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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
SELECTIVE ANTISENSE COMPOUNDS AND USES THEREOF
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2013/022984
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Disclosed are oligomeric compounds which are useful for hybridizing to a complementary nucleic acid, including but not limited, to nucleic acids in a cell. The hybridization results in modulation of the amount activity or expression of the target nucleic acid in a cell.

Inventors:
SETH PUNIT P (US)
OESTERGAARD MICHAEL (US)
SWAYZE ERIC E (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2012/050015
Publication Date:
February 14, 2013
Filing Date:
August 08, 2012
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ISIS PHARMACEUTICALS INC (US)
SETH PUNIT P (US)
OESTERGAARD MICHAEL (US)
SWAYZE ERIC E (US)
International Classes:
C07H21/00; A61K31/7088; C12N15/113
Domestic Patent References:
WO2010048585A22010-04-29
WO2009135322A12009-11-12
WO2008101157A12008-08-21
WO2007134181A22007-11-22
WO2009061851A22009-05-14
WO2009135322A12009-11-12
Foreign References:
US20100069472A12010-03-18
US20050130923A12005-06-16
US3687808A1972-08-29
US4845205A1989-07-04
US5130302A1992-07-14
US5134066A1992-07-28
US5175273A1992-12-29
US5367066A1994-11-22
US5432272A1995-07-11
US5457187A1995-10-10
US5459255A1995-10-17
US5484908A1996-01-16
US5502177A1996-03-26
US5525711A1996-06-11
US5552540A1996-09-03
US5587469A1996-12-24
US5594121A1997-01-14
US5596091A1997-01-21
US5614617A1997-03-25
US5645985A1997-07-08
US5681941A1997-10-28
US5750692A1998-05-12
US5763588A1998-06-09
US5830653A1998-11-03
US6005096A1999-12-21
Other References:
"Carbohydrate Modifications in Antisense Research", 1994, AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
"Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences", 2005, MACK PUBLISHING CO.
"Antisense Drug Technology, Principles, Strategies, and Applications", CRC PRESS
SAMBROOK ET AL.: "Molecular Cloning, A laboratory Manual", 1989, COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY PRESS
LEUMANN, J. C, BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY, vol. 10, 2002, pages 841 - 854
SRIVASTAVA ET AL., J. AM. CHEM. SOC., vol. 129, no. 26, 2007, pages 8362 - 8379
"The Concise Encyclopedia Of Polymer Science And Engineering", 1990, JOHN WILEY & SONS, pages: 858 - 859
ENGLISCH ET AL., ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, INTERNATIONAL EDITION, vol. 30, 1991, pages 613
"Antisense Research and Applications", 1993, CRC PRESS, pages: 273 - 288
See also references of EP 2742056A4
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
GEORGE, Nikolaos C. et al. (222 East 41 St StreetNew York, New York, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
We claim:

1. A oligomeric compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 10 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide has a modification motif comprising:

a 5 '-region consisting of 2-8 linked 5 '-region nucleosides, each independently selected from among a modified nucleoside and an unmodified deoxynucleoside, provided that at least one 5 '- region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside and wherein the 3 '-most 5 '-region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside;

a 3 '-region consisting of 2-8 linked 3 '-region nucleosides, each independently selected from among a modified nucleoside and an unmodified deoxynucleoside, provided that at least one 3 '- region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside and wherein the 5 '-most 3 '-region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside; and

a central region between the 5 '-region and the 3 '-region consisting of 6-12 linked central region nucleosides, each independently selected from among: a modified nucleoside and an unmodified deoxynucleoside, wherein the 5 '-most central region nucleoside is an unmodified

deoxynucleoside and the 3 '-most central region nucleoside is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; wherein the modified oligonucleotide has a nucleobase sequence complementary to the nucleobase sequence of a target region of a target nucleic acid.

2. The oligomeric compound of claim 1, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid differs from the nucleobase sequence of at least one non-target nucleic acid by 1-3 differentiating nucleobases.

3. The oligomeric compound of claim 1, the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid differs from the nucleobase sequence of at least one non-target nucleic acid by a single differentiating nucleobase.

4. The oligomeric compound of claim 2 or 3, wherein the target nucleic acid and the non-target nucleic acid are alleles of the same gene.

5. The oligomeric compound of claim 4, wherein the single differentiating nucleobase is a single- nucleotide polymorphism.

6. The oligomeric compound of claim 5, wherein the single-nucleotide polymorphism is associated with a disease.

7. The oligomeric compound of claim 6, wherein the disease is selected from among: Alzheimer's disease, Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia, Alexander disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dentato-rubral and pallido-luysian atrophy DRPA, spinocerebellar ataxia, Torsion dystonia, cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, systemic lupus erythematosus,

hypercholesterolemia, breast cancer, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Graves disease, SLE, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Kennedy's disease, progressive childhood posterior subcapsular cataracts, cholesterol gallstone disease, arthrosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, primary hypercalciuria, alpha-thallasemia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Anxiety, comorbid depression, congenital visual defects, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, prostate cancer, congential myasthenic syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, sporadic pheochromocytoma, congenital malformations, Machado-Joseph disease, Huntington's disease, and Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa disease.

8. The oligomeric compound of claim 6, wherein the single-nucleotide polymorphism is selected from among: rs6446723, rs3856973, rs2285086, rs363092, rs916171, rs6844859, rs7691627, rs4690073, rs20241 15, rs l 1731237, rs362296, rs l0015979, rs7659144, rs363096, rs362273, rs l6843804, rs362271, rs362275, rs3121419, rs362272, rs3775061, rs34315806, rs363099, rs2298967, rs363088, rs363064, rs363102, rs2798235, rs363080, rs363072, rs363125, rs362303, rs362310, rsl0488840, rs362325, rs35892913, rs363102, rs363096, rs l 1731237, rs l0015979, rs363080, rs2798235, rs l936032, rs2276881, rs363070, rs35892913, rs l2502045, rs6446723, rs7685686, rs3733217, rs6844859, and rs362331.

9. The oligomeric compound of claim 8, wherein the single-nucleotide polymorphism is selected from among: rs7685686, rs362303 rs4690072 and rs363088

10. The oligomeric compound of claim 2 or 3, wherein the target nucleic acid and the non-target nucleic acid are transcripts from different genes.

1 1. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-10, wherein the 3 '-most 5 '-region nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

12. The oligomeric compound of claim 11, wherein the 3 '-most 5 '-region nucleoside comprises a cEt sugar moiety.

13. The oligomeric compound of claim 11, wherein the 3 '-most 5 '-region nucleoside comprises an LNA sugar moiety.

14. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-13, wherein the central region consists of 6-10 linked nucleosides.

15. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-14, wherein the central region consists of 6-9 linked nucleosides.

16. The oligomeric compound of claim 15, wherein the central region consists of 6 linked

nucleosides.

17. The oligomeric compound of claim 15, wherein the central region consists of 7 linked

nucleosides.

18. The oligomeric compound of claim 15, wherein the central region consists of 8 linked

nucleosides.

19. The oligomeric compound of claim 15, wherein the central region consists of 9 linked

nucleosides.

20. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-19, wherein each central region nucleoside is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

21. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-19, wherein at least one central region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside.

22. The oligomeric compound of claim 21, wherein one central region nucleoside is a modified

nucleoside and each of the other central region nucleosides is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

23. The oligomeric compound of claim 21, wherein two central region nucleosides are modified nucleosides and each of the other central region nucleosides is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

24. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-23 wherein at least one modified central region nucleoside is an RNA-like nucleoside.

25. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-23 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a modified sugar moiety.

26. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-25 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 5 '-methyl-2'-deoxy sugar moiety.

27. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-26 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety.

28. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-27 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a cEt sugar moiety.

29. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-28 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising an LNA sugar moiety.

30. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-29 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising an a-LNA sugar moiety.

31. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-29 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

32. The oligomeric compound of claim 31 wherein at least one modified central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among:

halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF3, OCF3, O, S, or N(Rm)-alkyl; O, S, or N(Rm)-alkenyl; O, S or N(Rm)- alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O-aralkyl, 0(CH2)2SCH3, 0-(CH2)2-0-N(Rm)(Rn) or 0-CH2-C(=0)-N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cio alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N02), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

33. The oligomeric compound of claim 32 wherein at least one modified central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCH2F, OCHF2, OCF3, OCH2CH3, 0(CH2)2F, OCH2CHF2, OCH2CF3, OCH2- CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3, 0(CH2)2-SCH3, 0(CH2)2-OCF3, O(CH2)3-N(R (R2), 0(CH2)2- ON(R (R2), 0(CH2)2-0(CH2)2-N(R1)(R2), OCH2C(=O)-N(R (R2), OCH2C(=0)-N(R3)-(CH2)2- N(R (R2), and O(CH2)2-N(R3)-C(=NR4)[N(R (R2)]; wherein R R2, R3 and R4 are each, independently, H or Ci-C6 alkyl.

34. The oligomeric compound of claim 33 wherein the 2' substituent is selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3 (MOE), 0(CH2)2- 0(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)CH3, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)-(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, and OCH2-N(H)- C(=NH)NH2.

35. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-34 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 2' -MOE sugar moiety.

36. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-35 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 2'-OMe sugar moiety.

37. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-36 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 2'-F sugar moiety.

38. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-37 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety.

39. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-38 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a sugar surrogate.

40. The oligomeric compound of claim 39 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising an F-HNA sugar moiety.

41. The oligomeric compound of claim 39 or 40 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising an HNA sugar moiety.

42. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-41 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase.

43. The oligomeric compound of claim 42 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase selected from a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

44. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-43, wherein the 2nd nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

45. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-44, wherein the 3rd nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

46. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-45, wherein the 4th nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

47. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-46, wherein the 5th nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

48. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-47, wherein the 6th nucleoside from the 5'-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

49. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-48, wherein the 8th nucleoside from the 3'-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

50. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-49, wherein the 7th nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

51. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-50, wherein the 6 nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

52. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-51, wherein the 5th nucleoside from the 3'-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

53. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-52, wherein the 4th nucleoside from the 3'-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

54. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-53, wherein the 3rd nucleoside from the 3'-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

55. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-54, wherein the 2nd nucleoside from the 3'-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

56. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-55, wherein the modified nucleoside is a 5'- methyl-2'-deoxy sugar moiety.

57. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-55, wherein the modified nucleoside is a 2-thio pyrimidine.

58. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-55, wherein the central region comprises no region having more than 4 contiguous unmodified deoxynucleosides.

59. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-55, wherein the central region comprises no region having more than 5 contiguous unmodified deoxynucleosides.

60. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-55, wherein the central region comprises no region having more than 6 contiguous unmodified deoxynucleosides.

61. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 21-55, wherein the central region comprises no region having more than 7 contiguous unmodified deoxynucleosides.

62. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDDDDDD, DDDDXDDDDD;

DDDDDXDDDDD; DDDXDDDDD; DDDDXDDDDDD; DDDDXDDDD; DDXDDDDDD; DDDXDDDDDD; DXDDDDDD; DDXDDDDDDD; DDXDDDDD; DDXDDDXDDD;

DDDXDDDXDDD; DXDDDXDDD; DDXDDDXDD; DDXDDDDXDDD; DDXDDDDXDD; DXDDDDXDDD; DDDDXDDD; DDDXDDD; DXDDDDDDD; DDDDXXDDD; and

DXXDXXDXX; wherein

each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; and each X is a modified nucleoside.

63. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a

nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDDDDD; DXDDDDDDD; DDXDDDDDD; DDDXDDDDD; DDDDXDDDD; DDDDDXDDD; DDDDDDXDD; DDDDDDDXD;

DXXDDDDDD; DDDDDDXXD; DDXXDDDDD; DDDXXDDDD; DDDDXXDDD;

DDDDDXXDD; DXDDDDDXD; DXDDDDXDD; DXDDDXDDD; DXDDXDDDD;

DXDXDDDDD; DDXDDDDXD; DDXDDDXDD; DDXDDXDDD; DDXDXDDDD;

DDDXDDDXD; DDDXDDXDD; DDDXDXDDD; DDDDXDDXD; DDDDXDXDD; and DDDDDXDXD wherein each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; and each X is a modified nucleoside.

64. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a

nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDDDD, DDDDXDDDD, DXDDDDDDD, DXXDDDDDD, DDXDDDDDD, DDDXDDDDD, DDDDXDDDD, DDDDDXDDD,

DDDDDDXDD, and DDDDDDDXD.

65. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a

nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDDDD, DXDDDDDD, DDXDDDDD,

DDDXDDDD, DDDDXDDD, DDDDDXDD, DDDDDDXD, DXDDDDXD, DXDDDXDD, DXDDXDDD, DXDXDDDD, DXXDDDDD, DDXXDDDD, DDXDXDDD, DDXDDXDD, DXDDDDXD, DDDXXDDD, DDDXDXDD, DDDXDDXD, DDDDXXDD, DDDDXDXD, and DDDDDXXD.

66. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a

nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDDD, DXDDDDD, DDXDDDD, DDDXDDD, DDDDXDD, DDDDDXD, DXDDDXD, DXDDXDD, DXDXDDD, DXXDDDD, DDXXDDD, DDXDXDD, DDXDDXD, DDDXXDD, DDDXDXD, and DDDDXXD.

67. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a

nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDD, DXDDDD, DDXDDD, DDDXDD,

DDDDXD, DXXDDD, DXDXDD, DXDDXD, DDXXDD, DDXDXD, and DDDXXD.

68. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a

nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDD, DDDDDDD, DDDDDDDD, DDDDDDDDD, DXDDDD, DDXDDD, DDDXDD, DDDDXD, DXDDDDD, DDXDDDD, DDDXDDD, DDDDXDD, DDDDDXD, DXDDDDDD, DDXDDDDD, DDDXDDDD, DDDDXDDD, DDDDDXDD, DDDDDDXD, DXDDDDDDD; DDXDDDDDD, DDDXDDDDD,

DDDDXDDDD, DDDDDXDDD, DDDDDDXDD, DDDDDDDXD, DXDDDDDDDD, DDXDDDDDDD, DDDXDDDDDD, DDDDXDDDDD, DDDDDXDDDD, DDDDDDXDDD, DDDDDDDXDD, and DDDDDDDDXD.

69. The oligomeric compound of claims 62-68, wherein each X comprises a modified nucleobase.

70. The oligomeric compound of claims 62-68, wherein each X comprises a modified sugar moiety.

71. The oligomeric compound of claims 62-68, wherein each X comprises 2-thio-thymidine.

72. The oligomeric compound of claims 62-68, wherein each X nucleoside comprises an F-HNA sugar moiety.

73. The oligomeric compound of claims 62-68, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid differs from the nucleobase sequence of at least one non-target nucleic acid by a single differentiating nucleobase, and wherein the location of the single differentiating nucleobase is represented by X.

74. The oligomeric compound of claim 73, wherein the target nucleic acid and the non-target nucleic acid are alleles of the same gene.

75. The oligomeric compound of claim 73, wherein the single differentiating nucleobase is a single- nucleotide polymorphism.

76. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-75, wherein the 5' region consists of 2 linked 5'- region nucleosides.

77. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-75, wherein the 5' region consists of 3 linked 5'- region nucleosides.

78. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-75, wherein the 5' region consists of 4 linked 5'- region nucleosides.

79. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-75, wherein the 5' region consists of 5 linked 5'- region nucleosides.

80. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-75, wherein the 5' region consists of 6 linked 5'- region nucleosides.

81. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-80, wherein at least one 5'- region nucleoside is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

82. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-80, wherein each 5'-region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside.

83. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-80 wherein at least one 5'-region nucleoside is an RNA-like nucleoside.

84. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-80 wherein each 5'-region nucleoside is an RNA- like nucleoside.

85. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-80 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a modified sugar.

86. The oligomeric compound of claim 80 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety.

87. The oligomeric compound of claim 86 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a cEt sugar moiety.

88. The oligomeric compound of claim 85 or 86 comprising at least one modified 5'-region

nucleoside comprising an LNA sugar moiety.

89. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 76-80 comprising of at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

90. The oligomeric compound of claim 89 wherein at least one modified central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among:

halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF3, OCF3, O, S, or N(Rm)-alkyl; O, S, or N(Rm)-alkenyl; O, S or N(Rm)-alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH2)2SCH3, 0-(CH2)2-0-N(Rm)(Rn) or 0-CH2-C(=0)-N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl; wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N02), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

91. The oligomeric compound of claim 90 wherein at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCH2F, OCHF2, OCF3, OCH2CH3, 0(CH2)2F, OCH2CHF2, OCH2CF3, OCH2- CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3 (MOE), 0(CH2)2-SCH3, 0(CH2)2-OCF3, O(CH2)3-N(R (R2), 0(CH2)2- ON(R (R2), 0(CH2)2-0(CH2)2-N(R1)(R2), OCH2C(=O)-N(R (R2), OCH2C(=0)-N(R3)-(CH2)2- N(R (R2), and O(CH2)2-N(R3)-C(=NR4)[N(R (R2)]; wherein R R2, R3 and R4 are each, independently, H or Ci-C6 alkyl.

92. The oligomeric compound of claim 91, wherein the 2 '-substituent is selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3, 0(CH2)2- 0(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)CH3, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)-(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, and OCH2-N(H)- C(=NH)NH2.

93. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 89-92 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-MOE sugar moiety.

94. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 89-92 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-OMe sugar moiety.

95. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 89-92 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-F sugar moiety.

96. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 89-92 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety.

97. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 82-96 comprising of at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a sugar surrogate.

98. The oligomeric compound of claim 97 comprising at least one modified 5'-region nucleoside comprising an F-HNA sugar moiety.

99. The oligomeric compound of claim 97 or 98 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region

nucleoside comprising an HNA sugar moiety.

100. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-99 comprising at least one modified 5'- region nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase.

101. The oligomeric compound of claim 100, wherein the modified nucleoside comprises 2- thio-thymidine.

102. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-101, wherein the 5 '-region has a motif selected from among:

ADDA; ABDAA; ABBA; ABB; ABAA; AABAA; AAABAA; AAAABAA; AAAAABAA; AAABAA; AABAA; ABAB; ABADB; ABADDB; AAABB; AAAAA; ABBDC; ABDDC; ABBDCC; ABBDDC; ABBDCC; ABBC; AA; AAA; AAAA; AAAAB; AAAAAAA;

AAAAAAAA; ABBB; AB; ABAB; AAAAB; AABBB; AAAAB; and AABBB,

wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, each C is a modified nucleoside of a third type, and each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

103. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-101, wherein the 5 '-region has a motif selected from among:

AB, ABB, AAA, BBB, BBBAA, AAB, BAA, BBAA, AABB, AAAB, ABBW, ABBWW, ABBB, ABBBB, ABAB, ABABAB, ABABBB, ABABAA, AAABB, AAAABB, AABB, AAAAB, AABBB, ABBBB, BBBBB, AAABW, AAAAA, BBBBAA, and AAABW wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, and each W is a modified nucleoside of a third type.

104. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-101, wherein the 5 '-region has a motif selected from among: ABB; ABAA; AABAA; AAABAA; ABAB; ABADB; AAABB; AAAAA; AA; AAA; AAAA; AAAAB; ABBB; AB; and ABAB, wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, and each W is a modified nucleoside of a third type.

105. The oligomeric compound of claims 102-104, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety.

106. The oligomeric compound of claim 105 wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among:

halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF3, OCF3, O, S, or N(Rm)-alkyl; O, S, or N(Rm)-alkenyl; O, S or N(Rm)-alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH2)2SCH3, 0-(CH2)2-0-N(Rm)(Rn) or 0-CH2-C(=0)-N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl; wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N02), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

107. The oligomeric compound of claim 102-106, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3 , 0(CH2)2-0(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)CH3, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)-(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, and OCH2-N(H)-C(=NH)NH2.

108. The oligomeric compound of claim 107, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: F, OCH3, 0(CH2)2- OCH3.

109. The oligomeric compound of claims 102-106, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

110. The oligomeric compound of claim 109, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA.

111. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 102-110, wherein each A comprises a

modified nucleobase.

112. The oligomeric compound of claim 111, wherein each A comprises a modified

nucleobase selected from among a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

113. The oligomeric compound of claim 112, wherein each A comprises 2-thio-thymidine.

114. The oligomeric compound of claim 102-106, wherein each A nucleoside comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety.

115. The oligomeric compound of claim 102-106, wherein each A nucleoside comprises an F- HNA sugar moiety.

116. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 102-115, wherein each B nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

117. The oligomeric compound of claim 116, wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among:

halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF3, OCF3, O, S, or N(Rm)-alkyl; O, S, or N(Rm)-alkenyl; O, S or N(Rm)-alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH2)2SCH3, 0-(CH2)2-0-N(Rm)(Rn) or 0-CH2-C(=0)-N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl; wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N02), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

118. The oligomeric compound of claim 117, wherein each B nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3 , 0(CH2)2-0(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)CH3, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)-(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, and OCH2-N(H)-C(=NH)NH2.

119. The oligomeric compound of claim 118, wherein each B nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: F, OCH3, 0(CH2)2- OCH3.

120. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 102-115, wherein each B nucleoside

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

121. The oligomeric compound of claim 120, wherein each B nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA.

122. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 102-115, wherein each B comprises a

modified nucleobase.

123. The oligomeric compound of claim 122, wherein each B comprises a modified

nucleobase selected from among a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

124. The oligomeric compound of claim 123, wherein each B comprises 2-thio-thymidine.

125. The oligomeric compound of claim 102-106, wherein each B nucleoside comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety.

126. The oligomeric compound of claim 102-1 15, wherein each B nucleoside comprises an F- HNA sugar moiety.

127. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 102-126, wherein each C nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

128. The oligomeric compound of claim 127, wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among:

halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF3, OCF3, O, S, or N(Rm)-alkyl; O, S, or N(Rm)-alkenyl; O, S or N(Rm)-alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH2)2SCH3, 0-(CH2)2-0-N(Rm)(Rn) or 0-CH2-C(=0)-N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl; wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N02), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

129. The oligomeric compound of claim 128, wherein each C nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3 , 0(CH2)2-0(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)CH3, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)-(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, and OCH2-N(H)-C(=NH)NH2.

130. The oligomeric compound of claim 129, wherein each C nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: F, OCH3, 0(CH2)2- OCH3.

131. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 102-126, wherein each C nucleoside

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

132. The oligomeric compound of claim 131, wherein each C nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA.

133. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 102-126, wherein each C comprises a

modified nucleobase.

134. The oligomeric compound of claim 133, wherein each C comprises a modified

nucleobase selected from among a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

135. The oligomeric compound of claim 134, wherein each C comprises 2-thio-thymidine.

136. The oligomeric compound of claim 102-126, wherein each C comprises an F-HNA sugar moiety.

137. The oligomeric compound of claim 102-126, wherein each C nucleoside comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety.

138. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 102-138, wherein each W nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

139. The oligomeric compound of claim 138, wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among:

halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF3, OCF3, O, S, or N(Rm)-alkyl; O, S, or N(Rm)-alkenyl; O, S or N(Rm)-alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH2)2SCH3, 0-(CH2)2-0-N(Rm)(Rn) or 0-CH2-C(=0)-N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl; wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N02), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

140. The oligomeric compound of claim 139, wherein each W nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3 , 0(CH2)2-0(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)CH3, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)-(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, and OCH2-N(H)-C(=NH)NH2.

141. The oligomeric compound of claim 139, wherein each W nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: F, OCH3, 0(CH2)2- OCH3.

142. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 102-137, wherein each W nucleoside

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

143. The oligomeric compound of claim 142, wherein each W nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA.

144. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 102-137, wherein each W comprises a

modified nucleobase.

145. The oligomeric compound of claim 144, wherein each W comprises a modified

nucleobase selected from among a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

146. The oligomeric compound of claim 145, wherein each W comprises 2-thio-thymidine.

147. The oligomeric compound of claim 102-137, wherein each W comprises an F-HNA sugar moiety.

148. The oligomeric compound of claim 102-137, wherein each W nucleoside comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety.

149. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-148, wherein the 3' region consists of 2 linked 3 '-region nucleosides.

150. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-148, wherein the 3' region consists of 3 linked 3 '-region nucleosides.

151. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-148, wherein the 3' region consists of 4 linked 3 '-region nucleosides.

152. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-148, wherein the 3' region consists of 5 linked 3 '-region nucleosides.

153. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-148, wherein the 3' region consists of 6 linked 3 '-region nucleosides.

154. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-153, wherein at least one 3'-region

nucleoside is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

155. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-154, wherein each 3'-region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside.

156. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-153, wherein at least one 3 '-region

nucleoside is an RNA-like nucleoside.

157. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-154, wherein each 3'-region nucleoside is an RNA-like nucleoside.

158. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-153, comprising at least one modified 3'- region nucleoside comprising a modified sugar.

159. The oligomeric compound of claim 158, comprising at least one modified 3'-region nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety.

160. The oligomeric compound of claim 159, comprising at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising a cEt sugar moiety.

161. The oligomeric compound of claim 159, comprising at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising an LNA sugar moiety.

162. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-162 comprising of at least one modified 3'- region nucleoside comprising a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

163. The oligomeric compound of claim 162, wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among:

halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF3, OCF3, O, S, or N(Rm)-alkyl; O, S, or N(Rm)-alkenyl; O, S or N(Rm)-alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH2)2SCH3, 0-(CH2)2-0-N(Rm)(Rn) or 0-CH2-C(=0)-N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl; wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N02), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

164. The oligomeric compound of claim 163 wherein at least one modified 3 '-region

nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCH2F, OCHF2, OCF3, OCH2CH3, 0(CH2)2F, OCH2CHF2, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3 (MOE), 0(CH2)2-SCH3, 0(CH2)2-OCF3, O(CH2)3-N(R (R2), 0(CH2)2-ON(R1)(R2), O(CH2)2-O(CH2)2-N(R (R2), OCH2C(=O)-N(R (R2), OCH2C(=0)-N(R3)- (CH2)2-N(R (R2), and O(CH2)2-N(R3)-C(=NR4)[N(R (R2)]; wherein R R2, R3 and R4 are each, independently, H or Ci-C6 alkyl.

165. The oligomeric compound of claim 164, wherein the 2 '-substituent is selected from

among: a halogen, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3, 0(CH2)2-0(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)CH3, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)-(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, and OCH2-N(H)-C(=NH)NH2.

166. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 162-165 comprising at least one modified 3'- region nucleoside comprising a 2' -MOE sugar moiety.

167. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 162-166 comprising at least one modified 3'- region nucleoside comprising a 2'-OMe sugar moiety.

168. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 162-167 comprising at least one modified 3'- region nucleoside comprising a 2'-F sugar moiety.

169. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 162-168 comprising at least one modified 3'- region nucleoside comprising a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety.

170. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 162-169 comprising of at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising a sugar surrogate.

171. The oligomeric compound of claim 170 comprising at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising an F-HNA sugar moiety.

172. The oligomeric compound of claim 170 comprising at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising an HNA sugar moiety.

173. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-172 comprising at least one modified 3'- region nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase.

174. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-173, wherein each A comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: F, OCH3, 0(CH2)2- OCH3, and each B comprises a bicylic sugar moiety selected from among: LNA and cEt.

175. The oligomeric compound of claim 174, wherein each A comprises 0(CH2)2-OCH3 and each B comprises cEt.

176. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-175, wherein the 3 '-region has a motif selected from among: ABB, ABAA, AAABAA, AAAAABAA, AABAA, AAAAB AA, AAABAA, ABAB, AAAAA, AAABB, AAAAAAAA, AAAAAAA, AAAAAA, AAAAB, AAAA, AAA, AA, AB, ABBB, ABAB, AABBB, wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type.

177. The oligomeric compound of claims 1-175, wherein the 3 '-region has a motif selected from among: ABB; AAABAA; AABAA; AAAAB AA; AAAAA; AAABB; AAAAAAAA; AAAAAAA; AAAAAA; AAAAB; AB; ABBB; and ABAB, wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type.

178. The oligomeric compound of claims 1-175, wherein the 3'-region has a motif selected from among: BBA, AAB, AAA, BBB, BBAA, AABB, WBBA, WAAB, BBBA, BBBB A, BBBB, BBBBBA, ABBBBB, BBAAA, AABBB, BBBAA, BBBBA, BBBBB, BABA, AAAAA, BBAAAA, AABBBB, BAAAA, and ABBBB, wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, and each W is a modified nucleoside of a first type, a second type, or a third type.

179. The oligomeric compound of claims 176-178, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety.

180. The oligomeric compound of claims 176-178, wherein at least one central region

nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF3, OCF3, O, S, or N(Rm)-alkyl; O, S, or N(Rm)-alkenyl; O, S or N(Rm)-alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O-aralkyl, 0(CH2)2SCH3, 0-(CH2)2-0-N(Rm)(Rn) or 0-CH2-C(=0)- N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cio alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N02), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

181. The oligomeric compound of claim 180, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3 , 0(CH2)2-0(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)CH3, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)-(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, and OCH2-N(H)-C(=NH)NH2.

182. The oligomeric compound of claim 181, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: F, OCH3, 0(CH2)2- OCH3.

183. The oligomeric compound of claims 176-178, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

184. The oligomeric compound of claim 183, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA.

185. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 176-178, wherein each B nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

186. The oligomeric compound of claim 185, wherein at least one modified central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF3, OCF3, O, S, or N(Rm)-alkyl; O, S, or N(Rm)-alkenyl; O, S or N(Rm)-alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O-aralkyl, 0(CH2)2SCH3, 0-(CH2)2-0-N(Rm)(Rn) or 0-CH2-C(=0)- N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cio alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N02), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

187. The oligomeric compound of claim 185, wherein each B nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3 , 0(CH2)2-0(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)CH3, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)-(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, and OCH2-N(H)-C(=NH)NH2.

188. The oligomeric compound of claim 187, wherein each B nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: F, OCH3, 0(CH2)2- OCH3.

189. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 176-178, wherein each B nucleoside

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

190. The oligomeric compound of claim 189, wherein each B nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA.

191. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 176-190, wherein each A comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: F, OCH3, 0(CH2)2- OCH3, and each B comprises a bicylic sugar moiety selected from among: LNA and cEt.

192. The oligomeric compound of claim 191, wherein each A comprises 0(CH2)2-OCH3 and each B comprises cEt.

193. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 176-192, wherein each W nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

194. The oligomeric compound of claim 193, wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among:

halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF3, OCF3, O, S, or N(Rm)-alkyl; O, S, or N(Rm)-alkenyl; O, S or N(Rm)-alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH2)2SCH3, 0-(CH2)2-0-N(Rm)(Rn) or 0-CH2-C(=0)-N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl; wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N02), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

195. The oligomeric compound of claim 193, wherein each W nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, 0(CH2)2-OCH3 , 0(CH2)2-0(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)CH3, OCH2C(=0)-N(H)-(CH2)2-N(CH3)2, and OCH2-N(H)-C(=NH)NH2.

196. The oligomeric compound of claim 195, wherein each W nucleoside comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: F, OCH3, 0(CH2)2- OCH3.

197. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 176-192, wherein each W nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

198. The oligomeric compound of claim 197, wherein each W nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA.

199. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 176-192, wherein each W comprises a

modified nucleobase.

200. The oligomeric compound of claim 199, wherein each W comprises a modified

nucleobase selected from among a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

201. The oligomeric compound of claim 200, wherein each W comprises 2-thio-thymidine.

202. The oligomeric compound of claim 176-192, wherein each W comprises an F-HNA sugar moiety.

203. The oligomeric compound of claim 202, wherein each W nucleoside comprises an

unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety.

204. The oligomeric compound of claims 1-203, wherein the 5 '-region has a motif selected from among: AB, ABB, AAA, BBB, BBBAA, AAB, BAA, BBAA, AABB, AAAB, ABBW, ABBWW, ABBB, ABBBB, ABAB, ABABAB, ABABBB, ABABAA, AAABB, AAAABB, AABB, AAAAB, AABBB, ABBBB, BBBBB, AAABW, AAAAA, and BBBBAA;

wherein the 3 '-region has a motif selected from among: BBA, AAB, AAA, BBB, BBAA, AABB, WBBA, WAAB, BBBA, BBBBA, BBBB, BBBBBA, ABBBBB, BBAAA, AABBB, BBBAA, BBBBA, BBBBB, BABA, AAAAA, BBAAAA, AABBBB, BAAAA, and ABBBB; wherein the central region has a nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDD, DDDDDDD, DDDDDDDD, DDDDDDDDD, DDDDDDDDDD, DDDDDDDDD,

DXDDDDDDD, DDXDDDDDD, DDDXDDDDD, DDDDXDDDD, DDDDDXDDD,

DDDDDDXDD, DDDDDDDXD, DXXDDDDDD, DDDDDDXXD, DDXXDDDDD,

DDDXXDDDD, DDDDXXDDD, DDDDDXXDD, DXDDDDDXD, DXDDDDXDD,

DXDDDXDDD, DXDDXDDDD, DXDXDDDDD, DDXDDDDXD, DDXDDDXDD, DDXDDXDDD, DDXDXDDDD, DDDXDDDXD, DDDXDDXDD, DDDXDXDDD,

DDDDXDDXD, DDDDXDXDD, and DDDDDXDXD , DDDDDDDD, DXDDDDDD, DDXDDDDD, DDDXDDDD, DDDDXDDD, DDDDDXDD, DDDDDDXD, DXDDDDXD, DXDDDXDD, DXDDXDDD, DXDXDDDD, DXXDDDDD, DDXXDDDD, DDXDXDDD, DDXDDXDD, DXDDDDXD, DDDXXDDD, DDDXDXDD, DDDXDDXD, DDDDXXDD, DDDDXDXD, and DDDDDXXD, DXDDDDD, DDXDDDD, DDDXDDD, DDDDXDD, DDDDDXD, DXDDDXD, DXDDXDD, DXDXDDD, DXXDDDD, DDXXDDD, DDXDXDD, DDXDDXD, DDDXXDD, DDDXDXD, and DDDDXXD, DXDDDD, DDXDDD, DDDXDD, DDDDXD, DXXDDD, DXDXDD, DXDDXD, DDXXDD, DDXDXD, and DDDXXD; and wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, each W is a modified nucleoside of a first type, a second type, or a third type, each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside, and each X is a modified nucleoside or a modified nucleobase.

205. The oligomeric compound of claim 204, wherein the 5 '-region has a motif selected from among:

AB, ABB, AAA, BBB, BBBAA, AAB, BAA, BBAA, AABB, ABBW, ABBWW, ABBB, ABBBB, ABAB, ABABAB, ABABBB, ABABAA, AAABB, AAAABB, AABB, AAAAB, AABBB, ABBBB, BBBBB, AAABW, and BBBBAA; and wherein the 3 '-region has a BBA motif.

206. The oligomeric compound of claim 204 or 205, wherein one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase.

207. The oligomeric compound of claim 204 or 205, wherein one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises FHNA.

208. The oligomeric compound of claim 204 or 205, wherein one of A or B comprises cEt, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-modified sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase.

209. The oligomeric compound of claim 204 or 205, wherein one of A or B comprises cEt, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-modified sugar moiety, and W comprises FHNA.

210. The oligomeric compound of claim 204 or 205, wherein each A comprises MOE, each B comprises cEt, and each W is selected from among cEt or FHNA.

211. The oligomeric compound of claim 204 or 205, wherein each W comprises cEt.

212. The oligomeric compound of claim 204 or 205, wherein each W comprises 2-thio- thymidine.

213. The oligomeric compound of claim 204 or 205, wherein each W comprises FHNA.

214. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-213 comprising at least one modified internucleoside linkage.

215. The oligomeric compound of claim 214, wherein each internucleoside linkage is a

modified internucleoside linkage.

216. The oligomeric compound of claim 214 or 215 comprising at least one phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.

217. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 214 or 215 comprising at least one

methylphosphonate internucleoside linkage.

218. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 214 or 215 comprising one

methylphosphonate internucleoside linkage.

219. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 214 or 215 comprising two

methylphosphonate internucleoside linkages.

220. The oligomeric compound of claim 217, wherein at least one of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and/or 7th internucleoside from the 5 '-end is a methylphosphonate internucleoside linkage.

221. The oligomeric compound of claim 217, wherein at least one of the 3Γ , 4 , 5 , 6 and/or 7th internucleoside from the 3 '-end is a methylphosphonate internucleoside linkage.

222. The oligomeric compound of claim 217, wherein at least one of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and/or 12th internucleoside from the 5'-end is a methylphosphonate internucleoside linkage, and wherein at least one of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and/or 12th internucleoside from the 5 '-end is a modified nucleoside.

223. The oligomeric compound of claim 217, wherein at least one of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and/or 12th internucleoside from the 3'-end is a methylphosphonate internucleoside linkage, and wherein at least one of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and/or 12th internucleoside from the 3 '-end is a modified nucleoside.

224. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-223 comprising at least one conjugate group.

225. The oligomeric compound of claim 1-223, wherein the conjugate group consists of a conjugate.

226. The oligomeric compound of claim 225, wherein the conjugate group consists of a

conjugate and a conjugate linker.

227. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-226, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide is 100% complementary to the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid.

228. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-226, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide contains one mismatch relative to the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid.

229. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-226, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide contains two mismatches relative to the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid.

230. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-226, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide comprises a hybridizing region and at least one non-targeting region, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the hybridizing region is complementary to the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid.

231. The oligomeric compound of claim 230, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the

hybridizing region is 100% complementary to the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid.

232. The oligomeric compound of claim 230, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the

hybridizing region contains one mismatche relative to the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid.

233. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 230-232, wherein the nucleobase sequence of at least one non-targeting region is complementary to a portion of the hybridizing region of the modified oligonucleotide.

234. The oligomeric compound of claim 233, wherein the nucleobase sequence of at least one non-targeting region is 100% complementary to a portion of the hybridizing region of the modified oligonucleotide.

235. The oligomeric compound of claim 1-234 wherein the nucleobase sequence of the

modified oligonucleotide comprises two non-targeting regions flanking a central hybridizing region.

236. The oligomeric compound of claim 235, wherein the two non-targeting regions are

complementary to one another.

237. The oligomeric compound of claim 236, wherein the two non-targeting regions are 100% complementary to one another.

238. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 2-237, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide aligns with the nucleobase of the target region of the target nucleic acid such that a distinguishing nucleobase of the target region of the target nucleic acid aligns with a target-selective nucleoside within the central region of the modified oligonucleotide.

239. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 3-237, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide aligns with the nucleobase of the target region of the target nucleic acid such that the single distinguishing nucleobase of the target region of the target nucleic acid aligns with a target-selective nucleoside within the central region of the modified oligonucleotide.

240. The oligomeric compound of claim 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is the 5 '-most nucleoside of the central region.

241. The oligomeric compound of claim 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is the 2nd nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region.

242. The oligomeric compound of claim 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is at the 3rd nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region.

243. The oligomeric compound of claim 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is at the 5th nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region.

244. The oligomeric compound of claim 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is at the 7th nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region.

245. The oligomeric compound of claim 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is at the 9th nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region.

246. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 238 or 239, or 241-245, wherein the target- selective nucleoside is at the 2nd nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region.

247. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 238 or 239, or 241-245, wherein the target- selective nucleoside is at the 5th nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region.

248. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-247, wherein target-selective nucleoside is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

249. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-247, wherein target-selective nucleoside is a modified nucleoside.

250. The oligomeric compound of claim 249, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is a sugar modified nucleoside.

251. The oligomeric compound of claim 250, wherein the target-selective nucleoside

comprises a sugar modification selected from among: 2'-MOE, 2'-F, 2'-(ara)-F, HNA, FHNA, cEt, and a-L-LNA.

252. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-251, wherein the target-selective nucleoside comprises a nucleobase modification.

253. The oligomeric compound of claim 252, wherein the modified nucleobase is selected from among: a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

254. The oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-253, wherein the oligomeric compound is an antisense compound.

255. The oligomeric compound of claim 254, wherein the oligomeric compound selectively reduces expression of the target relative to the non-target.

256. The oligomeric compound of claim 255, wherein the oligomeric compound reduces expression of target at least two-fold more than it reduces expression of the non-target.

257. The oligomeric compound of claim 256, having an EC50 for reduction of expression of target that is at least least two-fold lower than its EC50 for reduction of expression of the non- target, when measured in cells.

258. The oligomeric compound of claim 256, having an ED50 for reduction of expression of target that is at least least two-fold lower than its ED50 for reduction of expression of the non- target, when measured in an animal.

259. The oligomeric compound of claims 1-10, having an E-E-E-K-K-(D)7-E-E-K motif, wherein each E is a 2'-MOE nucleoside and each K is a cEt nucleoside.

260. A method comprising contacting a cell with an oligomeric compound of any of claims 1- 259.

261. The method of claim 260, wherein the cell is in vitro.

262. The method of claim 260, wherein the cell is in an animal.

263. The method of claim 262, wherein the animal is a human.

264. The method of claim 263, wherein the animal is a mouse.

265. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an oligomeric compound of any of claims 1- 259 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

266. A method of administering a pharmaceutical composition of claim 265 to an animal.

267. The method of claim 266, wherein the animal is a human.

268. The method of claim 266, wherein the animal is a mouse.

269. Use of an oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-259 for the preparation of a

medicament for the treatment or amelioration of Alzheimer's disease, Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia, Alexander disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dentato-rubral and pallido-luysian atrophy DRPA, spino-cerebellar ataxia, Torsion dystonia, cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, systemic lupus erythematosus, hypercholesterolemia, breast cancer, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Graves disease, SLE, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Kennedy's disease, progressive childhood posterior subcapsular cataracts, cholesterol gallstone disease, arthrosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, primary hypercalciuria, alpha-thallasemia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Anxiety, comorbid depression, congenital visual defects, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, prostate cancer, congential myasthenic syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, sporadic pheochromocytoma, congenital malformations, Machado-Joseph disease, Huntington's disease, and Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa disease.

270. A method of ameliorating a symptom of Alzheimer's disease, Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia, Alexander disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dentato-rubral and pallido-luysian atrophy DRPA, spino-cerebellar ataxia, Torsion dystonia, cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, systemic lupus erythematosus, hypercholesterolemia, breast cancer, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Graves disease, SLE, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Kennedy's disease, progressive childhood posterior subcapsular cataracts, cholesterol gallstone disease, arthrosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, primary hypercalciuria, alpha-thallasemia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Anxiety, comorbid depression, congenital visual defects, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, prostate cancer, congential myasthenic syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, sporadic pheochromocytoma, congenital malformations, Machado-Joseph disease, Huntington's disease, and Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa disease, comprising administering an oligomeric compound of any of claims 1-259 to an animal in need thereof.

271. The method of claim 270, wherein the animal is a human.

272. The method of claim 270, wherein the animal is a mouse.

Description:
SELECTIVE ANTISENSE COMPOUNDS AND USES THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to chemically-modified oligonucleotides for use in research, diagnostics, and/or therapeutics.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The present application is being filed along with a Sequence Listing in electronic format. The Sequence Listing is provided as a file entitled CORE0099WOSEQ.txt, created August 1, 2012 which is 304 Kb in size. The information in the electronic format of the sequence listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Antisense compounds have been used to modulate target nucleic acids. Antisense compounds comprising a variety of chemical modifications and motifs have been reported. In certain instances, such compounds are useful as research tools, diagnostic reagents, and as therapeutic agents. In certain instances antisense compounds have been shown to modulate protein expression by binding to a target messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the protein. In certain instances, such binding of an antisense compound to its target mRNA results in cleavage of the mRNA. Antisense compounds that modulate processing of a pre-mRNA have also been reported. Such antisense compounds alter splicing, interfere with polyadenlyation or prevent formation of the 5 '-cap of a pre-mRNA.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides oligomeric compounds comprising oligonucleotides. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotides comprise a region having a gapmer motif. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotides consist of a region having a gapmer motif.

The present disclosure provides the following non-limiting numbered embodiments:

Embodiment 1 : A oligomeric compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 10 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide has a modification motif comprising: a 5 '-region consisting of 2-8 linked 5 '-region nucleosides, each independently selected from among a modified nucleoside and an unmodified deoxynucleoside, provided that at least one 5 '-region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside and wherein the 3 '-most 5 '-region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside;

a 3 '-region consisting of 2-8 linked 3 '-region nucleosides, each independently selected from among a modified nucleoside and an unmodified deoxynucleoside, provided that at least one 3 '-region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside and wherein the 5 '-most 3 '-region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside; and

a central region between the 5 '-region and the 3 '-region consisting of 6-12 linked central region nucleosides, each independently selected from among: a modified nucleoside and an unmodified deoxynucleoside, wherein the 5 '-most central region nucleoside is an unmodified deoxynucleoside and the 3 '-most central region nucleoside is an unmodified deoxynucleoside;

wherein the modified oligonucleotide has a nucleobase sequence complementary to the nucleobase sequence of a target region of a target nucleic acid.

Embodiment 2: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 1, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid differs from the nucleobase sequence of at least one non-target nucleic acid by 1-3 differentiating nucleobases.

Embodiment 3 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 1, the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid differs from the nucleobase sequence of at least one non-target nucleic acid by a single differentiating nucleobase.

Embodiment 4: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the target nucleic acid and the non-target nucleic acid are alleles of the same gene.

Embodiment 5 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 4, wherein the single differentiating

nucleobase is a single-nucleotide polymorphism.

Embodiment 6: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 5, wherein the single-nucleotide

polymorphism is associated with a disease.

Embodiment 7: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 6, wherein the disease is selected from among: Alzheimer's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia, Alexander disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dentato-rubral and pallido-luysian atrophy DRPA, spino-cerebellar ataxia, Torsion dystonia, cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, systemic lupus erythematosus,

hypercholesterolemia, breast cancer, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Graves disease, SLE, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Kennedy's disease, progressive childhood posterior subcapsular cataracts, cholesterol gallstone disease, arthrosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, primary hypercalciuria, alpha-thallasemia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Anxiety, comorbid depression, congenital visual defects, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, prostate cancer, congential myasthenic syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, sporadic pheochromocytoma, congenital malformations, Machado-Joseph disease, Huntington's disease, and Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa disease.

Embodiment 8: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 6, wherein the single-nucleotide

polymorphism is selected from among: rs6446723, rs3856973, rs2285086, rs363092, rs916171, rs6844859, rs7691627, rs4690073, rs20241 15, rs l 1731237, rs362296, rs l0015979, rs7659144, rs363096, rs362273, rs l6843804, rs362271, rs362275, rs3121419, rs362272, rs3775061, rs34315806, rs363099, rs2298967, rs363088, rs363064, rs363102, rs2798235, rs363080, rs363072, rs363125, rs362303, rs362310, rs l0488840, rs362325, rs35892913, rs363102, rs363096, rs l 1731237, rs l0015979, rs363080, rs2798235, rs l936032, rs2276881, rs363070, rs35892913, rs l2502045, rs6446723, rs7685686, rs3733217, rs6844859, and rs362331.

Embodiment 9: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 8, wherein the single-nucleotide

polymorphism is selected from among: rs7685686, rs362303 rs4690072 and rs363088

Embodiment 10: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the target nucleic acid and the non-target nucleic acid are transcripts from different genes.

Embodiment 1 1 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-10, wherein the 3 '-most 5 '- region nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

Embodiment 12: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 1 1, wherein the 3 '-most 5 '-region

nucleoside comprises a cEt sugar moiety. Embodiment 13 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 1 1, wherein the 3 '-most 5 '-region

nucleoside comprises an LNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 14: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-13, wherein the central region consists of 6-10 linked nucleosides. Embodiment 15: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-14, wherein the central region consists of 6-9 linked nucleosides.

Embodiment 16: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 15, wherein the central region consists of 5 6 linked nucleosides.

Embodiment 17: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 15, wherein the central region consists of

7 linked nucleosides.

.0 Embodiment 18: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 15, wherein the central region consists of

8 linked nucleosides.

Embodiment 19: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 15, wherein the central region consists of

9 linked nucleosides.

.5

Embodiment 20: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-19, wherein each central region nucleoside is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

Embodiment 21 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-19, wherein at least one central iO region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 22: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 21, wherein one central region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside and each of the other central region nucleosides is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

!5

Embodiment 23: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 21, wherein two central region

nucleosides are modified nucleosides and each of the other central region nucleosides is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

10 Embodiment 24: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-23 wherein at least one

modified central region nucleoside is an RNA-like nucleoside.

Embodiment 25: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-23 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a modified sugar moiety.

15 Embodiment 26: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-25 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 5'-methyl-2'-deoxy sugar moiety.

Embodiment 27: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-26 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety.

