with said nucleic acid molecule under conditions suitable for said administration.  
     
     
         13 : The method of  claim 12 , wherein said mammal is a human.  
     
     
         14 : The method of  claim 12 , wherein said administration is in the presence of a delivery reagent.  
     
     
         15 : The method of  claim 14 , wherein said delivery reagent is a lipid.  
     
     
         16 : The method of  claim 15 , wherein said lipid is a cationic lipid.  
     
     
         17 : The method of  claim 15 , wherein said lipid is a phospholipid.  
     
     
         18 : The method of  claim 14 , wherein said delivery reagent is a liposome.