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 .- 101 . (canceled) 
     
     
         102 . A method of treating liver cancer in an individual in need thereof, comprising intravenously administering to the individual a therapeutically-effective amount of a composition comprising an isolated synthetic miRNA comprising:
 (a) an active strand consisting of 19 to 30 nucleosides and having a sequence 100% identical to nucleobases 23-28 of SEQ ID NO: 58; and   (b) a complementary strand at least 60% complementary to the active strand;   and wherein the oligomeric compound is formulated in a liposome.   
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma. 
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the individual is a human. 
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 102 , comprising administering at least one additional therapy. 
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein the at least one additional therapy comprises a chemotherapeutic agent. 
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 106 , wherein the chemotherapeutic agent is selected from 5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine, doxorubicin, mitomycin c, etoposide, carboplatin, epirubicin, irinotecan and oxaliplatin. 
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the complementary oligonucleotide comprises a 5′ terminus cap. 
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the complementary oligonucleotide is at least 90% complementary to the oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the complementary oligonucleotide is 100% complementary to the oligonucleotide.