Embodiment 28: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-27 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a cEt sugar moiety. Embodiment 29: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-28 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising an LNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 30: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-29 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising an a-LNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 31 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-29 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

Embodiment 32: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 31 wherein at least one modified central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF3, OCF3, O, S, or N(Rm)-alkyl; O, S, or N(Rm)-alkenyl; O, S or N(Rm)-alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O-aralkyl, 0(CH2)2SCH3, 0-(CH2)2-0-N(Rm)(Rn) or 0-CH2-C(=0)-N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cio alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N0 2 ), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

Embodiment 33: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 32 wherein at least one modified central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCH 2 F, OCHF 2 , OCF 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 F, OCH 2 CHF 2 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -SCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCF 3 , O(CH 2 ) 3 -N(R (R 2 ), 0(CH 2 ) 2 -

ON(R (R 2 ), 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(R 1 )(R 2 ), OCH 2 C(=O)-N(R (R 2 ), OCH 2 C(=0)-N(R 3 )-(CH 2 ) 2 - N(R (R 2 ), and 0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(R 3 )-C(=NR 4 )[N(R 1 )(R 2 )]; wherein R h R 2 , R 3 and R4 are each, independently, H or Ci-C 6 alkyl.

Embodiment 34: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 33 wherein the 2' substituent is selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCF 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 (MOE), 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 -N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 .

Embodiment 35: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-34 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 2' -MOE sugar moiety.

Embodiment 36: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-35 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 2'-OMe sugar moiety.

Embodiment 37: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-36 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 2'-F sugar moiety.

Embodiment 38: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-37 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety.

Embodiment 39: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-38 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a sugar surrogate.

Embodiment 40: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 39 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising an F-HNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 41 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 39 or 40 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising an HNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 42: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-41 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase.

Embodiment 43 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 42 comprising at least one modified central region nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase selected from a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine. Embodiment 44: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-43, wherein the 2 n nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 45: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-44, wherein the 3 rd nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 46: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-45, wherein the 4 th nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 47: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-46, wherein the 5 th nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 48: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-47, wherein the 6 th nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 49: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-48, wherein the 8 th nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 50: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-49, wherein the 7 th nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 51 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-50, wherein the 6 th nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 52: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-51, wherein the 5 th nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 53: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-52, wherein the 4 th nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 54: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-53, wherein the 3 rd nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 55: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-54, wherein the 2 nd nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region is a modified nucleoside. Embodiment 56: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-55, wherein the modified nucleoside is a 5'-methyl-2'-deoxy sugar moiety.

Embodiment 57: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-55, wherein the modified nucleoside is a 2-thio pyrimidine.

Embodiment 58: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-55, wherein the central region comprises no region having more than 4 contiguous unmodified deoxynucleosides.

Embodiment 59: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-55, wherein the central region comprises no region having more than 5 contiguous unmodified deoxynucleosides.

Embodiment 60: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-55, wherein the central region comprises no region having more than 6 contiguous unmodified deoxynucleosides.

Embodiment 61 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 21-55, wherein the central region comprises no region having more than 7 contiguous unmodified deoxynucleosides.

Embodiment 62: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDDDDDD, DDDDXDDDDD;

DDDDDXDDDDD; DDDXDDDDD; DDDDXDDDDDD; DDDDXDDDD; DDXDDDDDD;

DDDXDDDDDD; DXDDDDDD; DDXDDDDDDD; DDXDDDDD; DDXDDDXDDD;

DDDXDDDXDDD; DXDDDXDDD; DDXDDDXDD; DDXDDDDXDDD; DDXDDDDXDD; DXDDDDXDDD; DDDDXDDD; DDDXDDD; DXDDDDDDD; DDDDXXDDD; and

DXXDXXDXX; wherein

each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; and each X is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 63: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDDDDD; DXDDDDDDD;

DDXDDDDDD; DDDXDDDDD; DDDDXDDDD; DDDDDXDDD; DDDDDDXDD;

DDDDDDDXD; DXXDDDDDD; DDDDDDXXD; DDXXDDDDD; DDDXXDDDD;

DDDDXXDDD; DDDDDXXDD; DXDDDDDXD; DXDDDDXDD; DXDDDXDDD;

DXDDXDDDD; DXDXDDDDD; DDXDDDDXD; DDXDDDXDD; DDXDDXDDD;

DDXDXDDDD; DDDXDDDXD; DDDXDDXDD; DDDXDXDDD; DDDDXDDXD;

DDDDXDXDD; and DDDDDXDXD wherein each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; and each X is a modified nucleoside. Embodiment 64: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDXDDDD, DXDDDDDDD,

DXXDDDDDD, DDXDDDDDD, DDDXDDDDD, DDDDXDDDD, DDDDDXDDD,

DDDDDDXDD, and DDDDDDDXD.

Embodiment 65: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDDDD, DXDDDDDD, DDXDDDDD, DDDXDDDD, DDDDXDDD, DDDDDXDD, DDDDDDXD, DXDDDDXD, DXDDDXDD, DXDDXDDD, DXDXDDDD, DXXDDDDD, DDXXDDDD, DDXDXDDD, DDXDDXDD, DXDDDDXD, DDDXXDDD, DDDXDXDD, DDDXDDXD, DDDDXXDD, DDDDXDXD, and DDDDDXXD.

Embodiment 66: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDDD, DXDDDDD, DDXDDDD, DDDXDDD, DDDDXDD, DDDDDXD, DXDDDXD, DXDDXDD, DXDXDDD, DXXDDDD, DDXXDDD, DDXDXDD, DDXDDXD, DDDXXDD, DDDXDXD, and DDDDXXD.

Embodiment 67: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDD, DXDDDD, DDXDDD, DDDXDD, DDDDXD, DXXDDD, DXDXDD, DXDDXD, DDXXDD, DDXDXD, and DDDXXD.

Embodiment 68: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-14 or 21-59, wherein the central region has a nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDD, DDDDDDD, DDDDDDDD, DDDDDDDDD, DXDDDD, DDXDDD, DDDXDD, DDDDXD, DXDDDDD, DDXDDDD, DDDXDDD, DDDDXDD, DDDDDXD, DXDDDDDD, DDXDDDDD, DDDXDDDD,

DDDDXDDD, DDDDDXDD, DDDDDDXD, DXDDDDDDD; DDXDDDDDD, DDDXDDDDD, DDDDXDDDD, DDDDDXDDD, DDDDDDXDD, DDDDDDDXD, DXDDDDDDDD,

DDXDDDDDDD, DDDXDDDDDD, DDDDXDDDDD, DDDDDXDDDD, DDDDDDXDDD, DDDDDDDXDD, and DDDDDDDDXD.

Embodiment 69: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 62-68, wherein each X comprises a modified nucleobase.

Embodiment 70: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 62-68, wherein each X comprises a modified sugar moiety. Embodiment 71 : The oligomeric compound of embodiments 62-68, wherein each X comprises 2-thio- thymidine.

Embodiment 72: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 62-68, wherein each X nucleoside

comprises an F-HNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 73: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 62-68, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid differs from the nucleobase sequence of at least one non-target nucleic acid by a single differentiating nucleobase, and wherein the location of the single differentiating nucleobase is represented by X.

Embodiment 74: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 73, wherein the target nucleic acid and the non-target nucleic acid are alleles of the same gene.

Embodiment 75: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 73, wherein the single differentiating nucleobase is a single-nucleotide polymorphism.

Embodiment 76: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-75, wherein the 5' region

consists of 2 linked 5 '-region nucleosides.

Embodiment 77: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-75, wherein the 5' region

consists of 3 linked 5 '-region nucleosides.

Embodiment 78: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-75, wherein the 5' region

consists of 4 linked 5 '-region nucleosides.

Embodiment 79: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-75, wherein the 5' region

consists of 5 linked 5 '-region nucleosides.

Embodiment 80: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-75, wherein the 5' region

consists of 6 linked 5 '-region nucleosides.

Embodiment 81 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-80, wherein at least one 5'- region nucleoside is an unmodified deoxynucleoside. Embodiment 82: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-80, wherein each 5 '-region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 83 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-80 wherein at least one 5 '- region nucleoside is an RNA-like nucleoside.

Embodiment 84: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-80 wherein each 5 '-region

nucleoside is an RNA-like nucleoside.

Embodiment 85 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-80 comprising at least one

modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a modified sugar.

Embodiment 86: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 80 comprising at least one modified 5 '- region nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety.

Embodiment 87: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 86 comprising at least one modified 5 '- region nucleoside comprising a cEt sugar moiety.

Embodiment 88: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 85 or 86 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising an LNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 89: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 76-80 comprising of at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

Embodiment 90: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 89 wherein at least one modified central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF 3 , OCF 3 , O, S, or N(R m )-alkyl; O, S, or N(R m )-alkenyl; O, S or N(R m )- alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O-aralkyl, 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(R m )(R n ) or 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(R m )(R n ), where each R m and R n is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cio alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N0 2 ), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl. Embodiment 91 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 90 wherein at least one modified 5 '- region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCH 2 F, OCHF 2 , OCF 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 F, OCH 2 CHF 2 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 (MOE), 0(CH 2 ) 2 -SCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCF 3 , O(CH 2 ) 3 -N(R (R 2 ),

0(CH 2 ) 2 -ON(R 1 )(R 2 ), O(CH 2 ) 2 -O(CH 2 ) 2 -N(R (R 2 ), OCH 2 C(=O)-N(R (R 2 ), OCH 2 C(=0)-N(R 3 )- (CH 2 ) 2 -N(R (R 2 ), and O(CH 2 ) 2 -N(R 3 )-C(=NR 4 )[N(R (R 2 )]; wherein R R 2 , R 3 and R4 are each, independently, H or Ci-C 6 alkyl. Embodiment 92: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 91, wherein the 2 '-substituent is selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCF 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 - N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 . Embodiment 93 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 89-92 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-MOE sugar moiety.

Embodiment 94: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 89-92 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-OMe sugar moiety.

Embodiment 95 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 89-92 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-F sugar moiety.

Embodiment 96: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 89-92 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety.

Embodiment 97: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 82-96 comprising of at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a sugar surrogate. Embodiment 98: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 97 comprising at least one modified 5 '- region nucleoside comprising an F-HNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 99: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 97 or 98 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising an HNA sugar moiety. Embodiment 100: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-99 comprising at least one modified 5 '-region nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase.

Embodiment 101 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 100, wherein the modified nucleoside comprises 2-thio-thymidine.

Embodiment 102: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-101, wherein the 5 '-region has a motif selected from among:

ADDA; ABDAA; ABBA; ABB; ABAA; AABAA; AAABAA; AAAABAA; AAAAABAA;

AAABAA; AABAA; ABAB; ABADB; ABADDB; AAABB; AAAAA; ABBDC; ABDDC;

ABBDCC; ABBDDC; ABBDCC; ABBC; AA; AAA; AAAA; AAAAB; AAAAAAA;

AAAAAAAA; ABBB; AB; ABAB; AAAAB; AABBB; AAAAB; and AABBB,

wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, each C is a modified nucleoside of a third type, and each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

Embodiment 103: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-101, wherein the 5 '-region has a motif selected from among:

AB, ABB, AAA, BBB, BBBAA, AAB, BAA, BBAA, AABB, AAAB, ABBW, ABBWW, ABBB, ABBBB, ABAB, ABABAB, ABABBB, ABABAA, AAABB, AAAABB, AABB, AAAAB, AABBB, ABBBB, BBBBB, AAABW, AAAAA, BBBBAA, and AAABW wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, and each W is a modified nucleoside of a third type.

Embodiment 104: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-101, wherein the 5 '-region has a motif selected from among: ABB; ABAA; AABAA; AAABAA; ABAB; ABADB; AAABB;

AAAAA; AA; AAA; AAAA; AAAAB; ABBB; AB; and ABAB, wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, and each W is a modified nucleoside of a third type.

Embodiment 105: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 102-104, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

Embodiment 106: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 105 wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF 3 , OCF 3 , O, S, or N(R m )-alkyl; O, S, or N(R m )-alkenyl; O, S or N(R m )-alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(R m )(R n ) or 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(R m )(R n ), where each R m and R n is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cio alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N0 2 ), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

Embodiment 107: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 102-106, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: a halogen,

OCH 3 , OCF3, OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 -N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 .

Embodiment 108: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 107, wherein each A nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: F, OCH 3 ,

0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 .

Embodiment 109: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 102-106, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

Embodiment 110: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 109, wherein each A nucleoside

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio LNA. Embodiment 111 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 102-110, wherein each A

comprises a modified nucleobase.

Embodiment 112: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 111, wherein each A comprises a

modified nucleobase selected from among a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

Embodiment 113: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 112, wherein each A comprises 2-thio- thymidine.

Embodiment 114: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 102-106, wherein each A nucleoside comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety. Embodiment 115: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 102-106, wherein each A nucleoside comprises an F-HNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 116: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 102-115, wherein each B

nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

Embodiment 117: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 116, wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF 3 , OCF 3 , O, S, or N(R m )-alkyl; O, S, or N(R m )-alkenyl; O, S or N(R m )-alkynyl;

optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(R m )(R n ) or 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(R m )(R n ), where each R m and R n is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N0 2 ), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

Embodiment 118: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 117, wherein each B nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: a halogen,

OCH3, OCF3, OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 -N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 .

Embodiment 119: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 118, wherein each B nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: F, OCH 3 ,

0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 .

Embodiment 120: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 102-115, wherein each B

nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

Embodiment 121 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 120, wherein each B nucleoside

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio LNA. Embodiment 122: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 102-115, wherein each B

comprises a modified nucleobase. Embodiment 123: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 122, wherein each B comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine. Embodiment 124: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 123, wherein each B comprises 2-thio- thymidine.

Embodiment 125: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 102-106, wherein each B nucleoside comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety.

Embodiment 126: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 102-115, wherein each B nucleoside comprises an F-HNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 127: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 102-126, wherein each C

nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

Embodiment 128: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 127, wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF 3 , OCF 3 , O, S, or N(R m )-alkyl; O, S, or N(R m )-alkenyl; O, S or N(R m )-alkynyl;

optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(R m )(R n ) or 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(R m )(R n ), where each R m and R n is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N0 2 ), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

Embodiment 129: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 128, wherein each C nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: a halogen,

OCH3, OCF3, OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 -N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 .

Embodiment 130: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 129, wherein each C nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: F, OCH 3 ,

0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 . Embodiment 131 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 102-126, wherein each C nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

Embodiment 132: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 131, wherein each C nucleoside

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio LNA.

Embodiment 133: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 102-126, wherein each C

comprises a modified nucleobase.

Embodiment 134: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 133, wherein each C comprises a

modified nucleobase selected from among a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

Embodiment 135: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 134, wherein each C comprises 2-thio- thymidine.

Embodiment 136: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 102-126, wherein each C comprises an F- HNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 137: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 102-126, wherein each C nucleoside comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety.

Embodiment 138: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 102-138, wherein each W

nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

Embodiment 139: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 138, wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF 3 , OCF 3 , O, S, or N(R m )-alkyl; O, S, or N(R m )-alkenyl; O, S or N(R m )-alkynyl;

optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(R m )(R n ) or 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(R m )(R n ), where each R m and R n is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl; wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N0 2 ), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl. Embodiment 140: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 139, wherein each W nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCF3, OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 -N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 . Embodiment 141 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 139, wherein each W nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: F, OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 .

Embodiment 142: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 102-137, wherein each W

nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

Embodiment 143: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 142, wherein each W nucleoside

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio LNA.

Embodiment 144: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 102-137, wherein each W

comprises a modified nucleobase.

Embodiment 145: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 144, wherein each W comprises a

modified nucleobase selected from among a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

Embodiment 146: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 145, wherein each W comprises 2-thio- thymidine. Embodiment 147: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 102-137, wherein each W comprises an F-

HNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 148: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 102-137, wherein each W nucleoside comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety. Embodiment 149: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-148, wherein the 3' region consists of 2 linked 3 '-region nucleosides.

Embodiment 150: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-148, wherein the 3' region consists of 3 linked 3 '-region nucleosides.

Embodiment 151 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-148, wherein the 3' region consists of 4 linked 3 '-region nucleosides.

Embodiment 152: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-148, wherein the 3' region consists of 5 linked 3 '-region nucleosides.

Embodiment 153: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-148, wherein the 3' region consists of 6 linked 3 '-region nucleosides.

Embodiment 154: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-153, wherein at least one 3'- region nucleoside is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

Embodiment 155: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-154, wherein each 3'-region nucleoside is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 156: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-153, wherein at least one 3'- region nucleoside is an RNA-like nucleoside.

Embodiment 157: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-154, wherein each 3'-region nucleoside is an RNA-like nucleoside.

Embodiment 158: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-153, comprising at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising a modified sugar.

Embodiment 159: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 158, comprising at least one modified 3' region nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety.

Embodiment 160: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 159, comprising at least one modified 3' region nucleoside comprising a cEt sugar moiety. Embodiment 161 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 159, comprising at least one modified 3'- region nucleoside comprising an LNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 162: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-162 comprising of at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

Embodiment 163: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 162, wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF 3 , OCF 3 , O, S, or N(R m )-alkyl; O, S, or N(R m )-alkenyl; O, S or N(R m )-alkynyl;

optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(R m )(R n ) or 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(R m )(R n ), where each R m and R n is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C 1 -C 10 alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N0 2 ), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

Embodiment 164: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 163 wherein at least one modified 3'- region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCH 2 F, OCHF 2 , OCF 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 F, OCH 2 CHF 2 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 (MOE), 0(CH 2 ) 2 -SCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCF 3 , O(CH 2 ) 3 -N(R (R 2 ), 0(CH 2 ) 2 -ON(R 1 )(R 2 ), O(CH 2 ) 2 -O(CH 2 ) 2 -N(R (R 2 ), OCH 2 C(=O)-N(R (R 2 ), OCH 2 C(=0)-N(R 3 )- (CH 2 ) 2 -N(R (R 2 ), and O(CH 2 ) 2 -N(R 3 )-C(=NR 4 )[N(R (R 2 )]; wherein R R 2 , R 3 and R4 are each, independently, H or Ci-C 6 alkyl.

Embodiment 165: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 164, wherein the 2 '-substituent is selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCF 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 - N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 .

Embodiment 166: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 162-165 comprising at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-MOE sugar moiety. Embodiment 167: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 162-166 comprising at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-OMe sugar moiety. Embodiment 168: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 162-167 comprising at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-F sugar moiety.

Embodiment 169: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 162-168 comprising at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety.

Embodiment 170: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 162-169 comprising of at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising a sugar surrogate.

Embodiment 171 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 170 comprising at least one modified 3'- region nucleoside comprising an F-HNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 172: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 170 comprising at least one modified 3'- region nucleoside comprising an HNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 173: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-172 comprising at least one modified 3 '-region nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase.

Embodiment 174: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-173, wherein each A comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2 '-substituent selected from among: F, OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 - OCH 3 , and each B comprises a bicylic sugar moiety selected from among: LNA and cEt.

Embodiment 175: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 174, wherein each A comprises 0(CH 2 ) 2 - OCH 3 and each B comprises cEt.

Embodiment 176: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-175, wherein the 3 '-region has a motif selected from among: ABB, ABAA, AAABAA, AAAAABAA, AABAA, AAAABAA, AAABAA, ABAB, AAAAA, AAABB, AAAAAAAA, AAAAAAA, AAAAAA, AAAAB, AAAA, AAA, AA, AB, ABBB, ABAB, AABBB, wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type.

Embodiment 177: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 1-175, wherein the 3 '-region has a motif selected from among: ABB; AAABAA; AABAA; AAAABAA; AAAAA; AAABB; AAAAAAAA;

AAAAAAA; AAAAAA; AAAAB; AB; ABBB; and ABAB, wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type. Embodiment 178: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 1-175, wherein the 3'-region has a motif selected from among: BBA, AAB, AAA, BBB, BBAA, AABB, WBBA, WAAB, BBBA, BBBBA, BBBB, BBBBBA, ABBBBB, BBAAA, AABBB, BBBAA, BBBBA, BBBBB, BABA, AAAAA, BBAAAA, AABBBB, BAAAA, and ABBBB, wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, and each W is a modified nucleoside of a first type, a second type, or a third type.

Embodiment 179: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 176-178, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

Embodiment 180: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 176-178, wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF 3 , OCF 3 , O, S, or N(R m )-alkyl; O, S, or N(R m )-alkenyl; O, S or N(R m )- alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O-aralkyl, 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(R m )(R n ) or 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(R m )(R n ), where each R m and R n is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cio alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N0 2 ), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl. Embodiment 181 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 180, wherein each A nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCF 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 -N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 . Embodiment 182: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 181, wherein each A nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: F, OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 .

Embodiment 183: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 176-178, wherein each A nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. Embodiment 184: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 183, wherein each A nucleoside

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio LNA.

5 Embodiment 185 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 176-178, wherein each B

nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

Embodiment 186: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 185, wherein at least one modified central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from

.0 among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally

substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF 3 , OCF 3 , O, S, or N(R m )-alkyl; O, S, or N(R m )-alkenyl; O, S or N(R m )- alkynyl; optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O-aralkyl, 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(R m )(R n ) or 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(R m )(R n ), where

.5 each R m and R n is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cio alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N0 2 ), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

!O

Embodiment 187: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 185, wherein each B nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCF3, OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 -N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 .

!5

Embodiment 188: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 187, wherein each B nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: F, OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 .

10 Embodiment 189: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 176-178, wherein each B

nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

Embodiment 190: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 189, wherein each B nucleoside

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio 15 LNA. Embodiment 191 : The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 176-190, wherein each A comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: F, OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 , and each B comprises a bicylic sugar moiety selected from among: LNA and cEt.

Embodiment 192: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 191, wherein each A comprises 0(CH 2 ) 2 - OCH 3 and each B comprises cEt.

Embodiment 193: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 176-192, wherein each W

nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

Embodiment 194: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 193, wherein at least one central region nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: halogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted amino, azido, optionally substituted SH, CN, OCN, CF 3 , OCF 3 , O, S, or N(R m )-alkyl; O, S, or N(R m )-alkenyl; O, S or N(R m )-alkynyl;

optionally substituted O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted O-alkaryl, optionally substituted O- aralkyl, 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(R m )(R n ) or 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(R m )(R n ), where each R m and R n is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl;

wherein each optionally substituted group is optionally substituted with a substituent group independently selected from among: hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N0 2 ), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

Embodiment 195: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 193, wherein each W nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCF 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 -N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 .

Embodiment 196: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 195, wherein each W nucleoside

comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety comprising a 2'-substituent selected from among: F, OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 .

Embodiment 197: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 176-192, wherein each W

nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. Embodiment 198: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 197, wherein each W nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio LNA.

Embodiment 199: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 176-192, wherein each W

comprises a modified nucleobase.

Embodiment 200: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 199, wherein each W comprises a

modified nucleobase selected from among a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

Embodiment 201 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 200, wherein each W comprises 2-thio- thymidine.

Embodiment 202: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 176-192, wherein each W comprises an F- HNA sugar moiety.

Embodiment 203 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 202, wherein each W nucleoside

comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety.

Embodiment 204: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 1-203, wherein the 5 '-region has a motif selected from among: AB, ABB, AAA, BBB, BBBAA, AAB, BAA, BBAA, AABB, AAAB, ABBW, ABBWW, ABBB, ABBBB, ABAB, ABABAB, ABABBB, ABABAA, AAABB,

AAAABB, AABB, AAAAB, AABBB, ABBBB, BBBBB, AAABW, AAAAA, and BBBBAA; wherein the 3 '-region has a motif selected from among: BBA, AAB, AAA, BBB, BBAA, AABB, WBBA, WAAB, BBBA, BBBBA, BBBB, BBBBBA, ABBBBB, BBAAA, AABBB, BBBAA, BBBBA, BBBBB, BABA, AAAAA, BBAAAA, AABBBB, BAAAA, and ABBBB;

wherein the central region has a nucleoside motif selected from among: DDDDDD, DDDDDDD, DDDDDDDD, DDDDDDDDD, DDDDDDDDDD, DXDDDDDDD, DDXDDDDDD, DDDXDDDDD, DDDDXDDDD, DDDDDXDDD, DDDDDDXDD, DDDDDDDXD,

DXXDDDDDD, DDDDDDXXD, DDXXDDDDD, DDDXXDDDD, DDDDXXDDD,

DDDDDXXDD, DXDDDDDXD, DXDDDDXDD, DXDDDXDDD, DXDDXDDDD,

DXDXDDDDD, DDXDDDDXD, DDXDDDXDD, DDXDDXDDD, DDXDXDDDD,

DDDXDDDXD, DDDXDDXDD, DDDXDXDDD, DDDDXDDXD, DDDDXDXDD, and

DDDDDXDXD , DDDDDDDD, DXDDDDDD, DDXDDDDD, DDDXDDDD, DDDDXDDD, DDDDDXDD, DDDDDDXD, DXDDDDXD, DXDDDXDD, DXDDXDDD, DXDXDDDD, DXXDDDDD, DDXXDDDD, DDXDXDDD, DDXDDXDD, DXDDDDXD, DDDXXDDD, DDDXDXDD, DDDXDDXD, DDDDXXDD, DDDDXDXD, and DDDDDXXD, DXDDDDD, DDXDDDD, DDDXDDD, DDDDXDD, DDDDDXD, DXDDDXD, DXDDXDD, DXDXDDD, DXXDDDD, DDXXDDD, DDXDXDD, DDXDDXD, DDDXXDD, DDDXDXD, and DDDDXXD, DXDDDD, DDXDDD, DDDXDD, DDDDXD, DXXDDD, DXDXDD, DXDDXD, DDXXDD, DDXDXD, and DDDXXD; and

wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, each W is a modified nucleoside of a first type, a second type, or a third type, each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside, and each X is a modified nucleoside or a modified nucleobase.

Embodiment 205 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 204, wherein the 5 '-region has a motif selected from among:

AB, ABB, AAA, BBB, BBBAA, AAB, BAA, BBAA, AABB, ABBW, ABBWW, ABBB, ABBBB, ABAB, ABABAB, ABABBB, ABABAA, AAABB, AAAABB, AABB, AAAAB, AABBB, ABBBB, BBBBB, AAABW, and BBBBAA; and wherein the 3 '-region has a BBA motif.

Embodiment 206: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 204 or 205, wherein one of A or B

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase.

Embodiment 207: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 204 or 205, wherein one of A or B

comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises FHNA.

Embodiment 208: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 204 or 205, wherein one of A or B

comprises cEt, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-modified sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio- thymidine nucleobase.

Embodiment 209: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 204 or 205, wherein one of A or B

comprises cEt, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-modified sugar moiety, and W comprises FHNA.

Embodiment 210: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 204 or 205, wherein each A

MOE, each B comprises cEt, and each W is selected from among cEt or FHNA. Embodiment 211 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 204 or 205, wherein each W comprises cEt.

Embodiment 212: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 204 or 205, wherein each W comprises 2- thio-thymidine.

Embodiment 213: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 204 or 205, wherein each W comprises FHNA.

Embodiment 214: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-213 comprising at least one modified internucleoside linkage.

Embodiment 215: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 214, wherein each internucleoside linkage is a modified internucleoside linkage.

Embodiment 216: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 214 or 215 comprising at least one

phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.

Embodiment 217: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 214 or 215 comprising at least one methylphosphonate internucleoside linkage.

Embodiment 218: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 214 or 215 comprising one

methylphosphonate internucleoside linkage.

Embodiment 219: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 214 or 215 comprising two

methylphosphonate internucleoside linkages.

Embodiment 220: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 217, wherein at least one of the 3 rd , 4 th , 5 th , 6 th and/or 7 th internucleoside from the 5 '-end is a methylphosphonate internucleoside linkage.

Embodiment 221 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 217, wherein at least one of the 3 rd , 4 th , 5 th , 6 th and/or 7 th internucleoside from the 3 '-end is a methylphosphonate internucleoside linkage.

Embodiment 222: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 217, wherein at least one of the 3 rd , 4 th , 5 th , 6 th , 7 th , 8 th , 9 th , 10 th , 11 th , and/or 12 th internucleoside from the 5 '-end is a methylphosphonate intemucleoside linkage, and wherein at least one of the 3 rd , 4 th , 5 th , 6 th , 7 th , 8 th , 9 th , 10 th , 11 th , and/or 12 th intemucleoside from the 5 '-end is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 223 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 217, wherein at least one of the 3 rd , 4 th , 5 5 th , 6 th , 7 th , 8 th , 9 th , 10 th , 1 1 th , and/or 12 th intemucleoside from the 3 '-end is a methylphosphonate intemucleoside linkage, and wherein at least one of the 3 rd , 4 th , 5 th , 6 th , 7 th , 8 th , 9 th , 10 th , 11 th , and/or 12 th intemucleoside from the 3 '-end is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 224: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-223 comprising at least one .0 conjugate group.

Embodiment 225 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 1-223, wherein the conjugate group

consists of a conjugate.

.5 Embodiment 226: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 225, wherein the conjugate group consists of a conjugate and a conjugate linker.

Embodiment 227: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-226, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide is 100% complementary to the nucleobase sequence of the iO target region of the target nucleic acid.

Embodiment 228: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-226, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide contains one mismatch relative to the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid.

!5

Embodiment 229: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-226, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide contains two mismatches relative to the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid.

10 Embodiment 230: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-226, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide comprises a hybridizing region and at least one non- targeting region, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the hybridizing region is complementary to the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid. Embodiment 231 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 230, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the hybridizing region is 100% complementary to the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid.

Embodiment 232: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 230, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the hybridizing region contains one mismatche relative to the nucleobase sequence of the target region of the target nucleic acid.

Embodiment 233: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 230-232, wherein the nucleobase sequence of at least one non-targeting region is complementary to a portion of the hybridizing region of the modified oligonucleotide.

Embodiment 234: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 233, wherein the nucleobase sequence of at least one non-targeting region is 100% complementary to a portion of the hybridizing region of the modified oligonucleotide.

Embodiment 235: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 1-234 wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide comprises two non-targeting regions flanking a central hybridizing region.

Embodiment 236: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 235, wherein the two non-targeting

regions are complementary to one another.

Embodiment 237: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 236, wherein the two non-targeting

regions are 100% complementary to one another.

Embodiment 238: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 2-237, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide aligns with the nucleobase of the target region of the target nucleic acid such that a distinguishing nucleobase of the target region of the target nucleic acid aligns with a target-selective nucleoside within the central region of the modified oligonucleotide.

Embodiment 239: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 3-237, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide aligns with the nucleobase of the target region of the target nucleic acid such that the single distinguishing nucleobase of the target region of the target nucleic acid aligns with a target-selective nucleoside within the central region of the modified

oligonucleotide. Embodiment 240: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is the 5 '-most nucleoside of the central region.

5 Embodiment 241 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is the 2 nd nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region.

Embodiment 242: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is at the 3 rd nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region.

.0

Embodiment 243: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is at the 5 th nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region.

Embodiment 244: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective .5 nucleoside is at the 7 th nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region.

Embodiment 245: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 238 or 239, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is at the 9 th nucleoside from the 5 '-end of the central region.

Ϊ0 Embodiment 246: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 238 or 239, or 241-245, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is at the 2 nd nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region.

Embodiment 247: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 238 or 239, or 241-245, wherein the target-selective nucleoside is at the 5 th nucleoside from the 3 '-end of the central region.

!5

Embodiment 248: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-247, wherein target-selective nucleoside is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

Embodiment 249: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-247, wherein target-selective 10 nucleoside is a modified nucleoside.

Embodiment 250: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 249, wherein the target-selective

nucleoside is a sugar modified nucleoside. Embodiment 251 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 250, wherein the target-selective nucleoside comprises a sugar modification selected from among: 2' -MOE, 2'-F, 2'-(ara)-F, HNA, FHNA, cEt, and a-L-LNA.

Embodiment 252: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-251, wherein the target- selective nucleoside comprises a nucleobase modification.

Embodiment 253 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 252, wherein the modified nucleobase is selected from among: a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine.

Embodiment 254: The oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-253, wherein the oligomeric compound is an antisense compound.

Embodiment 255 : The oligomeric compound of embodiment 254, wherein the oligomeric compound selectively reduces expression of the target relative to the non-target.

Embodiment 256: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 255, wherein the oligomeric compound reduces expression of target at least two-fold more than it reduces expression of the non-target.

Embodiment 257: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 256, having an EC 50 for reduction of expression of target that is at least least two-fold lower than its EC 50 for reduction of expression of the non-target, when measured in cells.

Embodiment 258: The oligomeric compound of embodiment 256, having an ED 50 for reduction of expression of target that is at least least two-fold lower than its ED 50 for reduction of expression of the non-target, when measured in an animal.

Embodiment 259: The oligomeric compound of embodiments 1-10, having an E-E-E-K-K-(D) 7 -E-E-K motif, wherein each E is a 2'-MOE nucleoside and each K is a cEt nucleoside.

Embodiment 260: A method comprising contacting a cell with an oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-259.

Embodiment 261 : The method of embodiment 260, wherein the cell is in vitro.

Embodiment 262: The method of embodiment 260, wherein the cell is in an animal. Embodiment 263 : The method of embodiment 262, wherein the animal is a human.

Embodiment 264: The method of embodiment 263, wherein the animal is a mouse.

Embodiment 265 : A pharmaceutical composition comprising an oligomeric compound of any of

embodiments 1-259 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Embodiment 266: A method of administering a pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 265 to an animal.

Embodiment 267: The method of embodiment 266, wherein the animal is a human.

Embodiment 268: The method of embodiment 266, wherein the animal is a mouse.

Embodiment 269: Use of an oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-259 for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or amelioration of Alzheimer's disease, Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia, Alexander disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dentato-rubral and pallido-luysian atrophy DRPA, spino-cerebellar ataxia, Torsion dystonia, cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, systemic lupus erythematosus, hypercholesterolemia, breast cancer, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Graves disease, SLE, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Kennedy's disease, progressive childhood posterior subcapsular cataracts, cholesterol gallstone disease, arthrosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, primary hypercalciuria, alpha-thallasemia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Anxiety, comorbid depression, congenital visual defects, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, prostate cancer, congential myasthenic syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, sporadic pheochromocytoma, congenital malformations, Machado-Joseph disease, Huntington's disease, and Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa disease.

Embodiment 270: A method of ameliorating a symptom of Alzheimer's disease, Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia, Alexander disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dentato-rubral and pallido-luysian atrophy DRPA, spino-cerebellar ataxia, Torsion dystonia, cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, systemic lupus erythematosus, hypercholesterolemia, breast cancer, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Graves disease, SLE, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Kennedy's disease, progressive childhood posterior subcapsular cataracts, cholesterol gallstone disease, arthrosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, primary hypercalciuria, alpha-thallasemia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Anxiety, comorbid depression, congenital visual defects, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, prostate cancer, congential myasthenic syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, sporadic pheochromocytoma, congenital malformations, Machado-Joseph disease, Huntington's disease, and Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa disease, comprising administering an oligomeric compound of any of embodiments 1-259 to an animal in need thereof.

Embodiment 271 : The method of embodiment 270, wherein the animal is a human. Embodiment 272: The method of embodiment 270, wherein the animal is a mouse.

In certain embodiments, including but not limited to any of the above numbered embodiments, oligomeric compounds including oligonucleotides described herein are capable of modulating expression of a target RNA. In certain embodiments, the target RNA is associated with a disease or disorder, or encodes a protein that is associated with a disease or disorder. In certain embodiments, the oligomeric compounds or oligonucleotides provided herein modulate the expression of function of such RNA to alleviate one or more symptom of the disease or disorder.

In certain embodiments, oligomeric compounds including oligonucleotides describe herein are useful in vitro. In certain embodiments such oligomeric compounds are used in diagnostics and/or for target validation experiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. Herein, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the use of "or" means "and/or" unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term "including" as well as other forms, such as "includes" and "included", is not limiting. Also, terms such as "element" or "component" encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one subunit, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application, including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose.

A. Definitions

Unless specific definitions are provided, the nomenclature used in connection with, and the procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques may be used for chemical synthesis, and chemical analysis. Certain such techniques and procedures may be found for example in "Carbohydrate Modifications in Antisense Research" Edited by Sangvi and Cook, American Chemical Society , Washington D.C., 1994; "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences," Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 21 st edition, 2005; and "Antisense Drug Technology, Principles, Strategies, and Applications" Edited by Stanley T. Crooke, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida; and Sambrook et al, "Molecular Cloning, A laboratory Manual," 2 nd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989, which are hereby incorporated by reference for any purpose. Where permitted, all patents, applications, published applications and other publications and other data referred to throughout in the disclosure are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms have the following meanings:

As used herein, "nucleoside" means a compound comprising a nucleobase moiety and a sugar moiety. Nucleosides include, but are not limited to, naturally occurring nucleosides (as found in DNA and RNA) and modified nucleosides. Nucleosides may be linked to a phosphate moiety.

As used herein, "chemical modification" means a chemical difference in a compound when compared to a naturally occurring counterpart. Chemical modifications of oligonucleotides include nucleoside modifications (including sugar moiety modifications and nucleobase modifications) and internucleoside linkage modifications. In reference to an oligonucleotide, chemical modification does not include differences only in nucleobase sequence.

As used herein, "furanosyl" means a structure comprising a 5-membered ring comprising four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom.

As used herein, "naturally occurring sugar moiety" means a ribofuranosyl as found in naturally occurring RNA or a deoxyribofuranosyl as found in naturally occurring DNA.

As used herein, "sugar moiety" means a naturally occurring sugar moiety or a modified sugar moiety of a nucleoside.

As used herein, "modified sugar moiety" means a substituted sugar moiety or a sugar surrogate.

As used herein, "substituted sugar moiety" means a furanosyl that is not a naturally occurring sugar moiety. Substituted sugar moieties include, but are not limited to furanosyls comprising substituents at the 2'-position, the 3 '-position, the 5 '-position and/or the 4'-position. Certain substituted sugar moieties are bicyclic sugar moieties.

As used herein, "2 '-substituted sugar moiety" means a furanosyl comprising a substituent at the 2'- position other than H or OH. Unless otherwise indicated, a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety is not a bicyclic sugar moiety (i.e., the 2 '-substituent of a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety does not form a bridge to another atom of the furanosyl ring.

As used herein, "MOE" means -OCH 2 CH 2 OCH 3 . As used herein, "2'-F nucleoside" refers to a nucleoside comprising a sugar comprising fluoroine at the 2' position. Unless otherwise indicated, the fluorine in a 2'-F nucleoside is in the ribo position (replacing the OH of a natural ribose).

As used herein, "2'-(ara)-F" refers to a 2'-F substituted nucleoside, wherein the fluoro group is in the arabino

2'F (ribo) 2'-(ara)-F (arabino)

As used herein the term "sugar surrogate" means a structure that does not comprise a furanosyl and that is capable of replacing the naturally occurring sugar moiety of a nucleoside, such that the resulting nucleoside sub-units are capable of linking together and/or linking to other nucleosides to form an oligomeric compound which is capable of hybridizing to a complementary oligomeric compound. Such structures include rings comprising a different number of atoms than furanosyl (e.g., 4, 6, or 7-membered rings);

replacement of the oxygen of a furanosyl with a non-oxygen atom (e.g., carbon, sulfur, or nitrogen); or both a change in the number of atoms and a replacement of the oxygen. Such structures may also comprise substitutions corresponding to those described for substituted sugar moieties (e.g., 6-membered carbocyclic bicyclic sugar surrogates optionally comprising additional substituents). Sugar surrogates also include more complex sugar replacements (e.g., the non-ring systems of peptide nucleic acid). Sugar surrogates include without limitation morpholinos, cyclohexenyls and cyclohexitols.

As used herein, "bicyclic sugar moiety" means a modified sugar moiety comprising a 4 to 7 membered ring (including but not limited to a furanosyl) comprising a bridge connecting two atoms of the 4 to 7 membered ring to form a second ring, resulting in a bicyclic structure. In certain embodiments, the 4 to 7 membered ring is a sugar ring. In certain embodiments the 4 to 7 membered ring is a furanosyl. In certain such embodiments, the bridge connects the 2'-carbon and the 4'-carbon of the furanosyl.

As used herein, "nucleotide" means a nucleoside further comprising a phosphate linking group. As used herein, "linked nucleosides" may or may not be linked by phosphate linkages and thus includes, but is not limited to "linked nucleotides." As used herein, "linked nucleosides" are nucleosides that are connected in a continuous sequence (i.e. no additional nucleosides are present between those that are linked).

As used herein, "nucleobase" means a group of atoms that can be linked to a sugar moiety to create a nucleoside that is capable of incorporation into an oligonucleotide, and wherein the group of atoms is capable of bonding with a complementary naturally occurring nucleobase of another oligonucleotide or nucleic acid. Nucleobases may be naturally occurring or may be modified.

As used herein the terms, "unmodified nucleobase" or "naturally occurring nucleobase" means the naturally occurring heterocyclic nucleobases of RNA or DNA: the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidine bases thymine (T), cytosine (C) (including 5 -methyl C), and uracil (U).

As used herein, "modified nucleobase" means any nucleobase that is not a naturally occurring nucleobase.

As used herein, "modified nucleoside" means a nucleoside comprising at least one chemical modification compared to naturally occurring RNA or DNA nucleosides. Modified nucleosides comprise a modified sugar moiety and/or a modified nucleobase.

As used herein, "bicyclic nucleoside" or "BNA" means a nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety.

As used herein, "constrained ethyl nucleoside" or "cEt" means a nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety comprising a 4'-CH(CH 3 )-0-2'bridge.

As used herein, "locked nucleic acid nucleoside" or "LNA" means a nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety comprising a 4'-CH 2 -0-2'bridge.

As used herein, "2 '-substituted nucleoside" means a nucleoside comprising a substituent at the 2'- position other than H or OH. Unless otherwise indicated, a 2 '-substituted nucleoside is not a bicyclic nucleoside.

As used herein, "2 '-deoxynucleoside" means a nucleoside comprising 2'-H furanosyl sugar moiety, as found in naturally occurring deoxyribonucleosides (DNA). In certain embodiments, a 2 '-deoxynucleoside may comprise a modified nucleobase or may comprise an RNA nucleobase (e.g., uracil).

As used herein, "RNA-like nucleoside" means a modified nucleoside that adopts a northern configuration and functions like RNA when incorporated into an oligonucleotide. RNA-like nucleosides include, but are not limited to 3 '-endo furanosyl nucleosides and RNA surrogates.

As used herein, "3'-endo-furanosyl nucleoside" means an RNA-like nucleoside that comprises a substituted sugar moiety that has a 3 '-endo conformation. 3'-endo-furanosyl nucleosides include, but are not limitied to: 2'-MOE, 2'-F, 2'-OMe, LNA, ENA, and cEt nucleosides.

As used herein, "RNA-surrogate nucleoside" means an RNA-like nucleoside that does not comprise a furanosyl. RNA-surrogate nucleosides include, but are not limited to hexitols and cyclopentanes.

As used herein, "oligonucleotide" means a compound comprising a plurality of linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide comprises one or more unmodified ribonucleosides (RNA) and/or unmodified deoxyribonucleosides (DNA) and/or one or more modified nucleosides.

As used herein "oligonucleoside" means an oligonucleotide in which none of the internucleoside linkages contains a phosphorus atom. As used herein, oligonucleotides include oligonucleosides.

As used herein, "modified oligonucleotide" means an oligonucleotide comprising at least one modified nucleoside and/or at least one modified internucleoside linkage.

As used herein "internucleoside linkage" means a covalent linkage between adjacent nucleosides in an oligonucleotide.

As used herein "naturally occurring internucleoside linkage" means a 3' to 5' phosphodiester linkage. As used herein, "modified internucleoside linkage" means any internucleoside linkage other than a naturally occurring internucleoside linkage.

As used herein, "oligomeric compound" means a polymeric structure comprising two or more substructures. In certain embodiments, an oligomeric compound comprises an oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, an oligomeric compound comprises one or more conjugate groups and/or terminal groups. In certain embodiments, an oligomeric compound consists of an oligonucleotide.

As used herein, "terminal group" means one or more atom attached to either, or both, the 3 ' end or the 5' end of an oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments a terminal group is a conjugate group. In certain embodiments, a terminal group comprises one or more terminal group nucleosides.

As used herein, "conjugate" means an atom or group of atoms bound to an oligonucleotide or oligomeric compound. In general, conjugate groups modify one or more properties of the compound to which they are attached, including, but not limited to pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, binding, absorption, cellular distribution, cellular uptake, charge and/or clearance properties.

As used herein, "conjugate linking group" means any atom or group of atoms used to attach a conjugate to an oligonucleotide or oligomeric compound.

As used herein, "antisense compound" means a compound comprising or consisting of an oligonucleotide at least a portion of which is complementary to a target nucleic acid to which it is capable of hybridizing, resulting in at least one antisense activity.

As used herein, "antisense activity" means any detectable and/or measurable change attributable to the hybridization of an antisense compound to its target nucleic acid.

As used herein, "detecting" or "measuring" means that a test or assay for detecting or measuring is performed. Such detection and/or measuring may result in a value of zero. Thus, if a test for detection or measuring results in a finding of no activity (activity of zero), the step of detecting or measuring the activity has nevertheless been performed.

As used herein, "detectable and/or measureable activity" means a measurable activity that is not zero.

As used herein, "essentially unchanged" means little or no change in a particular parameter, particularly relative to another parameter which changes much more. In certain embodiments, a parameter is essentially unchanged when it changes less than 5%. In certain embodiments, a parameter is essentially unchanged if it changes less than two-fold while another parameter changes at least ten-fold. For example, in certain embodiments, an antisense activity is a change in the amount of a target nucleic acid. In certain such embodiments, the amount of a non-target nucleic acid is essentially unchanged if it changes much less than the target nucleic acid does, but the change need not be zero.

As used herein, "expression" means the process by which a gene ultimately results in a protein. Expression includes, but is not limited to, transcription, post-transcriptional modification (e.g., splicing, polyadenlyation, addition of 5 '-cap), and translation. As used herein, "target nucleic acid" means a nucleic acid molecule to which an antisense compound is intended to hybridize.

As used herein, "non-target nucleic acid" means a nucleic acid molecule to which hybridization of an antisense compound is not intended or desired. In certain embodiments, antisense compounds do hybridize to a non-target, due to homology between the target (intended) and non-target (un-intended).

As used herein, "mRNA" means an RNA molecule that encodes a protein.

As used herein, "pre-mRNA" means an RNA transcript that has not been fully processed into mRNA. Pre-RNA includes one or more intron.

As used herein, "object RNA" means an RNA molecule other than a target RNA, the amount, activity, splicing, and/or function of which is modulated, either directly or indirectly, by a target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a target nucleic acid modulates splicing of an object RNA. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound modulates the amount or activity of the target nucleic acid, resulting in a change in the splicing of an object RNA and ultimately resulting in a change in the activity or function of the object RNA.

As used herein, "microRNA" means a naturally occurring, small, non-coding RNA that represses gene expression of at least one mRNA. In certain embodiments, a microRNA represses gene expression by binding to a target site within a 3 ' untranslated region of an mRNA. In certain embodiments, a microRNA has a nucleobase sequence as set forth in miRBase, a database of published microRNA sequences found at http://microrna.sanger.ac.uk/sequences/. In certain embodiments, a microRNA has a nucleobase sequence as set forth in miRBase version 12.0 released September 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As used herein, "microRNA mimic" means an oligomeric compound having a sequence that is at least partially identical to that of a microRNA. In certain embodiments, a microRNA mimic comprises the microRNA seed region of a microRNA. In certain embodiments, a microRNA mimic modulates translation of more than one target nucleic acids. In certain embodiments, a microRNA mimic is double-stranded.

As used herein, "differentiating nucleobase" means a nucleobase that differs between two nucleic acids. In certain instances, a target region of a target nucleic acid differs by 1-4 nucleobases from a non- target nucleic acid. Each of those differences is refered to as a differentiating nucleobase. In certain instances, a differentiating nucleobase is a single-nucleotide polymorphism.

As used herein, "target-selective nucleoside" means a nucleoside of an antisense compound that corresponds to a differentiating nucleobase of a target nucleic acid.

As used herein, "allele" means one of a pair of copies of a gene existing at a particular locus or marker on a specific chromosome, or one member of a pair of nucleobases existing at a particular locus or marker on a specific chromosome, or one member of a pair of nucleobase sequences existing at a particular locus or marker on a specific chromosome. For a diploid organism or cell or for autosomal chromosomes, each allelic pair will normally occupy corresponding positions (loci) on a pair of homologous chromosomes, one inherited from the mother and one inherited from the father. If these alleles are identical, the organism or cell is said to be "homozygous" for that allele; if they differ, the organism or cell is said to be "heterozygous" for that allele. "Wild-type allele" refers to the genotype typically not associated with disease or dysfunction of the gene product. "Mutant allele" refers to the genotype associated with disease or dysfunction of the gene product.

