Methods and compositions involving mirna and mirna inhibitor molecules

Abstract

The present invention concerns methods and compositions for introducing miRNA activity or function into cells using synthetic nucleic acid molecules. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for identifying miRNAs with specific cellular functions that are relevant to therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic applications wherein synthetic miRNAs and/or miRNA inhibitors are used in library screening assays.

1 . A method of treating cancer in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically-effective amount of a composition comprising a synthetic miRNA comprising: an active strand consisting of 7 to 30 nucleosides and 100% identical to nucleobases 23-28 of SEQ ID NO: 58. 
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A composition, comprising: a synthetic miRNA comprising:
 (a) an active strand consisting of 7 to 30 nucleosides and 100% identical to nucleobases 23-28 of SEQ ID NO: 58; and   (b) complementary strand at least 60% complementary to the miRNA region.   
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein the complementary strand comprises a 5′ terminus cap. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein the complementary strand is at least 90% complementary to the miRNA region. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein the complementary strand is 100% complementary to the miRNA region. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein the complementary strand further comprises a sugar modification in the first or last 1-6 residues. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the sugar modification is a 2′-O-methyl modification. 
     
     
         12 . A composition, comprising: a synthetic miRNA, comprising:
 (a) an active strand consisting of 19-23 nucleosides and at least 90% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58; and   (b) a complementary strand consisting of 19-23 nucleosides and complementary to the active strand.   
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the active strand comprises a sequence 100% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 12 , further comprising a lipid. 
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the complementary strand comprises a 5′ terminus cap. 
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the complementary strand is at least 90% complementary to the miRNA region. 
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the complementary strand is 100% complementary to the miRNA region. 
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the complementary strand further comprises a sugar modification in the first or last 1-6 residues. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the sugar modification is a 2′-O-methyl modification. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the synthetic miRNA further comprises a complementary strand at least 60% complementary to the miRNA region.