Ghrelin binding nucleic acids

Abstract

The present invention is related to a nucleic acid, preferably binding to ghrelin, whereby the nucleic acid comprises a first stretch Box A, and a second stretch Box B, whereby the first stretch Box A comprises about 25 consecutive nucleotides, the second stretch Box B comprises about six to eight consecutive nucleotides, whereby a 3′-terminal stretch of nucleotides of the first stretch Box A hybridises with the second stretch Box B, whereby upon hybridisation a first double-stranded structure is formed, whereby such first double-stranded structure comprises a bulge.

1 .- 63 . (canceled) 
     
     
         64 . An L-nucleic acid comprising the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:30 & 74, or a homolog thereof with at least about 85% homology, wherein said sequences are linked by a polyethylene glycol (PEG) group, and said L-nucleic acid binds a ghrelin. 
     
     
         65 . A kit for the detection of ghrelin, comprising the L-nucleic acid of  claim 64 . 
     
     
         66 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 64 , further comprising hydroxyethyl starch (HES), PEG or both. 
     
     
         67 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 66 , wherein said PEG is straight or branched. 
     
     
         68 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 66 , wherein the molecular weight of said PEG is from about 20 to 120 kD. 
     
     
         69 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 66 , wherein the molecular weight of said PEG is from about 30 to 80 kD. 
     
     
         70 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 66 , wherein the molecular weight of said PEG is about 40 kD. 
     
     
         71 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 66 , wherein the molecular weight of said HES is from about 10 to 130 kD. 
     
     
         72 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 66 , wherein the molecular weight of said HES is from about 30 to 80 kD. 
     
     
         73 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 66 , wherein the molecular weight of said HES is about 50 kD. 
     
     
         74 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 64 , wherein said ghrelin comprises a human ghrelin. 
     
     
         75 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 64 , wherein said ghrelin comprises an octanoyl ghrelin. 
     
     
         76 . A composition comprising the L-nucleic acid of  claim 64 . 
     
     
         77 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 64 , wherein said PEG group comprises a molecular weight of from about 172 to 688 daltons. 
     
     
         78 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 64 , wherein said PEG group comprises a molecular weight of about 344 daltons. 
     
     
         79 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 64 , wherein said ghrelin comprises SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
         80 . The L-nucleic acid of  claim 64 , further comprising a label.