As used herein, "allelic variant" means a particular identity of an allele, where more than one identity occurs. For example, an allelic variant may refer to either the mutant allele or the wild-type allele.

As used herein, "single nucleotide polymorphism" or "SNP" means a single nucleotide variation between the genomes of individuals of the same species. In some cases, a SNP may be a single nucleotide deletion or insertion. In general, SNPs occur relatively frequently in genomes and thus contribute to genetic diversity. The location of a SNP is generally flanked by highly conserved sequences. An individual may be homozygous or heterozygous for an allele at each SNP site.

As used herein, "single nucleotide polymorphism site" or "SNP site" refers to the nucleotides surrounding a SNP contained in a target nucleic acid to which an antisense compound is targeted.

As used herein, "targeting" or "targeted to" means the association of an antisense compound to a particular target nucleic acid molecule or a particular region of a target nucleic acid molecule. An antisense compound targets a target nucleic acid if it is sufficiently complementary to the target nucleic acid to allow hybridization under physiological conditions.

As used herein, "nucleobase complementarity" or "complementarity" when in reference to nucleobases means a nucleobase that is capable of base pairing with another nucleobase. For example, in DNA, adenine (A) is complementary to thymine (T). For example, in RNA, adenine (A) is complementary to uracil (U). In certain embodiments, complementary nucleobase means a nucleobase of an antisense compound that is capable of base pairing with a nucleobase of its target nucleic acid. For example, if a nucleobase at a certain position of an antisense compound is capable of hydrogen bonding with a nucleobase at a certain position of a target nucleic acid, then the position of hydrogen bonding between the

oligonucleotide and the target nucleic acid is considered to be complementary at that nucleobase pair.

Nucleobases comprising certain modifications may maintain the ability to pair with a counterpart nucleobase and thus, are still capable of nucleobase complementarity.

As used herein, "non-complementary" in reference to nucleobases means a pair of nucleobases that do not form hydrogen bonds with one another.

As used herein, "complementary" in reference to oligomeric compounds (e.g., linked nucleosides, oligonucleotides, or nucleic acids) means the capacity of such oligomeric compounds or regions thereof to hybridize to another oligomeric compound or region thereof through nucleobase complementarity under stringent conditions. Complementary oligomeric compounds need not have nucleobase complementarity at each nucleoside. Rather, some mismatches are tolerated. In certain embodiments, complementary oligomeric compounds or regions are complementary at 70% of the nucleobases (70% complementary). In certain embodiments, complementary oligomeric compounds or regions are 80% complementary. In certain embodiments, complementary oligomeric compounds or regions are 90% complementary. In certain embodiments, complementary oligomeric compounds or regions are 95% complementary. In certain embodiments, complementary oligomeric compounds or regions are 100% complementary.

As used herein, "mismatch" means a nucleobase of a first oligomeric compound that is not capable of pairing with a nucleobase at a corresponding position of a second oligomeric compound, when the first and second oligomeric compound are aligned. Either or both of the first and second oligomeric compounds may be oligonucleotides.

As used herein, "hybridization" means the pairing of complementary oligomeric compounds (e.g., an antisense compound and its target nucleic acid). While not limited to a particular mechanism, the most common mechanism of pairing involves hydrogen bonding, which may be Watson-Crick, Hoogsteen or reversed Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding, between complementary nucleobases.

As used herein, "specifically hybridizes" means the ability of an oligomeric compound to hybridize to one nucleic acid site with greater affinity than it hybridizes to another nucleic acid site. In certain embodiments, an antisense oligonucleotide specifically hybridizes to more than one target site.

As used herein, "fully complementary" in reference to an oligonucleotide or portion thereof means that each nucleobase of the oligonucleotide or portion thereof is capable of pairing with a nucleobase of a complementary nucleic acid or contiguous portion thereof. Thus, a fully complementary region comprises no mismatches or unhybridized nucleobases in either strand.

As used herein, "percent complementarity" means the percentage of nucleobases of an oligomeric compound that are complementary to an equal-length portion of a target nucleic acid. Percent

complementarity is calculated by dividing the number of nucleobases of the oligomeric compound that are complementary to nucleobases at corresponding positions in the target nucleic acid by the total length of the oligomeric compound.

As used herein, "percent identity" means the number of nucleobases in a first nucleic acid that are the same type (independent of chemical modification) as nucleobases at corresponding positions in a second nucleic acid, divided by the total number of nucleobases in the first nucleic acid.

As used herein, "modulation" means a change of amount or quality of a molecule, function, or activity when compared to the amount or quality of a molecule, function, or activity prior to modulation. For example, modulation includes the change, either an increase (stimulation or induction) or a decrease

(inhibition or reduction) in gene expression. As a further example, modulation of expression can include a change in splice site selection of pre-mRNA processing, resulting in a change in the absolute or relative amount of a particular splice-variant compared to the amount in the absence of modulation.

As used herein, "modification motif means a pattern of chemical modifications in an oligomeric compound or a region thereof. Motifs may be defined by modifications at certain nucleosides and/or at certain linking groups of an oligomeric compound. As used herein, "nucleoside motif means a pattern of nucleoside modifications in an oligomeric compound or a region thereof. The linkages of such an oligomeric compound may be modified or unmodified. Unless otherwise indicated, motifs herein describing only nucleosides are intended to be nucleoside motifs. Thus, in such instances, the linkages are not limited.

As used herein, "sugar motif means a pattern of sugar modifications in an oligomeric compound or a region thereof.

As used herein, "linkage motif means a pattern of linkage modifications in an oligomeric compound or region thereof. The nucleosides of such an oligomeric compound may be modified or unmodified. Unless otherwise indicated, motifs herein describing only linkages are intended to be linkage motifs. Thus, in such instances, the nucleosides are not limited.

As used herein, "nucleobase modification motif means a pattern of modifications to nucleobases along an oligonucleotide. Unless otherwise indicated, a nucleobase modification motif is independent of the nucleobase sequence.

As used herein, "sequence motif means a pattern of nucleobases arranged along an oligonucleotide or portion thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, a sequence motif is independent of chemical modifications and thus may have any combination of chemical modifications, including no chemical modifications.

As used herein, "type of modification" in reference to a nucleoside or a nucleoside of a "type" means the chemical modification of a nucleoside and includes modified and unmodified nucleosides. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, a "nucleoside having a modification of a first type" may be an unmodified nucleoside.

As used herein, "differently modified" mean chemical modifications or chemical substituents that are different from one another, including absence of modifications. Thus, for example, a MOE nucleoside and an unmodified DNA nucleoside are "differently modified," even though the DNA nucleoside is unmodified. Likewise, DNA and RNA are "differently modified," even though both are naturally-occurring unmodified nucleosides. Nucleosides that are the same but for comprising different nucleobases are not differently modified. For example, a nucleoside comprising a 2 '-OMe modified sugar and an unmodified adenine nucleobase and a nucleoside comprising a 2 '-OMe modified sugar and an unmodified thymine nucleobase are not differently modified.

As used herein, "the same type of modifications" refers to modifications that are the same as one another, including absence of modifications. Thus, for example, two unmodified DNA nucleoside have "the same type of modification," even though the DNA nucleoside is unmodified. Such nucleosides having the same type modification may comprise different nucleobases.

As used herein, "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent" means any substance suitable for use in administering to an animal. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent is sterile saline. In certain embodiments, such sterile saline is pharmaceutical grade saline. As used herein, "substituent" and "substituent group," means an atom or group that replaces the atom or group of a named parent compound. For example a substituent of a modified nucleoside is any atom or group that differs from the atom or group found in a naturally occurring nucleoside (e.g., a modified 2'- substuent is any atom or group at the 2 '-position of a nucleoside other than H or OH). Substituent groups can be protected or unprotected. In certain embodiments, compounds of the present invention have substituents at one or at more than one position of the parent compound. Substituents may also be further substituted with other substituent groups and may be attached directly or via a linking group such as an alkyl or hydrocarbyl group to a parent compound.

Likewise, as used herein, "substituent" in reference to a chemical functional group means an atom or group of atoms differs from the atom or a group of atoms normally present in the named functional group. In certain embodiments, a substituent replaces a hydrogen atom of the functional group (e.g., in certain embodiments, the substituent of a substituted methyl group is an atom or group other than hydrogen which replaces one of the hydrogen atoms of an unsubstituted methyl group). Unless otherwise indicated, groups amenable for use as substituents include without limitation, halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, acyl (- C(0)R aa ), carboxyl (-C(0)0-R aa ), aliphatic groups, alicyclic groups, alkoxy, substituted oxy (-0-R aa ), aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclic radical, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, amino (-N(Rbb)(Rc C )), imino(=NRbb), amido (-C(O)N(RbbXRcc) or -N(R bb )C(0)R aa ), azido (-N 3 ), nitro (-N0 2 ), cyano (-CN), carbamido

(-OC(O)N(RbbXRcc) or -N(R bb )C(0)OR aa ), ureido (-N(R b b)C(0)N(R b b)(R=c)), thioureido (-N(R b b)C(S)N(R b b)- (Ro C )), guamdinyl (-N(R b b)C(=NRbb)N(R b b)(R=c)), amidinyl (-C(=NR b b)N(R b b)(R=c) or

thiol (-SRbb), sulfinyl (-S(0)R bb ), sulfonyl (-S(0) 2 R bb ) and sulfonamidyl (-S(0) 2 N(R bb )(Rcc) or -N(R bb )S- (0) 2 R bb )- Wherein each R aa , R bb and R; C is, independently, H, an optionally linked chemical functional group or a further substituent group with a preferred list including without limitation, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aliphatic, alkoxy, acyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, alicyclic, heterocyclic and heteroarylalkyl. Selected substituents within the compounds described herein are present to a recursive degree.

As used herein, "alkyl," as used herein, means a saturated straight or branched hydrocarbon radical containing up to twenty four carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups include without limitation, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, isopropyl, n-hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl and the like. Alkyl groups typically include from 1 to about 24 carbon atoms, more typically from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms (C1-C12 alkyl) with from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms being more preferred.

As used herein, "alkenyl," means a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain radical containing up to twenty four carbon atoms and having at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Examples of alkenyl groups include without limitation, ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, 1 -methyl -2 -buten-l-yl, dienes such as 1,3-butadiene and the like. Alkenyl groups typically include from 2 to about 24 carbon atoms, more typically from 2 to about 12 carbon atoms with from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms being more preferred. Alkenyl groups as used herein may optionally include one or more further substituent groups. As used herein, "alkynyl," means a straight or branched hydrocarbon radical containing up to twenty four carbon atoms and having at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. Examples of alkynyl groups include, without limitation, ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 1-butynyl, and the like. Alkynyl groups typically include from 2 to about 24 carbon atoms, more typically from 2 to about 12 carbon atoms with from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms being more preferred. Alkynyl groups as used herein may optionally include one or more further substituent groups.

As used herein, "acyl," means a radical formed by removal of a hydroxyl group from an organic acid and has the general Formula -C(0)-X where X is typically aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic. Examples include aliphatic carbonyls, aromatic carbonyls, aliphatic sulfonyls, aromatic sulfinyls, aliphatic sulfinyls, aromatic phosphates, aliphatic phosphates and the like. Acyl groups as used herein may optionally include further substituent groups.

As used herein, "alicyclic" means a cyclic ring system wherein the ring is aliphatic. The ring system can comprise one or more rings wherein at least one ring is aliphatic. Preferred alicyclics include rings having from about 5 to about 9 carbon atoms in the ring. Alicyclic as used herein may optionally include further substituent groups.

As used herein, "aliphatic" means a straight or branched hydrocarbon radical containing up to twenty four carbon atoms wherein the saturation between any two carbon atoms is a single, double or triple bond. An aliphatic group preferably contains from 1 to about 24 carbon atoms, more typically from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms with from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms being more preferred. The straight or branched chain of an aliphatic group may be interrupted with one or more heteroatoms that include nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and phosphorus. Such aliphatic groups interrupted by heteroatoms include without limitation, polyalkoxys, such as polyalkylene glycols, polyamines, and polyimines. Aliphatic groups as used herein may optionally include further substituent groups.

As used herein, "alkoxy" means a radical formed between an alkyl group and an oxygen atom wherein the oxygen atom is used to attach the alkoxy group to a parent molecule. Examples of alkoxy groups include without limitation, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, «-butoxy, sec-butoxy, fert-butoxy, n- pentoxy, neopentoxy, n-hexoxy and the like. Alkoxy groups as used herein may optionally include further substituent groups.

As used herein, "aminoalkyl" means an amino substituted C1-C12 alkyl radical. The alkyl portion of the radical forms a covalent bond with a parent molecule. The amino group can be located at any position and the aminoalkyl group can be substituted with a further substituent group at the alkyl and/or amino portions.

As used herein, "aralkyl" and "arylalkyl" mean an aromatic group that is covalently linked to alkyl radical. The alkyl radical portion of the resulting aralkyl (or arylalkyl) group forms a covalent bond with a parent molecule. Examples include without limitation, benzyl, phenethyl and the like. Aralkyl groups as used herein may optionally include further substituent groups attached to the alkyl, the aryl or both groups that form the radical group.

As used herein, "aryl" and "aromatic" mean a mono- or polycyclic carbocyclic ring system radicals having one or more aromatic rings. Examples of aryl groups include without limitation, phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, indanyl, idenyl and the like. Preferred aryl ring systems have from about 5 to about 20 carbon atoms in one or more rings. Aryl groups as used herein may optionally include further substituent groups.

As used herein, "halo" and "halogen," mean an atom selected from fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

As used herein, "heteroaryl," and "heteroaromatic," mean a radical comprising a mono- or polycyclic aromatic ring, ring system or fused ring system wherein at least one of the rings is aromatic and includes one or more heteroatoms. Heteroaryl is also meant to include fused ring systems including systems where one or more of the fused rings contain no heteroatoms. Heteroaryl groups typically include one ring atom selected from sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen. Examples of heteroaryl groups include without limitation, pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isooxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiophenyl, furanyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzooxazolyl, quinoxalinyl and the like. Heteroaryl radicals can be attached to a parent molecule directly or through a linking moiety such as an aliphatic group or hetero atom. Heteroaryl groups as used herein may optionally include further substituent groups.

B. Oligomeric Compounds

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides oligomeric compounds. In certain embodiments, such oligomeric compounds comprise oligonucleotides optionally comprising one or more conjugate and/or terminal groups. In certain embodiments, an oligomeric compound consists of an oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides comprise one or more chemical modifications.

Such chemical modifications include modifications of one or more nucleoside (including modifications to the sugar moiety and/or the nucleobase) and/or modifications to one or more internucleoside linkage,

a. Certain Modified Nucleosides

In certain embodiments, provided herein are oligomeric compounds comprising or consisting of oligonuleotides comprising at least one modified nucleoside. Such modified nucleosides comprise a modified sugar moeity, a modified nucleobase, or both a modifed sugar moiety and a modified nucleobase.

i. Certain Modified Sugar Moieties

In certain embodiments, compounds of the invention comprise one or more modifed nucleosides comprising a modifed sugar moiety. Such compounds comprising one or more sugar-modified nucleosides may have desirable properties, such as enhanced nuclease stability or increased binding affinity with a target nucleic acid relative to an oligonucleotide comprising only nucleosides comprising naturally occurring sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, modified sugar moieties are substitued sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, modified sugar moieties are sugar surrogates. Such sugar surogates may comprise one or more substitutions corresponding to those of substituted sugar moieties.

In certain embodiments, modified sugar moieties are substituted sugar moieties comprising one or more non-bridging sugar substituent, including but not limited to substituents at the 2' and/or 5' positions. Examples of sugar substituents suitable for the 2 '-position, include, but are not limited to: 2'-F, 2'-OCH 3 ("OMe" or "O-methyl"), and 2'-0(CH 2 ) 2 OCH 3 ("MOE"). In certain embodiments, sugar substituents at the 2' position is selected from allyl, amino, azido, thio, O-allyl, O-Ci-Cio alkyl, O-Ci-Cio substituted alkyl; OCF 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(Rm)(Rn), and 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H or substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cio alkyl. Examples of sugar substituents at the 5'- position, include, but are not limited to:, 5 '-methyl (R or S); 5'-vinyl, and 5'-methoxy. In certain

embodiments, substituted sugars comprise more than one non-bridging sugar substituent, for example, 2'-F- 5'-methyl sugar moieties (see, e.g., PCT International Application WO 2008/101157, for additional 5', 2'-bis substituted sugar moieties and nucleosides).

Nucleosides comprising 2 '-substituted sugar moieties are referred to as 2 '-substituted nucleosides. In certain embodiments, a 2'- substituted nucleoside comprises a 2'-substituent group selected from halo, allyl, amino, azido, SH, CN, OCN, CF 3 , OCF 3 , O, S, or N(R m )-alkyl; O, S, or N(R m )-alkenyl; O, S or N(R m )- alkynyl; O-alkylenyl-O-alkyl, alkynyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, O-alkaryl, O-aralkyl, 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0- N(R m )(R n ) or 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(R m )(R n ), where each R m and R n is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cio alkyl. These 2'-substituent groups can be further substituted with one or more substituent groups independently selected from hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro (N0 2 ), thiol, thioalkoxy (S-alkyl), halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

In certain embodiments, a 2'- substituted nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituent group selected from F, NH 2 , N 3 , OCF 3, 0-CH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 3 NH 2 , CH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0-CH 2 -CH=CH 2 , OCH 2 CH 2 OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(R m )(R n ), 0(CH 2 ) 2 0(CH 2 ) 2 N(CH 3 ) 2 , and N-substituted acetamide (0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(R m )(R n ) where each R m and R n is, independently, H, an amino protecting group or substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cio alkyl.

In certain embodiments, a 2'- substituted nucleoside comprises a sugar moiety comprising a 2'- substituent group selected from F, OCF 3, 0-CH 3 , OCH 2 CH 2 OCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , 0-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-N(CH 3 ) 2 , -0(CH 2 ) 2 0(CH 2 ) 2 N(CH 3 ) 2 , and 0-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 .

In certain embodiments, a 2'- substituted nucleoside comprises a sugar moiety comprising a 2'- substituent group selected from F, 0-CH 3 , and OCH 2 CH 2 OCH 3 .

Certain modifed sugar moieties comprise a bridging sugar substituent that forms a second ring resulting in a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain such embodiments, the bicyclic sugar moiety comprises a bridge between the 4' and the 2' furanose ring atoms. Examples of such 4' to 2' sugar substituents, include, but are not limited to: -[C(R a )(R b )] n -, -[C(R a )(R b )] n -0-, -C(R a R b )-N(R)-0- or, -C(R a R b )-0-N(R)-; 4'-CH 2 -2', 4'-(CH 2 ) 2 -2', 4'-(CH 2 ) 3 -2',. 4'-(CH 2 )-0-2' (LNA); 4'-(CH 2 )-S-2'; 4'-(CH 2 ) 2 -0-2' (ENA); 4'-CH(CH 3 )-0-2' (cEt) and 4'-CH(CH 2 OCH 3 )-0-2',and analogs thereof (see, e.g., U.S. Patent 7,399,845, issued on July 15, 2008); 4'-C(CH 3 )(CH 3 )-0-2'and analogs thereof, (see, e.g., WO2009/006478, published January 8, 2009); 4'- CH 2 -N(OCH 3 )-2' and analogs thereof (see, e.g., WO2008/150729, published December 1 1, 2008); 4'-CH 2 -0-

5 N(CH 3 )-2' (see, e.g., US2004/0171570, published September 2, 2004 ); 4'-CH 2 -0-N(R)-2', and 4'-CH 2 -N(R)- 0-2'-, wherein each Ris, independently, H, a protecting group, or C 1 -C 12 alkyl; 4'-CH 2 -N(R)-0-2', wherein R is H, C 1 -C 12 alkyl, or a protecting group (see, U.S. Patent 7,427,672, issued on September 23, 2008); 4'-CH 2 - C(H)(CH 3 )-2* (see, e.g., Chattopadhyaya, et al, J. Org. Chem., 2009, 74, 1 18-134); and 4'-CH 2 -C(=CH 2 )-2' and analogs thereof (see, published PCT International Application WO 2008/154401, published on December

.0 8, 2008).

In certain embodiments, such 4' to 2' bridges independently comprise from 1 to 4 linked groups independently selected from -[C(R a )(R b )] n -, -C(R a )=C(R b )-, -C(R a )=N-, -C(=NR a )-, -C(=0)-, -C(=S)-, -0-, - Si(R a ) 2 -, -S(=0) x -, and -N(R a )-;

wherein:

.5 x is 0, 1, or 2;

n is 1, 2, 3, or 4;

each R a and R b is, independently, H, a protecting group, hydroxyl, C 1 -C 12 alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 12 alkyl, C 2 -C 12 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 12 alkenyl, C 2 -C 12 alkynyl, substituted C 2 -C 12 alkynyl, C5-C 20 aryl, substituted C 5 -C 2 o aryl, heterocycle radical, substituted heterocycle radical, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl,

Ϊ0 C5-C7 alicyclic radical, substituted C 5 -C 7 alicyclic radical, halogen, OJi, NJiJ 2 , SJi, N 3 , COOJi, acyl (C(=0)- H), substituted acyl, CN, sulfonyl or sulfoxyl and

each Ji and J 2 is, independently, H, C 1 -C 12 alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 12 alkyl, C 2 -Ci 2 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 12 alkenyl, C 2 -Ci 2 alkynyl, substituted C 2 -Ci 2 alkynyl, C 5 -C 2 o aryl, substituted C 5 -C 2 o aryl, acyl (C(=0)- H), substituted acyl, a heterocycle radical, a substituted heterocycle radical, C 1 -C 12 aminoalkyl, substituted

Ϊ5 C 1 -C 12 aminoalkyl, or a protecting group.

Nucleosides comprising bicyclic sugar moieties are referred to as bicyclic nucleosides or BNAs. Bicyclic nucleosides include, but are not limited to, (A) a-L-Methyleneoxy (4'-CH 2 -0-2') BNA , (B) β-D- Methyleneoxy (4'-CH 2 -0-2') BNA (also referred to as locked nucleic acid or LNA) , (C) Ethyleneoxy (4'- (CH 2 ) 2 -0-2') BNA , (D) Aminooxy (4'-CH 2 -0-N(R)-2') BNA, (E) Oxyamino (4'-CH 2 -N(R)-0-2') BNA, (F)

10 Methyl(methyleneoxy) (4'-CH(CH 3 )-0-2') BNA (also referred to as constrained ethyl or cEt), (G)

methylene-thio (4'-CH 2 -S-2') BNA, (H) methylene-amino (4'-CH 2 -N(R)-2') BNA, (I) methyl carbocyclic (4'-CH 2 -CH(CH 3 )-2') BNA, (J) propylene carbocyclic (4'-(CH 2 ) 3 -2') BNA, and (K) Ethylene(methoxy) (4'- (CH(CH 2 OMe)-0-2') BNA (also referred to as constrained MOE or cMOE) as depicted below.

wherein Bx is a nucleobase moiety and R is, independently, H, a protecting group, or C1-C12 alkyl.

Additional bicyclic sugar moieties are known in the art, for example: Singh et al., Chem. Commun. , 1998, 4, 455-456; Koshkin et al, Tetrahedron, 1998, 54, 3607-3630; Wahlestedt et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. , 2000, 97, 5633-5638; Kumar et al, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1998, 8, 2219-2222; Singh et al, J. Org. Chem., 1998, 63, 10035-10039; Srivastava et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc, 129(26) 8362-8379 (Jul. 4, 2007); Elayadi et al, Curr. Opinion Invens. Drugs, 2001, 2, 558-561; Braasch et al, Chem. Biol, 2001, 8, 1-7; Orum et al, Curr. Opinion Mol. Ther, 2001, 3, 239-243; U.S. Patent Nos. 7,053,207, 6,268,490, 6,770,748, 6,794,499, 7,034, 133, 6,525, 191, 6,670,461, and 7,399,845; WO 2004/106356, WO 1994/14226, WO 2005/021570, and WO 2007/134181; U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US2004/0171570, US2007/0287831, and US2008/0039618; U.S. Patent Serial Nos. 12/129, 154, 60/989,574, 61/026,995, 61/026,998, 61/056,564, 61/086,231, 61/097,787, and 61/099,844; and PCT International Applications Nos. PCT/US2008/064591, PCT/US2008/066154, and PCT/US2008/068922.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic sugar moieties and nucleosides incorporating such bicyclic sugar moieties are further defined by isomeric configuration. For example, a nucleoside comprising a 4 '-2' methylene-oxy bridge, may be in the a-L configuration or in the β-D configuration. Previously, a-L- methyleneoxy (4'-CH 2 -0-2') bicyclic nucleosides have been incorporated into antisense oligonucleotides that showed antisense activity (Frieden et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 2003, 21, 6365-6372).

In certain embodiments, substituted sugar moieties comprise one or more non-bridging sugar substituent and one or more bridging sugar substituent (e.g., 5 '-substituted and 4'-2' bridged sugars), (see, PCT International Application WO 2007/134181, published on 1 1/22/07, wherein LNA is substituted with, for example, a 5 '-methyl or a 5 '-vinyl group).

In certain embodiments, modified sugar moieties are sugar surrogates. In certain such embodiments, the oxygen atom of the naturally occuring sugar is substituted, e.g., with a sulfer, carbon or nitrogen atom. In certain such embodiments, such modified sugar moiety also comprises bridging and/or non-bridging substituents as described above. For example, certain sugar surogates comprise a 4'-sulfer atom and a substitution at the 2'-position (see,e.g., published U.S. Patent Application US2005/0130923, published on June 16, 2005) and/or the 5 ' position. By way of additional example, carbocyclic bicyclic nucleosides having a 4'-2' bridge have been described (see, e.g., Freier et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 1997, 25(22), 4429-4443 and Albaek et al, J. Org. Chem., 2006, 71, 7731-7740).

In certain embodiments, sugar surrogates comprise rings having other than 5 -atoms. For example, in certain embodiments, a sugar surrogate comprises a six-membered tetrahydropyran. Such tetrahydropyrans may be further modified or substituted. Nucleosides comprising such modified tetrahydropyrans include, but are not limited to, hexitol nucleic acid (UNA), anitol nucleic acid (ANA), manitol nucleic acid (MNA) (see Leumann, CJ. Bioorg. & Med. Chem. (2002) 10:841-854), fluoro UNA (F-HNA), and those compounds having Formula

VII

wherein independently for each of said at least one tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog of Formula VII:

Bx is a nucleobase moiety;

T 3 and T 4 are each, independently, an internucleoside linking group linking the tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog to the antisense compound or one of T 3 and T 4 is an internucleoside linking group linking the tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog to the antisense compound and the other of T 3 and T 4 is H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a linked conjugate group, or a 5' or 3'-terminal group;

qi, q2, q 3 , q 4 , qs, qe nd q 7 are each, independently, H, Ci-C 6 alkyl, substituted Ci-C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, or substituted C 2 -C 6 alkynyl; and each of Ri and R 2 is independently selected from among: hydrogen, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, NJiJ 2 , SJ b N 3 , OC(=X)J l5 OC(=X)NJ ! J 2 , NJ 3 C(=X)NJ ! J 2 , and CN, wherein X is O, S or NJi, and each J 1; J 2 , and J 3 is, independently, H or Ci-C 6 alkyl.

In certain embodiments, the modified THP nucleosides of Formula VII are provided wherein q q 2 , q 3 , q 4 , q 5 , q 6 and q 7 are each H. In certain embodiments, at least one of qi, q 2 , q 3 , q 4 , q 5 , q 6 and q 7 is other than H. In certain embodiments, at least one of qi, q 2 , q 3 , q 4 , q 5 , q 6 and q 7 is methyl. In certain embodiments, THP nucleosides of Formula VII are provided wherein one of Ri and R 2 is F. In certain embodiments, Ri is fluoro and R 2 is H, Ri is methoxy and R 2 is H, and Ri is methoxyethoxy and R 2 is H.

Many other bicyclo and tricyclo sugar surrogate ring systems are also known in the art that can be used to modify nucleosides for incorporation into antisense compounds (see, e.g., review article: Leumann, J. C, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 2002, 10, 841-854).

Combinations of modifications are also provided without limitation, such as 2'-F-5 '-methyl substituted nucleosides (see PCT International Application WO 2008/101157 Published on 8/21/08 for other disclosed 5', 2'-bis substituted nucleosides) and replacement of the ribosyl ring oxygen atom with S and further substitution at the 2'-position (see published U.S. Patent Application US2005-0130923, published on June 16, 2005) or alternatively 5 '-substitution of a bicyclic nucleic acid (see PCT International Application WO 2007/134181, published on 11/22/07 wherein a 4'-CH 2 -0-2' bicyclic nucleoside is further substituted at the 5' position with a 5 '-methyl or a 5 '-vinyl group). The synthesis and preparation of carbocyclic bicyclic nucleosides along with their oligomerization and biochemical studies have also been described (see, e.g., Srivastava ei /., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129(26), 8362-8379).

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides oligonucleotides comprising modified nucleosides. Those modified nucleotides may include modified sugars, modified nucleobases, and/or modified linkages. The specific modifications are selected such that the resulting oligonucleotides possess desireable characteristics. In certain embodmiments, oligonucleotides comprise one or more RNA-like nucleosides. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides comprise one or more DNA-like nucleotides,

ii. Certain Modified Nucleobases

In certain embodiments, nucleosides of the present invention comprise one or more unmodified nucleobases. In certain embodiments, nucleosides of the present invention comprise one or more modifed nucleobases.

In certain embodiments, modified nucleobases are selected from: universal bases, hydrophobic bases, promiscuous bases, size-expanded bases, and fluorinated bases as defined herein. 5 -substituted pyrimidines, 6-azapyrimidines and N-2, N-6 and 0-6 substituted purines, including 2-aminopropyladenine, 5- propynyluracil; 5-propynylcytosine; 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, 2-aminoadenine, 6- methyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-propyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-thiouracil, 2-thiothymine and 2-thiocytosine, 5-halouracil and cytosine, 5-propynyl (-C≡C- CH 3 ) uracil and cytosine and other alkynyl derivatives of pyrimidine bases, 6-azo uracil, cytosine and thymine, 5-uracil (pseudouracil), 4-thiouracil, 8-halo, 8-amino, 8-thiol, 8-thioalkyl, 8-hydroxyl and other 8- substituted adenines and guanines, 5 -halo particularly 5-bromo, 5-trifluoromethyl and other 5 -substituted uracils and cytosines, 7-methylguanine and 7-methyladenine, 2-F-adenine, 2-amino-adenine, 8-azaguanine and 8-azaadenine, 7-deazaguanine and 7-deazaadenine, 3-deazaguanine and 3-deazaadenine, universal bases,

5 hydrophobic bases, promiscuous bases, size-expanded bases, and fluorinated bases as defined herein. Further modified nucleobases include tricyclic pyrimidines such as phenoxazine cytidine( [5,4-b][l,4]benzoxazin- 2(3H)-one), phenothiazine cytidine (lH-pyrimido[5,4-b][l,4]benzothiazin-2(3H)-one), G-clamps such as a substituted phenoxazine cytidine (e.g. 9-(2-aminoethoxy)-H-pyrimido[5,4-b][l,4]benzoxazin-2(3H)-one ), carbazole cytidine (2H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indol-2-one), pyridoindole cytidine (H-pyrido[3',2':4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-

.0 d]pyrimidin-2-one). Modified nucleobases may also include those in which the purine or pyrimidine base is replaced with other heterocycles, for example 7-deaza-adenine, 7-deazaguanosine, 2-aminopyridine and 2- pyridone. Further nucleobases include those disclosed in United States Patent No. 3,687,808, those disclosed in The Concise Encyclopedia Of Polymer Science And Engineering, Kroschwitz, J. I., Ed., John Wiley & Sons, 1990, 858-859; those disclosed by Englisch et al, Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 1991, 30,

.5 613; and those disclosed by Sanghvi, Y.S., Chapter 15, Antisense Research and Applications, Crooke, S.T. and Lebleu, B., Eds., CRC Press, 1993, 273-288.

Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of certain of the above noted modified nucleobases as well as other modified nucleobases include without limitation, U.S. 3,687,808; 4,845,205; 5, 130,302; 5, 134,066; 5, 175,273; 5,367,066; 5,432,272; 5,457, 187; 5,459,255; 5,484,908; 5,502, 177;

Ϊ0 5,525,711; 5,552,540; 5,587,469; 5,594, 121; 5,596,091; 5,614,617; 5,645,985; 5,681,941; 5,750,692;

5,763,588; 5,830,653 and 6,005,096, certain of which are commonly owned with the instant application, and each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety,

b. Certain Intemucleoside Linkages

In certain embodiments, nucleosides may be linked together using any intemucleoside linkage to

Ϊ5 form oligonucleotides. The two main classes of intemucleoside linking groups are defined by the presence or absence of a phosphorus atom. Representative phosphorus containing intemucleoside linkages include, but are not limited to, phosphodiesters (P=0), phosphotriesters, methylphosphonates, phosphoramidate, and phosphorothioates (P=S). Representative non-phosphorus containing intemucleoside linking groups include, but are not limited to, methylenemethylimino (-CH 2 -N(CH 3 )-0-CH 2 -), thiodiester (-O-C(O)-S-),

10 thionocarbamate (-0-C(0)(NH)-S-); siloxane (-0-Si(H) 2 -0-); and Ν,Ν'-dimethylhydrazine (-CH 2 -N(CH 3 )- N(CH 3 )-). Modified linkages, compared to natural phosphodiester linkages, can be used to alter, typically increase, nuclease resistance of the oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, intemucleoside linkages having a chiral atom can be prepared as a racemic mixture, or as separate enantiomers. Representative chiral linkages include, but are not limited to, alkylphosphonates and phosphorothioates. Methods of preparation of

15 phosphorous-containing and non-phosphorous -containing intemucleoside linkages are well known to those skilled in the art. The oligonucleotides described herein contain one or more asymmetric centers and thus give rise to enantiomers, diastereomers, and other stereoisomeric configurations that may be defined, in terms of absolute stereochemistry, as (R) or (S), a or β such as for sugar anomers, or as (D) or (L) such as for amino acids etc. Included in the antisense compounds provided herein are all such possible isomers, as well as their racemic and optically pure forms.

Neutral internucleoside linkages include without limitation, phosphotriesters, methylphosphonates, MMI (3'-CH 2 -N(CH 3 )-0-5'), amide-3 (3'-CH 2 -C(=0)-N(H)-5'), amide-4 (3'-CH 2 -N(H)-C(=0)-5'), formacetal (3'-0-CH 2 -0-5'), and thioformacetal (3'-S-CH 2 -0-5'). Further neutral internucleoside linkages include nonionic linkages comprising siloxane (dialkylsiloxane), carboxylate ester, carboxamide, sulfide, sulfonate ester and amides (See for example: Carbohydrate Modifications in Antisense Research; Y.S. Sanghvi and P.D. Cook, Eds., ACS Symposium Series 580; Chapters 3 and 4, 40-65). Further neutral internucleoside linkages include nonionic linkages comprising mixed N, O, S and CH 2 component parts,

i. 3'-Endo Modifications

In one aspect of the present disclosure, oligomeric compounds include nucleosides synthetically modified to induce a 3 '-endo sugar conformation. A nucleoside can incorporate synthetic modifications of the heterocyclic base moiety, the sugar moiety or both to induce a desired 3 '-endo sugar conformation. These modified nucleosides are used to mimic RNA like nucleosides so that particular properties of an oligomeric compound can be enhanced while maintaining the desirable 3 '-endo conformational geometry. There is an apparent preference for an RNA type duplex (A form helix, predominantly 3 '-endo) as a requirement of RNA interference which is supported in part by the fact that duplexes composed of 2'-deoxy-2'-F -nucleosides appear efficient in triggering RNAi response in the C. elegans system. Properties that are enhanced by using more stable 3 '-endo nucleosides include but aren't limited to modulation of pharmacokinetic properties through modification of protein binding, protein off-rate, absorption and clearance; modulation of nuclease stability as well as chemical stability; modulation of the binding affinity and specificity of the oligomer (affinity and specificity for enzymes as well as for complementary sequences); and increasing efficacy of RNA cleavage. The present invention provides oligomeric compounds having one or more nucleosides modified in such a way as to favor a C3'-endo type conformation.

C2'-endo/Southern C3'-endo/Northern Nucleoside conformation is influenced by various factors including substitution at the 2', 3' or 4'-positions of the pentofuranosyl sugar. Electronegative substituents generally prefer the axial positions, while sterically demanding substituents generally prefer the equatorial positions

(Principles of Nucleic Acid Structure, Wolfgang Sanger, 1984, Springer- Verlag.) Modification of the 2' position to favor the 3'-endo conformation can be achieved while maintaining the 2'-OH as a recognition element, as exemplified in Example 35, below (Gallo et al, Tetrahedron (2001), 57, 5707-5713. Hany-O'kuru et al, J. Org. Chem., (1997), 62(6), 1754-1759 and Tang et al, J. Org. Chem. (1999), 64, 747-754.) Alternatively, preference for the 3'-endo conformation can be achieved by deletion of the 2'-OH as exemplified by 2'deoxy-2'F-nucleosides (Kawasaki et al, J. Med. Chem. (1993), 36, 831-841), which adopts the 3'-endo conformation positioning the electronegative fluorine atom in the axial position. Other modifications of the ribose ring, for example substitution at the 4'-position to give 4'-F modified nucleosides (Guillerm et al, Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters (1995), 5, 1455-1460 and Owen et al, J. Org. Chem. (1976), 41, 3010-3017), or for example modification to yield methanocarba nucleoside analogs (Jacobson et al, J. Med. Chem. Lett. (2000), 43, 2196-2203 and Lee et al, Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters (2001), 1 1, 1333-1337) also induce preference for the 3'-endo conformation. Some modifications actually lock the conformational geometry by formation of a bicyclic sugar moiety e.g. locked nucleic acid (LNA, Singh et al, Chem. Commun. (1998), 4, 455-456), and ethylene bridged nucleic acids (ENA, Morita et al, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters (2002), 12, 73-76.)

c. Certain Motifs

In certain embodiments, oligomeric compounds comprise or consist of oligonucleotides. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotides comprise one or more chemical modification. In certain embodiments, chemically modified oligonucleotides comprise one or more modified sugars. In certain embodiments, chemically modified oligonucleotides comprise one or more modified nucleobases. In certain embodiments, chemically modified oligonucleotides comprise one or more modified internucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, the chemical modifications (sugar modifications, nucleobase modifications, and/or linkage modifications) define a pattern or motif. In certain embodiments, the patterns of chemical modifications of sugar moieties, internucleoside linkages, and nucleobases are each independent of one another. Thus, an oligonucleotide may be described by its sugar modification motif, internucleoside linkage motif and/or nucleobase modification motif (as used herein, nucleobase modification motif describes the chemical modifications to the nucleobases independent of the sequence of nucleobases).

i. Certain sugar motifs

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides comprise one or more type of modified sugar moieties and/or naturally occurring sugar moieties arranged along an oligonucleotide or region thereof in a defined pattern or sugar motif. Such sugar motifs include but are not limited to any of the sugar modifications discussed herein.

In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotides comprise or consist of a region having a gapmer sugar motif, which comprises two external regions or "wings" and a central or internal region or "gap." The three regions of a gapmer sugar motif (the 5 '-wing, the gap, and the 3 '-wing) form a contiguous sequence of nucleosides wherein at least some of the sugar moieties of the nucleosides of each of the wings differ from at least some of the sugar moieties of the nucleosides of the gap. Specifically, at least the sugar moieties of the nucleosides of each wing that are closest to the gap (the 3 '-most nucleoside of the 5 '-wing and the 5 '-most nucleoside of the 3 '-wing) differ from the sugar moiety of the neighboring gap nucleosides, thus defining the boundary between the wings and the gap. In certain embodiments, the sugar moieties within the gap are the same as one another. In certain embodiments, the gap includes one or more nucleoside having a sugar moiety that differs from the sugar moiety of one or more other nucleosides of the gap. In certain embodiments, the sugar motifs of the two wings are the same as one another (symmetric sugar gapmer). In certain

embodiments, the sugar motifs of the 5 '-wing differs from the sugar motif of the 3 '-wing (asymmetric sugar gapmer).

ii. Certain Nucleobase Modification Motifs

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides comprise chemical modifications to nucleobases arranged along the oligonucleotide or region thereof in a defined pattern or nucleobases modification motif. In certain embodiments, each nucleobase is modified. In certain embodiments, none of the nucleobases is chemically modified.

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides comprise a block of modified nucleobases. In certain such embodiments, the block is at the 3 '-end of the oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments the block is within 3 nucleotides of the 3 '-end of the oligonucleotide. In certain such embodiments, the block is at the 5 '-end of the oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments the block is within 3 nucleotides of the 5 '-end of the oligonucleotide.

In certain embodiments, nucleobase modifications are a function of the natural base at a particular position of an oligonucleotide. For example, in certain embodiments each purine or each pyrimidine in an oligonucleotide is modified. In certain embodiments, each adenine is modified. In certain embodiments, each guanine is modified. In certain embodiments, each thymine is modified. In certain embodiments, each cytosine is modified. In certain embodiments, each uracil is modified.

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides comprise one or more nucleosides comprising a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides having a gapmer sugar motif comprise a nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase. In certain such embodiments, one nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobases is in the central gap of an oligonucleotide having a gapmer sugar motif. In certain embodiments, the sugar is an unmodified 2'deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleobase is selected from: a 2-thio pyrimidine and a 5-propyne pyrimidine In certain embodiments, some, all, or none of the cytosine moieties in an oligonucleotide are 5- methyl cytosine moieties. Herein, 5-methyl cytosine is not a "modified nucleobase." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, unmodified nucleobases include both cytosine residues having a 5-methyl and those lacking a 5 methyl. In certain embodiments, the methylation state of all or some cytosine nucleobases is specified.

iii. Certain Nucleoside Motifs

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides comprise nucleosides comprising modified sugar moieties and/or nucleosides comprising modified nucleobases. Such motifs can be described by their sugar motif and their nucleobase motif separately or by their nucleoside motif, which provides positions or patterns of modified nucleosides (whether modified sugar, nucleobase, or both sugar and nucleobase) in an

oligonucleotide.

In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotides comprise or consist of a region having a gapmer nucleoside motif, which comprises two external regions or "wings" and a central or internal region or "gap." The three regions of a gapmer nucleoside motif (the 5 '-wing, the gap, and the 3 '-wing) form a contiguous sequence of nucleosides wherein at least some of the sugar moieties and/or nucleobases of the nucleosides of each of the wings differ from at least some of the sugar moieties and/or nucleobase of the nucleosides of the gap. Specifically, at least the nucleosides of each wing that are closest to the gap (the 3 '-most nucleoside of the 5 '-wing and the 5 '-most nucleoside of the 3 '-wing) differ from the neighboring gap nucleosides, thus defining the boundary between the wings and the gap. In certain embodiments, the nucleosides within the gap are the same as one another. In certain embodiments, the gap includes one or more nucleoside that differs from one or more other nucleosides of the gap. In certain embodiments, the nucleoside motifs of the two wings are the same as one another (symmetric gapmer). In certain embodiments, the nucleoside motifs of the 5'-wing differs from the nucleoside motif of the 3'-wing (asymmetric gapmer).

iv. Certain 5'-wings

In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 to 6 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 2 to 5 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 3 to 5 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 4 or 5 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 to 4 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 to 3 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 or 2 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 2 to 4 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 2 or 3 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 3 or 4 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 2 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 3 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 4 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 5 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer consists of 6 linked nucleosides.

In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least two bicyclic nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least three bicyclic nucleosides. In certain

embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least four bicyclic nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one LNA nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 5'- wing of a gapmer is a bicyclic nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 5'- wing of a gapmer is a constrained ethyl nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 5'- wing of a gapmer is a LNA nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one non-bicyclic modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one 2 '-substituted nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one 2'-MOE nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one 2'-OMe nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 5'- wing of a gapmer is a non-bicyclic modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 5'- wing of a gapmer is a 2 '-substituted nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 5'- wing of a gapmer is a 2'-MOE nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 5'- wing of a gapmer is a 2'-OMe nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 5'- wing of a gapmer is a 2'-deoxynucleoside. In a certain embodiments, the 5'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one ribonucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 5'- wing of a gapmer is a ribonucleoside. In certain embodiments, one, more than one, or each of the nucleosides of the 5'- wing is an RNA-like nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 5 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one non-bicyclic modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one 2 '-substituted nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5'-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one 2'-MOE nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one 2'-OMe nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 5 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside and at least one non-bicyclic modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside and at least one 2 '-substituted nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside and at least one 2'-MOE nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside and at least one 2'-OMe nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 5 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 5 '- wing of a gapmer has a nucleoside motif selected from among the following: ADDA; ABDAA; ABBA; ABB; ABAA; AABAA; AAABAA; AAAABAA; AAAAABAA; AAABAA; AABAA; ABAB; ABADB; ABADDB; AAABB; AAAAA; ABBDC; ABDDC; ABBDCC; ABBDDC; ABBDCC; ABBC; AA; AAA; AAAA; AAAAB; AAAAAAA; AAAAAAAA; ABBB; AB; ABAB; AAAAB; AABBB; AAAAB; and AABBB, wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, each C is a modified nucleoside of a third type, and each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 5 '- wing of a gapmer has a nucleoside motif selected from among the following: AB, ABB, AAA, BBB, BBBAA, AAB, BAA, BBAA, AABB, AAAB, ABBW, ABBWW, ABBB, ABBBB, ABAB, ABABAB, ABABBB, ABABAA, AAABB, AAAABB, AABB, AAAAB, AABBB, ABBBB, BBBBB, AAABW, AAAAA, BBBBAA, and AAABW; wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, and each W is a modified nucleoside of either the first type, the second type or a third type.

In certain embodiments, the 5 '- wing of a gapmer has a nucleoside motif selected from among the following: ABB; ABAA; AABAA; AAABAA; ABAB; ABADB; AAABB; AAAAA; AA; AAA; AAAA; AAAAB; ABBB; AB; and ABAB; wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, and each W is a modified nucleoside of either the first type, the second type or a third type.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide comprises any 5 '-wing motif provided herein. In certain such embodiments, the oligonucleotide is a 5 '-hemimer (does not comprise a 3 '-wing). In certain embodiments, such an oligonucleotide is a gapmer. In certain such embodiments, the 3 '-wing of the gapmer may comprise any nucleoside motif.

In certain embodiments, the 5 '- wing of a gapmer has a sugar motif selected from among those listed in the following non-limiting tables:

Table 1

Certain 5'-Wing Sugar Motifs

AAACC ACABA BACCB BCCAC CBBCB

AABAA ACABB BACCC BCCBA CBBCC

AABAB ACABC BBAAA BCCBB CBCAA

AABAC ACACA BBAAB BCCBC CBCAB

AABBA ACACB BBAAC BCCCA CBCAC

AABBB ACACC BBABA BCCCB CBCBA

AABBC AC BAA BBABB BCCCC CBCBB

AABCA AC BAB BBABC CAAAA CBCBC

AABCB ACBAC BBACA CAAAB CBCCA

AABCC ACBBA BBACB CAAAC CBCCB

AACAA ACBBB BBACC CAABA CBCCC

AACAB AC BBC BBBAA CAABB CCAAA

AACAC ACBCA BBBAB CAABC CCAAB

AACBA ACBCB BBBAC CAACA CCAAC

AACBB ACBCC BBBBA CAACB CCABA

AACBC ACCAA BBBBB CAACC CCABB

AACCA ACCAB BBBBC CABAA CCABC

AACCB ACCAC BBBCA CABAB CCACA

AACCC ACCBA BBBCB CABAC CCACB

A BAA A ACCBB BBBCC CABBA CCACC

ABAAB ACCBC BBCAA CABBB CCBAA

ABAAC ACCCA BBCAB CABBC CCBAB

ABABA ACCCB BBC AC CABCA CCBAC

ABABB ACCCC BBCBA CABCB CCBBA

ABABC BAAAA BBCBB CABCC CCBBB

ABACA BAAAB BBCBC CACAA CCBBC

ABACB BAAAC BBCCA CACAB CCBCA

ABACC BAABA BBCCB CACAC CCBCB

ABBAA BAABB BBCCC CACBA CCBCC

ABBAB BAABC BCAAA CACBB CCCAA

ABBAC BAACA BCAAB CACBC CCCAB

ABBBA BAACB BCAAC CACCA CCCAC

ABBBB BAACC BCABA CACCB CCCBA

ABBBC BABAA BCABB CACCC CCCBB

ABBCA BABAB BCABC CBAAA CCCBC

ABBCB BABAC BCACA CBAAB CCCCA

ABBCC BABBA BCACB CBAAC CCCCB

ABCAA BABBB BCACC CBABA CCCCC

ABCAB BABBC BCBAA CBABB

ABCAC BABCA BCBAB CBABC

ABCBA BABCB BCBAC CBACA

Table 2

Certain 5'-Wing Sugar Motifs

Certain 5 '-Wing Sugar Motifs

AAAAA BABC CBAB ABBB BAA

AAAAB BACA CBAC BAAA BAB

AAABA BACB CBBA BAAB BBA AAABB BACC CBBB BABA BBB

AABAA BBAA CBBC BABB AA

AABAB BBAB CBCA BBAA AB

AABBA BBAC CBCB BBAB AC

AABBB BBBA CBCC BBBA BA

A BAA A BBBB CCAA BBBB BB

ABAAB BBBC CCAB AAA BC

ABABA BBCA CCAC AAB CA

ABABB BBCB CCBA AAC CB

ABBAA BBCC CCBB ABA CC

ABBAB BCAA CCBC ABB AA

ABBBA BCAB CCCA ABC AB

ABBBB BCAC CCCB ACA BA

BAAAA ABCB BCBA ACB

BAAAB ABCC BCBB ACC

BAABA ACAA BCBC BAA

BAABB ACAB BCCA BAB

BABAA ACAC BCCB BAC

BABAB ACBA BCCC BBA

BABBA ACBB CAAA BBB

BABBB ACBC CAAB BBC

BBAAA ACCA CAAC BCA

BBAAB ACCB CABA BCB

BBABA ACCC CABB BCC

BBABB BAAA CABC CAA

BBBAA BAAB CACA CAB

BBBAB BAAC CACB CAC

BBBBA BABA CACC CBA

BBBBB BABB CBAA CBB

AAAA AACC CCCC CBC

AAAB ABAA AAAA CCA

AAAC ABAB AAAB CCB

AABA ABAC AABA CCC

AABB ABBA AABB AAA

A ABC ABBB ABAA AAB

AACA ABBC ABAB ABA

AACB ABCA ABBA ABB

In certain embodiments, each A, each B, and each C located at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside is a modified nucleoside. For example, in certain embodiments the 5 '-wing motif is selected from among ABB, BBB, and CBB, wherein the underlined nucleoside represents the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside and wherein the underlined nucleoside is a modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, the the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt and LNA. In certain embodiments, the the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside comprises cEt. In certain embodiments, the the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside comprises LNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, ara-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside and 5-propyne uridine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each A comprises an UNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a F-HNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me DNA, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA.

In certain embodiments, each B comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a 2'-subsituted sugar moiety selected from among F, (ara)-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio- thymidine nucleoside and 5-propyne urindine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each B comprises an UNA. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a F-HNA. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a 5'- substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me DNA, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA.

In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, ara- F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 and each B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 and each B comprises cEt.

In certain embodiments, each C comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, (ara)-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 5'- substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me DNA, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio-thymidine and 5-propyne uridine. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each C comprises an UNA. In certain embodiments, each C comprises an F-HNA. v. Certain 3'-wings

In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 to 6 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 2 to 5 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 3 to 5 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 4 or 5 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 to 4 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 to 3 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 or 2 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 2 to 4 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 2 or 3 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 3 or 4 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 1 nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 2 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 31inked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 4 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 5 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer consists of 6 linked nucleosides.

In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one LNA nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 3'- wing of a gapmer is a bicyclic nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 3'- wing of a gapmer is a constrained ethyl nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 3'- wing of a gapmer is a LNA nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one non-bicyclic modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least two non-bicyclic modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least three non-bicyclic modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least four non-bicyclic modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one 2 '-substituted nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one 2'-MOE nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one 2'-OMe nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 3'- wing of a gapmer is a non-bicyclic modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 3'- wing of a gapmer is a 2 '-substituted nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 3'- wing of a gapmer is a 2'-MOE nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 3'- wing of a gapmer is a 2'-OMe nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 3'- wing of a gapmer is a 2'-deoxynucleoside. In a certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one ribonucleoside. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the 3'- wing of a gapmer is a ribonucleoside. In certain embodiments, one, more than one, or each of the nucleosides of the 5'- wing is an RNA-like nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one non-bicyclic modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one 2 '-substituted nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3'-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one 2'-MOE nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one 2'-OMe nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside and at least one non-bicyclic modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside and at least one 2 '-substituted nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside and at least one 2'-MOE nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside and at least one 2'-OMe nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one LNA nucleoside and at least one non-bicyclic modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one LNA nucleoside and at least one 2 '-substituted nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one LNA nucleoside and at least one 2'-MOE nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one LNA nucleoside and at least one 2'-OMe nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one LNA nucleoside and at least one 2'- deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside, at least one non-bicyclic modified nucleoside, and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside, at least one non-bicyclic modified nucleoside, and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3'-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one LNA nucleoside, at least one non-bicyclic modified nucleoside, and at least one 2'- deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside, at least one 2 '-substituted nucleoside, and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3'-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside, at least one 2 '-substituted nucleoside, and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one LNA nucleoside, at least one 2 '-substituted nucleoside, and at least one 2 '-deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside, at least one 2'-MOE nucleoside, and at least one 2 '-deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside, at least one 2'-MOE nucleoside, and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one LNA nucleoside, at least one 2'-MOE nucleoside, and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside, at least

5 one 2'-OMe nucleoside, and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one constrained ethyl nucleoside, at least one 2'-OMe nucleoside, and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, the 3 '-wing of a gapmer comprises at least one LNA nucleoside, at least one 2'-OMe nucleoside, and at least one 2'-deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer has a nucleoside motif selected from among the

.0 following: ABB, ABAA, AAABAA, AAAAABAA, AABAA, AAAABAA, AAABAA, ABAB, AAAAA, AAABB, AAAAAAAA, AAAAAAA, AAAAAA, AAAAB, AAAA, AAA, AA, AB, ABBB, ABAB, AABBB; wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type. In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide comprises any 3 '-wing motif provided herein. In certain such embodiments, the oligonucleotide is a 3'-hemimer (does not comprise a 5 '-wing). In certain

.5 embodiments, such an oligonucleotide is a gapmer. In certain such embodiments, the 5 '-wing of the gapmer may comprise any nucleoside motif.

In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer has a nucleoside motif selected from among the following: BBA, AAB, AAA, BBB, BBAA, AABB, WBBA, WAAB, BBBA, BBBBA, BBBB, BBBBBA, ABBBBB, BBAAA, AABBB, BBBAA, BBBBA, BBBBB, BABA, AAAAA, BBAAAA, AABBBB,

Ϊ0 BAAAA, and ABBBB, wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified

nucleoside of a second type, and each W is a modified nucleoside of either the first type, the second type or a third type.

In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer has a nucleoside motif selected from among the following: ABB; AAABAA; AABAA; AAAABAA; AAAAA; AAABB; AAAAAAAA; AAAAAAA; Ϊ5 AAAAAA; AAAAB; AB; ABBB; and ABAB, wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type, and each W is a modified nucleoside of either the first type, the second type or a third type.

In certain embodiments, the 3'- wing of a gapmer has a sugar motif selected from among those listed in the following non-limiting tables:

10

Table 3

Certain 3'-Wing Sugar Motifs

AAABB ABCCC BACBA BCBCB CBBBA

AAABC ACAAA BACBB BCBCC CBBBB

AAACA ACAAB BACBC BCCAA CBBBC

AAACB ACAAC BACCA BCCAB CBBCA

AAACC ACABA BACCB BCCAC CBBCB

AABAA ACABB BACCC BCCBA CBBCC

AABAB ACABC BBAAA BCCBB CBCAA

AABAC ACACA BBAAB BCCBC CBCAB

AABBA ACACB BBAAC BCCCA CBCAC

AABBB ACACC BBABA BCCCB CBCBA

AABBC AC BAA BBABB BCCCC CBCBB

AABCA AC BAB BBABC CAAAA CBCBC

AABCB ACBAC BBACA CAAAB CBCCA

AABCC ACBBA BBACB CAAAC CBCCB

AACAA ACBBB BBACC CAABA CBCCC

AACAB AC BBC BBBAA CAABB CCAAA

AACAC ACBCA BBBAB CAABC CCAAB

AACBA ACBCB BBBAC CAACA CCAAC

AACBB ACBCC BBBBA CAACB CCABA

AACBC ACCAA BBBBB CAACC CCABB

AACCA ACCAB BBBBC CABAA CCABC

AACCB ACCAC BBBCA CABAB CCACA

AACCC ACCBA BBBCB CABAC CCACB

ABAAA ACCBB BBBCC CABBA CCACC

ABAAB ACCBC BBCAA CABBB CCBAA

ABAAC ACCCA BBCAB CABBC CCBAB

ABABA ACCCB BBC AC CABCA CCBAC

ABABB ACCCC BBCBA CABCB CCBBA

ABABC BAAAA BBCBB CABCC CCBBB

ABACA BAAAB BBCBC CACAA CCBBC

ABACB BAAAC BBCCA CACAB CCBCA

ABACC BAABA BBCCB CACAC CCBCB

ABBAA BAABB BBCCC CACBA CCBCC

ABBAB BAABC BCAAA CACBB CCCAA

ABBAC BAACA BCAAB CACBC CCCAB

ABBBA BAACB BCAAC CACCA CCCAC

ABBBB BAACC BCABA CACCB CCCBA

ABBBC BABAA BCABB CACCC CCCBB

ABBCA BABAB BCABC CBAAA CCCBC

ABBCB BABAC BCACA CBAAB CCCCA

ABBCC BABBA BCACB CBAAC CCCCB

ABCAA BABBB BCACC CBABA CCCCC

ABCAB BABBC BCBAA CBABB

ABCAC BABCA BCBAB CBABC

ABCBA BABCB BCBAC CBACA Table 4

Certain 3'-Wing Sugar Motifs

In certain embodiments, each A, each B, and each C located at the 5 '-most 3 '-wing region nucleoside a modified nucleoside. For example, in certain embodiments the 3 '-wing motif is selected from among ABB, BBB, and CBB, wherein the underlined nucleoside represents the the 5 '-most 3 '-wing region nucleoside and wherein the underlined nucleoside is a modified nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, each A comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, ara-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside and 5-propyne uridine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me DNA, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA.

In certain embodiments, each B comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a 2'-subsituted sugar moiety selected from among F, (ara)-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio- thymidine nucleoside and 5-propyne urindine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each B comprises an UNA. In certain embodiments, each B comprises an F-HNA. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a 5'- substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me DNA, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA.

In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, ara- F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 and each B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2 '-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 and each B comprises cEt.

In certain embodiments, each C comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, (ara)-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 5'- substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L- LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio-thymidine and 5-propyne uridine. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each C comprises an UNA. In certain embodiments, each C comprises an F-HNA. vi. Certain Central Regions (gaps)

In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 6 to 20 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 6 to 15 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 6 to 12 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 6 to 10 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 6 to 9 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 6 to 8 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 6 or 7 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 7 to 10 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 7 to 9 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 7 or 8 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 8 to 10 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 8 or 9 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 6 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 7 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 8 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 9 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 10 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 11 linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap of a gapmer consists of 12 linked nucleosides.

In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the gap of a gapmer is a 2'-deoxynucleoside. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises one or more modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, each nucleoside of the gap of a gapmer is a 2'-deoxynucleoside or is a modified nucleoside that is "DNA-like." In such embodiments, "DNA-like" means that the nucleoside has similar characteristics to DNA, such that a duplex comprising the gapmer and an RNA molecule is capable of activating RNase H. For example, under certain conditions, 2'-(ara)-F have been shown to support RNase H activation, and thus is DNA-like. In certain embodiments, one or more nucleosides of the gap of a gapmer is not a 2'-deoxynucleoside and is not DNA- like. In certain such embodiments, the gapmer nonetheless supports RNase H activation (e.g., by virtue of the number or placement of the non-DNA nucleosides).

In certain embodiments, gaps comprise a stretch of unmodified 2'-deoxynucleoside interrupted by one or more modified nucleosides, thus resulting in three sub-regions (two stretches of one or more 2'- deoxynucleosides and a stretch of one or more interrupting modified nucleosides). In certain embodiments, no stretch of unmodified 2'-deoxynucleosides is longer than 5, 6, or 7 nucleosides. In certain embodiments, such short stretches is achieved by using short gap regions. In certain embodiments, short stretches are achieved by interrupting a longer gap region.

In certain embodiments, the gap comprises one or more modified nucleosides. In certain

embodiments, the gap comprises one or more modified nucleosides selected from among cEt, FHNA, LNA, and 2-thio-thymidine. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises one modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises two modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises three modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises four modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises two or more modified nucleosides and each modified nucleoside is the same. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises two or more modified nucleosides and each modified nucleoside is different.

In certain embodiments, the gap comprises one or more modified linkages. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises one or more methyl phosphonate linkages. In certain embodiments the gap comprises two or more modified linkages. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises one or more modified linkages and one or more modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises one modified linkage and one modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises two modified linkages and two or more modified nucleosides.

In certain embodiments, the gap comprises a nucleoside motif selected from among the following: DDDDXDDDDD; DDDDDXDDDDD; DDDXDDDDD; DDDDXDDDDDD; DDDDXDDDD;

DDXDDDDDD; DDDXDDDDDD; DXDDDDDD; DDXDDDDDDD; DDXDDDDD; DDXDDDXDDD; DDDXDDDXDDD; DXDDDXDDD; DDXDDDXDD; DDXDDDDXDDD; DDXDDDDXDD;

DXDDDDXDDD; DDDDXDDD; DDDXDDD; DXDDDDDDD; DDDDXXDDD; and DXXDXXDXX; wherein each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; and each X is a modified nucleoside or a substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, the gap comprises a nucleoside motif selected from among the following: DDDDDDDDD; DXDDDDDDD; DDXDDDDDD; DDDXDDDDD; DDDDXDDDD; DDDDDXDDD; DDDDDDXDD; DDDDDDDXD; DXXDDDDDD; DDDDDDXXD; DDXXDDDDD; DDDXXDDDD; DDDDXXDDD; DDDDDXXDD; DXDDDDDXD; DXDDDDXDD; DXDDDXDDD; DXDDXDDDD; DXDXDDDDD; DDXDDDDXD; DDXDDDXDD; DDXDDXDDD; DDXDXDDDD; DDDXDDDXD; DDDXDDXDD; DDDXDXDDD; DDDDXDDXD; DDDDXDXDD; and DDDDDXDXD, wherein each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; and each X is a modified nucleoside or a substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, the gap comprises a nucleoside motif selected from among the following: DDDDXDDDD, DXDDDDDDD, DXXDDDDDD, DDXDDDDDD, DDDXDDDDD, DDDDXDDDD, DDDDDXDDD, DDDDDDXDD, and DDDDDDDXD, wherein each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; and each X is a modified nucleoside or a substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, the gap comprises a nucleoside motif selected from among the following:

DDDDDDDD, DXDDDDDD, DDXDDDDD, DDDXDDDD, DDDDXDDD, DDDDDXDD, DDDDDDXD, DXDDDDXD, DXDDDXDD, DXDDXDDD, DXDXDDDD, DXXDDDDD, DDXXDDDD, DDXDXDDD, DDXDDXDD, DXDDDDXD, DDDXXDDD, DDDXDXDD, DDDXDDXD, DDDDXXDD, DDDDXDXD, and DDDDDXXD, wherein each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; and each X is a modified nucleoside or a substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, the gap comprises a nucleoside motif selected from among the following: DXDDDDD, DDXDDDD, DDDXDDD, DDDDXDD, DDDDDXD, DXDDDXD, DXDDXDD,

DXDXDDD, DXXDDDD, DDXXDDD, DDXDXDD, DDXDDXD, DDDXXDD, DDDXDXD, and DDDDXXD, wherein each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; and each X is a modified nucleoside or a substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, the gap comprises a nucleoside motif selected from among the following: DXDDDD, DDXDDD, DDDXDD, DDDDXD, DXXDDD, DXDXDD, DXDDXD, DDXXDD, DDXDXD, and DDDXXD, wherein each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; and each X is a modified nucleoside or a substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, the gap comprises a nucleoside motif selected from among the following: DXDDDD, DDXDDD, DDDXDD, DDDDXD, DXDDDDD, DDXDDDD, DDDXDDD, DDDDXDD, DDDDDXD, DXDDDDDD, DDXDDDDD, DDDXDDDD, DDDDXDDD, DDDDDXDD, DDDDDDXD, DXDDDDDDD; DDXDDDDDD, DDDXDDDDD, DDDDXDDDD, DDDDDXDDD, DDDDDDXDD, DDDDDDDXD, DXDDDDDDDD, DDXDDDDDDD, DDDXDDDDDD, DDDDXDDDDD,

DDDDDXDDDD, DDDDDDXDDD, DDDDDDDXDD, and DDDDDDDDXD, wherein each D is an unmodified deoxynucleoside; and each X is a modified nucleoside or a substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, each X comprises an unmodified 2'-deoxyfuranose sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each X comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each X comprises a 2'- substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each X comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, (ara)-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each X comprises a 5'- substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each X comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me. In certain embodiments, each X comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each X comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L- LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each X comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each X comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio-thymidine and 5-propyne uridine. In certain embodiments, each X comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each X comprises an HNA. In certain embodiments, each C comprises an F-HNA. In certain embodiments, X represents the location of a single differentiating nucleobase.

vii. Certain Gapmer Motifs

In certain embodiments, a gapmer comprises a 5 '-wing, a gap, and a 3' wing, wherein the 5 '-wing, gap, and 3' wing are independently selected from among those discussed above. For example, in certain embodiments, a gapmer has a 5 '-wing, a gap, and a 3 '-wing having features selected from among any of those listed in the tables above and any 5 '-wing may be paired with any gap and any 3 '-wing. For example, in certain embodiments, a 5 '-wing may comprise AAABB, a 3 '-wing may comprise BBA, and the gap may comprise DDDDDDD. For example, in certain embodiments, a gapmer has a 5 '-wing, a gap, and a 3 '-wing having features selected from among those listed in the following non-limiting table, wherein each motif is represented as (5'-wing)-(gap)-(3 '-wing), wherein each number represents the number of linked nucleosides in each portion of the motif, for example, a 5-10-5 motif would have a 5 '-wing comprising 5 nucleosides, a gap comprising 10 nucleosides, and a 3 '-wing comprising 5 nucleosides:

Table 5

Certain Gapmer Sugar Motifs

In certain embodiments, a gapmer comprises a 5 '-wing, a gap, and a 3' wing, wherein the 5 '-wing, gap, and 3' wing are independently selected from among those discussed above. For example, in certain embodiments, a gapmer has a 5 '-wing, a gap, and a 3 '-wing having features selected from among those listed in the following non-limiting tables:

Table 6

Certain Gapmer Nucleoside Motifs

Table 7

Certain Gapmer Nucleoside Motifs

ABB DDDDDWWDD BBA

ABB DDDDDDWWD BBA

ABB DDDDDDD WWBBA

ABBW DDDDDDD WBBA

ABBW DDDDDDWD BBA

ABBW DDDDDWDD BBA

ABBW DDDDWDDD BBA

ABBW DDDWDDDD BBA

ABBW DDWDDDDD BBA

ABBW DWDDDDDD BBA

ABB DWDDDDDD WBBA

ABB DWDDDDDWD BBA

ABB DWDDDDWDD BBA

ABB DWDDDWDDD BBA

ABB DWDDWDDDD BBA

ABB DWDWDDDDD BBA

ABB DDWDDDDD WBBA

ABB DDWDDDDWD BBA

ABB DDWDDDWDD BBA

ABB DDWDDWDDD BBA

ABB DDWDWDDDD BBA

ABB DDWWDDDDD BBA

ABB DDDWDDDD WBBA

ABB DDDWDDDWD BBA

ABB DDDWDDWDD BBA

ABB DDDWDWDDD BBA

ABB DDDWWDDDD BBA

ABB DDDDWDDD WBBA

ABB DDDDWDDWD BBA

ABB DDDDWDWDD BBA

ABB DDDDWWDDD BBA

ABB DDDDDWDD WBBA

ABB DDDDDWDWD BBA

ABB DDDDDWWDD BBA

ABB DDDDDDWD WBBA

Table 8

Certain Gapmer Nucleoside Motifs

5 '-wing region Central gap region 3 '-wing region

ABBB DDDDDDDD BBA

ABB DBDDDDDDD BBA

ABB DDBDDDDDD BBA

ABB DDDBDDDDD BBA

ABB DDDDBDDDD BBA

ABB DDDDDBDDD BBA

ABB DDDDDDBDD BBA ABB DDDDDDDBD BBA

ABB DDDDDDDD BBBA

ABBBB DDDDDDD BBA

ABB DBBDDDDDD BBA

ABB DDBBDDDDD BBA

ABB DDDBBDDDD BBA

ABB DDDDBBDDD BBA

ABB DDDDDBBDD BBA

ABB DDDDDDBBD BBA

ABB DDDDDDD BBBBA

ABBB DDDDDDD BBBA

ABB DDDDDDBD BBA

ABBB DDDDDBDD BBA

ABBB DDDDBDDD BBA

ABBB DDDBDDDD BBA

ABBB DDBDDDDD BBA

ABBB DBDDDDDD BBA

ABB DBDDDDDD BBBA

ABB DBDDDDDBD BBA

ABB DBDDDDBDD BBA

ABB DBDDDBDDD BBA

ABB DBDDBDDDD BBA

ABB DBDBDDDDD BBA

ABB DDBDDDDD BBBA

ABB DDBDDDDBD BBA

ABB DDBDDDBDD BBA

ABB DDBDDBDDD BBA

ABB DDBDBDDDD BBA

ABB DDBBDDDDD BBA

ABB DDDBDDDD BBBA

ABB DDDBDDDBD BBA

ABB DDDBDDBDD BBA

ABB DDDBDBDDD BBA

ABB DDDBBDDDD BBA

ABB DDDDBDDD BBBA

ABB DDDDBDDBD BBA

ABB DDDDBDBDD BBA

ABB DDDDBBDDD BBA

ABB DDDDDBDD BBBA

ABB DDDDDBDBD BBA

ABB DDDDDBBDD BBA

ABB DDDDDDBD BBBA

Table 9

Certain Gapmer Nucleoside Motifs

5 '-wing region Central gap region 3 '-wing region

ABB DDDDDDDDD BBA AB DBDDDDDDDD BBA

AB DDBDDDDDDD BBA

AB DDDBDDDDDD BBA

AB DDDDBDDDDD BBA

AB DDDDDBDDDD BBA

AB DDDDDDBDDD BBA

AB DDDDDDDBDD BBA

AB DDDDDDDDBD BBA

AB DDDDDDDDD BBBA

ABBB DDDDDDDD BBA

AB DBBDDDDDDD BBA

AB DDBBDDDDDD BBA

AB DDDBBDDDDD BBA

AB DDDDBBDDDD BBA

AB DDDDDBBDDD BBA

AB DDDDDDBBDD BBA

AB DDDDDDDBBD BBA

AB DDDDDDDD BBBBA

ABBBB DDDDDDD BBA

AB DBBBDDDDDD BBA

AB DDBBBDDDDD BBA

AB DDDBBBDDDD BBA

AB DDDDBBBDDD BBA

AB DDDDDBBBDD BBA

AB DDDDDDBBBD BBA

AB DDDDDDD BBBBBA

AB DDDDDDDDD BBBA

AB DDDDDDDBD BBBA

AB DDDDDBDD BBBA

AB DDDDBDDD BBBA

AB DDDBDDDD BBBA

AB DDBDDDDD BBBA

AB DBDDDDDD BBBA

AB DDDDDBD BBBBA

AB DDDDBDD BBBBA

AB DDDBDDD BBBBA

AB DDBDDDD BBBBA

AB DBDDDDD BBBBA

AB DDDDBD BBBBBA

AB DDDBDD BBBBBA

AB DDBDDD BBBBBA

AB DBDDDD BBBBBA

Table 10

Certain Gapmer Nucleoside Motifs

5 '-wing region Central gap region 3 '-wing region

AAAAAA DDDDDDD BABA AAAAAB DDDDDDD BABA

AAAABA DDDDDDD BABA

AAABAA DDDDDDD BABA

AABAAA DDDDDDD BABA

ABAAAA DDDDDDD BABA

BAAAAA DDDDDDD BABA

ABAAAB DDDDDDD BABA

ABAABA DDDDDDD BABA

ABABAA DDDDDDD BABA

ABBAAA DDDDDDD BABA

AABAAB DDDDDDD BABA

AABABA DDDDDDD BABA

AABBAA DDDDDDD BABA

AAABAB DDDDDDD BABA

AAABBA DDDDDDD BABA

AAAABB DDDDDDD BABA

BAAAAB DDDDDDD BABA

BAAABA DDDDDDD BABA

BAABAA DDDDDDD BABA

BAB AAA DDDDDDD BABA

BBAAAA DDDDDDD BABA

BBBAAA DDDDDDD BABA

BBABAA DDDDDDD BABA

BBAABA DDDDDDD BABA

BBAAAB DDDDDDD BABA

ABABAB DDDDDDD BABA

BBBBAA DDDDDDD BABA

BBBABA DDDDDDD BABA

BBBAAB DDDDDDD BABA

BBBBBA DDDDDDD BABA

BBBBAB DDDDDDD BABA

AAABBB DDDDDDD BABA

AABABB DDDDDDD BABA

ABAABB DDDDDDD BABA

BAAABB DDDDDDD BABA

AABBBB DDDDDDD BABA

ABABBB DDDDDDD BABA

BAABBB DDDDDDD BABA

ABBBBB DDDDDDD BABA

BABBBB DDDDDDD BABA

BBBBBB DDDDDDD BABA

Table 11

Certain Gapmer Nucleoside Motifs AAABA DDDDDDD AAAAA

AAABB DDDDDDD AAAAA

AABAA DDDDDDD AAAAA

AABAB DDDDDDD AAAAA

AABBA DDDDDDD AAAAA

AABBB DDDDDDD AAAAA

ABAAA DDDDDDD AAAAA

ABAAB DDDDDDD AAAAA

ABABA DDDDDDD AAAAA

ABABB DDDDDDD AAAAA

ABBAA DDDDDDD AAAAA

ABBAB DDDDDDD AAAAA

ABBBA DDDDDDD AAAAA

ABBBB DDDDDDD AAAAA

BAAAA DDDDDDD AAAAA

BAAAB DDDDDDD AAAAA

BAABA DDDDDDD AAAAA

BAABB DDDDDDD AAAAA

BABAA DDDDDDD AAAAA

BABAB DDDDDDD AAAAA

BABBA DDDDDDD AAAAA

BABBB DDDDDDD AAAAA

BBAAA DDDDDDD AAAAA

BBAAB DDDDDDD AAAAA

BBABA DDDDDDD AAAAA

BBABB DDDDDDD AAAAA

BBBAA DDDDDDD AAAAA

BBBAB DDDDDDD AAAAA

BBBBA DDDDDDD AAAAA

BBBBB DDDDDDD AAAAA

AAAAA DDDDDDD BAAAA

AAAAB DDDDDDD BAAAA

AAABA DDDDDDD BAAAA

AAABB DDDDDDD BAAAA

AABAA DDDDDDD BAAAA

AABAB DDDDDDD BAAAA

AABBA DDDDDDD BAAAA

AABBB DDDDDDD BAAAA

ABAAA DDDDDDD BAAAA

ABAAB DDDDDDD BAAAA

ABABA DDDDDDD BAAAA

ABABB DDDDDDD BAAAA

ABBAA DDDDDDD BAAAA

ABBAB DDDDDDD BAAAA

ABBBA DDDDDDD BAAAA

ABBBB DDDDDDD BAAAA

BAAAA DDDDDDD BAAAA

BAAAB DDDDDDD BAAAA

BAABA DDDDDDD BAAAA BAABB DDDDDDD BAAAA

BABAA DDDDDDD BAAAA

BABAB DDDDDDD BAAAA

BABBA DDDDDDD BAAAA

BABBB DDDDDDD BAAAA

BBAAA DDDDDDD BAAAA

BBAAB DDDDDDD BAAAA

BBABA DDDDDDD BAAAA

BBABB DDDDDDD BAAAA

BBBAA DDDDDDD BAAAA

BBBAB DDDDDDD BAAAA

BBBBA DDDDDDD BAAAA

BBBBB DDDDDDD BAAAA

AAAAA DDDDDDD BBAAA

AAAAB DDDDDDD BBAAA

AAABA DDDDDDD BBAAA

AAABB DDDDDDD BBAAA

AABAA DDDDDDD BBAAA

AABAB DDDDDDD BBAAA

AABBA DDDDDDD BBAAA

AABBB DDDDDDD BBAAA

ABAAA DDDDDDD BBAAA

ABAAB DDDDDDD BBAAA

ABABA DDDDDDD BBAAA

ABABB DDDDDDD BBAAA

ABBAA DDDDDDD BBAAA

ABBAB DDDDDDD BBAAA

ABBBA DDDDDDD BBAAA

ABBBB DDDDDDD BBAAA

BAAAA DDDDDDD BBAAA

BAAAB DDDDDDD BBAAA

BAABA DDDDDDD BBAAA

BAABB DDDDDDD BBAAA

BABAA DDDDDDD BBAAA

BABAB DDDDDDD BBAAA

BABBA DDDDDDD BBAAA

BABBB DDDDDDD BBAAA

BBAAA DDDDDDD BBAAA

BBAAB DDDDDDD BBAAA

BBABA DDDDDDD BBAAA

BBABB DDDDDDD BBAAA

BBBAA DDDDDDD BBAAA

BBBAB DDDDDDD BBAAA

BBBBA DDDDDDD BBAAA

BBBBB DDDDDDD BBAAA

AAAAA DDDDDDD BBBAA

AAAAB DDDDDDD BBBAA

AAABA DDDDDDD BBBAA

AAABB DDDDDDD BBBAA AABAA DDDDDDD BBBAA

AABAB DDDDDDD BBBAA

AABBA DDDDDDD BBBAA

AABBB DDDDDDD BBBAA

ABAAA DDDDDDD BBBAA

ABAAB DDDDDDD BBBAA

ABABA DDDDDDD BBBAA

ABABB DDDDDDD BBBAA

ABBAA DDDDDDD BBBAA

ABBAB DDDDDDD BBBAA

ABBBA DDDDDDD BBBAA

ABBBB DDDDDDD BBBAA

BAAAA DDDDDDD BBBAA

BAAAB DDDDDDD BBBAA

BAABA DDDDDDD BBBAA

BAABB DDDDDDD BBBAA

BABAA DDDDDDD BBBAA

BABAB DDDDDDD BBBAA

BABBA DDDDDDD BBBAA

BABBB DDDDDDD BBBAA

BBAAA DDDDDDD BBBAA

BBAAB DDDDDDD BBBAA

BBABA DDDDDDD BBBAA

BBABB DDDDDDD BBBAA

BBBAA DDDDDDD BBBAA

BBBAB DDDDDDD BBBAA

BBBBA DDDDDDD BBBAA

BBBBB DDDDDDD BBBAA

AAAAA DDDDDDD BBBBA

AAAAB DDDDDDD BBBBA

AAABA DDDDDDD BBBBA

AAABB DDDDDDD BBBBA

AABAA DDDDDDD BBBBA

AABAB DDDDDDD BBBBA

AABBA DDDDDDD BBBBA

AABBB DDDDDDD BBBBA

ABAAA DDDDDDD BBBBA

ABAAB DDDDDDD BBBBA

ABABA DDDDDDD BBBBA

ABABB DDDDDDD BBBBA

ABBAA DDDDDDD BBBBA

ABBAB DDDDDDD BBBBA

ABBBA DDDDDDD BBBBA

ABBBB DDDDDDD BBBBA

BAAAA DDDDDDD BBBBA

BAAAB DDDDDDD BBBBA

BAABA DDDDDDD BBBBA

BAABB DDDDDDD BBBBA

BABAA DDDDDDD BBBBA BABAB DDDDDDD BBBBA

BABBA DDDDDDD BBBBA

BABBB DDDDDDD BBBBA

BBAAA DDDDDDD BBBBA

BBAAB DDDDDDD BBBBA

BBABA DDDDDDD BBBBA

BBABB DDDDDDD BBBBA

BBBAA DDDDDDD BBBBA

BBBAB DDDDDDD BBBBA

BBBBA DDDDDDD BBBBA

BBBBB DDDDDDD BBBBA

AAAAA DDDDDDD BBBBB

AAAAB DDDDDDD BBBBB

AAABA DDDDDDD BBBBB

AAABB DDDDDDD BBBBB

AABAA DDDDDDD BBBBB

AABAB DDDDDDD BBBBB

AABBA DDDDDDD BBBBB

AABBB DDDDDDD BBBBB

ABAAA DDDDDDD BBBBB

ABAAB DDDDDDD BBBBB

ABABA DDDDDDD BBBBB

ABABB DDDDDDD BBBBB

ABBAA DDDDDDD BBBBB

ABBAB DDDDDDD BBBBB

ABBBA DDDDDDD BBBBB

ABBBB DDDDDDD BBBBB

BAAAA DDDDDDD BBBBB

BAAAB DDDDDDD BBBBB

BAABA DDDDDDD BBBBB

BAABB DDDDDDD BBBBB

BABAA DDDDDDD BBBBB

BABAB DDDDDDD BBBBB

BABBA DDDDDDD BBBBB

BABBB DDDDDDD BBBBB

BBAAA DDDDDDD BBBBB

BBAAB DDDDDDD BBBBB

BBABA DDDDDDD BBBBB

BBABB DDDDDDD BBBBB

BBBAA DDDDDDD BBBBB

BBBAB DDDDDDD BBBBB

BBBBA DDDDDDD BBBBB

BBBBB DDDDDDD BBBBB Table 12

Certain Gapmer Nucleoside Motifs BBAAW DDDDDDD BBA

BBABW DDDDDDD BBA

BBBAW DDDDDDD BBA

BBBBW DDDDDDD WAAAA

ABB DDDDDDD WAAAB

ABB DDDDDDD WAABA

ABB DDDDDDD WAABB

ABB DDDDDDD WABAA

ABB DDDDDDD WABAB

ABB DDDDDDD WABBA

ABB DDDDDDD WABBB

ABB DDDDDDD WBAAA

ABB DDDDDDD WBAAB

ABB DDDDDDD WBABA

ABB DDDDDDD WBABB

ABB DDDDDDD WBBAA

ABB DDDDDDD WBBAB

ABB DDDDDDD WBBBA

ABB DDDDDDD WBBBB wherein each A is a modified nucleoside of a first type, each B is a modified nucleoside of a second type and each W is a modified nucleoside or nucleobase of either the first type, the second type or a third type, each D is a nucleoside comprising an unmodified 2'deoxy sugar moiety and unmodified nucleobase, and N D is modified nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase and an unmodified 2'deoxy sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, ara-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside and 5-propyne uridine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each A comprises an UNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises an F-HNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me, and 5'-(¾ ) -Me.

In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a 2'-subsituted sugar moiety selected from among F, (ara)-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside and 5-propyne urindine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each B comprises an HNA. In certain embodiments, each B comprises an F-HNA. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me.

In certain embodiments, each C comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, (ara)-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio- thymidine and 5-propyne uridine. In certain embodiments, each C comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each C comprises an HNA. In certain embodiments, each C comprises an F-HNA.

In certain embodiments, each W comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, (ara)-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each W comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a sugar surrogate selected from among HNA and F- HNA. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, at least one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and the other comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'- MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a -L-LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L- LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain

embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'- (ara)-F sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is a cEt nucleoside and B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is a cEt nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety. In certain

embodiments, A is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is a cEt nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an a- L-LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is a cEt nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and A comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is an LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is a cEt nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety. In certain

embodiments, B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and A comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is an LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is a cEt nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is an a- L-LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and A comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is an LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is a cEt nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, at least one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and C comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L- LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain

embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2- thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain

embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain

embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and C comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and C comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain

embodiments,one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and C comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE

5 sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In

.0 certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A

.5 or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)- F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B

Ϊ0 comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'- MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a- L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar

!5 surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments,one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F

10 sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L- LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar UNA surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a

15 UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B

comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a HNA sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one 5 of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a F- HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate.

.0 In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B

comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments,one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'- F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-

.5 L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar

surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W

Ϊ0 comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain

embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B

Ϊ5 comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W

10 comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments,one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises

15 a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an α-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain

embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain

embodiments,one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, at least two of A, B or W comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and the other comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, at least two of A, B or W comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and the other comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, a gapmer has a sugar motif other than: E-K-K-(D) 9 -K-K-E; E-E-E-E-K-(D) 9 -E-E-E-E-E; E-K-K-K-(D) 9 -K-K- K-E; K-E-E-K-(D) 9 -K-E-E-K; K-D-D-K-(D) 9 -K-D-D-K; K-E-K-E-K-(D) 9 -K-E-K-E-K; K-D-K-D-K-(D) 9 -K- D-K-D-K; E-K-E-K-(D) 9 -K-E-K-E; E-E-E-E-E-K-(D) 8 -E-E-E-E-E; or E-K-E-K-E-(D) 9 -E-K-E-K-E, E-E-E- K-K-(D) 7 -E-E-K, E-K-E-K-K-K-(D) 7 -K-E-K-E, E-K-E-K-E-K-(D) 7 -K-E-K-E, wherein K is a nucleoside comprising a cEt sugar moiety and E is a nucleoside comprising a 2'-MOE sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments a gapmer comprises a A-(D) 4 -A-(D) 4 -A-(D) 4 -AA motif. In certain embodiments a gapmer comprises a B-(D) 4 -A-(D) 4 -A-(D) 4 -AA motif. In certain embodiments a gapmer comprises a A-(D) 4 -B-(D) 4 -A-(D) 4 -AA motif. In certain embodiments a gapmer comprises a A-(D) 4 -A-(D) 4 - B-(D) 4 -AA motif. In certain embodiments a gapmer comprises a A-(D) 4 -A-(D) 4 -A-(D) 4 -BA motif. In certain embodiments a gapmer comprises a A-(D) 4 -A-(D) 4 -A-(D) 4 -BB motif. In certain embodiments a gapmer comprises a K-(D) 4 -K-(D) 4 -K-(D) 4 -K-E motif.

viii. Certain Intemucleoside Linkage Motifs

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides comprise modified intemucleoside linkages arranged along the oligonucleotide or region thereof in a defined pattern or modified intemucleoside linkage motif. In certain embodiments, intemucleoside linkages are arranged in a gapped motif, as described above for nucleoside motif. In such embodiments, the intemucleoside linkages in each of two wing regions are different from the intemucleoside linkages in the gap region. In certain embodiments the intemucleoside linkages in the wings are phosphodiester and the intemucleoside linkages in the gap are phosphorothioate. The nucleoside motif is independently selected, so such oligonucleotides having a gapped intemucleoside linkage motif may or may not have a gapped nucleoside motif and if it does have a gapped nucleoside motif, the wing and gap lengths may or may not be the same.

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides comprise a region having an alternating intemucleoside linkage motif. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides of the present invention comprise a region of uniformly modified intemucleoside linkages. In certain such embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises a region that is uniformly linked by phosphorothioate intemucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide is uniformly linked by phosphorothioate. In certain embodiments, each intemucleoside linkage of the oligonucleotide is selected from phosphodiester and phosphorothioate. In certain

embodiments, each intemucleoside linkage of the oligonucleotide is selected from phosphodiester and phosphorothioate and at least one intemucleoside linkage is phosphorothioate.

In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises at least 6 phosphorothioate intemucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises at least 8 phosphorothioate intemucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises at least 10 phosphorothioate intemucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises at least one block of at least 6 consecutive phosphorothioate intemucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises at least one block of at least 8 consecutive phosphorothioate intemucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises at least one block of at least 10 consecutive phosphorothioate intemucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises at least block of at least one 12 consecutive phosphorothioate intemucleoside linkages. In certain such embodiments, at least one such block is located at the 3' end of the oligonucleotide. In certain such embodiments, at least one such block is located within 3 nucleosides of the 3' end of the oligonucleotide.

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides comprise one or more methylphosponate linkages. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides having a gapmer nucleoside motif comprise a linkage motif comprising all phosphorothioate linkages except for one or two methylphosponate linkages. In certain embodiments, one methylphosponate linkage is in the central gap of an oligonucleotide having a gapmer nucleoside motif.

ix. Certain Modification Motifs

Modification motifs define oligonucleotides by nucleoside motif (sugar motif and nucleobase motif) and linkage motif. For example, certain oligonucleotides have the following modification motif:

Λ Λ Λ I) I) I) I) ( I)) I) I) I) I) IMMJ:

wherein each A is a modified nucleoside comprising a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety; each D is an unmodified 2 '-deoxynucleoside; each B is a modified nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety; N D is a modified nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase; and s is a phosphorothioate intemucleoside linkage. Thus, the sugar motif is a gapmer motif. The nucleobase modification motif is a single modified nucleobase at 8 th nucleoside from the 5 '-end. Combining the sugar motif and the nucleobase modification motif, the nucleoside motif is an interrupted gapmer where the gap of the sugar modified gapmer is interrupted by a nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase. The linkage motif is uniform phosphorothioate. The following non-limiting Table further illustrates certain modification motifs:

Table 13

Certain Modification Motifs

AsBsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsAsBsA

BsBsAsBsBsBsB DsDsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsAsBsA

AsAsAsAsAs DsDsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs AsAsAsAsA

AsAsAsAsAs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs AsAsAsAsA

AsAsAsAsAs DsDsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsAsBsBsBsB

AsAsAsBsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsAsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsAsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs AsAsAsBsBs

AsAsAsAsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsAsAsAsA

BsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs AsA

AsAs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs AsAsAsAsAs AsAsA

AsAsAs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs AsAsAsAsAs AsA

AsAsAs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs AsAsAsAsAsA

AsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsBsA

AsBsBsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsA

AsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsBsA

AsAsAsBsBs DsDsDs( N D)sDsDsDs BsBsAsAsA

AsAsAsBsBs DsDsDsAsDsDsDs BsBsAsAsA

AsAsAsBsBs DsDsDsBsDsDsDs BsBsAsAsA

AsAsAsAsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsAsAsAsA

AsAsBsBsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsBsAsA

AsAsAsAsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs AsAsAsAsAs

AsAsAsBsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs AsAsAsAsAs

AsAsBsBsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs AsAsAsAsAs

AsAsAsAsAs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsAsAsAsAs

AsAsAsAsAs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsAsAsAs

AsAsAsAsAs DsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsBsAsAs

AsBsBs DsDsDsDs( N D)s( N D)sDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsBs Ds( N D)s( N D)sDs( N D)s( N D)sDs( N D)s( N D)s BsBsA

AsBsBs Ds( N D)sDsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsBs DsDs( N D)sDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsBs Ds( N D)s( N D)sDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsBs DsDs(D)zDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsBs Ds(D)zDsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsBs (D)zDsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsBs DsDsAsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsBs DsDsBsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsBs AsDsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsBs BsDsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsAsBs DsDs(D)zDsDsDsDsDsDs BsBsBsAsAs

AsAsAsBsBs DsDs( N D)sDsDsDsDsDsDs AsA

AsBsBsBs Ds(D)zDsDsDsDsDsDsDs AsAsAsBsBs

AsBsBs DsDsDsDsDsDsDsDs(D)z BsBsA

AsAsBsBsBs DsDsDsAsDsDsDs BsBsBsAsA

AsAsBsBsBs DsDsDsBsDsDsDs BsBsBsAsA

AsBsAsBs DsDsDsAsDsDsDs BsBsAsBsBsBsB

AsBsBsBs DsDsDsDs(D)zDsDsDsDs BsA

AsAsBsBsBs DsDsAsAsDsDsDs BsBsA

AsBsBs DsDsDsDs(D)zDsDsDsDs BsBsBsA BsBs DsDs D)sDsfD)sDsDsDsDs BsBsAsBsBsBsB

wherein each A and B are nucleosides comprising differently modified sugar moieties, each D is a nucleoside comprising an unmodified 2'deoxy sugar moiety, each W is a modified nucleoside of either the first type, the second type or a third type, each N D is a modified nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase, s is a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage, and z is a non-phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.

In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, (ara)-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each A comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside and 5-propyne uridine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a 2'-subsituted sugar moiety selected from among F, (ara)-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L- LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, each B comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside and 5-propyne urindine nucleoside. In certain embodiments, each A comprises an UNA. In certain embodiments, each A comprises an F-HNA.

In certain embodiments, each W comprises a modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among F, (ara)-F, OCH 3 and 0(CH 2 )2-OCH 3 . In certain embodiments, each W comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among 5 '-Me, and 5'- ¾ ) -Me. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-L-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, each W comprises a sugar surrogate selected from among UNA and F- HNA.

In certain embodiments, at least one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and the other comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'- MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a -L-LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L- LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain

embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and the other of A or B comprises a 2'- (ara)-F sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is a cEt nucleoside and B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is a cEt nucleoside and B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety. In certain

embodiments, A is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is a cEt nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an a- L-LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, A comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is a cEt nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, A is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and A comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is an LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is a cEt nucleoside and A comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety. In certain

embodiments, B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and A comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is an LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is a cEt nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is an a- L-LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, and A comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is an LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is a cEt nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside and A comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, at least one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and C comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L- LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a modified nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain

embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2- thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises 2-thio-thymidine nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain

embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and C comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and C comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain

embodiments,one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and C comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5-propyne uridine nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments,one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)- F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a - MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a- L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments,one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a UNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L- LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a sugar HNA surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a HNA sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a F- HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments,one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'- F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a- L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate. In certain

embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a F-HNA sugar surrogate.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2' -MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments,one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '-Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '- ¾)-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain

embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '- ¾)-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '- ¾)-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-MOE sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '- ¾)-Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '- ¾)-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain

embodiments,one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '- ¾)-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '- ¾)-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '- ¾)-Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, one of A or B comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '- ¾)-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '- ¾)-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is a cEt nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5 '- ¾)-Me DNA sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one of A or B is an a-L-LNA nucleoside, another of A or B comprises a 2'-(ara)-F sugar moiety, and W comprises a 5'-(¾ ) -Me DNA sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, at least two of A, B or W comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety, and the other comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, at least two of A, B or W comprises a 5 bicyclic sugar moiety, and the other comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety.

d. Certain Overall Lengths

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides oligomeric compounds including oligonucleotides of any of a variety of ranges of lengths. In certain embodiments, the invention provides oligomeric compounds or oligonucleotides consisting of X to Y linked nucleosides, where X represents the

.0 fewest number of nucleosides in the range and Y represents the largest number of nucleosides in the range.

In certain such embodiments, X and Y are each independently selected from 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50; provided that X<Y. For example, in certain embodiments, the invention provides oligomeric compounds which comprise oligonucleotides consisting of 8 to 9, 8 to 10, 8 to 11, 8 to 12, 8 to 13,

.5 8 to 14, 8 to 15, 8 to 16, 8 to 17, 8 to 18, 8 to 19, 8 to 20, 8 to 21, 8 to 22, 8 to 23, 8 to 24, 8 to 25, 8 to 26, 8 to 27, 8 to 28, 8 to 29, 8 to 30, 9 to 10, 9 to 11, 9 to 12, 9 to 13, 9 to 14, 9 to 15, 9 to 16, 9 to 17, 9 to 18, 9 to 19, 9 to 20, 9 to 21, 9 to 22, 9 to 23, 9 to 24, 9 to 25, 9 to 26, 9 to 27, 9 to 28, 9 to 29, 9 to 30, 10 to 11, 10 to 12, 10 to 13, 10 to 14, 10 to 15, 10 to 16, 10 to 17, 10 to 18, 10 to 19, 10 to 20, 10 to 21, 10 to 22, 10 to 23,

10 to 24, 10 to 25, 10 to 26, 10 to 27, 10 to 28, 10 to 29, 10 to 30, 11 to 12, 11 to 13, 11 to 14, 11 to 15, 11 to Ϊ0 16, 11 to 17, 11 to 18, 11 to 19, 11 to 20, 11 to 21, 11 to 22, 11 to 23, 11 to 24, 11 to 25, 11 to 26, 11 to 27,

11 to 28, 11 to 29, 11 to 30, 12 to 13, 12 to 14, 12 to 15, 12 to 16, 12 to 17, 12 to 18, 12 to 19, 12 to 20, 12 to 21, 12 to 22, 12 to 23, 12 to 24, 12 to 25, 12 to 26, 12 to 27, 12 to 28, 12 to 29, 12 to 30, 13 to 14, 13 to 15, 13 to 16, 13 to 17, 13 to 18, 13 to 19, 13 to 20, 13 to 21, 13 to 22, 13 to 23, 13 to 24, 13 to 25, 13 to 26, 13 to

27, 13 to 28, 13 to 29, 13 to 30, 14 to 15, 14 to 16, 14 to 17, 14 to 18, 14 to 19, 14 to 20, 14 to 21, 14 to 22, !5 14 to 23, 14 to 24, 14 to 25, 14 to 26, 14 to 27, 14 to 28, 14 to 29, 14 to 30, 15 to 16, 15 to 17, 15 to 18, 15 to

19, 15 to 20, 15 to 21, 15 to 22, 15 to 23, 15 to 24, 15 to 25, 15 to 26, 15 to 27, 15 to 28, 15 to 29, 15 to 30,

16 to 17, 16 to 18, 16 to 19, 16 to 20, 16 to 21, 16 to 22, 16 to 23, 16 to 24, 16 to 25, 16 to 26, 16 to 27, 16 to

28, 16 to 29, 16 to 30, 17 to 18, 17 to 19, 17 to 20, 17 to 21, 17 to 22, 17 to 23, 17 to 24, 17 to 25, 17 to 26,

17 to 27, 17 to 28, 17 to 29, 17 to 30, 18 to 19, 18 to 20, 18 to 21, 18 to 22, 18 to 23, 18 to 24, 18 to 25, 18 to 10 26, 18 to 27, 18 to 28, 18 to 29, 18 to 30, 19 to 20, 19 to 21, 19 to 22, 19 to 23, 19 to 24, 19 to 25, 19 to 26,

19 to 29, 19 to 28, 19 to 29, 19 to 30, 20 to 21, 20 to 22, 20 to 23, 20 to 24, 20 to 25, 20 to 26, 20 to 27, 20 to 28, 20 to 29, 20 to 30, 21 to 22, 21 to 23, 21 to 24, 21 to 25, 21 to 26, 21 to 27, 21 to 28, 21 to 29, 21 to 30, 22 to 23, 22 to 24, 22 to 25, 22 to 26, 22 to 27, 22 to 28, 22 to 29, 22 to 30, 23 to 24, 23 to 25, 23 to 26, 23 to 27, 23 to 28, 23 to 29, 23 to 30, 24 to 25, 24 to 26, 24 to 27, 24 to 28, 24 to 29, 24 to 30, 25 to 26, 25 to 27, 15 25 to 28, 25 to 29, 25 to 30, 26 to 27, 26 to 28, 26 to 29, 26 to 30, 27 to 28, 27 to 29, 27 to 30, 28 to 29, 28 to 30, or 29 to 30 linked nucleosides. In embodiments where the number of nucleosides of an oligomeric compound or oligonucleotide is limited, whether to a range or to a specific number, the oligomeric compound or oligonucleotide may, nonetheless further comprise additional other substituents. For example, an oligonucleotide comprising 8-30 nucleosides excludes oligonucleotides having 31 nucleosides, but, unless otherwise indicated, such an oligonucleotide may further comprise, for example one or more conjugates, terminal groups, or other substituents. In certain embodiments, a gapmer oligonucleotide has any of the above lengths.

Further, where an oligonucleotide is described by an overall length range and by regions having specified lengths, and where the sum of specified lengths of the regions is less than the upper limit of the overall length range, the oligonucleotide may have additional nucleosides, beyond those of the specified regions, provided that the total number of nucleosides does not exceed the upper limit of the overall length range.

e. Certain Oligonucleotides

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides of the present invention are characterized by their modification motif and overall length. In certain embodiments, such parameters are each independent of one another. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, each internucleoside linkage of an oligonucleotide having a gapmer sugar motif may be modified or unmodified and may or may not follow the gapmer modification pattern of the sugar modifications. For example, the internucleoside linkages within the wing regions of a sugar-gapmer may be the same or different from one another and may be the same or different from the internucleoside linkages of the gap region. Likewise, such sugar-gapmer oligonucleotides may comprise one or more modified nucleobase independent of the gapmer pattern of the sugar modifications. One of skill in the art will appreciate that such motifs may be combined to create a variety of oligonucleotides. Herein if a description of an oligonucleotide or oligomeric compound is silent with respect to one or more parameter, such parameter is not limited. Thus, an oligomeric compound described only as having a gapmer sugar motif without further description may have any length, internucleoside linkage motif, and nucleobase modification motif. Unless otherwise indicated, all chemical modifications are independent of nucleobase sequence.

f. Certain Conjugate Groups

In certain embodiments, oligomeric compounds are modified by attachment of one or more conjugate groups. In general, conjugate groups modify one or more properties of the attached oligomeric compound including but not limited to pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, stability, binding, absorption, cellular distribution, cellular uptake, charge and clearance. Conjugate groups are routinely used in the chemical arts and are linked directly or via an optional conjugate linking moiety or conjugate linking group to a parent compound such as an oligomeric compound, such as an oligonucleotide. Conjugate groups includes without limitation, intercalators, reporter molecules, polyamines, polyamides, polyethylene glycols, thioethers, polyethers, cholesterols, thiocholesterols, cholic acid moieties, folate, lipids, phospholipids, biotin, phenazine, phenanthridine, anthraquinone, adamantane, acridine, fluoresceins, rhodamines, coumarins and dyes. Certain conjugate groups have been described previously, for example: cholesterol moiety (Letsinger et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1989, 86, 6553-6556), cholic acid (Manoharan et al, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1994, 4, 1053-1060), a thioether, e.g., hexyl-S-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1992, 660, 306-309; Manoharan et al, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1993, 3, 2765-2770), a thiocholesterol

(Oberhauser et al, Nucl. Acids Res., 1992, 20, 533-538), an aliphatic chain, e.g., do-decan-diol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al, EMBO J., 1991, 10, 1111-1118; Kabanov et al, FEBS Lett., 1990, 259, 327-330; Svinarchuk et al, Biochimie, 1993, 75, 49-54), a phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethyl-ammonium l,2-di-0-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-H-phosphonate (Manoharan et al, Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36, 3651-3654; Shea et al, Nucl. Acids Res., 1990, 18, 3777-3783), a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al, Nucleosides & Nucleotides, 1995, 14, 969-973), or adamantane acetic acid (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36, 3651-3654), a palmityl moiety (Mishra et al., Biochim.

Biophys. Acta, 1995, 1264, 229-237), or an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyl-oxycholesterol moiety (Crooke et al, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1996, 277, 923-937).

In certain embodiments, a conjugate group comprises an active drug substance, for example, aspirin, warfarin, phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, suprofen, fen-bufen, ketoprofen, (<S)-(+)-pranoprofen, carprofen, dansylsarcosine, 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid, flufenamic acid, folinic acid, a benzothiadiazide, chlorothiazide, a diazepine, indo-methicin, a barbiturate, a cephalosporin, a sulfa drug, an antidiabetic, an antibacterial or an antibiotic.

In certain embodiments, conjugate groups are directly attached to oligonucleotides in oligomeric compounds. In certain embodiments, conjugate groups are attached to oligonucleotides by a conjugate linking group. In certain such embodiments, conjugate linking groups, including, but not limited to, bifunctional linking moieties such as those known in the art are amenable to the compounds provided herein. Conjugate linking groups are useful for attachment of conjugate groups, such as chemical stabilizing groups, functional groups, reporter groups and other groups to selective sites in a parent compound such as for example an oligomeric compound. In general a bifunctional linking moiety comprises a hydrocarbyl moiety having two functional groups. One of the functional groups is selected to bind to a parent molecule or compound of interest and the other is selected to bind essentially any selected group such as chemical functional group or a conjugate group. In some embodiments, the conjugate linker comprises a chain structure or an oligomer of repeating units such as ethylene glycol or amino acid units. Examples of functional groups that are routinely used in a bifunctional linking moiety include, but are not limited to, electrophiles for reacting with nucleophilic groups and nucleophiles for reacting with electrophilic groups. In some embodiments, bifunctional linking moieties include amino, hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, thiol, unsaturations (e.g., double or triple bonds), and the like.

Some nonlimiting examples of conjugate linking moieties include pyrrolidine, 8-amino-3,6- dioxaoctanoic acid (ADO), succinimidyl 4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-l-carboxylate (SMCC) and 6- aminohexanoic acid (AHEX or AHA). Other linking groups include, but are not limited to, substituted Ci- Cio alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C 2 -Ci 0 alkenyl or substituted or unsubstituted C 2 -Ci 0 alkynyl, wherein a nonlimiting list of preferred substituent groups includes hydroxyl, amino, alkoxy, carboxy, benzyl, phenyl, nitro, thiol, thioalkoxy, halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl.

Conjugate groups may be attached to either or both ends of an oligonucleotide (terminal conjugate groups) and/or at any internal position.

In certain embodiments, conjugate groups are at the 3 '-end of an oligonucleotide of an oligomeric compound. In certain embodiments, conjugate groups are near the 3 '-end. In certain embodiments, conjugates are attached at the 3 'end of an oligomeric compound, but before one or more terminal group nucleosides. In certain embodiments, conjugate groups are placed within a terminal group.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides oligomeric compounds. In certain embodiments, oligomeric compounds comprise an oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, an oligomeric compound comprises an oligonucleotide and one or more conjugate and/or terminal groups. Such conjugate and/or terminal groups may be added to oligonucleotides having any of the motifs discussed above. Thus, for example, an oligomeric compound comprising an oligonucleotide having region of alternating nucleosides may comprise a terminal group.

C. Antisense Compounds

In certain embodiments, oligomeric compounds provided herein are antisense compounds. Such antisense compounds are capable of hybridizing to a target nucleic acid, resulting in at least one antisense activity. In certain embodiments, antisense compounds specifically hybridize to one or more target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a specifically hybridizing antisense compound has a nucleobase sequence comprising a region having sufficient complementarity to a target nucleic acid to allow hybridization and result in antisense activity and insufficient complementarity to any non-target so as to avoid non-specific hybridization to any non-target nucleic acid sequences under conditions in which specific hybridization is desired (e.g., under physiological conditions for in vivo or therapeutic uses, and under conditions in which assays are performed in the case of in vitro assays).

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides antisense compounds comprising

oligonucleotides that are fully complementary to the target nucleic acid over the entire length of the oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides are 99% complementary to the target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotides are 95% complementary to the target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotides are 90% complementary to the target nucleic acid.

In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotides are 85% complementary to the target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotides are 80% complementary to the target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound comprises a region that is fully complementary to a target nucleic acid and is at least 80% complementary to the target nucleic acid over the entire length of the oligonucleotide. In certain such embodiments, the region of full complementarity is from 6 to 14 nucleobases in length.

a. Certain Antisense Activities and Mechanisms In certain antisense activities, hybridization of an antisense compound results in recruitment of a protein that cleaves of the target nucleic acid. For example, certain antisense compounds result in RNase H mediated cleavage of target nucleic acid. RNase H is a cellular endonuclease that cleaves the RNA strand of an RNA:DNA duplex. The "DNA" in such an RNA:DNA duplex, need not be unmodified DNA. In certain embodiments, the invention provides antisense compounds that are sufficiently "DNA-like" to elicit RNase H activity. Such DNA-like antisense compounds include, but are not limited to gapmers having unmodified deoxyfuronose sugar moieties in the nucleosides of the gap and modified sugar moieties in the nucleosides of the wings.

Antisense activities may be observed directly or indirectly. In certain embodiments, observation or detection of an antisense activity involves observation or detection of a change in an amount of a target nucleic acid or protein encoded by such target nucleic acid; a change in the ratio of splice variants of a nucleic acid or protein; and/or a phenotypic change in a cell or animal.

In certain embodiments, compounds comprising oligonucleotides having a gapmer nucleoside motif described herein have desirable properties compared to non-gapmer oligonucleotides or to gapmers having other motifs. In certain circumstances, it is desirable to identify motifs resulting in a favorable combination of potent antisense activity and relatively low toxicity. In certain embodiments, compounds of the present invention have a favorable therapeutic index (measure of activity divided by measure of toxicity).

b. Certain Selective Antisense Compounds

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds provided are selective for a target relative to a non- target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, the nucleobase sequences of the target and non-target nucleic acids differ by no more than 4 differentiating nucleobases in the targeted region. In certain embodiments, the nucleobase sequences of the target and non-target nucleic acids differ by no more than 3 differentiating nucleobases in the targeted region. In certain embodiments, the nucleobase sequences of the target and non- target nucleic acids differ by no more than 2 differentiating nucleobases in the targeted region. In certain embodiments, the nucleobase sequences of the target and non-target nucleic acids differ by a single differentiating nucleobase in the targeted region. In certain embodiments, the target and non-target nucleic acids are transcripts from different genes. In certain embodiments, the target and non-target nucleic acids are different alleles for the same gene. In certain embodiments, the introduction of a mismatch between an antisense compound and a non-target nucleic acid may alter the RNase H cleavage site of a target nucleic acid compared to a non-target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, the target and non-target nucleic acids are not functionally related to one another (e.g., are transcripts from different genes). In certain

embodiments, the target and not-target nucleic acids are allelic variants of one another. In certain embodiments, the allelic variant contains a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). In certain embodiments, a SNP is associated with a mutant allele. In certain embodiments, a mutant SNP is associated with a disease. In certain embodiments a mutant SNP is associated with a disease, but is not causative of the disease. In certain embodiments, mRNA and protein expression of a mutant allele is associated with disease. Selectivity of antisense compounds is achieved, principally, by nucleobase complementarity. For example, if an antisense compound has no mismatches for a target nucleic acid and one or more mismatches for a non-target nucleic acid, some amount of selectivity for the target nucleic acid will result. In certain embodiments, provided herein are antisense compounds with enhanced selectivity (i.e. the ratio of activity for the target to the activity for non-target is greater). For example, in certain embodiments, a selective nucleoside comprises a particular feature or combination of features (e.g., chemical modification, motif, placement of selective nucleoside, and/or self-complementary region) that increases selectivity of an antisense compound compared to an antisense compound not having that feature or combination of features. In certain embodiments, such feature or combination of features increases antisense activity for the target. In certain embodiments, such feature or combination of features decreases activity for the target, but decreases activity for the non-target by a greater amount, thus resulting in an increase in selectivity.

Without being limited by mechanism, enhanced selectivity may result from a larger difference in the affinity of an antisense compound for its target compared to its affinity for the non-target and/or a larger difference in RNase H activity for the resulting duplexes. For example, in certain embodiments, a selective antisense compound comprises a modified nucleoside at that same position as a differentiating nucleobase (i.e., the selective nucleoside is modified). That modification may increase the difference in binding affinity of the antisense compound for the target relative to the non-target. In addition or in the alternative, the chemical modification may increase the difference in RNAse H activity for the duplex formed by the antisense compound and its target compared to the RNase activity for the duplex formed by the antisense compound and the non-target. For example, the modification may exaggerate a structure that is less compatible for RNase H to bind, cleave and/or release the non-target.

In certain embodiments, an antisense compound binds its intended target to form a target duplex. In certain embodiments, RNase H cleaves the target nucleic acid of the target duplex. In certain such embodiments, there is a primary cleavage site between two particular nucleosides of the target nucleic acid (the primary target cleavage site), which accounts for the largest amount of cleavage of the target nucleic acid. In certain nembodiments, there are one or more secondary target cleavage sites. In certain

embodiments, the same antisence compound hybridizes to a non-target to form a non-target duplex. In certain such embodiments, the non-target differs from the target by a single nucleobase within the target region, and so the antisense compound hybridizes with a single mismatch. Because of the mismatch, in certain embodiments, RNase H cleavage of the non-target may be reduced compared to cleavage of the target, but still occurs. In certain embodiments, though, the primary site of that cleavage of the non-target nucleic acid (primary non-target cleavage site) is different from that of the target. That is; the primary site is shifted due to the mismatch. In such a circumstance, one may use a modification placed in the antisense compound to disrupt RNase H cleavage at the primary non-target cleavage site. Such modification will result in reduced cleavage of the non-target, but will result little or no decrease in cleavage of the target. In certain

embodiments, the modification is a modified sugar, nucleobase and/or linkage. In certain embodiments, the primary non-target cleavage site is towards the 5 '-end of the antisense compound, and the 5 '-end of an antisense compound may be modified to prevent RNaseH cleavage. In this manner, it is thought that one having skill in the art may modify the 5 '-end of an antisense compound, or modify the nucleosides in the gap region of the 5 '-end of the antisense compound, or modify the the 3 '-most 5 '-region nucleosides of the antisense compound to selectively inhibit RNaseH cleavage of the non-target nucleic acid duplex while retaining RNase H cleavage of the target nucleic acid duplex. In certain embodiments, 1-3 of the 3 '-most 5 '-region nucleosides of the antisense compound comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety.

For example, in certain embodiments the target nucleic acid may have an allelic variant, e.g. a non- target nucleic acid, containing a single nucleotide polymorphism. An antisense compound may be designed having a single nucleobase mismatch from the non-target nucleic acid, but which has full complementarity to the target nucleic acid. The mismatch between the antisense compound and the non-target nucleic acid may destabilize the antisense compound non-target nucleic acid duplex, and consequently the cleavage site of RNaseH may shift upstream towards the 5 '-end of the antisense compound. Modification of the 5 '-end of the antisense compound or the gap region near the 5 '-end of the antisense compound, or one or more of the 3'- most nucleosides of the 5 '-wing region, will then prevent RNaseH cleavage of the non-target nucleic acid. Since the target nucleic acid is fully complementary to the antisense compound, the antisense compound and the target nucleic acid will form a more stabilized antisense compound-target nucleic acid duplex and the cleavage site of RnaseH will be more downstream, towards the 3 ' end of the antisense compound.

Accordingly, modifications at the 5 '-end of the antisense compound will prevent RNaseH cleavage of the non-target nucleic acid, but will not substantially effect RNaseH cleavage of the target nucleic acid, and selectivity between a target nucleic acid and its allelic variant may be achieved. In certain embodiments, one or more of the 3 '-most nucleosides of the 5 '-wing region comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one or more of the 3 '-most nucleosides of the 5 '-wing region comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from cEt and LNA. In certain embodiments, one or more of the 3 '-most nucleosides of the 5 '-wing region comprises cEt. In certain embodiments, one or more of the 3 '-most nucleosides of the 5'- wing region comprises LNA.

In certain embodiments, the introduction of a mismatch between an antisense compound and a target nucleic acid may alter the RNase H cleavage site of a target nucleic acid compared to a non-target nucleic acid by shifting the RNaseH cleavage site downstream from the mismatch site and towards the 3 '-end of the antisense compound. In certain embodiments where the cleavage site of a target nucleic acid compared to a non-target nucleic acid has shifted downstream towards the 3 '-end of the antisense compound, the 3 '-end of an antisense compound may be modified to prevent RNaseH cleavage. In this manner, it is thought that one having skill in the art may modify the 3 '-end of an antisense compound, or modify the nucleosides in the gap region near the 3 '-end of antisense compound, to selectively inhibit RNaseH cleavage of the non-target nucleic acid while retaining RNase H cleavage of the target nucleic acid. For example, in certain embodiments the target nucleic acid may have an allelic variant, e.g. a non- target nucleic acid, containing a single nucleotide polymorphism. An antisense compound may be designed having a single nucleobase mismatch from the non-target nucleic acid, but which has full complementarity to target nucleic acid. The mismatch between the antisense compound and the non-target nucleic acid may destabilize the antisense compound-non-target nucleic acid duplex, and consequently the cleavage site of RNaseH may shift downstream towards the 3 '-end of the antisense compound. Modification of the 3 '-end of the antisense compound, or one or more of the the 5 '-most nucleosides of the 3 '-wing region, or the gap region of the antisense compound near the 3 '-end will then prevent RNaseH cleavage of the non-target nucleic acid. Since the target nucleic acid is fully complementary to the antisense compound, the antisense compound and the target nucleic acid will form a more stabilized antisense compound-target nucleic acid duplex and the cleavage site of RnaseH will be more upstream, towards the 5 ' end of the antisense compound. Accordingly, modifications at the 3 '-end of the antisense compound will prevent RNaseH cleavage of the non-target nucleic acid, but will not substantially effect RNaseH cleavage of the target nucleic acid, and selectivity between a target nucleic acid and its allelic variant may be achieved. In certain embodiments, one or more of the 5 '-most nucleosides of the 3 '-wing region comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, one or more of the 5 '-most nucleosides of the 3 '-wing region comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from cEt and LNA. In certain embodiments, one or more of the 5 '-most nucleosides of the 3 '-wing region comprises cEt. In certain embodiments, one or more of the 5 '-most nucleosides of the 3 '-wing region comprises LNA.

In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of one or more bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5'- wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of two or more bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of one bicyclic nucleoside at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of two bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of three bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of four bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of five bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments discussed above, the bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside are selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments discussed above, the bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside comprise cEt. In certain embodiments discussed above, the bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside comprise LNA.

In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of one or more bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5'- wing nucleoside and the addition of one or more bicylic nucleosides at the 5 '-most 3 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of two or more bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside and the addition of one or more bicylic nucleosides at the 5 '-most 3 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of one bicyclic nucleoside at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside and the addition of one or more bicylic nucleosides at the 5 '-most 3 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of two bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside and the addition of one or more bicylic nucleosides at the 5 '-most 3 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of three bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside and the addition of one or more bicylic nucleosides at the 5 '-most 3 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of four bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside and the addition of one or more bicylic nucleosides at the 5 '-most 3 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or longer, may be improved by the addition of four bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside and the addition of one or more bicylic nucleosides at the 5 '-most 3 '-wing nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or shorter, may be improved by the addition of one or more bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or shorter, may be improved by the addition of two or more bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or shorter, may be improved by the addition of one bicyclic nucleoside at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or shorter, may be improved by the addition of two bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or shorter, may be improved by the addition of three bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or shorter, may be improved by the addition of four bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the selectivity of antisense compounds having certain gaps, e.g. gaps of 7 nucleosides or shorter, may be improved by the addition of five bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside. In certain embodiments discussed above, the bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside are selected from among cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments discussed above, the bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside comprise cEt. In certain embodiments discussed above, the bicyclic nucleosides at the 3 '-most 5 '-wing nucleoside comprise LNA.

Antisense compounds having certain specified motifs have enhanced selectivity, including, but not limited to motifs described above. In certain embodiments, enhanced selectivity is achieved by

oligonucleotides comprising any one or more of:

a modification motif comprising a long 5 '-wing (longer than 5, 6, or 7 nucleosides);

a modification motif comprising a long 3 '-wing (longer than 5, 6, or 7 nucleosides);

a modification motif comprising a short gap region (shorter than 8, 7, or 6 nucleosides); and a modification motif comprising an interrupted gap region (having no uninterrupted stretch of unmodified 2'-deoxynucleosides longer than 7, 6 or 5).

i. Certain Selective Nucleobase Sequence Elements

In certain embodiments, selective antisense compounds comprise nucleobase sequence elements. Such nucleobase sequence elements are independent of modification motifs. Accordingly, oligonucleotides having any of the motifs (modification motifs, nucleoside motifs, sugar motifs, nucleobase modification motifs, and/or linkage motifs) may also comprise one or more of the following nucleobase sequence elements.

ii. Alignment of Differentiating Nucleobase/Target-Selective Nucleoside

In certain embodiments, a target region and a region of a non-target nucleic acid differ by 1-4 differentiating nucleobase. In such embodiments, selective antisense compounds have a nucleobase sequence that aligns with the non-target nucleic acid with 1-4 mismatches. A nucleoside of the antisense compound that corresponds to a differentiating nucleobase of the target nucleic acid is referred to herein as a target- selective nucleoside. In certain embodiments, selective antisense compounds having a gapmer motif align with a non-target nucleic acid, such that a target-selective nucleoside is positioned in the gap. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 1 st nucleoside of the gap from the 5 ' end. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 2 nd nucleoside of the gap from the 5 ' end. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 3 rd nucleoside of the gap from the 5 '-end. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 4 th nucleoside of the gap from the 5 '-end. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 5 th nucleoside of the gap from the 5 '-end. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 6 rd nucleoside of the gap from the 5 '-end. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 8 nucleoside of the gap from the 3 '-end. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 7 th nucleoside of the gap from the 3 '-end. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 6 th nucleoside of the gap from the 3 '-end. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 5 th nucleoside of the gap from the 3 ' -end. In certain

5 embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 4 th nucleoside of the gap from the 3 '-end. In certain

embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 3 rd nucleoside of the gap from the 3 '-end. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside is the 2 nd nucleoside of the gap from the 3 '-end.

In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside comprises a modified nucleoside. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside comprises a modified sugar. In certain embodiments, a target-

.0 selective nucleoside comprises a sugar surrogate. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside comprises a sugar surrogate selected from among HNA and F-HNA. In certain embodiments, a target- selective nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside comprises a 2 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from among MOE, F and (ara)-F. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety. In certain embodiments,

.5 a target-selective nucleoside comprises a 5 '-substituted sugar moiety selected from 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety. In certain

embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside comprises a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among cEt, and a-L-LNA. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside comprises a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, a target-selective nucleoside comprises a modified nucleobase selected from among 2-thio-

Ϊ0 thymidine and 5-propyne uridine.

iii. Mismatches to the Target Nucleic Acid

In certain embodiments, selective antisense compounds comprise one or more mismatched nucleobases relative to the target nucleic acid. In certain such embodiments, antisense activity against the target is reduced by such mismatch, but activity against the non-target is reduced by a greater amount. Thus,

Ϊ5 in certain embodiments selectivity is improved. Any nucleobase other than the differentiating nucleobase is suitable for a mismatch. In certain embodiments, however, the mismatch is specifically positioned within the gap of an oligonucleotide having a gapmer motif. In certain embodiments, a mismatch relative to the target nucleic acid is at positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 from the 5'-end of the gap region. In certain embodiments, a mismatch relative to the target nucleic acid is at positions 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 of the antisense compounds

10 from the 3 '-end of the gap region. In certain embodiments, a mismatch relative to the target nucleid acid is at positions 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the antisense compounds from the 5'-end of the wing region. In certain

embodiments, a mismatch relative to the target nucleid acid is at positions 4, 3, 2, or 1 of the antisense compounds from the 3 '-end of the wing region.

iv. Self Complementary Regions

15 In certain embodiments, selective antisense compounds comprise a region that is not complementary to the target. In certain embodiments, such region is complementary to another region of the antisense compound. Such regions are referred to herein as self-complementary regions. For example, in certain embodiments, an antisense compound has a first region at one end that is complementary to a second region at the other end. In certain embodiments, one of the first and second regions is complementary to the target nucleic acid. Unless the target nucleic acid also includes a self-complementary region, the other of the first and second region of the antisense compound will not be complementary to the target nucleic acid. For illustrative purposes, certain antisense compounds have the following nucleobase motif:

ABCXXXXXXXXXC'B ' A' ;

ABCXXXXXXX(X/C')(X/B')(X/A');

(X/A) (X/B) (X/QXXXXXXXXXC ' B 'A'

where each of A, B, and C are any nucleobase; A', B', and C are the complementary bases to A, B, and C, respectively; each X is a nucleobase complementary to the target nucleic acid; and two letters in parentheses (e.g., (X/C)) indicates that the nucleobase is complementary to the target nucleic acid and to the designated nucleoside within the antisense oligonucleotide.

Without being bound to any mechanism, in certain embodiments, such antisense compounds are expected to form self-structure, which is disrupted upon contact with a target nucleic acid. Contact with a non-target nucleic acid is expected to disrupt the self-structure to a lesser degree, thus increasing selectivity compared to the same antisense compound lacking the self-complementary regions,

v. Combinations of features

Though it is clear to one of skill in the art, the above motifs and other elements for increasing selectivity may be used alone or in combination. For example, a single antisense compound may include any one, two, three, or more of: self-complementary regions, a mismatch relative to the target nucleic acid, a short nucleoside gap, an interrupted gap, and specific placement of the selective nucleoside.

D. Certain Short Gap Antisense compounds

In certain embodiments, an antisense compound of interest may modulate the expression of a target nucleic acid but possess undesirable properties. In certain embodiments, for example, an antisense compound of interest may have an undesirably high affinity for one or more non-target nucleic acids. In certain embodiments, whether as a result of such affinity for one or more non-target nucleic acid or by some other mechanism, an antisense compound of interest may produce undesirable increases in ALT and/or AST levels when administered to an animal. In certain embodiments, such an antisense compound of interest may produce undesirable increases in organ weight.

In certain such embodiments wherein an antisense compound of interest effectively modulates the expression of a target nucleic acid, but possess one or more undesirable properties, a person having skill in the art may selectively incorporate one or more modifications into the antisense compound of interest that retain some or all of the desired property of effective modulation of expression of a target nucleic acid while reducing one or more of the antisense compound's undesirable properties. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of altering such an antisense compound of interest to form an improved antisense compound. In certain embodiments, altering the number of nucleosides in the 5 '-region, the 3 '- region, and/or the central region of such an antisense compound of interest results in improved properties. For example, in certain embodiments, one may alter the modification state of one or more nucleosides at or near the 5 '-end of the central region. Having been altered, those nucleosides may then be characterized as being part of the 5 '-region. Thus, in such embodiments, the overall number of nucleosides of the 5 '-region is increased and the number of nucleosides in the central region is decreased. For example, an antisense compound having a modification motif of 3-10-3 could be altered to result in an improved antisense compound having a modification motif of 4-9-3 or 5-8-3. In certain embodiments, the modification state of one or more of nucleosides at or near the 3 '-end of the central region may likewise be altered. In certain embodiments, the modification of one or more of the nucleosides at or near the 5 '-end and the 3 '-end of the central region may be altered. In such embodiments in which one or more nucleosides at or near the 5 '-end and the 3 '-end of the central region is altered the central region becomes shorter relative to the central region of the original antisense compound of interest. In such embodiments, the modifications to the one or more nucleosides that had been part of the central region are the same as one or more modification that had been present in the 5 '-region and/or the 3 '-region of the original antisense compound of interest. In certain embodiments, the improved antisense compound having a shortened central region may retain its ability to effectively modulate the expression of a target nucleic acid, but not possess some or all of the undesirable properties possessed by antisense compound of interest having a longer central region. In certain embodiments, reducing the length of the central region reduces affinity for off-target nucleic acids. In certain embodiments, reducing the length of the central region results in reduced cleavage of non-target nucleic acids by RNase H. In certain embodiments, reducing the length of the central region does not produce undesirable increases in ALT levels. In certain embodiments, reducing the length of the central region does not produce undesirable increases in AST levels. In certain embodiments, reducing the length of the central region does not produce undesirable increases organ weights.

In certain embodiments it is possible to retain the same nucleobase sequence and overall length of an antisense compound while decreasing the length of the central region. In certain embodiments retaining the same nucleobase sequence and overall length of an antisense compound while decreasing the length of the central region ameliorates one or more undesirable properties of an antisense compound. In certain embodiments retaining the same nucleobase sequence and overall length of an antisense compound while decreasing the length of the central region ameliorates one or more undesirable properties of an antisense compound but does not substantially affect the ability of the antisense compound to modulate expression of a target nucleic acid. In certain such embodiments, two or more antisense compounds would have the same overall length and nucleobase sequence, but would have a different central region length, and different properties. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region is 9 nucleobases. In certain

embodiments, the length of the central region is 8 nucleobases. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region is 7 nucleobases. In certain embodiments, the central region consists of unmodified deoxynucleosides. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 5 '-region, the 3 '-region, or both the 5 '-region and the 3 '-region.

In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 5 '-region with modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 5 '-region with modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 5 '-region with modified nucleosides comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 5 '-region with a cEt substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 5 '-region with modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 5 '-region with modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 5 '-region with modified nucleosides comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCF 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 (MOE), 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 -N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 . In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 5 '-region with 2'- 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 (MOE) substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 3 '-region with modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 3 '-region with modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 3 '-region with modified nucleosides comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety selected from among: cEt, cMOE, LNA, a-LNA, ENA and 2'-thio LNA. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 3 '-region with a cEt substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 3 '-region with modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 3 '-region with modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 3 '-region with modified nucleosides comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety comprising a 2' substituent selected from among: a halogen, OCH 3 , OCF 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 CF 3 , OCH 2 -CH=CH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 (MOE), 0(CH 2 ) 2 -0(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(=0)-N(H)-(CH 2 ) 2 -N(CH 3 ) 2 , and OCH 2 -N(H)-C(=NH)NH 2 . In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 3 '-region with 2'- 0(CH 2 ) 2 -OCH 3 (MOE) substituted sugar moiety.

In certain embodiments, the length of the central region can be decreased by increasing the length of the 5 '-region with modified nucleosides and increasing the length of the 3 '-region with modified nucleosides.

I l l E. Certain Target Nucleic Acids

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds comprise or consist of an oligonucleotide comprising a region that is complementary to a target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is an endogenous RNA molecule. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a non-coding RNA. In certain such embodiments, the target non-coding RNA is selected from: a long-non-coding RNA, a short non-coding RNA, an intronic RNA molecule, a snoRNA, a scaRNA, a microRNA (including pre-microRNA and mature microRNA), a ribosomal RNA, and promoter directed RNA. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid encodes a protein. In certain such embodiments, the target nucleic acid is selected from: an mRNA and a pre-mRNA, including intronic, exonic and untranslated regions. In certain embodiments, oligomeric compounds are at least partially complementary to more than one target nucleic acid. For example, antisense compounds of the present invention may mimic microRNAs, which typically bind to multiple targets.

In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a nucleic acid other than a mature mRNA. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a nucleic acid other than a mature mRNA or a microRNA. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a non-coding RNA other than a microRNA. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a non-coding RNA other than a microRNA or an intronic region of a pre-mRNA. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a long non-coding RNA. In certain embodiments, the target RNA is an mRNA. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a pre-mRNA. In certain such embodiments, the target region is entirely within an intron. In certain embodiments, the target region spans an intron/exon junction. In certain embodiments, the target region is at least 50% within an intron. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is selected from among non-coding RNA, including exonic regions of pre-mRNA. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a ribosomal RNA (rRNA). In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a non-coding RNA associated with splicing of other pre- mRNAs. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a nuclear-retained non-coding RNA.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds described herein are complementary to a target nucleic acid comprising a single-nucleotide polymorphism. In certain such embodiments, the antisense compound is capable of modulating expression of one allele of the single-nucleotide polymorphism-containing-target nucleic acid to a greater or lesser extent than it modulates another allele. In certain embodiments an antisense compound hybridizes to a single-nucleotide polymo hism-containing-target nucleic acid at the single- nucleotide polymorphism site. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a Huntingtin gene transcript. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a single-nucleotide polymorphism-containing-target nucleic acid of a Huntingtin gene transcript. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is not a Huntingtin gene transcript. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a single-nucleotide polymorphism-containing- target nucleic acid of a gene transcript other than Huntingtin. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is any nucleic acid other than a Huntingtin gene transcript.

a. Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism

In certain embodiments, the invention provides selective antisense compounds that have greater activity for a target nucleic acid than for a homologous or partially homologous non-target nucleic acid. In certain such embodiments, the target and non-target nucleic acids are not functionally related to one another (e.g., are transcripts from different genes). In certain embodiments, the target and not-targe nucleic acids are allelic variants of one another. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods, compounds, and compositions for selectively inhibiting mRNA and protein expression of an allelic variant of a particular gene or DNA sequence. In certain embodiments, the allelic variant contains a single nucleotide

polymorphism (SNP). In certain embodiments, a SNP is associated with a mutant allele. In certain embodiments, a mutant SNP is associated with a disease. In certain embodiments a mutant SNP is associated with a disease, but is not causative of the disease. In certain embodiments, mRNA and protein expression of a mutant allele is associated with disease.

In certain embodiments, the expressed gene product of a mutant allele results in aggregation of the mutant proteins causing disease. In certain embodiments, the expressed gene product of a mutant allele results in gain of function causing disease. In certain embodiments, genes with an autosomal dominant mutation resulting in a toxic gain of function of the protein are the APP gene encoding amyloid precursor protein involved in Alzheimer's disease (Gene, 371 : 68, 2006); the PrP gene encoding prion protein involved in Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease and in fatal familial insomnia (Nat. Med. 1997, 3 : 1009 ); GFAP gene encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein involved in Alexander disease (J. Neurosci. 2006, 26: 1 1 1623); alpha-synuclein gene encoding alpha-synuclein protein involved in Parkinson's disease (J. Clin. Invest. 2003, 1 1 1 : 145); SOD-1 gene encoding the SOD-1 protein involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Science 1998, 281 : 1851); atrophin-1 gene encoding atrophin-1 protein involved in dentato-rubral and pallido-luysian atrophy (DRPA) (Trends Mol. Med. 2001, 7: 479); SCA1 gene encoding ataxin-1 protein involved in spino-cerebellar ataxia-1 (SCA1) (Protein Sci. 2003, 12: 953); PLP gene encoding proteolipid protein involved in Pelizaeus- Merzbacher disease (NeuroMol Med. 2007, 4: 73); DYTl gene encoding torsinA protein involved in Torsion dystonia (Brain Res. 2000, 877: 379); and alpha-B crystalline gene encoding alpha-B crystalline protein involved in protein aggregation diseases, including cardiomyopathy (Cell 2007, 130: 427); alpha 1 -antitrypsin gene encoding alpha 1 -antitrypsin protein involved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (New Engl J Med. 2002, 346: 45); Ltk gene encoding leukocyte tyrosine kinase protein involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (Hum. Mol. Gen. 2004, 13 : 171); PCSK9 gene encoding PCSK9 protein involved in hypercholesterolemia (Hum Mutat. 2009, 30: 520); prolactin receptor gene encoding prolactin receptor protein involved in breast tumors (Proc. Natl. Assoc. Sci. 2008, 105 : 4533); CCL5 gene encoding the chemokine CCL5 involved in COPD and asthma (Eur. Respir. J. 2008, 32: 327); PTPN22 gene encoding PTPN22 protein involved in Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Graves disease, and SLE (Proc. Natl. Assoc. Sci. 2007, 104: 19767); androgen receptor gene encoding the androgen receptor protein involved in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy or Kennedy's disease (J Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 2008, 108: 245); CHMP4B gene encoding chromatin modifying protein-4B involved in progressive childhood posterior subcapsular cataracts (Am. J. Hum. Genet 2007, 81 : 596); FXR / NR1H4 gene encoding Famesoid X receptor protein involved in cholesterol gallstone disease, arthrosclerosis and diabetes (Mol. Endocrinol. 2007, 21 : 1769); ABCA1 gene encoding ABCA1 protein involved in

cardiovascular disease (Transl. Res. 2007, 149: 205); CaSR gene encoding the calcium sensing receptor protein involved in primary hypercalciuria (Kidney Int. 2007, 71 : 1155); alpha-globin gene encoding alpha-

5 globin protein involved in alpha-thallasemia (Science 2006, 312: 1215); httlpr gene encoding HTTLPR

protein involved in obsessive compulsive disorder (Am. J. Hum. Genet. 2006, 78: 815); AVP gene encoding arginine vasopressin protein in stress-related disorders such as anxiety disorders and comorbid depression (CNS Neurol. Disord. Drug Targets 2006, 5: 167); GNAS gene encoding G proteins involved in congenital visual defects, hypertension, metabolic syndrome (Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 2006, 27: 260); APAF1 gene

.0 encoding APAF1 protein involved in a predisposition to major depression (Mol. Psychiatry 2006, 11 : 76);

TGF-betal gene encoding TGF-betal protein involved in breast cancer and prostate cancer (Cancer

Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. 2004, 13: 759); AChR gene encoding acetylcholine receptor involved in congential myasthenic syndrome (Neurology 2004, 62: 1090); P2Y12 gene encoding adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor protein involved in risk of peripheral arterial disease (Circulation 2003, 108: 2971); LQTl

.5 gene encoding LQTl protein involved in atrial fibrillation (Cardiology 2003, 100: 109); RET protooncogene encoding RET protein involved in sporadic pheochromocytoma (J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 2003, 88: 4911); filamin A gene encoding filamin A protein involved in various congenital malformations (Nat. Genet. 2003, 33: 487); TARDBP gene encoding TDP-43 protein involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Hum. Mol. Gene.t 2010, 19: 671); SCA3 gene encoding ataxin-3 protein involved in Machado-Joseph disease (PLoS

Ϊ0 One 2008, 3: e3341); SCA7 gene encoding ataxin-7 protein involved in spino-cerebellar ataxia-7 (PLoS One 2009, 4: e7232); and HTT gene encoding huntingtin protein involved in Huntington's disease (Neurobiol Dis. 1996, 3: 183); and the CA4 gene encoding carbonic anhydrase 4 protein, CRX gene encoding cone-rod homeobox transcription factor protein, FSCN2 gene encoding retinal fascin homolog 2 protein, IMPDH1 gene encoding inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 1 protein, NR2E3 gene encoding nuclear receptor

Ϊ5 subfamily 2 group E3 protein, NRL gene encoding neural retina leucine zipper protein, PRPF3 (RP 18) gene encoding pre-mRNA splicing factor 3 protein, PRPF8 (RP13) gene encoding pre-mRNA splicing factor 8 protein, PRPF31 (RP11) gene encoding pre-mRNA splicing factor 31 protein, RDS gene encoding peripherin 2 protein, ROM1 gene encoding rod outer membrane protein 1 protein, RHO gene encoding rhodopsin protein, RP 1 gene encoding RP 1 protein, RPGR gene encoding retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator

10 protein, all of which are involved in Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa disease (Adv Exp Med Biol.

2008, 613:203)

In certain embodiments, the mutant allele is associated with any disease from the group consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia, Alexander disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dentato-rubral and pallido-luysian atrophy DRPA, spino-cerebellar 15 ataxia, Torsion dystonia, cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, systemic lupus erythematosus, hypercholesterolemia, breast cancer, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Graves disease, SLE, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Kennedy's disease, progressive childhood posterior subcapsular cataracts, cholesterol gallstone disease, arthrosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, primary hypercalciuria, alpha-thallasemia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Anxiety, comorbid depression, congenital visual defects, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, prostate cancer, congential myasthenic syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, sporadic pheochromocytoma, congenital malformations, Machado-Joseph disease, Huntington's disease, and Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa disease.

i. Certain Huntingtin Targets

In certain embodiments, an allelic variant of huntingtin is selectively reduced. Nucleotide sequences that encode huntingtin include, without limitation, the following: GENBANK Accession No. NT_006081.18, truncated from nucleotides 1566000 to 1768000 (replaced by GENBANK Accession No. NT_006051), incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 1, and NM_002111.6, incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 2.

Table 14 provides SNPs found in the GM04022, GM04281, GM02171, and GM02173B cell lines. Also provided are the allelic variants found at each SNP position, the genotype for each of the cell lines, and the percentage of HD patients having a particular allelic variant. For example, the two allelic variants for SNP rs6446723 are T and C. The GM04022 cell line is heterozygous TC, the GM02171 cell line is homozygous CC, the GM02173 cell line is heterozygous TC, and the GM04281 cell line is homozygous TT. Fifty percent of HD patients have a T at SNP position rs6446723.

Table 14

Allelic Variations for SNPs Associated with HD

rs3121419 T/C CC TC TC CC 0.38 c rs362272 A/G GG ~ AG GG 0.38 G rs3775061 A/G AA AG AG AA 0.38 A rs34315806 T/C CC TC TC CC 0.38 C rs363099 T/C CC TC TC CC 0.38 C rs2298967 T/C TT TC TC TT 0.38 T rs363088 A T AA TA TA AA 0.38 A rs363064 T/C CC TC TC CC 0.35 C rs363102 A G AG AA AA AA 0.23 G rs2798235 A/G AG GG GG GG 0.21 A rs363080 T/C TC CC CC CC 0.21 T rs363072 A/T TA TA AA AA 0.13 A rs363125 A/C AC AC CC CC 0.12 C rs362303 T/C TC TC CC CC 0.12 C rs362310 T/C TC TC CC CC 0.12 c rsl0488840 A/G AG AG GG GG 0.12 G rs362325 T/C TC TC TT TT 0.11 T rs35892913 A/G GG GG GG GG 0.10 A rs363102 A/G AG AA AA AA 0.09 A rs363096 T/C CC CC TC TT 0.09 C rsl l731237 T/C CC CC TC TT 0.09 C rsl0015979 A/G AA AA AG GG 0.08 A rs363080 T/C TC CC CC CC 0.07 C rs2798235 A/G AG GG GG GG 0.07 G rsl936032 C/G GC CC CC CC 0.06 C rs2276881 A/G GG GG GG GG 0.06 G rs363070 A/G AA AA AA AA 0.06 A rs35892913 A/G GG GG GG GG 0.04 G rs 12502045 T/C CC CC CC CC 0.04 C rs6446723 T/C TC CC TC TT 0.04 C rs7685686 A/G AG GG AG AA 0.04 G rs3733217 T/C CC CC CC CC 0.03 C rs6844859 T/C TC CC TC TT 0.03 C rs362331 T/C TC CC TC TT 0.03 C

F. Certain Indications

In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods of treating an animal or individual comprising administering one or more pharmaceutical compositions as described herein. In certain embodiments, the individual or animal has Huntington's disease.

In certain embodiments, compounds targeted to huntingtin as described herein may be administered to reduce the severity of physiological symptoms of Huntington's disease. In certain embodiments, compounds targeted to huntingtin as described herein may be administered to reduce the rate of degeneration in an individual or an animal having Huntington's disease. In certain embodiments, compounds targeted to huntingtin as described herein may be administered regeneration function in an individual or an animal having Huntington's disease. In certain embodiments, symptoms of Huntingtin' s disease may be reversed by treatment with a compound as described herein.

In certain embodiments, compounds targeted to huntingtin as described herein may be administered to ameliorate one or more symptoms of Huntington's disease. In certain embodiments administration of compounds targeted to huntingtin as described herein may improve the symptoms of Huntington's disease as measured by any metric known to those having skill in the art. In certain embodiments, administration of compounds targeted to huntingtin as described herein may improve a rodent's rotaraod assay performance. In certain embodiments, administration of compounds targeted to huntingtin as described herein may improve a rodent's plus maze assay. In certain embodiments, administration of compounds targeted to huntingtin as described herein may improve a rodent's open field assay performance.

Accordingly, provided herein are methods for ameliorating a symptom associated with Huntington's disease in a subject in need thereof. In certain embodiments, provided is a method for reducing the rate of onset of a symptom associated with Huntington's disease. In certain embodiments, provided is a method for reducing the severity of a symptom associated with Huntington's disease. In certain embodiments, provided is a method for regenerating neurological function as shown by an improvement of a symptom associated with Huntington's disease. In such embodiments, the methods comprise administering to an individual or animal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound targeted to a huntingtin nucleic acid.

Huntington's disease is characterized by numerous physical, neurological, psychiatric, and/or peripheral symptoms. Any symptom known to one of skill in the art to be associated with Huntington's disease can be ameliorated or otherwise modulated as set forth above in the methods described above. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a physical symptom selected from the group consisting of restlessness, lack of coordination, unintentionally initiated motions, unintentionally uncompleted motions, unsteady gait, chorea, rigidity, writhing motions, abnormal posturing, instability, abnormal facial expressions, difficulty chewing, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking, seizure, and sleep disturbances. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a cognitive symptom selected from the group consisting of impaired planning, impaired flexibility, impaired abstract thinking, impaired rule acquisition, impaired initiation of appropriate actions, impaired inhibition of inappropriate actions, impaired short-term memory, impaired long-term memory, paranoia, disorientation, confusion, hallucination and dementia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a psychiatric symptom selected from the group consisting of anxiety, depression, blunted affect, egocentrisms, aggression, compulsive behavior, irritability and suicidal ideation. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a peripheral symptom selected from the group consisting of reduced brain mass, muscle atrophy, cardiac failure, impaired glucose tolerance, weight loss, osteoporosis, and testicular atrophy.

In certain embodiments, the symptom is restlessness. In certain embodiments, the symptom is lack of coordination. In certain embodiments, the symptom is unintentionally initiated motions. In certain embodiments, the symptom is unintentionally uncompleted motions. In certain embodiments, the symptom is unsteady gait. In certain embodiments, the symptom is chorea. In certain embodiments, the symptom is rigidity. In certain embodiments, the symptom is writhing motions. In certain embodiments, the symptom is abnormal posturing. In certain embodiments, the symptom is instability. In certain embodiments, the symptom is abnormal facial expressions. In certain embodiments, the symptom is difficulty chewing. In certain embodiments, the symptom is difficulty swallowing. In certain embodiments, the symptom is difficulty speaking. In certain embodiments, the symptom is seizures. In certain embodiments, the symptom is sleep disturbances.

In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired planning. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired flexibility. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired abstract thinking. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired rule acquisition. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired initiation of appropriate actions. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired inhibition of inappropriate actions. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired short-term memory. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired long-term memory. In certain embodiments, the symptom is paranoia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is disorientation. In certain embodiments, the symptom is confusion. In certain embodiments, the symptom is hallucination. In certain embodiments, the symptom is dementia.

In certain embodiments, the symptom is anxiety. In certain embodiments, the symptom is depression. In certain embodiments, the symptom is blunted affect. In certain embodiments, the symptom is egocentrism. In certain embodiments, the symptom is aggression. In certain embodiments, the symptom is compulsive behavior. In certain embodiments, the symptom is irritability. In certain embodiments, the symptom is suicidal ideation.

In certain embodiments, the symptom is reduced brain mass. In certain embodiments, the symptom is muscle atrophy. In certain embodiments, the symptom is cardiac failure. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired glucose tolerance. In certain embodiments, the symptom is weight loss. In certain embodiments, the symptom is osteoporosis. In certain embodiments, the symptom is testicular atrophy.

In certain embodiments, symptoms of Huntington's disease may be quantifiable. For example, osteoporosis may be measured and quantified by, for example, bone density scans. For such symptoms, in certain embodiments, the symptom may be reduced by about 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 99%, or a range defined by any two of these values.

In certain embodiments, provided are methods of treating an individual comprising administering one or more pharmaceutical compositions as described herein. In certain embodiments, the individual has Huntington's disease.

In certain embodiments, administration of an antisense compound targeted to a huntingtin nucleic acid results in reduction of huntingtin expression by at least about 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 99%, or a range defined by any two of these values. In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antisense compound targeted to huntingtin are used for the preparation of a medicament for treating a patient suffering or susceptible to Huntington's disease.

G. Certain Pharmaceutical Compositions

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more antisense compound. In certain embodiments, such pharmaceutical composition comprises a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprises a sterile saline solution and one or more antisense compound. In certain embodiments, such pharmaceutical composition consists of a sterile saline solution and one or more antisense compound. In certain embodiments, the sterile saline is pharmaceutical grade saline. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more antisense compound and sterile water. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition consists of one or more antisense compound and sterile water. In certain embodiments, the sterile saline is pharmaceutical grade water. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more antisense compound and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition consists of one or more antisense compound and sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In certain embodiments, the sterile saline is pharmaceutical grade PBS.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds may be admixed with pharmaceutically acceptable active and/or inert substances for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations.

Compositions and methods for the formulation of pharmaceutical compositions depend on a number of criteria, including, but not limited to, route of administration, extent of disease, or dose to be administered.

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising antisense compounds encompass any pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or salts of such esters. In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprising antisense compounds comprise one or more oligonucleotide which, upon administration to an animal, including a human, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) the biologically active metabolite or residue thereof. Accordingly, for example, the disclosure is also drawn to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of antisense compounds, prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such prodrugs, and other bioequivalents. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, sodium and potassium salts.

A prodrug can include the incorporation of additional nucleosides at one or both ends of an oligomeric compound which are cleaved by endogenous nucleases within the body, to form the active antisense oligomeric compound.

Lipid moieties have been used in nucleic acid therapies in a variety of methods. In certain such methods, the nucleic acid is introduced into preformed liposomes or lipoplexes made of mixtures of cationic lipids and neutral lipids. In certain methods, DNA complexes with mono- or poly-cationic lipids are formed without the presence of a neutral lipid. In certain embodiments, a lipid moiety is selected to increase distribution of a pharmaceutical agent to a particular cell or tissue. In certain embodiments, a lipid moiety is selected to increase distribution of a pharmaceutical agent to fat tissue. In certain embodiments, a lipid moiety is selected to increase distribution of a pharmaceutical agent to muscle tissue.

In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions provided herein comprise one or more modified oligonucleotides and one or more excipients. In certain such embodiments, excipients are selected from water, salt solutions, alcohol, polyethylene glycols, gelatin, lactose, amylase, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, hydroxymethylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein comprises a delivery system. Examples of delivery systems include, but are not limited to, liposomes and emulsions. Certain delivery systems are useful for preparing certain pharmaceutical compositions including those comprising

hydrophobic compounds. In certain embodiments, certain organic solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide are used.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein comprises one or more tissue- specific delivery molecules designed to deliver the one or more pharmaceutical agents of the present invention to specific tissues or cell types. For example, in certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions include liposomes coated with a tissue-specific antibody.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein comprises a co-solvent system. Certain of such co-solvent systems comprise, for example, benzyl alcohol, a nonpolar surfactant, a water-miscible organic polymer, and an aqueous phase. In certain embodiments, such co-solvent systems are used for hydrophobic compounds. A non-limiting example of such a co-solvent system is the VPD co-solvent system, which is a solution of absolute ethanol comprising 3% w/v benzyl alcohol, 8% w/v of the nonpolar surfactant Polysorbate 80™ and 65% w/v polyethylene glycol 300. The proportions of such co-solvent systems may be varied considerably without significantly altering their solubility and toxicity characteristics. Furthermore, the identity of co-solvent components may be varied: for example, other surfactants may be used instead of Polysorbate 80™; the fraction size of polyethylene glycol may be varied; other biocompatible polymers may replace polyethylene glycol, e.g., polyvinyl pyrrolidone; and other sugars or polysaccharides may substitute for dextrose.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein is prepared for oral administration. In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions are prepared for buccal administration.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is prepared for administration by injection (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, etc.). In certain of such embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprises a carrier and is formulated in aqueous solution, such as water or physiologically compatible buffers such as Hanks's solution, Ringer's solution, or physiological saline buffer. In certain embodiments, other ingredients are included (e.g., ingredients that aid in solubility or serve as preservatives). In certain embodiments, injectable suspensions are prepared using appropriate liquid carriers, suspending agents and the like. Certain pharmaceutical compositions for injection are presented in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampoules or in multi-dose containers. Certain pharmaceutical compositions for injection are suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. Certain solvents suitable for use in pharmaceutical compositions for injection include, but are not limited to, lipophilic solvents and fatty oils, such as sesame oil, synthetic fatty acid esters, such as ethyl oleate or triglycerides, and liposomes. Aqueous injection suspensions may contain. H. Administration

In certain embodiments, the compounds and compositions as described herein are administered parenterally.

In certain embodiments, parenteral administration is by infusion. Infusion can be chronic or continuous or short or intermittent. In certain embodiments, infused pharmaceutical agents are delivered with a pump. In certain embodiments, parenteral administration is by injection.

In certain embodiments, compounds and compositions are delivered to the CNS. In certain embodiments, compounds and compositions are delivered to the cerebrospinal fluid. In certain embodiments, compounds and compositions are administered to the brain parenchyma. In certain embodiments, compounds and compositions are delivered to an animal by intrathecal administration, or intracerebroventricular administration. Broad distribution of compounds and compositions, described herein, within the central nervous system may be achieved with intraparenchymal administration, intrathecal administration, or intracerebroventricular administration.

In certain embodiments, parenteral administration is by injection. The injection may be delivered with a syringe or a pump. In certain embodiments, the injection is a bolus injection. In certain embodiments, the injection is administered directly to a tissue, such as striatum, caudate, cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum.

Therefore, in certain embodiments, delivery of a compound or composition described herein can affect the pharmacokinetic profile of the compound or composition. In certain embodiments, injection of a compound or composition described herein, to a targeted tissue improves the pharmacokinetic profile of the compound or composition as compared to infusion of the compound or composition. In a certain

embodiment, the injection of a compound or composition improves potency compared to broad diffusion, requiring less of the compound or composition to achieve similar pharmacology. In certain embodiments, similar pharmacology refers to the amount of time that a target mRNA and/or target protein is down- regulated (e.g. duration of action). In certain embodiments, methods of specifically localizing a

pharmaceutical agent, such as by bolus injection, decreases median effective concentration (EC50) by a factor of about 50 (e.g. 50 fold less concentration in tissue is required to achieve the same or similar pharmacodynamic effect ). In certain embodiments, methods of specifically localizing a pharmaceutical agent, such as by bolus injection, decreases median effective concentration (EC50) by a factor of 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50. In certain embodiments the pharmaceutical agent in an antisense compound as further described herein. In certain enbodiments, the targeted tissue is brain tissue. In certain enbodiments the targeted tissue is striatal tissue. In certain embodiments, decreasing EC50 is desirable because it reduces the dose required to achieve a pharmacological result in a patient in need thereof.

In certain embodiments, an antisense oligonucleotide is delivered by injection or infusion once every month, every two months, every 90 days, every 3 months, every 6 months, twice a year or once a year. I. Certain Combination Therapies

In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions are co-administered with one or more other pharmaceutical agents. In certain embodiments, such one or more other pharmaceutical agents are designed to treat the same disease, disorder, or condition as the one or more pharmaceutical compositions described herein. In certain embodiments, such one or more other pharmaceutical agents are designed to treat a different disease, disorder, or condition as the one or more pharmaceutical compositions described herein. In certain embodiments, such one or more other pharmaceutical agents are designed to treat an undesired side effect of one or more pharmaceutical compositions as described herein. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions are co-administered with another pharmaceutical agent to treat an undesired effect of that other pharmaceutical agent. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions are co-administered with another pharmaceutical agent to produce a combinational effect. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions are co-administered with another pharmaceutical agent to produce a synergistic effect.

In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions and one or more other pharmaceutical agents are administered at the same time. In certain embodiments, one or more

pharmaceutical compositions and one or more other pharmaceutical agents are administered at different times. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions and one or more other

pharmaceutical agents are prepared together in a single formulation. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions and one or more other pharmaceutical agents are prepared separately.

In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical agents that may be co-administered with a pharmaceutical composition of include antipsychotic agents, such as, e.g. , haloperidol, chlorpromazine, clozapine, quetapine, and olanzapine; antidepressant agents, such as, e.g. , fluoxetine, sertraline hydrochloride, venlafaxine and nortriptyline; tranquilizing agents such as, e.g. , benzodiazepines, clonazepam, paroxetine, venlafaxin, and beta-blockers; mood-stabilizing agents such as, e.g. , lithium, valproate, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine; paralytic agents such as, e.g. , Botulinum toxin; and/or other experimental agents including, but not limited to, tetrabenazine (Xenazine), creatine, conezyme Q 10, trehalose, docosahexanoic acids, ACR16, ethyl-EPA, atomoxetine, citalopram, dimebon, memantine, sodium phenylbutyrate, ramelteon, ursodiol, zyprexa, xenasine, tiapride, riluzole, amantadine, [123I]MNI-420, atomoxetine, tetrabenazine, digoxin,

detromethorphan, warfarin, alprozam, ketoconazole, omeprazole, and minocycline. Nonlimiting disclosure and incorporation by reference

While certain compounds, compositions and methods described herein have been described with specificity in accordance with certain embodiments, the following examples serve only to illustrate the compounds described herein and are not intended to limit the same. Each of the references, GenBank accession numbers, and the like recited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Although the sequence listing accompanying this filing identifies each sequence as either "RNA" or "DNA" as required, in reality, those sequences may be modified with any combination of chemical modifications. One of skill in the art will readily appreciate that such designation as "RNA" or "DNA" to describe modified oligonucleotides is, in certain instances, arbitrary. For example, an oligonucleotide comprising a nucleoside comprising a 2' -OH sugar moiety and a thymine base could be described as a DNA having a modified sugar (2' -OH for the natural 2'-H of DNA) or as an RNA having a modified base (thymine (methylated uracil) for natural uracil of RNA).

Accordingly, nucleic acid sequences provided herein, including, but not limited to those in the sequence listing, are intended to encompass nucleic acids containing any combination of natural or modified RNA and/or DNA, including, but not limited to such nucleic acids having modified nucleobases. By way of further example and without limitation, an oligomeric compound having the nucleobase sequence

"ATCGATCG" encompasses any oligomeric compounds having such nucleobase sequence, whether modified or unmodified, including, but not limited to, such compounds comprising RNA bases, such as those having sequence "AUCGAUCG" and those having some DNA bases and some RNA bases such as

"AUCGATCG" and oligomeric compounds having other modified or naturally occurring bases, such as "AT me CGAUCG," wherein me C indicates a cytosine base comprising a methyl group at the 5-position.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and are not limiting.

Moreover, where specific embodiments are provided, the inventors have contemplated generic application of those specific embodiments. For example, disclosure of an oligonucleotide having a particular motif provides reasonable support for additional oligonucleotides having the same or similar motif. And, for example, where a particular high-affinity modification appears at a particular position, other high-affinity modifications at the same position are considered suitable, unless otherwise indicated.

To allow assessment of the relative effects of nucleobase sequence and chemical modification, throughout the examples, oligomeric compounds are assigned a "Sequence Code." Oligomeric compounds having the same Sequence Code have the same nucleobase sequence. Oligomeric compounds having different Sequence Codes have different nucleobase sequences. Example 1: Modified antisense oligonucleotides targeting human Target-X

Antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a Target-X nucleic acid and were tested for their effects on Target-X mRNA in vitro. ISIS 407939, which was described in an earlier publication (WO 2009/061851) was also tested.

The newly designed chimeric antisense oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 15. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S). Nucleosides followed by "d" indicate 2 '-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by "k" indicate 6'-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) nucleosides. Nucleosides followed by "e" indicate 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) nucleosides. "N" indicates modified or naturally occurring nucleobases (A, T, C, G, U, or 5 -methyl C).

Each gapmer listed in Table 15 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence.

Activity of the newly designed gapmers was compared to a 5-10-5 2'-MOE gapmer, ISIS 407939 targeting human Target-X and is further described in USPN XXX, incorporated herein by reference.

Cultured Hep3B cells at a density of 20,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 2,000 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set RTS2927 was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells, and indicate that several of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides are more potent than ISIS 407939. A total of 771 oligonucleotides were tested. Only those oligonucleotides which were selected for further studies are shown in Table 15. Each of the newly designed antisense

oligonucleotides provided in Table 1 achieved greater than 80% inhibition and, therefore, are more active than ISIS 407939.

Table 15

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNkNd Deoxy

473471 90 3-10-3 kkk eee 23 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe /cEt

NkNdNkNdNkNdNdNdNd

473620 94 5-9-2 Full deoxy kdkdk ee 23 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

473019 88 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 24 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

473020 93 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 25 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473321 93 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 26 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473322 94 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 27 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473323 96 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 28 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473326 94 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 29 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNkNd Deoxy

473480 92 3-10-3 kkk eee 29 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe /cEt

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473178 96 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 30 6 NdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473327 96 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 30 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNkNd Deoxy

473481 93 3-10-3 kkk eee 30 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe /cEt

NkNdNkNdNkNdNdNdNd

473630 89 5-9-2 Full deoxy kdkdk ee 30 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

473029 96 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 31 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472925 93 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 32 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472926 85 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 33 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473195 97 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 34 6 NdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

473046 90 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 35 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472935 92 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 36 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473089 95 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 37 6 NdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473350 93 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 38 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473353 93 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 39 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

473055 91 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 40 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNkNd Deoxy

473392 95 3-10-3 kkk eee 41 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe /cEt

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473095 100 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 42 6 NdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473244 99 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 42 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNkNd Deoxy

473393 99 3-10-3 kkk eee 42 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe /cEt

NkNdNkNdNkNdNdNdNd

473547 98 5-9-2 Full deoxy kdkdk ee 42 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472942 87 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 43 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473098 97 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 44 6 NdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNkNd Deoxy

473408 92 3-10-3 kkk eee 45 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe /cEt

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472958 89 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 46 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472959 90 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 47 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNdNkNdNkNdNdNdNd

473566 94 5-9-2 Full deoxy kdkdk ee 48 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NkNdNkNdNkNdNdNdNd

473567 95 5-9-2 Full deoxy kdkdk ee 49 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NkNdNkNdNkNdNdNdNd

473569 92 5-9-2 Full deoxy kdkdk ee 50 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

457851 90 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 51 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472970 91 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 32 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473125 90 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 53 6 NdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473274 98 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 53 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNkNd Deoxy

473428 90 3-10-3 kkk eee 53 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe /cEt

NkNdNkNdNkNdNdNdNd

473577 93 5-9-2 Full deoxy kdkdk ee 53 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472976 97 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 54 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

472983 94 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 55 7 NdNdNdNdNkNk NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

472984 90 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 56 7 NdNdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNd

473135 97 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 57 6 NdNdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

472986 95 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 58 7 NdNdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNd

473137 95 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 59 6 NdNdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNd

473286 95 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 59 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNkNd Deoxy

473440 88 3-10-3 kkk eee 59 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe /cEt

NkNdNkNdNkNdNdNd

473589 97 5-9-2 Full deoxy kdkdk ee 59 6 NdNdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

472988 85 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 60 7 NdNdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNd

473140 96 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 61 6 NdNdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

472991 90 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 62 7 NdNdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNkNd Deoxy/

473444 94 3-10-3 kkk eee 63 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe cEt

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNd

473142 96 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 64 6 NdNdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNd

473291 95 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 64 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNdNkNdNkNdNdNd

473594 95 5-9-2 Full deoxy kdkdk ee 64 6 NdNdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473143 97 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 65 6 NdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNd

473292 96 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 65 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNkNd Deoxy /

473446 96 3-10-3 kkk eee 65 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe cEt

NkNdNkNdNkNdNdNdNd

473595 84 5-9-2 Full deoxy kdkdk ee 65 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472994 96 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 66 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473144 98 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk 67 6 NdNdNdNdNkNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473293 96 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 67 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472995 96 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 68 7 NdNdNdNkNk NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNd

473294 91 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 69 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNdNkNdNkNdNdNdNd

473597 94 5-9-2 Full deoxy kdkdk ee 69 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472996 94 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 70 7 NdNdNdNkNk

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNd

473295 92 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 71 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NeNeNeNeNeNdNdNdNdNd eeee

407939 80 5-10-5 Full deoxy eeeee 72 8 NdNdNdNdNdNeNeNeNeNe e

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNdNd

473296 98 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee 73 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe

NkNkNkNdNdNdNdNkNd Deoxy /

473450 95 3-10-3 kkk eee 73 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNe cEt

NkNkNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

472998 97 2-10-2 Full deoxy kk kk 74 7 NdNdNdNkNk

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 2: Modified antisense oligonucleotides comprising 6'-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (cEt) and F- HNA modifications targeting human Target-X

Additional antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a Target-X nucleic acid and were tested for their effects on Target-X mRNA in vitro. ISIS 407939 was also tested.

The chimeric antisense oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 16. The

intemucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S). Nucleosides followed by "d" indicate 2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by "k" indicate 6 '-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleosides (e.g cEt). Nucleosides followed by "e" indicate 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) modified nucleosides. Nucleosides followed by 'g' indicate F-HNA modified nucleosides. "N" indicates modified or naturally occurring nucleobases (A, T, C, G, U, or 5 -methyl C).

Each gapmer listed in Table 16 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence.

Activity of the newly designed gapmers was compared to a 5-10-5 2'-MOE gapmer, ISIS 407939 targeting human Target-X. Cultured Hep3B cells at a density of 20,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 2,000 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set RTS2927 was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells, and demonstrate that several of the newly designed gapmers are more potent than ISIS 407939. A total of 765 oligonucleotides were tested. Only those oligonucleotides which were selected for further studies are shown in Table 16. All but one of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides provided in Table 16 achieved greater than 30% inhibition and, therefore, are more active than ISIS 407939.

Table 16

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

NgNgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

483019 89 3-10-3 Ful deoxy ggg ggg 38 6 NdNdNdNdNgNgNg

NgNdNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

483045 92 3-10-3 Ful deoxy gdg gdg 77 6 NdNdNdNdNgNdNg

NgNdNgNdNgNdNdNdNd

483194 64 3-10-3 Ful deoxy gdg gdg 77 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NgNdNgNdNgNdNdNdNd

483317 79 5-9-2 Ful deoxy gdgdg ee 38 6 NdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

483343 75 2-10-4 Ful deoxy gg eeee 57 6 NdNdNdNeNeNeNe

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNdNdNdN

483471 76 2-10-4 Ful deoxy gg eeee 38 6 dNdNeNeNeNe

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNdNd

483478 20 2-10-4 Ful deoxy gg eeee 78 6 NdNdNdNeNeNeNe

NeNeNeNeNeNdNdNdNdNd

407939 30 5-10-5 Ful deoxy eeeee eeeee 72 8 NdNdNdNdNdNeNeNeNeNe

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

482784 83 2-10-2 Ful deoxy gg gg 79 7 NdNdNdNdNgNg

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

482794 91 2-10-2 Ful deoxy gg gg 54 7 NdNdNdNdNgNg

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

482804 80 2-10-2 Ful deoxy gg gg 58 7 NdNdNdNdNgNg

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

482812 81 2-10-2 Ful deoxy gg gg 66 7 NdNdNdNdNgNg

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

482813 92 2-10-2 Ful deoxy gg gg 68 7 NdNdNdNdNgNg

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

482814 94 2-10-2 Ful deoxy gg gg 70 7 NdNdNdNdNgNg

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

482815 81 2-10-2 Ful deoxy gg gg 80 7 NdNdNdNdNgNg

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

482816 71 2-10-2 Ful deoxy gg gg 74 7 NdNdNdNdNgNg

NgNgNgNdNdNdNdNd

482916 90 3-10-3 Ful deoxy ggg ggg 44 6 NdNdNdNdNdNgNgNg

NgNgNgNdNdNdNdNd

482932 89 3-10-3 Ful deoxy ggg ggg 48 6 NdNdNdNdNdNgNgNg

NgNgNgNdNdNdNdNd

482953 93 3-10-3 Ful deoxy ggg ggg 57 6 NdNdNdNdNdNgNgNg

NgNgNgNdNdNdNdNd

482962 97 3-10-3 Ful deoxy ggg ggg 67 6 NdNdNdNdNdNgNgNg

NgNgNgNdNdNdNdNd

482963 96 3-10-3 Ful deoxy ggg ggg 69 6 NdNdNdNdNdNgNgNg

NgNgNgNdNdNdNdNd

482965 89 3-10-3 Ful deoxy ggg ggg 73 6 NdNdNdNdNdNgNgNg

NgNdNgNdNdNdNdNd 483065 69 3-10-3 Ful deoxy ggg ggg 44 6 NdNdNdNdNdNgNdNg

NgNdNgNdNdNdNdNd

483092 89 3-10-3 Full deoxy gdg gdg 53 6 NdNdNdNdNdNgNdNg

NgNdNgNdNgNdNdNd

483241 79 5-9-2 Full deoxy gdgdg ee 53 6 NdNdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NgNdNgNdNgNdNdNd

483253 76 5-9-2 Full deoxy gdgdg ee 59 6 NdNdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NgNdNgNdNgNdNdNd

483258 70 5-9-2 Full deoxy gdgdg ee 64 6 NdNdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NgNdNgNdNgNdNdNd

483260 62 5-9-2 Full deoxy gdgdg ee 67 6 NdNdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NgNdNgNdNgNdNdNd

483261 76 5-9-2 Full deoxy gdgdg ee 69 6 NdNdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NgNdNgNdNgNdNdNd

483262 75 5-9-2 Full deoxy gdgdg ee 71 6 NdNdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NgNdNgNdNgNdNdNd

483263 73 5-9-2 Full deoxy gdgdg ee 73 6 NdNdNdNdNdNdNeNe

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

483364 78 2-10-4 Full deoxy gg eeee 81 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNeNe

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

483395 86 2-10-4 Full deoxy gg eeee 53 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNeNe

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

483413 83 2-10-4 Full deoxy gg eeee 65 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNeNe

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

483414 76 2-10-4 Full deoxy gg eeee 67 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNeNe

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

483415 85 2-10-4 Full deoxy gg eeee 69 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNeNe

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

483416 77 2-10-4 Full deoxy gg eeee 71 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNeNe

NgNgNdNdNdNdNdNd

483417 83 2-10-4 Full deoxy gg eeee 73 6 NdNdNdNdNeNeNeNe

e = 2'-MOE, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside, g = F-HNA

Example 3: Modified antisense oligonucleotides comprising 2'-MOE and 6'-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications targeting human Target-X

Additional antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a Target-X nucleic acid and were tested for their effects on Target-X mRNA in vitro. ISIS 403052, ISIS 407594, ISIS 407606, ISIS 407939, and ISIS 416438, which were described in an earlier publication (WO 2009/061851) were also tested.

The newly designed chimeric antisense oligonucleotides are 16 nucleotides in length and their motifs are described in Table 17. The chemistry column of Table 17 presents the sugar motif of each

oligonucleotide, wherein "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) nucleoside, "k" indicates a 6'-(S)- CH 3 tricyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) and "d" indicates a 2'-deoxyribonucleoside. The intemucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are hosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine residues throughout each oligonucleotide are 5-methylcytosines.

Each gapmer listed in Table 17 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence.

Activity of the newly designed gapmers was compared to ISIS 403052, ISIS 407594, ISIS 407606,

ISIS 407939, and ISIS 416438. Cultured Hep3B cells at a density of 20,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 2,000 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set RTS2927 (described hereinabove in Example 1) was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells. A total of 380 oligonucleotides were tested. Only those oligonucleotides which were selected for further studies are shown in Table 17. Each of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides provided in Table 17 achieved greater than 64% inhibition and, therefore, are more potent than each of ISIS 403052, ISIS 407594, ISIS 407606, ISIS 407939, and ISIS 416438.

Table 17

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

484693 kk-d(10)-eeee 2-10-4 93 53

484711 kk-d(10)-eeee 2-10-4 92 65

484712 kk-d(10)-eeee 2-10-4 92 67

484713 kk-d(10)-eeee 2-10-4 85 69

484714 kk-d(10)-eeee 2-10-4 83 71

484715 kk-d(10)-eeee 2-10-4 93 73

484736 kk-d(10)-eeee 2-10-4 89 23

484742 kk-d(10)-eeee 2-10-4 93 28

484746 kk-d(10)-eeee 2-10-4 88 30

484771 kk-d(10)-eeee 2-10-4 89 89 e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 4: Antisense inhibition of human Target-X with 5-10-5 2'-MOE gapmers

Additional antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a Target-X nucleic acid and were tested for their effects on Target-X mRNA in vitro. Also tested were ISIS 403094, ISIS 407641, ISIS 407643, ISIS 407662, ISIS 407900, ISIS 407910, ISIS 407935, ISIS 407936, ISIS 407939, ISIS 416446, ISIS 416449, ISIS 416455, ISIS 416472, ISIS 416477, ISIS 416507, ISIS 416508, ISIS 422086, ISIS 422087, ISIS 422140, and ISIS 422142, 5-10-5 2'-MOE gapmers targeting human Target-X, which were described in an earlier publication (WO 2009/061851), incorporated herein by reference..

The newly designed modified antisense oligonucleotides are 20 nucleotides in length and their motifs are described in Tables 18 and 19. The chemistry column of Tables 18 and 19 present the sugar motif of each oligonucleotide, wherein "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) nucleoside and "d" indicates a 2'- deoxyribonucleoside. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are hosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine residues throughout each oligonucleotide are 5-methylcytosines.

Each gapmer listed in Table 18 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence.

Activity of the newly designed gapmers was compared to ISIS 403094, ISIS 407641, ISIS 407643, ISIS 407662, ISIS 407900, ISIS 407910, ISIS 407935, ISIS 407936, ISIS 407939, ISIS 416446, ISIS 416449, ISIS 416455, ISIS 416472, ISIS 416477, ISIS 416507, ISIS 416508, ISIS 422086, ISIS 422087, ISIS 422140, and ISIS 422142. Cultured Hep3B cells at a density of 20,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 2,000 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set RTS2927 (described hereinabove in Example 1) was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells. A total of 916 oligonucleotides were tested. Only those oligonucleotides which were selected for further studies are shown in Tables 18 and 19. Table 18

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

e = 2'-MOE, d = 2 '-deoxynucleoside Table 19

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides

Example 5: Modified chimeric antisense oligonucleotides comprising 6'-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications at 5' and 3' wing regions targeting human Target-X

Additional antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a Target-X nucleic acid and were tested for their effects on Target-X mRNA in vitro. ISIS 407939, which was described in an earlier publication (WO 2009/061851) were also tested. ISIS 457851, ISIS 472925, ISIS 472926, ISIS 472935, ISIS 472942, ISIS 472958, ISIS 472959, ISIS 472970, ISIS 472976, ISIS 472983, ISIS 472984, ISIS 472988, ISIS 472991, ISIS 472994, ISIS 472995, ISIS 472996, ISIS 472998, and ISIS 473020, described in the Examples above were also included in the screen.

The newly designed chimeric antisense oligonucleotides in Table 20 were designed as 2-10-2 cEt gapmers. The newly designed gapmers are 14 nucleosides in length, wherein the central gap segment comprises of ten 2'-deoxyribonucleosides and is flanked by wing segments on the 5' direction and the 3' direction comprising five nucleosides each. Each nucleoside in the 5 ' wing segment and each nucleoside in the 3' wing segment comprises 6'-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modification. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine residues throughout each gapmer are 5-methylcytosines.

Each gapmer listed in Table 20 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence.

Activity of the newly designed oligonucleotides was compared to ISIS 407939. Cultured Hep3B cells at a density of 20,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 2,000 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set RTS2927 (described hereinabove in Example 1) was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells. A total of 614 oligonucleotides were tested. Only those oligonucleotides which were selected for further studies are shown in Table 20. Many of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides provided in Table 20 achieved greater than 72% inhibition and, therefore, are more potent than ISIS 407939. Table 20

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

492234 86 2-10-2 cEt 154

472942 85 2-10-2 cEt 43

492276 75 2-10-2 cEt 155

492277 75 2-10-2 cEt 156

492306 85 2-10-2 cEt 157

492317 93 2-10-2 cEt 158

472958 92 2-10-2 cEt 46

472959 88 2-10-2 cEt 47

492329 88 2-10-2 cEt 159

492331 95 2-10-2 cEt 160

492333 85 2-10-2 cEt 161

492334 88 2-10-2 cEt 162

457851 89 2-10-2 cEt 51

472970 92 2-10-2 cEt 52

492365 69 2-10-2 cEt 163

472976 94 2-10-2 cEt 54

472983 76 2-10-2 cEt 55

472984 72 2-10-2 cEt 56

492377 70 2-10-2 cEt 164

492380 80 2-10-2 cEt 165

492384 61 2-10-2 cEt 166

472988 59 2-10-2 cEt 60

492388 70 2-10-2 cEt 167

492389 70 2-10-2 cEt 168

492390 89 2-10-2 cEt 169

492391 80 2-10-2 cEt 170

472991 84 2-10-2 cEt 62

492398 88 2-10-2 cEt 171

492399 94 2-10-2 cEt 172

492401 91 2-10-2 cEt 173

492403 78 2-10-2 cEt 174

472994 95 2-10-2 cEt 66

472995 91 2-10-2 cEt 68

492404 84 2-10-2 cEt 175

492405 87 2-10-2 cEt 176

472996 85 2-10-2 cEt 70

492406 43 2-10-2 cEt 177

472998 92 2-10-2 cEt 74

492440 89 2-10-2 cEt 178 Example 6: Modified chimeric antisense oligonucleotides comprising 6'-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications at 5' and 3' wing regions targeting human Target-X

Additional antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a Target-X nucleic acid and were tested for their effects on Target-X mRNA in vitro. Also tested was ISIS 407939, a 5-10-5 MOE gapmer targeting human Target-X, which was described in an earlier publication (WO 2009/061851). ISIS 472998 and ISIS 473046, described in the Examples above were also included in the screen.

The newly designed chimeric antisense oligonucleotides in Table 21 were designed as 2-10-2 cEt gapmers. The newly designed gapmers are 14 nucleosides in length, wherein the central gap segment comprises of ten 2'-deoxyribonucleosides and is flanked by wing segments on the 5' direction and the 3' direction comprising five nucleosides each. Each nucleoside in the 5 ' wing segment and each nucleoside in the 3' wing segment comprise 6'-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modification. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine residues throughout each gapmer are 5-methylcytosines.

Each gapmer listed in Table 21 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence.

Activity of the newly designed gapmers was compared to ISIS 407939. Cultured Hep3B cells at a density of 20,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 2,000 nM antisense

oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set RTS2927 (described hereinabove in Example 1) was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells. A total of 757 oligonucleotides were tested. Only those oligonucleotides which were selected for further studies are shown in Table 21. Each of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides provided in Table 21 achieved greater than 67% inhibition and, therefore, are more potent than 407939.

Table 21

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

492725 74 2-10-2 cEt 182

492730 78 2-10-2 cEt 183

492731 72 2-10-2 cEt 184

492784 72 2-10-2 cEt 185

492816 70 2-10-2 cEt 186

492818 73 2-10-2 cEt 187

492877 83 2-10-2 cEt 188

492878 79 2-10-2 cEt 189

492913 73 2-10-2 cEt 190

492914 82 2-10-2 cEt 191

492928 76 5-10-5 cEt 192

492938 80 2-10-2 cEt 193

492991 91 2-10-2 cEt 194

492992 73 2-10-2 cEt 195

493087 81 2-10-2 cEt 196

493114 80 2-10-2 cEt 197

493178 86 2-10-2 cEt 198

493179 69 2-10-2 cEt 199

493182 79 2-10-2 cEt 200

493195 71 2-10-2 cEt 201

473046 79 2-10-2 cEt 35

493201 86 2-10-2 cEt 202

493202 76 2-10-2 cEt 203

493255 80 2-10-2 cEt 204

493291 84 2-10-2 cEt 205

493292 90 2-10-2 cEt 206

493296 82 2-10-2 cEt 207

493298 77 2-10-2 cEt 208

493299 76 5-10-5 cEt 209

493304 77 2-10-2 cEt 210

493312 75 2-10-2 cEt 211

493333 76 2-10-2 cEt 212

472998 85 2-10-2 cEt 74

Example 7: Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells

Antisense oligonucleotides from the studies above, exhibiting in vitro inhibition of Target-X mRNA, were selected and tested at various doses in Hep3B cells. Cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.67 μΜ, 2.00 μΜ, 1.11 μΜ, and 6.00 μΜ concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 22. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human Target-X primer probe set RTS2927 was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN . Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells.

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of each oligonucleotide is also presented in Table 22. As illustrated in Table 22, Target-X mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells. The data also confirms that several of the newly designed gapmers are more potent than ISIS 407939 of the previous publication.

Table 22

Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells using electroporation

492317 59 80 93 <0.6

492329 59 70 89 <0.6

492331 69 87 95 <0.6

492333 47 70 85 0.7

492334 57 77 90 <0.6

492390 72 88 95 <0.6

492399 68 91 96 <0.6

492401 68 89 95 <0.6

492404 65 87 94 <0.6

492405 44 81 90 0.7

492406 65 82 92 <0.6

492440 50 70 89 0.6

492465 16 80 79 1.4

492467 58 77 92 <0.6

492492 45 80 94 0.7

492494 63 82 93 <0.6

492503 55 81 93 <0.6

492530 70 86 90 <0.6

492534 67 85 91 <0.6

492536 54 81 89 <0.6

492541 54 71 85 <0.6

492545 59 78 89 <0.6

492566 59 84 85 <0.6

492571 52 81 89 <0.6

492572 67 83 90 <0.6

492573 69 83 92 <0.6

492574 65 82 91 <0.6

492575 72 83 91 <0.6

492593 61 78 90 <0.6

492617 62 80 93 <0.6

492618 47 79 94 0.6

492619 54 82 95 <0.6

492621 44 85 92 0.6

492651 53 66 91 0.6

492652 61 78 88 <0.6

492658 59 79 88 <0.6

492725 43 84 89 0.6

492730 51 87 93 0.4

492731 46 82 90 0.6

492784 56 88 96 <0.6

492816 68 89 97 <0.6

492818 64 84 96 <0.6

492877 67 91 93 <0.6 492878 80 89 93 <0.6

492913 53 87 92 <0.6

492914 75 89 96 <0.6

492928 60 83 94 <0.6

492938 70 90 92 <0.6

492991 67 93 99 <0.6

492992 0 82 95 2.1

493087 54 81 90 <0.6

493114 50 73 90 0.6

493178 71 88 96 <0.6

493179 47 82 95 0.6

493182 79 87 91 <0.6

493195 55 78 90 <0.6

493201 87 93 96 <0.6

493202 68 89 94 <0.6

493255 57 79 93 <0.6

493291 57 87 93 <0.6

493292 70 89 93 <0.6

493296 35 84 91 0.9

493298 57 84 92 <0.6

493299 65 84 93 <0.6

493304 68 86 94 <0.6

493312 53 82 91 <0.6

493333 66 84 87 <0.6

Example 8: Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells

Additional antisense oligonucleotides from the studies described above, exhibiting in vitro inhibition of Target-X mRNA, were selected and tested at various doses in Hep3B cells. Cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.67 μΜ, 2.00 μΜ, 1.11 μΜ, and 6.00 μΜ concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 23. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human Target-X primer probe set RTS2927 was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN ® . Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 23, Target-X mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells. The data also confirms that several of the newly designed gapmers are more potent than ISIS 407939.

Table 23

Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells using electroporation 0.67 2.00 6.00 ic 50

ISIS No

μΜ μΜ μΜ (μΜ)

407939 52 71 86 0.6

472983 49 83 97 0.5

472984 51 82 95 0.5

472991 49 82 95 0.5

472998 59 88 96 <0.6

492365 74 91 96 <0.6

492377 56 76 91 <0.6

492380 63 79 95 <0.6

492384 67 84 94 <0.6

492388 69 87 97 <0.6

492389 62 90 96 <0.6

492391 56 84 94 <0.6

492398 63 80 95 <0.6

492403 58 81 91 <0.6

Example 9: Modified chimeric antisense oligonucleotides comprising 2'-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) modifications at 5' and 3' wing regions targeting human Target-X

Additional antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a Target-X nucleic acid and were tested for their effects on Target-X mRNA in vitro. Also tested were ISIS 403052, ISIS 407939, ISIS

416446, ISIS 416472, ISIS 416507, ISIS 416508, ISIS 422087, ISIS 422096, ISIS 422130, and ISIS 422142 which were described in an earlier publication (WO 2009/061851), incorporated herein by reference. ISIS 490149, ISIS 490197, ISIS 490209, ISIS 490275, ISIS 490277, and ISIS 490424, described in the Examples above, were also included in the screen.

The newly designed chimeric antisense oligonucleotides in Table 24 were designed as 3-10-4 2'-

MOE gapmers. These gapmers are 17 nucleosides in length, wherein the central gap segment comprises of ten 2'-deoxyribonucleosides and is flanked by wing segments on the 5' direction with three nucleosides and the 3' direction with four nucleosides. Each nucleoside in the 5' wing segment and each nucleoside in the 3' wing segment has 2'-MOE modifications. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine residues throughout each gapmer are 5-methylcytosines.

Each gapmer listed in Table 24 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence.

Activity of the newly designed oligonucleotides was compared to ISIS 403052, ISIS 407939, ISIS 416446, ISIS 416472, ISIS 416507, ISIS 416508, ISIS 422087, ISIS 422096, ISIS 422130, and ISIS 422142. Cultured Hep3B cells at a density of 20,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 2,000 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set RTS2927 (described hereinabove in Example 1) was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells. A total of 272 oligonucleotides were tested. Only those oligonucleotides which were selected for further studies are shown in Table 24. Several of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides provided in Table 24 are more potent than antisense

oligonucleotides from the previous publication.

Table 24

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

490209 79 5-10-5 2'-MOE 118

513454 84 3-10-4 2'-MOE 228

513455 92 3-10-4 2'-MOE 229

513456 89 3-10-4 2'-MOE 230

513457 83 3-10-4 2'-MOE 231

Example 10: Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells

Antisense oligonucleotides from the studies above, exhibiting in vitro inhibition of Target-X mRNA, were selected and tested at various doses in Hep3B cells. ISIS 403052, ISIS 407643, ISIS 407935, ISIS 407936, ISIS 407939, ISIS 416446, ISIS 416459, ISIS 416472, ISIS 416507, ISIS 416508, ISIS 416549, ISIS 422086, ISIS 422087, ISIS 422130, ISIS and 422142 , 5-10-5 MOE gapmers targeting human Target-X, which were described in an earlier publication (WO 2009/061851).

Cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.625 μΜ, 1.25 μΜ, 2.50 μΜ, 5.00 μΜ and 10.00 μΜ concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 25. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human Target-X primer probe set RTS2927 was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN ® . Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells.

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of each oligonucleotide is also presented in Table

25. As illustrated in Table 25, Target-X mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells. The data also confirms that the newly designed gapmers are potent than gapmers from the previous publication.

Table 25

Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells using electroporation

416549 57 71 78 82 85 <0.6

422086 46 67 77 89 92 0.7

422087 50 69 74 86 91 0.6

422130 32 65 78 92 93 0.9

422142 59 73 84 86 88 <0.6

490103 52 57 66 83 88 0.9

490149 34 58 71 85 91 1.0

490196 26 59 66 79 84 1.3

490197 39 63 74 81 90 0.8

490208 44 70 76 83 88 0.6

490275 36 58 76 85 89 1.0

490277 37 63 73 87 87 0.8

490279 40 54 72 83 89 1.0

490323 49 68 79 86 90 <0.6

490368 39 62 76 86 91 0.8

490396 36 53 69 80 87 1.1

490424 45 65 69 76 82 0.6

490803 57 74 85 89 92 <0.6

513419 60 71 85 95 96 <0.6

513420 37 69 79 94 96 0.7

513421 46 64 84 95 97 0.6

513446 47 81 88 95 96 <0.6

513447 56 74 81 92 96 <0.6

513454 50 77 82 93 95 <0.6

513455 74 82 91 96 96 <0.6

513456 66 80 88 94 95 <0.6

513457 54 67 80 87 89 <0.6

513462 49 72 84 87 89 <0.6

513463 36 62 76 85 89 0.9

513487 42 56 73 87 93 0.9

513504 47 65 81 90 91 0.6

513505 39 50 78 85 92 1.0

513507 52 73 83 89 93 <0.6

513508 56 78 85 91 94 <0.6

Example 11: Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells

Additional antisense oligonucleotides from the studies above, exhibiting in vitro inhibition of Target- X mRNA, were tested at various doses in Hep3B cells. ISIS 407935, ISIS 407939, ISIS 416446, ISIS 416472, ISIS 416507, ISIS 416549, ISIS 422086, ISIS 422087, ISIS 422096, and ISIS 422142 5-10-5 MOE gapmers targeting human Target-X, which were described in an earlier publication (WO 2009/061851).

Cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.3125 μΜ, 0.625 μΜ, 1.25 μΜ, 2.50 μΜ, 5.00 μΜ and 10.00 μΜ concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 26. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human Target-X primer probe set RTS2927 was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN ® . Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 26, Target-X mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells. The data also confirms that the newly designed gapmers are more potent than gapmers from the previous publication.

Table 26

Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells using electroporation

513456 49 60 81 88 94 95 <0.3

513457 43 50 72 77 87 92 0.5

513462 25 48 58 76 83 88 0.8

513463 22 45 66 73 85 88 0.9

513487 41 56 65 79 86 90 0.4

513504 19 48 63 76 87 92 0.9

513505 11 21 54 73 85 90 1.4

513507 47 55 72 82 90 91 0.3

513508 31 59 74 85 92 93 0.5

513642 43 55 67 80 88 92 0.4

Example 12: Tolerability of 2'-MOE gapmers targeting human Target-X in BALB/c mice

BALB/c mice are a multipurpose mice model, frequently utilized for safety and efficacy testing. The mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers.

Treatment

Groups of male BALB/c mice were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 407935, ISIS 416472, ISIS 416549, ISIS 422086, ISIS 422087, ISIS 422096, ISIS 422142, ISIS 490103, ISIS 490149, ISIS 490196, ISIS 490208, ISIS 490209, ISIS 513419, ISIS 513420, ISIS 513421, ISIS 513454, ISIS 513455, ISIS 513456, ISIS 513457, ISIS 513462, ISIS 513463, ISIS 513487, ISIS 513504, ISIS 513508, and ISIS 513642. One group of male BALB/c mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with PBS. Mice were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Plasma chemistry markers

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on liver and kidney function, plasma levels of transaminases, bilirubin, albumin, and BUN were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, NY).

ISIS oligonucleotides that did not cause any increase in the levels of transaminases, or which caused an increase within three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) were deemed very tolerable. ISIS oligonucleotides that caused an increase in the levels of transaminases between three times and seven times the ULN were deemed tolerable. Based on these criteria, ISIS 407935, ISIS 416472, ISIS 416549, ISIS 422087, ISIS 422096, ISIS 490103, ISIS 490196, ISIS 490208, ISIS 513454, ISIS 513455, ISIS 513456, ISIS 513457, ISIS 513487, ISIS 513504, and ISIS 513508 were considered very tolerable in terms of liver function. Based on these criteria, ISIS 422086, ISIS 490209, ISIS 513419, ISIS 513420, and ISIS 513463 were considered tolerable in terms of liver function. Example 13: Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells

Additional antisense oligonucleotides from the studies above, exhibiting in vitro inhibition of Target- X mRNA were selected and tested at various doses in Hep3B cells. Also tested was ISIS 407939, a 5-10-5 MOE gapmer, which was described in an earlier publication (WO 2009/061851).

Cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.074 μΜ, 0.222 μΜ, 0.667 μΜ, 2.000 μΜ, and 6.000 μΜ concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 27. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human Target-X primer probe set RTS2927 (described hereinabove in Example 1) was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN ® . Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells.

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of each oligonucleotide is also presented in Table 27. As illustrated in Table 27, Target-X mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells. Many of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides provided in Table 27 achieved an IC 50 of less than 0.9 μΜ and, therefore, are more potent than ISIS 407939.

Table 27

Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells using electroporation

483415 0 40 52 84 94 0.6

484559 26 51 78 87 97 0.2

484713 6 5 53 64 88 0.9

Example 14: Modified antisense oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) and 6'- (S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications targeting human Target-X

Additional antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a Target-X nucleic acid and were tested for their effects on Target-X mRNA in vitro. Also tested was ISIS 407939, a 5-10-5 MOE gapmer targeting human Target-X, which was described in an earlier publication (WO 2009/061851). ISIS 472998, ISIS 492878, and ISIS 493201 and 493182, 2-10-2 cEt gapmers, described in the Examples above were also included in the screen.

The newly designed modified antisense oligonucleotides are 16 nucleotides in length and their motifs are described in Table 28. The chemistry column of Table 28 presents the sugar motif of each

oligonucleotide, wherein "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2' -MOE) nucleoside, "k" indicates a 6'-(S)- CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) and "d" indicates a 2'-deoxyribonucleoside. The intemucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine residues throughout each oligonucleotide are 5-methylcytosines.

Each gapmer listed in Table 28 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence.

Activity of newly designed gapmers was compared to ISIS 407939. Cultured Hep3B cells at a density of 20,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 2,000 nM antisense

oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set RTS2927 was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells and demonstrate that several of the newly designed gapmers are more potent than ISIS 407939. A total of 685 oligonucleotides were tested. Only those oligonucleotides which were selected for further studies are shown in Table 28.

Table 28

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

472998 91 kk-d(10)-kk

515640 75 eee-d(10)-kkk 23

515637 77 eee-d(10)-kkk 232

515554 72 eee-d(10)-kkk 233

515406 80 kkk-d(10)-eee 234

515558 81 eee-d(10)-kkk 234

515407 88 kkk-d(10)-eee 235

515408 85 kkk-d(10)-eee 236

515422 86 kkk-d(10)-eee 237

515423 90 kkk-d(10)-eee 238

515575 84 eee-d(10)-kkk 238

515424 87 kkk-d(10)-eee 239

515432 78 kkk-d(10)-eee 240

515433 71 kkk-d(10)-eee 241

515434 76 kkk-d(10)-eee 242

515334 85 kkk-d(10)-eee 243

515649 61 eee-d(10)-kkk 88

515338 86 kkk-d(10)-eee 244

515438 76 kkk-d(10)-eee 245

515439 75 kkk-d(10)-eee 246

516003 87 eee-d(10)-kkk 247

515647 60 eee-d(10)-kkk 77

515639 78 eee-d(10)-kkk 34

493201 84 eee-d(10)-kkk 202

515648 36 kkk-d(10)-eee 248

515641 69 kk-d(10)-eeee 39

515650 76 kkk-d(10)-eee 44

515354 87 eee-d(10)-kkk 249

515926 87 eee-d(10)-kkk 250

515366 87 kk-d(10)-eeee 251

515642 58 kkk-d(10)-eee 252

515643 81 eee-d(10)-kkk 53

515944 84 kk-d(10)-eeee 253

515380 90 kkk-d(10)-eee 254

515532 83 kkk-d(10)-eee 254

515945 85 kk-d(10)-eeee 254

515381 82 kk-d(10)-eeee 255

515382 95 kkk-d(10)-eee 256

515948 94 eee-d(10)-kkk 256

515949 87 eee-d(10)-kkk 257

515384 89 kkk-d(10)-eee 258

515635 82 kk-d(10)-eeee 65

515638 90 kkk-d(10)-eee 67

515386 92 kk-d(10)-eeee 259

515951 84 eee-d(10)-kkk 259 515387 78 kkk-d(10)-eee 260

515952 89 kkk-d(10)-eee 260

515636 90 kkk-d(10)-eee 69

515388 84 eee-d(10)-kkk 261 e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2 '-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 15: Tolerability of modified oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) and 6'-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications targeting human Target-X in BALB/c mice

BALB/c mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers.

Additionally, the newly designed modified antisense oligonucleotides were also added to this screen. The newly designed chimeric antisense oligonucleotides are 16 nucleotides in length and their motifs are described in Table 29. The chemistry column of Table 29 presents the sugar motif of each oligonucleotide, wherein "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) nucleoside, "k" indicates a 6'-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) and "d" indicates a 2'-deoxyribonucleoside. The intemucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are hosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine residues throughout each oligonucleotide are 5 -methylcytosines .

Each gapmer listed in Table 29 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence.

Table 29

Modified chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

516048 eee-d(10)-kkk 42

516049 eee-d(10)-kkk 81

516050 eee-d(10)-kkk 45

516051 eee-d(10)-kkk 48

516052 eee-d(10)-kkk 49

515652 eee-d(10)-kkk 50

508039 eee-d(10)-kkk 264

516053 eee-d(10)-kkk 265

515654 eee-d(10)-kkk 76

515656 eee-d(10)-kkk 77

516054 eee-d(10)-kkk 57

516055 eee-d(10)-kkk 59

515655 eee-d(10)-kkk 61

516056 eee-d(10)-kkk 63

516057 eee-d(10)-kkk 64

515653 eee-d(10)-kkk 71

515657 eee-d(10)-kkk 73

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Treatment

Groups of 4-6-week old male BALB/c mice were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with 50 mg/kg/week of ISIS 457851, ISIS 515635, ISIS 515636, ISIS 515637, ISIS 515638, ISIS 515639, ISIS 515640, ISIS 515641, ISIS 515642, ISIS 515643, ISIS 515647, ISIS 515648, ISIS 515649, ISSI 515650, ISIS 515652, ISIS 515653, ISIS 515654, ISIS 515655, ISIS 515656, ISIS 515657, ISIS 516044, ISIS 516045, ISIS 516046, ISIS 516047, ISIS 516048, ISIS 516049, ISIS 516050, ISIS 516051, ISIS 516052, ISIS 516053, ISIS 516054, ISIS 516055, ISIS 516056, ISIS 516057, ISIS 516058, ISIS 516059, ISIS 516060, ISIS 516061, ISIS 516062, ISIS 516063, ISIS 516064, ISIS 516065, and ISIS 516066. One group of 4-6-week old male BALB/c mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with PBS. Mice were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Plasma chemistry markers

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on liver and kidney function, plasma levels of transaminases, bilirubin, albumin, and BUN were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, NY).

ISIS oligonucleotides that did not cause any increase in the levels of transaminases, or which caused an increase within three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) were deemed very tolerable. ISIS

oligonucleotides that caused an increase in the levels of transaminases between three times and seven times the ULN were deemed tolerable. Based on these criteria, ISIS 515636, ISIS 515639, ISIS 515641, ISIS 515642, ISIS 515648, ISIS 515650, ISIS 515652, ISIS 515653, ISIS 515655, ISIS 515657, ISIS 516044, ISIS 516045, ISIS 516047, ISIS 516048, ISIS 516051, ISIS 516052, ISIS 516053, ISIS 516055, ISIS 516056, ISIS 516058, ISIS 516059, ISIS 516060, ISIS 516061, ISIS 516062, ISIS 516063, ISIS 516064, ISIS 516065, and ISIS 516066 were considered very tolerable in terms of liver function. Based on these criteria, ISIS 457851, ISIS 515635, ISIS 515637, ISIS 515638, ISIS 515643, ISIS 515647, ISIS 515649, ISIS 515650, ISIS 515652, ISIS 515654, ISIS 515656, ISIS 516056, and ISIS 516057 were considered tolerable in terms of liver function.

Example 16: Efficacy of modified oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) and 6'- (S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications targeting human Target-X in transgenic mice

Transgenic mice were developed at Taconic farms harboring a Target-X genomic DNA fragment.

The mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for efficacy.

Treatment

Groups of 3-4 male and female transgenic mice were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with 20 mg/kg/week of ISIS 457851, ISIS 515636, ISIS 515639, ISIS 515653, ISIS 516053, ISIS 516065, and ISIS 516066. One group of mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with control oligonucleotide, ISIS 141923 (CCTTCCCTGAAGGTTCCTCC, 5-10-5 MOE gapmer with no known murine target, SEQ ID NO: 9). One group of mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with PBS. Mice were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

UNA Analysis

RNA was extracted from plasma for real-time PCR analysis of Target-X, using primer probe set RTS2927. The mRNA levels were normalized using RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to control. As shown in Table 30, each of the antisense oligonucleotides achieved reduction of human Target-X mRNA expression over the PBS control. Treatment with the control oligonucleotide did not achieve reduction in Target-X levels, as expected.

Table 30

Percent inhibition of Target-X mRNA in transgenic mice

515639 49

515653 78

516053 72

516065 59

516066 39

Protein Analysis

Plasma protein levels of Target-X were estimated using a Target-X ELISA kit (purchased from Hyphen Bio-Med). Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to control. As shown in Table 31, several antisense oligonucleotides achieved reduction of human Target-X protein expression over the PBS control.

Table 31

Percent inhibition of Target-X protein levels in transgenic mice

Example 17: Efficacy of modified oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) and 6'-(S)- CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications targeting human Target-X in transgenic mice

Transgenic mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for efficacy.

Treatment

Groups of 2-4 male and female transgenic mice were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with 10 mg/kg/week of ISIS 407935, ISIS 416472, ISIS 416549, ISIS 422087, ISIS 422096, ISIS 473137, ISIS 473244, ISIS 473326, ISIS 473327, ISIS 473359, ISIS 473392, ISIS 473393, ISIS 473547, ISIS 473567, ISIS 473589, ISIS 473630, ISIS 484559, ISIS 484713, ISIS 490103, ISIS 490196, ISIS 490208, ISIS 513419, ISIS 513454, ISIS 513455, ISIS 513456, ISIS 513457, ISIS 513487, ISIS 513508, ISIS 515640, ISIS 515641, ISIS 515642, ISIS 515648, ISIS 515655, ISIS 515657, ISIS 516045, ISIS 516046, ISIS 516047, ISIS 516048, ISIS 516051, ISIS 516052, ISIS 516055, ISIS 516056, ISIS 516059, ISIS 516061, ISIS 516062, and ISIS 516063. One group of mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with PBS. Mice were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis. Protein Analysis

Plasma protein levels of Target-X were estimated using a Target-X ELISA kit (purchased from Hyphen Bio-Med). Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to control. As shown in Table 32, several antisense oligonucleotides achieved reduction of human Target-X over the PBS control.

Table 32

Percent inhibition of Target-X plasma protein levels in transgenic mice

516045 52

516046 79

516047 65

516048 79

516051 84

516052 72

516055 70

516056 0

516059 39

516061 64

516062 96

516063 24

Example 18: Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells

Antisense oligonucleotides exhibiting in vitro inhibition of Target-X mRNA were selected and tested at various doses in Hep3B cells. Also tested was ISIS 407939, a 5-10-5 MOE gapmer targeting human Target-X, which was described in an earlier publication (WO 2009/061851).

Cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.074 μΜ, 0.222 μΜ, 0.667 μΜ, 2.000 μΜ, and 6.000 μΜ concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 33. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human Target-X primer probe set RTS2927 (described hereinabove in Example 1) was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN ® . Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells.

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of each oligonucleotide is also presented in Table 33. As illustrated in Table 33, Target-X mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells. Many of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides provided in Table 33 achieved an IC 50 of less than 2.0 μΜ and, therefore, are more potent than ISIS 407939.

Table 33

Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells using electroporation

515642 3 13 36 44 66 2.2

515648 8 10 10 5 16 >6.0

515653 9 35 26 55 71 1.5

515655 0 0 6 13 42 >6.0

515657 0 13 17 38 51 6.0

516045 0 6 15 19 40 >6.0

516046 0 7 32 48 69 2.1

516047 12 27 41 50 63 1.8

516051 9 8 34 52 66 2.0

516052 17 42 27 53 75 1.2

516053 9 7 28 63 77 1.3

516055 0 3 27 54 75 2.0

516056 0 4 14 52 66 2.6

516057 0 34 33 51 70 1.6

516058 13 12 25 47 74 2.0

516059 4 15 36 47 68 1.9

516060 0 1 39 29 63 3.2

516061 0 0 24 0 3 <6.0

516062 0 20 43 65 78 1.0

516063 0 8 10 37 61 3.8

516064 0 3 13 45 69 2.7

516065 0 14 38 63 76 1.3

516066 0 3 30 55 75 1.7

Example 19: Modified oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) and 6'-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications targeting human Target-X

Additional antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a Target-X nucleic acid and were tested for their effects on Target-X mRNA in vitro. ISIS 472998, ISIS 515652, ISIS 515653, ISIS 515654, ISIS 515655, ISIS 515656, and ISIS 515657, described in the Examples above were also included in the screen.

The newly designed chimeric antisense oligonucleotides are 16 or 17 nucleotides in length and their motifs are described in Table 34. The chemistry column of Table 34 presents the sugar motif of each oligonucleotide, wherein "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) nucleoside, "k" indicates a 6'-(S)- CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) and "d" indicates a 2'-deoxyribonucleoside. The intemucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are hosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine residues throughout each oligonucleotide are 5-methylcytosines.

Each gapmer listed in Table 34 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence. Activity of newly designed gapmers was compared to ISIS 407939. Cultured Hep3B cells at a density of 20,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 2,000 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set RTS2927 (described hereinabove in Example 1) was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells.

Table 34

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

529137 34 eee-d(10)-kkk 276

529157 79 kkk-d(10)-eee 276

529336 57 eek-d(10)-keke 277

529338 73 eek-d(10)-keke 278

529195 55 eek-d(10)-keke 279

529232 68 eek-d(10)-kkke 279

529340 65 eek-d(10)-keke 280

529342 69 eek-d(10)-keke 281

529812 69 k-d(10)-kekee 282

529831 62 k-d(10)-kdkee 282

529733 64 ke-d(10)-keke 283

529753 52 ek-d(10)-keke 283

529773 57 ke-d(10)-kdke 283

529793 36 ek-d(10)-kdke 283

529862 48 kde-d(10)-kdke 284

529882 35 edk-d(10)-kdke 284

529902 44 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 284

529559 71 eek-d(10)-kke 26

529584 57 kee-d(10)-kke 26

529609 58 edk-d(10)-kke 26

529634 49 kde-d(10)-kke 26

529659 52 kddk-d(9)-kke 26

529684 48 kdde-d(9)-kke 26

529709 61 eddk-d(9)-kke 26

529922 52 eeee-d(9)-kke 26

529344 50 eek-d(10)-keke 285

529138 32 eee-d(10)-kkk 286

529158 75 kkk-d(10)-eee 286

529184 75 eek-d(10)-keke 215

529221 78 eek-d(10)-kkke 215

529127 67 eee-d(10)-kkk 287

529147 79 kkk-d(10)-eee 287

529346 58 eek-d(10)-keke 288

529348 65 eek-d(10)-keke 289

529350 77 eek-d(10)-keke 290

529813 20 k-d(10)-kekee 291

529832 47 k-d(10)-kdkee 291

529734 63 ke-d(10)-keke 292

529754 58 ek-d(10)-keke 292

529774 49 ke-d(10)-kdke 292

529794 51 ek-d(10)-kdke 292

529863 64 kde-d(10)-kdke 293

529883 78 edk-d(10)-kdke 293 529903 36 k-d(4)-k-d(4)-k-d(4)-ke 293

529560 71 eek-d(10)-kke 27

529585 70 kee-d(10)-kke 27

529610 66 edk-d(10)-kke 27

529635 45 kde-d(10)-kke 27

529660 53 kddk-d(9)-kke 27

529685 42 kdde-d(9)-kke 27

529710 60 eddk-d(9)-kke 27

529923 63 eeee-d(9)-kke 27

529196 74 eek-d(10)-keke 294

529233 80 eek-d(10)-kkke 294

529139 75 eee-d(10)-kkk 295

529159 62 kkk-d(10)-eee 295

529352 74 eek-d(10)-keke 296

529354 67 eek-d(10)-keke 297

529197 43 eek-d(10)-keke 298

529234 58 eek-d(10)-kkke 298

529140 29 eee-d(10)-kkk 299

529160 59 kkk-d(10)-eee 299

529180 80 eek-d(10)-keke 216

529217 79 eek-d(10)-kkke 216

529814 51 k-d(10)-kekee 300

529833 52 k-d(10)-kdkee 300

529735 43 ke-d(10)-keke 301

529755 60 ek-d(10)-keke 301

529775 38 ke-d(10)-kdke 301

529795 58 ek-d(10)-kdke 301

529864 41 kde-d(10)-kdke 302

529884 48 edk-d(10)-kdke 302

529904 44 k-d(4)-k-(d4)-k-d(4)-ke 302

529934 61 eek-d(10)-keke 302

529356 71 eek-d(10)-keke 303

529561 75 eek-d(10)-kke 28

529586 65 kee-d(10)-kke 28

529611 54 edk-d(10)-kke 28

529636 39 kde-d(10)-kke 28

529661 67 kddk-d(9)-kke 28

529686 66 kdde-d(9)-kke 28

529711 60 eddk-d(9)-kke 28

529924 62 eeee-d(9)-kke 28

529358 82 eek-d(10)-keke 304

529181 79 eek-d(10)-keke 217

529218 73 eek-d(10)-kkke 217 529182 85 eek-d(10)-keke 218

529219 84 eek-d(10)-kkke 218

529360 84 eek-d(10)-keke 305

529362 87 eek-d(10)-keke 306

529364 81 eek-d(10)-keke 307

529366 77 eek-d(10)-keke 308

529198 28 eek-d(10)-keke 309

529235 8 eek-d(10)-kkke 309

529141 34 eee-d(10)-kkk 310

529161 66 kkk-d(10)-eee 310

529368 27 eek-d(10)-keke 311

529370 44 eek-d(10)-keke 312

529372 61 eek-d(10)-keke 313

529374 71 eek-d(10)-keke 314

529376 63 eek-d(10)-keke 315

529378 68 eek-d(10)-keke 316

529380 79 eek-d(10)-keke 317

529382 77 eek-d(10)-keke 318

529384 75 eek-d(10)-keke 319

529386 40 eek-d(10)-keke 320

529240 73 eek-d(10)-keke 321

529241 67 eek-d(10)-keke 322

529242 42 eek-d(10)-keke 323

529243 60 eek-d(10)-keke 324

529388 65 eek-d(10)-keke 325

529815 37 k-d(10)-kekee 326

529834 44 k-d(10)-kdkee 326

529736 47 ke-d(10)-keke 327

529756 78 ek-d(10)-keke 327

529776 37 ke-d(10)-kdke 327

529796 71 ek-d(10)-kdke 327

529865 70 kde-d(10)-kdke 328

529885 59 edk-d(10)-kdke 328

529905 54 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 328

529935 70 eek-d(10)-keke 328

529562 87 eek-d(10)-kke 29

529587 68 kee-d(10)-kke 29

529612 67 edk-d(10)-kke 29

529637 64 kde-d(10)-kke 29

529662 62 kddk-d(9)-kke 29

529687 63 kdde-d(9)-kke 29

529712 61 eddk-d(9)-kke 29

529925 61 eeee-d(9)-kke 29 529816 77 k-d(10)-kekee 329

529835 80 k-d(10)-kdkee 329

529737 82 ke-d(10)-keke 330

529757 83 ek-d(10)-keke 330

529777 68 ke-d(10)-kdke 330

529797 77 ek-d(10)-kdke 330

529866 15 kde-d(10)-kdke 331

529886 71 edk-d(10)-kdke 331

529906 63 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 331

529936 78 eek-d(10)-keke 331

529563 89 eek-d(10)-kke 30

529588 84 kee-d(10)-kke 30

529613 80 edk-d(10)-kke 30

529638 48 kde-d(10)-kke 30

529663 85 kddk-d(9)-kke 30

529688 42 kdde-d(9)-kke 30

529713 81 eddk-d(9)-kke 30

529926 67 eeee-d(9)-kke 30

529390 53 eek-d(10)-keke 332

529392 63 eek-d(10)-keke 333

529394 58 eek-d(10)-keke 334

529396 56 eek-d(10)-keke 335

529398 62 eek-d(10)-keke 336

529400 44 eek-d(10)-keke 337

529402 39 eek-d(10)-keke 338

529404 46 eek-d(10)-keke 339

529406 63 eek-d(10)-keke 340

529244 58 eek-d(10)-keke 341

529245 68 eek-d(10)-keke 342

529246 60 eek-d(10)-keke 343

529247 36 eek-d(10)-keke 344

529248 43 eek-d(10)-keke 345

529249 23 eek-d(10)-keke 346

529250 69 eek-d(10)-keke 347

529251 15 eek-d(10)-keke 348

529252 44 eek-d(10)-keke 349

529253 42 eek-d(10)-keke 350

529408 67 eek-d(10)-keke 351

529410 19 eek-d(10)-keke 352

529412 57 eek-d(10)-keke 353

529414 80 eek-d(10)-keke 354

529416 85 eek-d(10)-keke 355

529418 70 eek-d(10)-keke 356 529420 78 eek-d(10)-keke 357

529422 19 eek-d(10)-keke 358

529424 48 eek-d(10)-keke 359

529426 66 eek-d(10)-keke 360

529428 59 eek-d(10)-keke 361

529430 83 eek-d(10)-keke 362

529432 84 eek-d(10)-keke 363

529199 71 eek-d(10)-keke 364

529236 76 eek-d(10)-kkke 364

529142 64 eee-d(10)-kkk 365

529162 60 kkk-d(10)-eee 365

529254 46 eek-d(10)-keke 366

529255 52 eek-d(10)-keke 367

529256 57 eek-d(10)-keke 368

529257 55 eek-d(10)-keke 369

529258 3 eek-d(10)-keke 370

529259 71 eek-d(10)-keke 371

529260 72 eek-d(10)-keke 372

529261 56 eek-d(10)-keke 373

529262 56 eek-d(10)-keke 374

529263 59 eek-d(10)-keke 375

529264 49 eek-d(10)-keke 376

529434 83 eek-d(10)-keke 377

529436 80 eek-d(10)-keke 378

529438 79 eek-d(10)-keke 379

529440 87 eek-d(10)-keke 380

529442 68 eek-d(10)-keke 381

529443 72 eek-d(10)-keke 382

529444 68 eek-d(10)-keke 383

529445 85 eek-d(10)-keke 384

529446 72 eek-d(10)-keke 385

529447 60 eek-d(10)-keke 386

529448 77 eek-d(10)-keke 387

529807 78 k-d(10)-kekee 388

529826 61 k-d(10)-kdkee 388

529449 81 eek-d(10)-keke 389

529728 75 ke-d(10)-keke 390

529748 80 ek-d(10)-keke 390

529768 68 ke-d(10)-kdke 390

529788 74 ek-d(10)-kdke 390

529857 67 kde-d(10)-kdke 389

529877 77 edk-d(10)-kdke 389

529897 26 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 389 529200 78 eek-d(10)-keke 391

529237 84 eek-d(10)-kkke 391

529564 90 eek-d(10)-kke 34

529589 86 kee-d(10)-kke 34

529614 82 edk-d(10)-kke 34

529639 80 kde-d(10)-kke 34

529664 69 kddk-d(9)-kke 34

529689 71 kdde-d(9)-kke 34

529714 73 eddk-d(9)-kke 34

529917 73 eeee-d(9)-kke 34

529143 68 eee-d(10)-kkk 392

529163 50 kkk-d(10)-eee 392

529201 76 eek-d(10)-keke 393

529238 72 eek-d(10)-kkke 393

529144 57 eee-d(10)-kkk 394

529164 71 kkk-d(10)-eee 394

529450 91 eek-d(10)-keke 395

529451 85 eek-d(10)-keke 396

529266 63 eek-d(10)-keke 397

529806 52 k-d(10)-kekee 398

529825 44 k-d(10)-kdkee 398

529267 56 eek-d(10)-keke 399

529727 67 ke-d(10)-keke 400

529747 63 ek-d(10)-keke 400

529767 67 ke-d(10)-kdke 400

529787 68 ek-d(10)-kdke 400

529856 42 kde-d(10)-kdke 399

529876 36 edk-d(10)-kdke 399

529896 56 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 399

529546 65 eek-d(10)-kke 248

529571 80 kee-d(10)-kke 248

529596 43 edk-d(10)-kke 248

529621 38 kde-d(10)-kke 248

529646 68 kddk-d(9)-kke 248

529671 50 kdde-d(9)-kke 248

529696 53 eddk-d(9)-kke 248

529916 22 eeee-d(9)-kke 248

529547 86 eek-d(10)-kke 37

529572 75 kee-d(10)-kke 37

529597 58 edk-d(10)-kke 37

529622 58 kde-d(10)-kke 37

529647 18 kddk-d(9)-kke 37

529672 23 kdde-d(9)-kke 37 529697 28 eddk-d(9)-kke 37

529928 36 eeee-d(9)-kke 37

529452 63 eek-d(10)-keke 401

529453 73 eek-d(10)-keke 402

529454 82 eek-d(10)-keke 403

529455 84 eek-d(10)-keke 404

529202 61 eek-d(10)-keke 405

529239 59 eek-d(10)-kkke 405

529145 54 eee-d(10)-kkk 406

529165 77 kkk-d(10)-eee 406

529456 69 eek-d(10)-keke 407

529457 81 eek-d(10)-keke 408

529458 72 eek-d(10)-keke 409

529459 86 eek-d(10)-keke 410

529460 88 eek-d(10)-keke 411

529817 46 k-d(10)-kekee 412

529836 49 k-d(10)-kdkee 412

529738 51 ke-d(10)-keke 413

529758 53 ek-d(10)-keke 413

529778 39 ke-d(10)-kdke 413

529798 52 ek-d(10)-kdke 413

529867 56 kde-d(10)-kdke 414

529887 68 edk-d(10)-kdke 414

529907 28 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 414

529938 64 eek-d(10)-keke 414

529565 81 eek-d(10)-kke 38

529590 49 kee-d(10)-kke 38

529615 65 edk-d(10)-kke 38

529640 54 kde-d(10)-kke 38

529665 77 kddk-d(9)-kke 38

529690 77 kdde-d(9)-kke 38

529715 63 eddk-d(9)-kke 38

529927 62 eeee-d(9)-kke 38

529185 66 eek-d(10)-keke 221

529222 62 eek-d(10)-kkke 221

529808 75 k-d(10)-kekee 89

529827 67 k-d(10)-kdkee 89

529128 64 eee-d(10)-kkk 415

529148 78 kkk-d(10)-eee 415

529461 87 eek-d(10)-keke 416

529729 71 ke-d(10)-keke 415

529749 83 ek-d(10)-keke 415

529769 63 ke-d(10)-kdke 415 529789 10 ek-d(10)-kdke 415

529800 69 k-d(10)-kekee 415

529819 78 k-d(10)-kdkee 415

529858 60 kde-d(10)-kdke 416

529878 75 edk-d(10)-kdke 416

529898 34 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 416

529566 61 eek-d(10)-kke 39

529591 71 kee-d(10)-kke 39

529616 71 edk-d(10)-kke 39

529641 65 kde-d(10)-kke 39

529666 70 kddk-d(9)-kke 39

529691 67 kdde-d(9)-kke 39

529716 75 eddk-d(9)-kke 39

529721 71 ke-d(10)-keke 39

529741 81 ek-d(10)-keke 39

529761 66 ke-d(10)-kdke 39

529781 65 ek-d(10)-kdke 39

529801 71 k-d(10)-kekee 39

529820 74 k-d(10)-kdkee 39

529850 63 kde-d(10)-kdke 417

529870 72 edk-d(10)-kdke 417

529890 23 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 417

529918 54 eeee-d(9)-kke 39

529567 75 eek-d(10)-kke 262

529592 80 kee-d(10)-kke 262

529617 65 edk-d(10)-kke 262

529642 62 kde-d(10)-kke 262

529667 75 kddk-d(9)-kke 262

529692 53 kdde-d(9)-kke 262

529717 69 eddk-d(9)-kke 262

529722 74 ke-d(10)-keke 262

529742 81 ek-d(10)-keke 262

529762 66 ke-d(10)-kdke 262

529782 68 ek-d(10)-kdke 262

529851 68 kde-d(10)-kdke 418

529871 77 edk-d(10)-kdke 418

529891 36 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 418

529910 60 eeee-d(9)-kke 262

529568 79 eek-d(10)-kke 263

529593 70 kee-d(10)-kke 263

529618 77 edk-d(10)-kke 263

529643 72 kde-d(10)-kke 263

529668 73 kddk-d(9)-kke 263 529693 62 kdde-d(9)-kke 263

529718 69 eddk-d(9)-kke 263

529911 66 eeee-d(9)-kke 263

529462 76 eek-d(10)-keke 419

529268 18 eek-d(10)-keke 420

529187 46 eek-d(10)-keke 421

529224 48 eek-d(10)-kkke 421

529130 34 eee-d(10)-kkk 422

529150 51 kkk-d(10)-eee 422

529549 85 eek-d(10)-kke 42

529574 81 kee-d(10)-kke 42

529599 64 edk-d(10)-kke 42

529624 68 kde-d(10)-kke 42

529649 77 kddk-d(9)-kke 42

529674 65 kdde-d(9)-kke 42

529699 63 eddk-d(9)-kke 42

529931 59 eeee-d(9)-kke 42

529810 80 k-d(10)-kekee 423

529829 67 k-d(10)-kdkee 423

529269 65 eek-d(10)-keke 424

529731 66 ke-d(10)-keke 425

529751 76 ek-d(10)-keke 425

529771 73 ke-d(10)-kdke 425

529791 65 ek-d(10)-kdke 425

529860 73 kde-d(10)-kdke 424

529880 74 edk-d(10)-kdke 424

529900 62 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 424

529270 69 eek-d(10)-keke 480

529550 81 eek-d(10)-kke 44

529575 88 kee-d(10)-kke 44

529600 78 edk-d(10)-kke 44

529625 74 kde-d(10)-kke 44

529650 81 kddk-d(9)-kke 44

529675 76 kdde-d(9)-kke 44

529700 73 eddk-d(9)-kke 44

529920 67 eeee-d(9)-kke 44

529271 43 eek-d(10)-keke 427

529272 0 eek-d(10)-keke 428

529273 62 eek-d(10)-keke 429

529274 78 eek-d(10)-keke 430

529275 70 eek-d(10)-keke 431

529276 73 eek-d(10)-keke 432

529277 71 eek-d(10)-keke 433 529278 72 eek-d(10)-keke 434

529279 10 eek-d(10)-keke 435

529280 11 eek-d(10)-keke 436

529281 82 eek-d(10)-keke 437

529282 87 eek-d(10)-keke 438

529803 71 k-d(10)-kekee 250

529822 72 k-d(10)-kdkee 250

529724 76 ke-d(10)-keke 439

529744 81 ek-d(10)-keke 439

529764 65 ke-d(10)-kdke 439

529784 68 ek-d(10)-kdke 439

529853 64 kde-d(10)-kdke 440

529873 69 edk-d(10)-kdke 440

529893 45 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 440

529937 81 eek-d(10)-keke 440

529551 88 eek-d(10)-kke 48

529576 71 kee-d(10)-kke 48

529601 74 edk-d(10)-kke 48

529626 72 kde-d(10)-kke 48

529651 85 kddk-d(9)-kke 48

529676 67 kdde-d(9)-kke 48

529701 82 eddk-d(9)-kke 48

529913 76 eeee-d(9)-kke 48

529811 56 k-d(10)-kekee 441

529830 46 k-d(10)-kdkee 441

529732 63 ke-d(10)-keke 442

529752 72 ek-d(10)-keke 442

529772 61 ke-d(10)-kdke 442

529792 68 ek-d(10)-kdke 442

529861 54 kde-d(10)-kdke 443

529881 78 edk-d(10)-kdke 443

529901 29 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 443

529939 67 eek-d(10)-keke 443

529283 70 eek-d(10)-keke 444

529552 72 eek-d(10)-kke 49

529577 80 kee-d(10)-kke 49

529602 64 edk-d(10)-kke 49

529627 56 kde-d(10)-kke 49

529652 57 kddk-d(9)-kke 49

529677 43 kdde-d(9)-kke 49

529702 54 eddk-d(9)-kke 49

529921 42 eeee-d(9)-kke 49

529284 76 eek-d(10)-keke 445 529285 77 eek-d(10)-keke 446

529286 68 eek-d(10)-keke 447

529287 65 eek-d(10)-keke 448

529719 73 ke-d(10)-keke 264

529739 83 ek-d(10)-keke 264

529759 63 ke-d(10)-kdke 264

529779 70 ek-d(10)-kdke 244

529848 60 kde-d(10)-kdke 449

529868 63 edk-d(10)-kdke 449

529888 53 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 449

529553 81 eek-d(10)-kke 265

529578 65 kee-d(10)-kke 265

529603 60 edk-d(10)-kke 265

529628 59 kde-d(10)-kke 265

529653 76 kddk-d(9)-kke 265

529678 56 kdde-d(9)-kke 265

529703 68 eddk-d(9)-kke 265

529908 69 eeee-d(9)-kke 265

529168 64 eek-d(10)-keke 450

529205 62 eek-d(10)-kkke 450

529290 53 eek-d(10)-keke 451

529802 57 k-d(10)-kekee 452

529821 61 k-d(10)-kdkee 452

529292 74 eek-d(10)-keke 453

529723 68 ke-d(10)-keke 454

529743 84 ek-d(10)-keke 454

529763 64 ke-d(10)-kdke 454

529783 72 ek-d(10)-kdke 454

529852 66 kde-d(10)-kdke 453

529872 62 edk-d(10)-kdke 453

529892 43 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 453

529554 80 eek-d(10)-kke 252

529579 83 kee-d(10)-kke 252

529604 73 edk-d(10)-kke 252

529629 64 kde-d(10)-kke 252

529654 69 kddk-d(9)-kke 252

529679 52 kdde-d(9)-kke 252

529704 63 eddk-d(9)-kke 252

529912 64 eeee-d(9)-kke 252

529294 74 eek-d(10)-keke 455

529296 52 eek-d(10)-keke 456

529298 60 eek-d(10)-keke 457

529300 71 eek-d(10)-keke 458 529188 79 eek-d(10)-keke 459

529225 78 eek-d(10)-kkke 459

529131 58 eee-d(10)-kkk 460

529151 71 kkk-d(10)-eee 460

529302 74 eek-d(10)-keke 461

529189 64 eek-d(10)-keke 222

529226 50 eek-d(10)-kkke 222

529132 78 eee-d(10)-kkk 462

529152 62 kkk-d(10)-eee 462

529190 76 eek-d(10)-keke 223

529227 88 eek-d(10)-kkke 250

529133 81 eee-d(10)-kkk 463

529153 68 kkk-d(10)-eee 463

529191 78 eek-d(10)-keke 224

529228 85 eek-d(10)-kkke 224

529134 75 eee-d(10)-kkk 464

529154 61 kkk-d(10)-eee 464

529304 89 eek-d(10)-keke 465

529306 84 eek-d(10)-keke 466

529308 68 eek-d(10)-keke 467

529310 59 eek-d(10)-keke 468

529169 79 eek-d(10)-keke 469

529206 82 eek-d(10)-kkke 469

529312 68 eek-d(10)-keke 470

529314 61 eek-d(10)-keke 471

529316 62 eek-d(10)-keke 472

529555 78 eek-d(10)-kke 59

529580 73 kee-d(10)-kke 59

529605 71 edk-d(10)-kke 59

529630 64 kde-d(10)-kke 59

529655 63 kddk-d(9)-kke 59

529680 43 kdde-d(9)-kke 59

529705 63 eddk-d(9)-kke 59

529932 60 eeee-d(9)-kke 59

529318 82 eek-d(10)-keke 473

529170 85 eek-d(10)-keke 474

529207 88 eek-d(10)-kkke 474

529171 81 eek-d(10)-keke 475

529208 84 eek-d(10)-kkke 475

529805 40 k-d(10)-kekee 476

529824 32 k-d(10)-kdkee 476

529320 74 eek-d(10)-keke 477

529726 80 ke-d(10)-keke 478 529746 82 ek-d(10)-keke 478

529766 63 ke-d(10)-kdke 478

529786 69 ek-d(10)-kdke 478

529855 39 kde-d(10)-kdke 477

529875 40 edk-d(10)-kdke 477

529895 27 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 477

529556 72 eek-d(10)-kke 61

529581 68 kee-d(10)-kke 61

529606 54 edk-d(10)-kke 61

529631 29 kde-d(10)-kke 61

529656 74 kddk-d(9)-kke 61

529681 32 kdde-d(9)-kke 61

529706 41 eddk-d(9)-kke 61

529915 51 eeee-d(9)-kke 61

529172 88 eek-d(10)-keke 226

529209 87 eek-d(10)-kkke 226

529173 92 eek-d(10)-keke 227

529210 89 eek-d(10)-kkke 227

529183 85 eek-d(10)-keke 479

529220 92 eek-d(10)-kkke 479

529126 83 eee-d(10)-kkk 257

529146 84 kkk-d(10)-eee 257

529174 85 eek-d(10)-keke 480

529211 86 eek-d(10)-kkke 480

529322 71 eek-d(10)-keke 481

529324 79 eek-d(10)-keke 482

529326 85 eek-d(10)-keke 483

529175 92 eek-d(10)-keke 228

529212 92 eek-d(10)-kkke 228

529176 89 eek-d(10)-keke 229

529213 90 eek-d(10)-kkke 229

529804 89 k-d(10)-kekee 259

529823 89 k-d(10)-kdkee 259

529166 83 eek-d(10)-keke 230

529203 86 eek-d(10)-kkke 230

529725 92 ke-d(10)-keke 260

529745 91 ek-d(10)-keke 260

529765 88 ke-d(10)-kdke 260

529785 91 ek-d(10)-kdke 260

529799 89 k-d(10)-kekee 260

529818 88 k-d(10)-kdkee 260

529854 90 kde-d(10)-kdke 230

529874 81 edk-d(10)-kdke 230 529894 60 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 230

529167 71 eek-d(10)-keke 231

529204 70 eek-d(10)-kkke 231

529557 86 eek-d(10)-kke 69

529582 86 kee-d(10)-kke 69

529607 84 edk-d(10)-kke 69

529632 81 kde-d(10)-kke 69

529657 85 kddk-d(9)-kke 69

529682 78 kdde-d(9)-kke 69

529707 79 eddk-d(9)-kke 69

529720 75 ke-d(10)-keke 69

529740 70 ek-d(10)-keke 69

529760 78 ke-d(10)-kdke 69

529780 83 ek-d(10)-kdke 69

529849 80 kde-d(10)-kdke 231

529869 72 edk-d(10)-kdke 231

529889 49 k-(d4)-k-(d4)-k-(d4)-ke 231

529914 69 eeee-d(9)-kke 69

529328 68 eek-d(10)-keke 484

529558 71 eek-d(10)-kke 71

529583 81 kee-d(10)-kke 71

529608 68 edk-d(10)-kke 71

529633 73 kde-d(10)-kke 71

529658 63 kddk-d(9)-kke 71

529683 74 kdde-d(9)-kke 71

529708 70 eddk-d(9)-kke 71

529909 59 eeee-d(9)-kke 71

529192 51 eek-d(10)-keke 485

529229 69 eek-d(10)-kkke 485

529135 54 eee-d(10)-kkk 486

529155 56 kkk-d(10)-eee 486

529330 37 eek-d(10)-keke 487

e = 2' -MOE, ί = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 20: Design of modified oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) or 6'-(S)- CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications

Based on the activity of the antisense oligonucleotides listed above, additional antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a Target-X nucleic acid targeting start positions 1 147, 1 154 or 12842 of Target-X.

The newly designed chimeric antisense oligonucleotides are 16 or 17 nucleotides in length and their motifs are described in Table 35. The chemistry column of Table 35 presents the sugar motif of each oligonucleotide, wherein "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) nucleoside, "k" indicates a 6'-(S)- CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) and "d" indicates a 2'-deoxyribonucleoside. The intemucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are hosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine residues throughout each oligonucleotide are 5-methylcytosine.

Each gapmer listed in Table 35 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence.

Table 35

Chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

529673 kdde-d(9)-kke 41

529698 eddk-d(9)-kke 41

529930 eeee-d(9)-kke 41

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 21: Modified oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxy ethyl (2'-MOE) and 6'-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications targeting human Target-X

Additional antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a Target-X nucleic acid and were tested for their effects on Target-X mRNA in vitro. ISIS 472998 and ISIS 515554, described in the Examples above were also included in the screen.

The newly designed chimeric antisense oligonucleotides are 16 nucleotides in length and their motifs are described in Table 36. The chemistry column of Table 36 presents the sugar motif of each

oligonucleotide, wherein "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) nucleoside, "k" indicates a 6'-(S)- CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) and "d" indicates a 2'-deoxyribonucleoside. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are hosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine residues throughout each oligonucleotide are 5-methylcytosine.

Each gapmer listed in Table 36 is targeted to the human Target-X genomic sequence.

Cultured Hep3B cells at a density of 20,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 2,000 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set RTS2927 was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells.

Table 36

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

534695 92 eek-d(9)-keke 491

534732 90 ekek-d(8)-keke 491

534767 92 keek-d(8)-keek 491

534802 93 ekk-d(10)-kke 491

534832 83 edk-d(10)-kke 491

534862 72 kde-d(10)-kke 491

534892 82 eek-d(10)-kke 491

534922 80 kddk-d(9)-kke 491

534952 72 kdde-d(9)-kke 491

534982 77 eddk-d(9)-kke 491

535012 70 eeee-d(9)-kke 491

535045 84 eeee-d(9)-kkk 491

535078 87 eeek-d(9)-kke 491

535111 63 eeeee-d(8)-kke 491

535144 69 ededk-d(8)-kke 491

535177 68 edkde-d(8)-kke 491

534531 61 keke-d(9)-kek 492

534564 30 kek-d(9)-ekek 492

534597 67 ekee-d(9)-kke 492

534630 54 eke-d(9)-ekke 492

534663 94 eekk-d(9)-eke 492

534696 68 eek-d(9)-keke 492

534733 44 ekek-d(8)-keke 492

534768 55 keek-d(8)-keek 492

534803 73 ekk-d(10)-kke 492

534833 65 edk-d(10)-kke 492

534863 53 kde-d(10)-kke 492

534893 61 eek-d(10)-kke 492

534923 70 kddk-d(9)-kke 492

534953 54 kdde-d(9)-kke 492

534983 58 eddk-d(9)-kke 492

535013 52 eeee-d(9)-kke 492

535046 67 eeee-d(9)-kkk 492

535079 57 eeek-d(9)-kke 492

535112 42 eeeee-d(8)-kke 492

535145 41 ededk-d(8)-kke 492

535178 35 edkde-d(8)-kke 492

534565 87 kek-d(9)-ekek 493

534598 72 ekee-d(9)-kke 493

534631 70 eke-d(9)-ekke 493

534664 94 eekk-d(9)-eke 493

534697 90 eek-d(9)-keke 493

534734 74 ekek-d(8)-keke 493 534769 80 keek-d(8)-keek 493

534804 87 ekk-d(10)-kke 493

534834 76 edk-d(10)-kke 493

534864 56 kde-d(10)-kke 493

534894 67 eek-d(10)-kke 493

534924 71 kddk-d(9)-kke 493

534954 54 kdde-d(9)-kke 493

534984 48 eddk-d(9)-kke 493

535014 43 eeee-d(9)-kke 493

535047 60 eeee-d(9)-kkk 493

535080 64 eeek-d(9)-kke 493

535113 32 eeeee-d(8)-kke 493

535146 31 ededk-d(8)-kke 493

535179 28 edkde-d(8)-kke 493

534533 82 keke-d(9)-kek 494

534566 88 kek-d(9)-ekek 494

534599 65 ekee-d(9)-kke 494

534632 69 eke-d(9)-ekke 494

534665 87 eekk-d(9)-eke 494

534698 64 eek-d(9)-keke 494

534735 63 ekek-d(8)-keke 494

534770 66 keek-d(8)-keek 494

534805 87 ekk-d(10)-kke 494

534835 68 edk-d(10)-kke 494

534865 66 kde-d(10)-kke 494

534895 57 eek-d(10)-kke 494

534925 82 kddk-d(9)-kke 494

534955 76 kdde-d(9)-kke 494

534985 71 eddk-d(9)-kke 494

535015 59 eeee-d(9)-kke 494

535048 69 eeee-d(9)-kkk 494

535081 67 eeek-d(9)-kke 494

535114 37 eeeee-d(8)-kke 494

535147 32 ededk-d(8)-kke 494

535180 31 edkde-d(8)-kke 494

534534 94 keke-d(9)-kek 234

534567 92 kek-d(9)-ekek 234

534600 92 ekee-d(9)-kke 234

534633 91 eke-d(9)-ekke 234

534666 89 eekk-d(9)-eke 234

534699 91 eek-d(9)-keke 234

534736 83 ekek-d(8)-keke 234

534771 80 keek-d(8)-keek 234 534806 96 ekk-d(10)-kke 234

534836 86 edk-d(10)-kke 234

534866 82 kde-d(10)-kke 234

534896 82 eek-d(10)-kke 234

534926 89 kddk-d(9)-kke 234

534956 91 kdde-d(9)-kke 234

534986 87 eddk-d(9)-kke 234

535016 83 eeee-d(9)-kke 234

535049 87 eeee-d(9)-kkk 234

535082 87 eeek-d(9)-kke 234

535115 77 eeeee-d(8)-kke 234

535148 73 ededk-d(8)-kke 234

535181 68 edkde-d(8)-kke 234

534535 66 keke-d(9)-kek 236

534568 85 kek-d(9)-ekek 236

534601 51 ekee-d(9)-kke 236

534634 80 eke-d(9)-ekke 236

534667 90 eekk-d(9)-eke 236

534700 88 eek-d(9)-keke 236

534737 65 ekek-d(8)-keke 236

534772 77 keek-d(8)-keek 236

534807 84 ekk-d(10)-kke 236

534837 78 edk-d(10)-kke 236

534867 44 kde-d(10)-kke 236

534897 82 eek-d(10)-kke 236

534927 61 kddk-d(9)-kke 236

534957 58 kdde-d(9)-kke 236

534987 49 eddk-d(9)-kke 236

535017 38 eeee-d(9)-kke 236

535050 32 eeee-d(9)-kkk 236

535083 43 eeek-d(9)-kke 236

535116 9 eeeee-d(8)-kke 236

535149 23 ededk-d(8)-kke 236

535182 18 edkde-d(8)-kke 236

534536 89 keke-d(9)-kek 238

534569 90 kek-d(9)-ekek 238

534602 85 ekee-d(9)-kke 238

534635 87 eke-d(9)-ekke 238

534668 90 eekk-d(9)-eke 238

534701 92 eek-d(9)-keke 238

534738 81 ekek-d(8)-keke 238

534773 79 keek-d(8)-keek 238

534808 90 ekk-d(10)-kke 238 534838 88 edk-d(10)-kke 238

534868 67 kde-d(10)-kke 238

534898 89 eek-d(10)-kke 238

534928 81 kddk-d(9)-kke 238

534958 78 kdde-d(9)-kke 238

534988 66 eddk-d(9)-kke 238

535018 78 eeee-d(9)-kke 238

535051 76 eeee-d(9)-kkk 238

535084 80 eeek-d(9)-kke 238

535117 58 eeeee-d(8)-kke 238

535150 51 ededk-d(8)-kke 238

535183 53 edkde-d(8)-kke 238

534537 91 keke-d(9)-kek 239

534570 85 kek-d(9)-ekek 239

534603 79 ekee-d(9)-kke 239

534636 72 eke-d(9)-ekke 239

534669 85 eekk-d(9)-eke 239

534702 85 eek-d(9)-keke 239

534739 73 ekek-d(8)-keke 239

534774 77 keek-d(8)-keek 239

534809 91 ekk-d(10)-kke 239

534839 86 edk-d(10)-kke 239

534869 71 kde-d(10)-kke 239

534899 82 eek-d(10)-kke 239

534929 83 kddk-d(9)-kke 239

534959 80 kdde-d(9)-kke 239

534989 79 eddk-d(9)-kke 239

535019 76 eeee-d(9)-kke 239

535052 79 eeee-d(9)-kkk 239

535085 81 eeek-d(9)-kke 239

535118 58 eeeee-d(8)-kke 239

535151 65 ededk-d(8)-kke 239

535184 60 edkde-d(8)-kke 239

534516 77 keke-d(9)-kek 495

534549 80 kek-d(9)-ekek 495

534582 73 ekee-d(9)-kke 495

534615 79 eke-d(9)-ekke 495

534648 67 eekk-d(9)-eke 495

534681 87 eek-d(9)-keke 495

534718 46 ekek-d(8)-keke 495

534753 68 keek-d(8)-keek 495

534788 84 ekk-d(10)-kke 495

534818 82 edk-d(10)-kke 495 534848 75 kde-d(10)-kke 495

534878 72 eek-d(10)-kke 495

534908 81 kddk-d(9)-kke 495

534938 69 kdde-d(9)-kke 495

534968 77 eddk-d(9)-kke 495

534998 76 eeee-d(9)-kke 495

535031 76 eeee-d(9)-kkk 495

535064 70 eeek-d(9)-kke 495

535097 57 eeeee-d(8)-kke 495

535130 69 ededk-d(8)-kke 495

535163 58 edkde-d(8)-kke 495

534538 71 keke-d(9)-kek 241

534571 64 kek-d(9)-ekek 241

534604 66 ekee-d(9)-kke 241

534637 74 eke-d(9)-ekke 241

534670 87 eekk-d(9)-eke 241

534703 72 eek-d(9)-keke 241

534740 56 ekek-d(8)-keke 241

534775 53 keek-d(8)-keek 241

534810 78 ekk-d(10)-kke 241

534840 73 edk-d(10)-kke 241

534870 65 kde-d(10)-kke 241

534900 69 eek-d(10)-kke 241

534930 67 kddk-d(9)-kke 241

534960 62 kdde-d(9)-kke 241

534990 66 eddk-d(9)-kke 241

535020 61 eeee-d(9)-kke 241

535053 47 eeee-d(9)-kkk 241

535086 61 eeek-d(9)-kke 241

535119 49 eeeee-d(8)-kke 241

535152 48 ededk-d(8)-kke 241

535185 57 edkde-d(8)-kke 241

534539 70 keke-d(9)-kek 496

534572 82 kek-d(9)-ekek 496

534605 59 ekee-d(9)-kke 496

534638 69 eke-d(9)-ekke 496

534671 89 eekk-d(9)-eke 496

534704 83 eek-d(9)-keke 496

534741 47 ekek-d(8)-keke 496

534776 46 keek-d(8)-keek 496

534811 71 ekk-d(10)-kke 496

534841 61 edk-d(10)-kke 496

534871 53 kde-d(10)-kke 496 534901 55 eek-d(10)-kke 496

534931 73 kddk-d(9)-kke 496

534961 53 kdde-d(9)-kke 496

534991 56 eddk-d(9)-kke 496

535021 58 eeee-d(9)-kke 496

535054 59 eeee-d(9)-kkk 496

535087 0 eeek-d(9)-kke 496

535120 41 eeeee-d(8)-kke 496

535153 44 ededk-d(8)-kke 496

535186 35 edkde-d(8)-kke 496

534573 76 kek-d(9)-ekek 497

534606 55 ekee-d(9)-kke 497

534639 72 eke-d(9)-ekke 497

534672 89 eekk-d(9)-eke 497

534705 87 eek-d(9)-keke 497

534742 84 ekek-d(8)-keke 497

534777 79 keek-d(8)-keek 497

534812 76 ekk-d(10)-kke 497

534842 74 edk-d(10)-kke 497

534872 53 kde-d(10)-kke 497

534902 70 eek-d(10)-kke 497

534932 73 kddk-d(9)-kke 497

534962 60 kdde-d(9)-kke 497

534992 61 eddk-d(9)-kke 497

535022 38 eeee-d(9)-kke 497

535055 42 eeee-d(9)-kkk 497

535088 56 eeek-d(9)-kke 497

535121 5 eeeee-d(8)-kke 497

535154 22 ededk-d(8)-kke 497

535187 16 edkde-d(8)-kke 497

534541 86 keke-d(9)-kek 498

534574 89 kek-d(9)-ekek 498

534607 59 ekee-d(9)-kke 498

534640 76 eke-d(9)-ekke 498

534673 89 eekk-d(9)-eke 498

534706 86 eek-d(9)-keke 498

534743 79 ekek-d(8)-keke 498

534778 80 keek-d(8)-keek 498

534813 83 ekk-d(10)-kke 498

534843 82 edk-d(10)-kke 498

534873 83 kde-d(10)-kke 498

534903 78 eek-d(10)-kke 498

534933 83 kddk-d(9)-kke 498 534963 70 kdde-d(9)-kke 498

534993 78 eddk-d(9)-kke 498

535023 56 eeee-d(9)-kke 498

535056 59 eeee-d(9)-kkk 498

535089 73 eeek-d(9)-kke 498

535122 39 eeeee-d(8)-kke 498

535155 60 ededk-d(8)-kke 498

535188 41 edkde-d(8)-kke 498

534542 75 keke-d(9)-kek 499

534575 82 kek-d(9)-ekek 499

534608 72 ekee-d(9)-kke 499

534641 69 eke-d(9)-ekke 499

534674 84 eekk-d(9)-eke 499

534707 78 eek-d(9)-keke 499

534744 72 ekek-d(8)-keke 499

534779 75 keek-d(8)-keek 499

534814 81 ekk-d(10)-kke 499

534844 75 edk-d(10)-kke 499

534874 70 kde-d(10)-kke 499

534904 71 eek-d(10)-kke 499

534934 73 kddk-d(9)-kke 499

534964 72 kdde-d(9)-kke 499

534994 69 eddk-d(9)-kke 499

535024 56 eeee-d(9)-kke 499

535057 63 eeee-d(9)-kkk 499

535090 64 eeek-d(9)-kke 499

535123 40 eeeee-d(8)-kke 499

535156 47 ededk-d(8)-kke 499

535189 48 edkde-d(8)-kke 499

534515 52 keke-d(9)-kek 34

534548 85 kek-d(9)-ekek 34

534581 75 ekee-d(9)-kke 34

534614 83 eke-d(9)-ekke 34

534647 65 eekk-d(9)-eke 34

534680 88 eek-d(9)-keke 34

534717 76 ekek-d(8)-keke 34

534752 79 keek-d(8)-keek 34

534787 90 ekk-d(10)-kke 34

535030 77 eeee-d(9)-kkk 34

535063 75 eeek-d(9)-kke 34

535096 54 eeeee-d(8)-kke 34

535129 66 ededk-d(8)-kke 34

535162 49 edkde-d(8)-kke 34 534543 66 keke-d(9)-kek 500

534576 69 kek-d(9)-ekek 500

534609 77 ekee-d(9)-kke 500

534642 62 eke-d(9)-ekke 500

534675 80 eekk-d(9)-eke 500

534708 81 eek-d(9)-keke 500

534745 68 ekek-d(8)-keke 500

534780 69 keek-d(8)-keek 500

534815 85 ekk-d(10)-kke 500

534845 72 edk-d(10)-kke 500

534875 56 kde-d(10)-kke 500

534905 65 eek-d(10)-kke 500

534935 78 kddk-d(9)-kke 500

534965 48 kdde-d(9)-kke 500

534995 62 eddk-d(9)-kke 500

535025 58 eeee-d(9)-kke 500

535058 60 eeee-d(9)-kkk 500

535091 61 eeek-d(9)-kke 500

535124 51 eeeee-d(8)-kke 500

535157 55 ededk-d(8)-kke 500

535190 47 edkde-d(8)-kke 500

534517 71 keke-d(9)-kek 501

534550 80 kek-d(9)-ekek 501

534583 70 ekee-d(9)-kke 501

534616 84 eke-d(9)-ekke 501

534649 68 eekk-d(9)-eke 501

534682 87 eek-d(9)-keke 501

534719 90 ekek-d(8)-keke 501

534754 83 keek-d(8)-keek 501

534789 86 ekk-d(10)-kke 501

534819 69 edk-d(10)-kke 501

534849 62 kde-d(10)-kke 501

534879 69 eek-d(10)-kke 501

534909 73 kddk-d(9)-kke 501

534939 49 kdde-d(9)-kke 501

534969 47 eddk-d(9)-kke 501

534999 51 eeee-d(9)-kke 501

535032 51 eeee-d(9)-kkk 501

535065 64 eeek-d(9)-kke 501

535098 31 eeeee-d(8)-kke 501

535131 31 ededk-d(8)-kke 501

535164 40 edkde-d(8)-kke 501

534518 81 keke-d(9)-kek 502 534551 88 kek-d(9)-ekek 502

534584 78 ekee-d(9)-kke 502

534617 80 eke-d(9)-ekke 502

534650 83 eekk-d(9)-eke 502

534683 93 eek-d(9)-keke 502

534720 87 ekek-d(8)-keke 502

534755 82 keek-d(8)-keek 502

534790 89 ekk-d(10)-kke 502

534820 64 edk-d(10)-kke 502

534850 38 kde-d(10)-kke 502

534880 68 eek-d(10)-kke 502

534910 60 kddk-d(9)-kke 502

534940 37 kdde-d(9)-kke 502

534970 59 eddk-d(9)-kke 502

535000 30 eeee-d(9)-kke 502

535033 44 eeee-d(9)-kkk 502

535066 64 eeek-d(9)-kke 502

535099 22 eeeee-d(8)-kke 502

535132 54 ededk-d(8)-kke 502

535165 45 edkde-d(8)-kke 502

534544 80 keke-d(9)-kek 503

534577 83 kek-d(9)-ekek 503

534610 62 ekee-d(9)-kke 503

534643 66 eke-d(9)-ekke 503

534676 95 eekk-d(9)-eke 503

534709 86 eek-d(9)-keke 503

534746 73 ekek-d(8)-keke 503

534781 71 keek-d(8)-keek 503

534816 83 ekk-d(10)-kke 503

534846 73 edk-d(10)-kke 503

534876 39 kde-d(10)-kke 503

534906 67 eek-d(10)-kke 503

534936 66 kddk-d(9)-kke 503

534966 48 kdde-d(9)-kke 503

534996 56 eddk-d(9)-kke 503

535026 39 eeee-d(9)-kke 503

535059 45 eeee-d(9)-kkk 503

535092 48 eeek-d(9)-kke 503

535125 26 eeeee-d(8)-kke 503

535158 44 ededk-d(8)-kke 503

535191 34 edkde-d(8)-kke 503

534545 83 keke-d(9)-kek 504

534578 81 kek-d(9)-ekek 504 534611 78 ekee-d(9)-kke 504

534644 72 eke-d(9)-ekke 504

534677 92 eekk-d(9)-eke 504

534710 78 eek-d(9)-keke 504

534747 85 ekek-d(8)-keke 504

534782 85 keek-d(8)-keek 504

534817 88 ekk-d(10)-kke 504

534847 73 edk-d(10)-kke 504

534877 66 kde-d(10)-kke 504

534907 73 eek-d(10)-kke 504

534937 85 kddk-d(9)-kke 504

534967 80 kdde-d(9)-kke 504

534997 74 eddk-d(9)-kke 504

535027 64 eeee-d(9)-kke 504

535060 68 eeee-d(9)-kkk 504

535093 73 eeek-d(9)-kke 504

535126 42 eeeee-d(8)-kke 504

535159 49 ededk-d(8)-kke 504

535192 51 edkde-d(8)-kke 504

534519 87 keke-d(9)-kek 505

534552 85 kek-d(9)-ekek 505

534585 76 ekee-d(9)-kke 505

534618 78 eke-d(9)-ekke 505

534651 79 eekk-d(9)-eke 505

534684 87 eek-d(9)-keke 505

534721 89 ekek-d(8)-keke 505

534756 90 keek-d(8)-keek 505

534791 84 ekk-d(10)-kke 505

534821 79 edk-d(10)-kke 505

534851 64 kde-d(10)-kke 505

534881 65 eek-d(10)-kke 505

534911 85 kddk-d(9)-kke 505

534941 66 kdde-d(9)-kke 505

534971 75 eddk-d(9)-kke 505

535001 62 eeee-d(9)-kke 505

535034 65 eeee-d(9)-kkk 505

535067 76 eeek-d(9)-kke 505

535100 5 eeeee-d(8)-kke 505

535133 30 ededk-d(8)-kke 505

535166 23 edkde-d(8)-kke 505

534520 87 keke-d(9)-kek 251

534553 79 kek-d(9)-ekek 251

534586 60 ekee-d(9)-kke 251 534619 62 eke-d(9)-ekke 251

534652 84 eekk-d(9)-eke 251

534685 84 eek-d(9)-keke 251

534722 75 ekek-d(8)-keke 251

534757 81 keek-d(8)-keek 251

534792 87 ekk-d(10)-kke 251

534822 80 edk-d(10)-kke 251

534852 38 kde-d(10)-kke 251

534882 75 eek-d(10)-kke 251

534912 74 kddk-d(9)-kke 251

534942 58 kdde-d(9)-kke 251

534972 59 eddk-d(9)-kke 251

535002 50 eeee-d(9)-kke 251

535035 57 eeee-d(9)-kkk 251

535068 67 eeek-d(9)-kke 251

535101 24 eeeee-d(8)-kke 251

535134 23 ededk-d(8)-kke 251

535167 26 edkde-d(8)-kke 251

534513 90 keke-d(9)-kek 252

534546 92 kek-d(9)-ekek 252

534579 78 ekee-d(9)-kke 252

534612 82 eke-d(9)-ekke 252

534645 73 eekk-d(9)-eke 252

534678 91 eek-d(9)-keke 252

534715 87 ekek-d(8)-keke 252

534750 88 keek-d(8)-keek 252

534785 89 ekk-d(10)-kke 252

535028 52 eeee-d(9)-kkk 252

535061 73 eeek-d(9)-kke 252

535094 61 eeeee-d(8)-kke 252

535127 59 ededk-d(8)-kke 252

535160 62 edkde-d(8)-kke 252

534521 86 keke-d(9)-kek 506

534554 87 kek-d(9)-ekek 506

534587 62 ekee-d(9)-kke 506

534620 68 eke-d(9)-ekke 506

534653 77 eekk-d(9)-eke 506

534686 90 eek-d(9)-keke 506

534723 88 ekek-d(8)-keke 506

534758 79 keek-d(8)-keek 506

534793 85 ekk-d(10)-kke 506

534823 81 edk-d(10)-kke 506

534853 59 kde-d(10)-kke 506 534883 69 eek-d(10)-kke 506

534913 76 kddk-d(9)-kke 506

534943 53 kdde-d(9)-kke 506

534973 61 eddk-d(9)-kke 506

535003 53 eeee-d(9)-kke 506

535036 35 eeee-d(9)-kkk 506

535069 62 eeek-d(9)-kke 506

535102 31 eeeee-d(8)-kke 506

535135 44 ededk-d(8)-kke 506

535168 34 edkde-d(8)-kke 506

534522 83 keke-d(9)-kek 507

534555 81 kek-d(9)-ekek 507

534588 72 ekee-d(9)-kke 507

534621 74 eke-d(9)-ekke 507

534654 78 eekk-d(9)-eke 507

534687 91 eek-d(9)-keke 507

534724 84 ekek-d(8)-keke 507

534759 86 keek-d(8)-keek 507

534794 78 ekk-d(10)-kke 507

534824 75 edk-d(10)-kke 507

534854 63 kde-d(10)-kke 507

534884 60 eek-d(10)-kke 507

534914 75 kddk-d(9)-kke 507

534944 69 kdde-d(9)-kke 507

534974 66 eddk-d(9)-kke 507

535004 56 eeee-d(9)-kke 507

535037 50 eeee-d(9)-kkk 507

535070 68 eeek-d(9)-kke 507

535103 55 eeeee-d(8)-kke 507

535136 51 ededk-d(8)-kke 507

535169 54 edkde-d(8)-kke 507

534523 89 keke-d(9)-kek 253

534556 91 kek-d(9)-ekek 253

534589 88 ekee-d(9)-kke 253

534622 93 eke-d(9)-ekke 253

534655 72 eekk-d(9)-eke 253

534688 92 eek-d(9)-keke 253

534725 87 ekek-d(8)-keke 253

534760 92 keek-d(8)-keek 253

534795 93 ekk-d(10)-kke 253

534825 82 edk-d(10)-kke 253

534855 73 kde-d(10)-kke 253

534885 82 eek-d(10)-kke 253 534915 88 kddk-d(9)-kke 253

534945 82 kdde-d(9)-kke 253

534975 68 eddk-d(9)-kke 253

535005 69 eeee-d(9)-kke 253

535038 72 eeee-d(9)-kkk 253

535071 74 eeek-d(9)-kke 253

535104 61 eeeee-d(8)-kke 253

535137 67 ededk-d(8)-kke 253

535170 51 edkde-d(8)-kke 253

534524 95 keke-d(9)-kek 254

534557 98 kek-d(9)-ekek 254

534590 91 ekee-d(9)-kke 254

534623 91 eke-d(9)-ekke 254

534656 90 eekk-d(9)-eke 254

534689 92 eek-d(9)-keke 254

534726 57 ekek-d(8)-keke 254

534761 89 keek-d(8)-keek 254

534796 93 ekk-d(10)-kke 254

534826 89 edk-d(10)-kke 254

534856 87 kde-d(10)-kke 254

534886 85 eek-d(10)-kke 254

534916 87 kddk-d(9)-kke 254

534946 86 kdde-d(9)-kke 254

534976 77 eddk-d(9)-kke 254

535006 83 eeee-d(9)-kke 254

535039 86 eeee-d(9)-kkk 254

535072 87 eeek-d(9)-kke 254

535105 68 eeeee-d(8)-kke 254

535138 70 ededk-d(8)-kke 254

535171 65 edkde-d(8)-kke 254

534558 92 kek-d(9)-ekek 255

534591 91 ekee-d(9)-kke 255

534624 86 eke-d(9)-ekke 255

534657 90 eekk-d(9)-eke 255

534690 76 eek-d(9)-keke 255

534727 92 ekek-d(8)-keke 255

534762 91 keek-d(8)-keek 255

534797 94 ekk-d(10)-kke 255

534827 90 edk-d(10)-kke 255

534857 80 kde-d(10)-kke 255

534887 76 eek-d(10)-kke 255

534917 91 kddk-d(9)-kke 255

534947 91 kdde-d(9)-kke 255 534977 86 eddk-d(9)-kke 255

535007 80 eeee-d(9)-kke 255

535040 86 eeee-d(9)-kkk 255

535073 87 eeek-d(9)-kke 255

535106 70 eeeee-d(8)-kke 255

535139 73 ededk-d(8)-kke 255

535172 69 edkde-d(8)-kke 255

534514 90 keke-d(9)-kek 61

534547 92 kek-d(9)-ekek 61

534580 78 ekee-d(9)-kke 61

534613 80 eke-d(9)-ekke 61

534646 79 eekk-d(9)-eke 61

534679 93 eek-d(9)-keke 61

534716 94 ekek-d(8)-keke 61

534751 86 keek-d(8)-keek 61

534786 83 ekk-d(10)-kke 61

535029 45 eeee-d(9)-kkk 61

535062 81 eeek-d(9)-kke 61

535095 57 eeeee-d(8)-kke 61

535128 58 ededk-d(8)-kke 61

535161 49 edkde-d(8)-kke 61

534526 94 keke-d(9)-kek 256

534559 95 kek-d(9)-ekek 256

534592 93 ekee-d(9)-kke 256

534625 93 eke-d(9)-ekke 256

534658 93 eekk-d(9)-eke 256

534691 96 eek-d(9)-keke 256

534728 93 ekek-d(8)-keke 256

534763 93 keek-d(8)-keek 256

534798 97 ekk-d(10)-kke 256

534828 94 edk-d(10)-kke 256

534858 92 kde-d(10)-kke 256

534888 93 eek-d(10)-kke 256

534918 95 kddk-d(9)-kke 256

534948 93 kdde-d(9)-kke 256

534978 91 eddk-d(9)-kke 256

535008 88 eeee-d(9)-kke 256

535041 87 eeee-d(9)-kkk 256

535074 90 eeek-d(9)-kke 256

535107 78 eeeee-d(8)-kke 256

535140 81 ededk-d(8)-kke 256

535173 81 edkde-d(8)-kke 256

534527 95 keke-d(9)-kek 258 534560 96 kek-d(9)-ekek 258

534593 87 ekee-d(9)-kke 258

534626 85 eke-d(9)-ekke 258

534659 90 eekk-d(9)-eke 258

534692 91 eek-d(9)-keke 258

534729 91 ekek-d(8)-keke 258

534764 91 keek-d(8)-keek 258

534799 96 ekk-d(10)-kke 258

534829 91 edk-d(10)-kke 258

534859 87 kde-d(10)-kke 258

534889 81 eek-d(10)-kke 258

534919 92 kddk-d(9)-kke 258

534949 91 kdde-d(9)-kke 258

534979 84 eddk-d(9)-kke 258

535009 78 eeee-d(9)-kke 258

535042 76 eeee-d(9)-kkk 258

535075 83 eeek-d(9)-kke 258

535108 64 eeeee-d(8)-kke 258

535141 69 ededk-d(8)-kke 258

535174 65 edkde-d(8)-kke 258

534528 94 keke-d(9)-kek 260

534561 0 kek-d(9)-ekek 260

534594 92 ekee-d(9)-kke 260

534627 90 eke-d(9)-ekke 260

534660 92 eekk-d(9)-eke 260

534693 95 eek-d(9)-keke 260

534730 93 ekek-d(8)-keke 260

534765 92 keek-d(8)-keek 260

534800 93 ekk-d(10)-kke 260

534830 93 edk-d(10)-kke 260

534860 85 kde-d(10)-kke 260

534890 91 eek-d(10)-kke 260

534920 93 kddk-d(9)-kke 260

534950 90 kdde-d(9)-kke 260

534980 88 eddk-d(9)-kke 260

535010 88 eeee-d(9)-kke 260

535043 89 eeee-d(9)-kkk 260

535076 88 eeek-d(9)-kke 260

535109 76 eeeee-d(8)-kke 260

535142 86 ededk-d(8)-kke 260

535175 71 edkde-d(8)-kke 260

534529 70 keke-d(9)-kek 261

534562 86 kek-d(9)-ekek 261 534595 56 ekee-d(9)-kke 261

534628 73 eke-d(9)-ekke 261

534661 64 eekk-d(9)-eke 261

534694 75 eek-d(9)-keke 261

534731 47 ekek-d(8)-keke 261

534766 30 keek-d(8)-keek 261

534801 83 ekk-d(10)-kke 261

534831 84 edk-d(10)-kke 261

534861 71 kde-d(10)-kke 261

534891 73 eek-d(10)-kke 261

534921 55 kddk-d(9)-kke 261

534951 61 kdde-d(9)-kke 261

534981 48 eddk-d(9)-kke 261

535011 54 eeee-d(9)-kke 261

535044 46 eeee-d(9)-kkk 261

535077 29 eeek-d(9)-kke 261

535110 19 eeeee-d(8)-kke 261

535143 15 ededk-d(8)-kke 261

535176 37 edkde-d(8)-kke 261

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxynucleoside

Example 22: Modified antisense oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) and 6'- (S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications targeting human Target-X targeting intronic repeats Additional antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting the intronic repeat regions of Target-

X.

The newly designed chimeric antisense oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 37. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S) and are designated as "s". Nucleosides followed by "d" indicate 2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by "k" indicate 6 '-(S)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleosides (e.g cEt). Nucleosides followed by "e" indicate 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'- MOE) nucleosides. "N" indicates modified or naturally occurring nucleobases (A, T, C, G, U, or 5 -methyl C).

Each gapmer listed in Table 37 is targeted to the intronic region of human Target-X genomic sequence, designated herein as Target-X.

Cultured Hep3B cells at a density of 20,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with

2,000 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells.

Table 37

Inhibition of human Target-X mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537043 70 526 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537044 82 527 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537045 69 528 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537047 35 529 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537049 62 530 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537051 62 531 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537055 16 532 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537056 25 533 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537057 49 534 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537058 49 535 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537059 53 536 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537060 73 537 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537061 70 538 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537062 69 539 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537063 68 540 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537064 71 541 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537065 67 542 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537066 68 543 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537067 71 544 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537068 86 545 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537069 82 546 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537070 87 547 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537792 36 548 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537793 35 549 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537794 35 550 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537795 33 551 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537796 49 552 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537797 54 553 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537798 68 554 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537799 72 555 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537800 69 556 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537801 82 557 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537802 72 558 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537803 72 559 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537804 67 560 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537805 74 561 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537806 70 562 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537809 60 563 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537810 71 564 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537811 69 565 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537812 80 566 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537813 74 567 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537814 54 568 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537837 70 569 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537838 76 570 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537839 76 571 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537840 80 572 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537841 81 573 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537842 75 574 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537843 70 575 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537844 73 576 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537845 59 577 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537846 51 578 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537847 52 579 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537848 41 580 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

537849 44 581 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538160 69 582 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538172 24 583 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538173 23 584 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538185 68 585 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538187 69 585 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538189 81 587 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538191 66 588 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538192 59 589 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538193 16 590 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538194 10 591 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538195 15 592 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538196 3 593 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538197 36 594 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538198 49 595 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538199 47 596 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538200 57 597 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538201 71 598 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538202 60 599 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538203 55 600 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538204 62 601 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538205 68 602 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538228 63 603 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538229 26 604 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538230 75 605 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538231 75 606 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538233 52 607 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538235 26 608 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538237 28 609 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538239 54 610 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538241 73 611 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538242 68 612 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538243 61 613 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538245 75 614 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538253 37 615 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538254 45 616 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538361 56 617 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538378 70 618 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538380 68 619 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

538381 57 620 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540361 71 621 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540362 73 622 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540363 78 623 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540364 89 624 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540365 83 625 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540366 84 626 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540367 65 627 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540368 55 628 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540369 82 629 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540370 86 630 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540371 74 631 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540372 82 632 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540373 81 633 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540374 87 634 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540375 78 635 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540376 69 636 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540377 88 637 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540378 85 638 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540379 77 639 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540380 84 640 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540381 85 641 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540382 69 642 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540383 85 643 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540384 88 644 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540385 87 645 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540386 86 646 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540387 77 647 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540388 86 648 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540389 86 649 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540390 85 650 6 Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540391 83 651 6

Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540392 43 652 6

Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540393 88 653 6

Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540394 68 654 6

Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540395 87 655 6

Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540396 87 656 6

Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540397 59 657 6

Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540398 36 658 6

Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Nes Nes Nes Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds

540399 81 659 6

Nds Nds Nks Nks Nk

Example 23: High dose tolerability of modified oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxy ethyl (2'- MOE) and 6'-(S)-CH3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications targeting human Target-X in BALB/c mice

BALB/c mice were treated at a high dose with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers.

Additionally, the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides were created with the same sequences as the antisense oligonucleotides from the study described above and were also added to this screen targeting intronic repeat regions of Target-X.

The newly designed modified antisense oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 38. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S). Nucleosides followed by "d" indicate 2 '-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by "k" indicate 6'-(S)-CH3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) nucleosides. Nucleosides followed by "e" indicate 2 '-O-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) nucleosides. "N" indicates modified or naturally occurring nucleobases (A, T, C, G, U, or 5 -methyl C).

Each gapmer listed in Table 38 is targeted to the intronic region of human Target-X genomic sequence, designated herein as Target-X. "Start site" indicates the 5 '-most nucleoside to which the gapmer is targeted in the human gene sequence. "Stop site" indicates the 3 '-most nucleoside to which the gapmer is targeted human gene sequence. Table 38

Modified antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Target-X Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 540187 649 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 540188 650 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 540191 653 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 540193 655 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 540194 656 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544811 547 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544812 545 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544813 527 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544814 557 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544815 546 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544816 573 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544817 572 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544818 566 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544819 510 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544820 525 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544821 567 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544826 537 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544827 538 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544828 539 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544829 540 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 544830 541 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 545471 542 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 545472 543 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 545473 544 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 545474 558 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 545475 559 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 545476 560 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 545477 561 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 545478 562 6

Nes Nes Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nks Nks Ne 545479 556 6

Nks Nks Nks Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nds Nes Nes Ne 537727 514 6 Treatment

Male BALB/c mice were injected subcutaneously with a single dose of 200 mg/kg of ISIS 422142, ISIS 457851, ISIS 473294, ISIS 473295, ISIS 473327, ISIS 484714, ISIS 515334, ISIS 515338, ISIS 515354, ISIS 515366, ISIS 515380, ISIS 515381, ISIS 515382, ISIS 515384, ISIS 515386, ISIS 515387, ISIS 515388, ISIS 515406, ISIS 515407, ISIS 515408, ISIS 515422, ISIS 515423, ISIS 515424, ISIS 515532, ISIS 515533, ISIS 515534, ISIS 515538, ISIS 515539, ISIS 515558, ISIS 515656, ISIS 515575, ISIS 515926, ISIS 515944, ISIS 515945, ISIS 515948, ISIS 515949, ISIS 515951, ISIS 515952, ISSI 516003, ISIS 516055, ISIS 516057, ISIS 516060, ISIS 516062, ISIS 529126, ISIS 529146, ISIS 529166, ISIS 529170, ISIS 529172, ISIS 529173, ISIS 529174, ISIS 529175, ISSI 529176, ISIS 529182, ISIS 529183, ISIS 529186, ISIS 529282, ISIS 529304, ISIS 529306, ISIS 529360, ISIS 529450, ISIS 529459, ISIS 529460, ISIS 529461, ISIS 529547, ISIS 529550, ISIS 529551, ISIS 529553, ISIS 529557, ISIS 529562, ISIS 529563, ISIS 529564, ISIS 529565, ISIS 529575, ISIS 529582, ISIS 529589, ISIS 529607, ISIS 529614, ISIS 529632, ISIS 529650, ISIS 529651, ISIS 529657, ISIS 529663, ISIS 529725, ISIS 529745, ISIS 529765, ISIS 529785, ISIS 529804, ISIS 529818, ISIS 529823, ISIS 529854, ISIS 534528, ISIS 534534, ISIS 534594, ISIS 534660, ISIS 534663, ISIS 534664, ISIS 534676, ISIS 534677, ISIS 537679, ISIS 537683, ISIS 534693, ISIS 534701, ISIS 534716, ISIS 534730, ISIS 534765, ISIS 534795, ISIS 534796, ISIS 534797, ISIS 534798, ISIS 534799, ISIS 534800, ISIS 534802, ISIS 534806, ISSI 534830, ISIS 534838, ISIS 534888, ISIS 534890, ISIS 534898, ISIS 53491 1, ISIS 534920, ISIS 534926, ISIS 534937, ISIS 534950, ISSI 534956, ISIS 534980, ISIS 534986, ISIS 535010, ISIS 535043, ISIS 535049, ISIS 535076, ISIS 535082, ISSI 535142, ISIS 537024, ISIS 537030, ISIS 537041, ISIS 537062, ISIS 537064, ISIS 537066, ISIS 537721, ISIS 537727, ISIS 537738, ISIS 537759, ISIS 537761, ISIS 537763, ISIS 537792, ISIS 537800, ISIS 537806, ISIS 53781 1, ISIS 537814, ISIS 537839, ISIS 537850, ISSI 537858, ISIS 537864, ISIS 537869, ISIS 537872, ISIS 537897, ISIS 538160, ISIS 538196, ISIS 538205, ISIS 538228, ISIS 538242, ISIS 538361, ISIS 538380, ISIS 5401 18, ISIS 540138, ISIS 540139, ISIS 540148, ISIS 540153, ISIS 540155, ISIS 540162, ISIS 540164, ISIS 540168, ISIS 540172, ISIS 540175, ISIS 540176, ISIS 540178, ISIS 540179, ISIS 540181, ISIS 540182, ISIS 540183, ISIS 540184, ISIS 540186, ISIS 540187, ISIS 540188, ISIS 540191, ISIS 540193, ISIS 540194, ISIS 54481 1, ISIS 544812, ISIS 544813, ISIS 544814, ISIS 544815, ISIS 544816, ISIS 544817, ISIS 544818, ISIS 544819, ISIS 544820, ISIS 544821, ISIS 544826, ISIS 544827, ISIS 544828, ISIS 544829, ISIS 544830, ISIS 545471, ISIS 545472, ISIS 545473, ISIS 545474, ISIS 545475, ISIS 545476, ISIS 545477, ISIS 545478, and ISIS 545479. One set of male BALB/c mice was injected with a single dose of PBS. Mice were euthanized 96 hours later, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis. Plasma chemistry markers

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on liver and kidney function, plasma levels of transaminases, bilirubin, albumin, and BUN were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, NY).

ISIS oligonucleotides that did not cause any increase in the levels of transaminases, or which caused an increase within three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) were deemed very tolerable. ISIS oligonucleotides that caused an increase in the levels of transaminases between three times and seven times the ULN were deemed tolerable. Based on these criteria, ISIS 529166, ISIS 529170, ISIS 529175, ISIS

529176, ISIS 529186, ISIS 529282, ISIS 529360, ISIS 529450, ISIS 529459, ISIS 529460, ISIS 529547, ISIS

529549, ISIS 529551, ISIS 529553, ISIS 529557, ISIS 529562, ISIS 529575, ISIS 529582, ISIS 529607, ISIS

529589, ISIS 529632, ISIS 529657, ISIS 529725, ISIS 529745, ISIS 529785, ISIS 529799, ISIS 529804, ISIS

529818, ISIS 529823, ISIS 534950, ISIS 534980, ISIS 535010, ISIS 537030, ISIS 537041, ISIS 537062, ISIS

537064, ISIS 537066, ISIS 537759, ISIS 537792, ISIS 537800, ISIS 537839, ISIS 538228, ISIS 473294, ISIS

473295, ISIS 484714, ISIS 515338, ISIS 515366, ISIS 515380, ISIS 515381, ISIS 515387, ISIS 515408, ISIS

515423, ISIS 515424, ISIS 515532, ISIS 515534, ISIS 515538, ISIS 515539, ISIS 515558, ISIS 515575, ISIS

515926, ISIS 515944, ISIS 515945, ISIS 515951, ISIS 515952, ISIS 529126, ISIS 529765, ISIS 534528, ISIS

534534, ISIS 534594, ISIS 534663, ISIS 534676, ISIS 534677, ISIS 534679, ISIS 534683, ISIS 534693, ISIS

534701, ISIS 534716, ISIS 534730, ISIS 534806, ISIS 534830, ISIS 534838, ISIS 534890, ISIS 534898, ISIS

534911, ISIS 534937, ISIS 534956, ISIS 534986, ISIS 535043, ISIS 535049, ISIS 535076, ISIS 535082, ISIS

535142, ISIS 538160, ISIS 538242, ISIS 538361, ISIS 538380, ISIS 534795, ISIS 534796, ISIS 534797, ISIS

540162, ISIS 540164, ISIS 540168, ISIS 540172, ISIS 540175, ISIS 540176, ISIS 540178, ISIS 540179, ISIS

540181, ISIS 540182, ISIS 540183, ISIS 540184, ISIS 540186, ISIS 540187, ISIS 540188, ISIS 540191, ISIS

540193, ISIS 540194, ISIS 544813, ISIS 544814, ISIS 544816, ISIS 544826, ISIS 544827, ISIS 544828, ISIS

544829, ISIS 545473, and ISIS 545474 were considered very tolerable in terms of liver function. Based these criteria, ISIS 529173, ISIS 529854, ISIS 529614, ISIS 515386, ISIS 515388, ISIS 515949, ISIS 544817, and ISIS 545479 were considered tolerable in terms of liver function.

Example 24: Tolerability of antisense oligonucleotides targeting human Target-X in Sprague-Dawley rats

Sprague-Dawley rats are a multipurpose model used for safety and efficacy evaluations. The rats were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides from the studies described in the Examples above and evaluated for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers. Treatment

Six-eight week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on a 12-hour light/dark cycle and fed ad libitum with Teklad normal rat chow. Groups of four Sprague-Dawley rats each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with 25 mg/kg of ISIS 473286, ISIS 473547, ISIS 473567, ISIS 473589, ISIS 473630, ISIS 484559, ISIS 515636, ISIS 515640, ISIS 515641, ISIS 515655, ISIS 515657, ISIS 516046, ISIS 516048, ISIS 516051, ISIS 516052, and ISIS 516062. A group of four Sprague-Dawley rats was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with PBS. Forty eight hours after the last dose, rats were euthanized and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Liver function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma levels of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, NY). Plasma levels of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured. Plasma levels of Bilirubin and BUN were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer.

ISIS oligonucleotides that did not cause any increase in the levels of transaminases, or which caused an increase within three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) were deemed very tolerable. ISIS oligonucleotides that caused an increase in the levels of transaminases between three times and seven times the ULN were deemed tolerable. Based on these criteria, ISIS 473286, ISIS 473547, ISSI 473589, ISIS 473630, ISIS 484559, ISIS 515636, ISIS 515640, ISIS 515655, ISIS 516046, and ISIS 516051 were considered very tolerable in terms of liver function. Based on these criteria, ISIS 473567, ISIS 515641, ISIS 515657, ISIS 516048, and ISIS 516051 were considered tolerable in terms of liver function.

Example 25: Tolerability of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'- MOE) modifications targeting human Target-X in Sprague-Dawley rats

Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides from the studies described in the Examples above and evaluated for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers.

Treatment

Six-eight week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on a 12-hour light/dark cycle and fed ad libitum with Purina normal rat chow. Groups of four Sprague-Dawley rats each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 407936, ISIS 416507, ISIS 416508, ISIS 490208, ISIS 490279, ISIS 490323, ISIS 490368, ISIS 490396, ISIS 490803, ISIS 491122, ISIS 513419, ISIS 513446, ISIS 513454, ISIS 513455, ISIS 513456, ISIS 513504, ISIS 513507, and ISIS 513508. A group of four Sprague-Dawley rats was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with PBS. Forty eight hours after the last dose, rats were euthanized and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Liver function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma levels of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, NY). Plasma levels of Bilirubin and BUN were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer.

ISIS oligonucleotides that did not cause any increase in the levels of transaminases, or which caused an increase within three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) were deemed very tolerable. ISIS

oligonucleotides that caused an increase in the levels of transaminases between three times and seven times the ULN were deemed tolerable. Based on these criteria, ISIS 416507, ISIS 490208, ISIS 490368, ISIS 490396, ISIS 490803, ISIS 491122, ISIS 513446, ISIS 513454, ISIS 513455, ISIS 513456, ISIS 513504, and ISIS 513508 were considered very tolerable in terms of liver function. Based on these criteria, ISIS 407936, ISIS 416508, ISIS 490279, and ISIS 513507 were considered tolerable in terms of liver function. Example 26: Tolerability of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'- MOE) modifications targeting human Target-X in CD-I mice

CD-I mice are a multipurpose mice model, frequently utilized for safety and efficacy testing. The mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers.

Treatment

Groups of 3 male CD-I mice each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 473244, ISIS 473295, ISIS 484714, ISIS 515386, ISIS 515424, ISIS 515534, ISIS 515558, ISIS 515926, ISIS 515949, ISIS 515951, ISIS 515952, ISIS 529126, ISIS 529166, ISIS 529173, ISIS 529186, ISIS 529360, ISIS 529461, ISIS 529553, ISIS 529564, ISIS 529582, ISIS 529614, ISIS 529725, ISIS 529745, ISIS 529765, ISIS 529785, ISIS 529799, ISIS 529818, ISIS 529823, ISIS 534528, ISIS 534594, and ISIS 534664. One group of male CD-I mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with PBS. Mice were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis. Plasma chemistry markers

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on liver and kidney function, plasma levels of transaminases, bilirubin, albumin, and BUN were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, NY).

ISIS oligonucleotides that did not cause any increase in the levels of transaminases, or which caused an increase within three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) were deemed very tolerable. ISIS oligonucleotides that caused an increase in the levels of transaminases between three times and seven times the ULN were deemed tolerable. Based on these criteria, ISIS 473295, ISIS 473714, ISIS 515558, ISIS 515926, 515951, ISIS 515952, ISIS 529126, ISIS 529166, 529564, ISIS 529582, ISIS 529614, ISIS 529725, ISIS 529765, ISIS 529799, ISIS 529823, and ISIS 534594 were considered very tolerable in terms of liver function. Based on these criteria, ISIS 515424, ISIS 515534, ISIS 515926, ISIS 529785, and ISIS 534664 were considered tolerable in terms of liver function.

Example 27: Tolerability of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'- MOE) modifications targeting human Target-X in CD-I mice

CD-I mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers.

Treatment

Groups of 3 male CD-I mice each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with 100 mg/kg of ISIS 490208, ISIS 490279, ISIS 490323, ISIS 490368, ISIS 490396, ISIS 490803, ISIS 491122, ISIS 513419, ISIS 513446, ISIS 513454, ISIS 513455, ISIS 513456, ISIS 513504, ISIS 513507, and ISIS 513508. Groups of 3 male CD-I mice each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with 100 mg/kg of ISIS 407936, ISIS 416507, and ISIS 416508, which are gapmers described in a previous publication. One group of male CD-I mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with PBS. Mice were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Plasma chemistry markers

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on liver and kidney function, plasma levels of transaminases, bilirubin, and BUN were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, NY).

ISIS oligonucleotides that did not cause any increase in the levels of transaminases, or which caused an increase within three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) were deemed very tolerable. ISIS oligonucleotides that caused an increase in the levels of transaminases between three times and seven times the ULN were deemed tolerable. Based on these criteria, ISIS 407936, ISIS 416507, ISIS 490279, ISIS 490368, ISIS 490396, ISIS 490803, ISIS 491122, ISIS 513446, ISIS 513454, ISIS 513456, and ISIS 513504 were considered very tolerable in terms of liver function. Based on these criteria, ISIS 490208, ISIS 513455, ISIS 513507, and ISIS 513508 were considered tolerable in terms of liver function.

Example 28: Efficacy of modified oligonucleotides comprising 2'-0-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) and 6'-(S)- CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications targeting human Target-X in transgenic mice

Transgenic mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for efficacy.

Treatment

Groups of 2-3 male and female transgenic mice were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with 5 mg/kg/week of ISIS 473244, ISIS 473295, ISIS 484714, ISIS 515926, ISIS 515951, ISIS 515952, ISIS 516062, ISIS 529126, ISIS 529553, ISIS 529745, ISIS 529799, ISIS 534664, ISIS 534826, ISIS 540168, ISIS 540175, ISIS 544826, ISIS 544827, ISIS 544828, and ISIS 544829. One group of mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with PBS. Mice were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Protein Analysis

Plasma protein levels of Target-X were estimated using a Target-X ELISA kit (purchased from

Hyphen Bio-Med). Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to control. As shown in Table 39, several antisense oligonucleotides achieved reduction of human Target-X over the PBS control, 'n.d.' indicates that the value for that particular oligonucleotide was not measured.

Table 39

Percent inhibition of Target-X plasma protein levels in transgenic mice

515952 0

516062 62

529126 0

529553 0

529745 22

529799 26

534664 32

534826 n.d.

540168 94

540175 98

544813 0

544826 23

544827 60

544828 33

544829 53

Example 29: Efficacy of modified oligonucleotides comprising 2'-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) and 6'-(S)- CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g cEt) modifications targeting human Target-X in transgenic mice

Transgenic mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for efficacy.

Treatment

Groups of 2-3 male and female transgenic mice were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with 1 mg/kg/week of ISIS 407936, ISIS 490197, ISIS 490275, ISIS 490278, ISIS 490279, ISIS 490323, ISIS 490368, ISIS 490396, ISIS 490803, ISIS 491122, ISIS 513446, ISIS 513447, ISIS 513504, ISIS 516062, ISIS 529166, ISIS 529173, ISIS 529360, ISIS 529725, ISIS 534557, ISIS 534594, ISIS 534664, ISIS 534688, ISIS 534689, ISIS 534915, ISIS 534916, ISIS 534917, and ISIS 534980. One group of mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with PBS. Mice were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Protein Analysis

Plasma protein levels of Target-X were estimated using a Target-X ELISA kit (purchased from Hyphen Bio-Med). Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to control. As shown in Table 40, several antisense oligonucleotides achieved reduction of human Target-X over the PBS control. Table 40

Percent inhibition of Target-X plasm protein levels in transgenic mice

Example 30: Tolerability of antisense oligonucleotides targeting human Target-X in Sprague-Dawley rats

Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides from the studies described in the Examples above and evaluated for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers. Treatment

Six-eight week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on a 12-hour light/dark cycle and fed ad libitum with Teklad normal rat chow. Groups of four Sprague-Dawley rats each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks with ISIS 515380, ISIS 515381, ISIS 515387, ISIS 529175, ISIS 529176, ISIS 529575, ISIS 529804, and ISIS 537064. Doses 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were 25 mg/kg; dose 2 was 75 mg/kg; doses 3 and 4 were 50 mg/kg. One group of four Sprague-Dawley rats was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks with PBS. Forty eight hours after the last dose, rats were euthanized and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Liver function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma levels of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, NY). Plasma levels of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured. Plasma levels of Bilirubin and BUN were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer.

ISIS oligonucleotides that did not cause any increase in the levels of transaminases, or which caused increase in the levels within three times the upper limit of normal levels of transaminases were deemed very tolerable. ISIS oligonucleotides that caused increase in the levels of transaminases between three times and seven times the upper limit of normal levels were deemed tolerable. Based on these criteria, ISIS 515380, ISIS 515387, ISIS 529175, ISIS 529176, ISIS 529804, and ISIS 537064 were considered very tolerable in terms of liver function. Based on these criteria, ISIS 515381 was considered tolerable in terms of liver function.

Example 31: Efficacy of antisense oligonucleotides targeting human Target-X in transgenic mice

Transgenic mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for efficacy.

Treatment

Two groups of 3 male and female transgenic mice were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 2 weeks with 0.5 mg/kg/week or 1.5 mg/kg/week of ISIS 407935 and ISIS 513455. Another group of mice was subcutaneously twice a week for 2 weeks with 0.6 mg/kg/week or 2.0 mg/kg/week of ISIS 473286. Another 16 groups of mice were subcutaneously twice a week for 2 weeks with 0.1 mg/kg/week or 0.3 mg/kg/week of ISIS 473589, ISIS 515380, ISIS 515423, ISIS 529804, ISIS 534676, ISIS 534796, ISIS 540162, ISIS 540164, ISIS 540175, ISIS 540179, ISIS 540181, ISIS 540182, ISIS 540186, ISIS 540191, ISIS 540193, ISIS 544827, or ISIS 545474. Another 3 groups of mice were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 2 weeks with 0.3 mg/kg/week of ISIS 516062, ISIS 534528 or ISIS 534693. One group of mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 2 weeks with PBS. Mice were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Protein Analysis

Plasma protein levels of Target-X were estimated using a Target-X ELISA kit (purchased from Hyphen Bio-Med). Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to control. As shown in Table 41, several antisense oligonucleotides achieved reduction of human Target-X over the PBS control.

Table 41

Percent inhibition of Target-X plasma protein levels in transgenic mice

0.1 55

0.3 29

540179

0.1 24

0.3 53

540181

0.1 0

0.3 78

540182

0.1 21

0.3 72

540186

0.1 46

0.3 62

540191

0.1 35

0.3 74

540193

0.1 46

0.3 28

544827

0.1 19

0.3 59

545474

0.1 0

516062 0.3 33

534528 0.3 41

534693 0.3 34

Example 32: Tolerability of antisense oligonucleotides targeting human Target-X in Sprague-Dawley rats

Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides from the studies described in the Examples above and evaluated for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers.

Treatment

Five-six week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on a 12-hour light/dark cycle and fed ad libitum with Teklad normal rat chow. Groups of four Sprague-Dawley rats each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 515423, ISIS 515424, ISIS 515640, ISIS 534676, ISIS 534796, ISIS 534797, ISIS 540162, ISIS 540164, ISIS 540172, ISIS 540175, ISIS 540179, ISIS 540181, ISIS 540182, ISIS 540183, ISIS 540186, ISIS 540191, and ISIS 545474. A group of four Sprague- Dawley rats was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks with PBS. Forty eight hours after the last dose, rats were euthanized and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Liver function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma levels of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, NY). Plasma levels of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured. Plasma levels of Bilirubin and BUN were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer.

ISIS oligonucleotides that did not cause any increase in the levels of transaminases, or which caused an increase within three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) were deemed very tolerable. ISIS oligonucleotides that caused an increase in the levels of transaminases between three times and seven times the ULN were deemed tolerable. Based on these criteria, ISIS 540164, ISIS 540172, and ISIS 540175 were considered very tolerable in terms of liver function. Based on these criteria, ISIS 534676, ISIS 534796, ISIS 534797, ISIS 540162, and ISIS 540179 were considered tolerable in terms of liver function.

Example 33: Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells

Antisense oligonucleotides selected from the studies described above were tested at various doses in

Hep3B cells. Cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.05 μΜ, 0.15 μΜ, 0.44 μΜ, 1.33 μΜ, and 4.00 μΜ concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 42. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human Target-X primer probe set RTS2927 was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN ® . Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells.

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of each oligonucleotide is also presented in Table 42. As illustrated in Table 42, Target-X mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in several of the antisense oligonucleotide treated cells.

Table 42

Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells using electroporation

516048 35 24 41 67 87 0.4

516052 18 6 48 63 80 0.6

516062 24 14 21 47 68 1.6

529166 16 47 75 87 94 0.2

529173 14 49 77 91 96 0.2

529175 30 69 88 93 96 0.1

529176 34 63 85 93 96 0.1

529360 35 53 74 91 93 0.1

529725 53 69 85 92 95 <0.05

529804 37 41 71 90 94 0.1

534528 50 68 78 93 97 <0.05

534557 48 78 90 94 95 <0.05

534594 39 47 76 87 94 0.1

534676 29 20 40 64 87 0.5

534687 41 37 56 80 93 0.2

534688 16 56 88 94 96 0.1

534689 21 59 82 94 95 0.1

534693 18 58 81 93 95 0.1

534795 19 43 68 90 94 0.2

534796 25 59 80 93 96 0.1

534890 31 55 77 90 96 0.1

534898 22 61 80 94 97 0.1

534915 19 26 51 77 94 0.3

534916 20 36 66 86 93 0.2

534917 34 53 82 89 94 0.1

540162 40 64 84 90 92 <0.05

540164 34 60 83 91 92 0.1

540168 51 79 90 92 94 <0.05

540172 40 66 80 88 92 <0.05

540175 30 61 80 88 91 0.1

540176 7 17 50 75 85 0.5

540179 11 22 25 16 19 >4.0

540181 19 46 72 86 91 0.2

540182 16 66 83 86 92 0.1

540183 39 74 87 92 93 <0.05

540186 31 69 85 91 94 0.1

540191 38 54 80 88 91 0.1

540193 57 67 84 94 97 <0.05

540194 30 45 62 77 91 0.2

544827 37 42 67 82 96 0.1

544829 26 41 42 71 93 0.3

545473 28 27 49 80 97 0.3

545474 23 27 55 84 96 0.3 Example 34: Tolerability of antisense oligonucleotides targeting human Target-X in CD-I mice

CD-I mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers.

Treatment

Two groups of 4 male 6-8 week old CD-I mice each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 407935 and ISIS 490279. Another seven groups of 4 male 6-8 week old CD-I mice each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with 25 mg/kg of ISIS 473589, ISIS 529804, ISIS 534796, ISIS 540162, ISIS 540175, ISIS 540182, and ISIS 540191. One group of male CD-I mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with PBS. Mice were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Plasma chemistry markers

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on liver and kidney function, plasma levels of transaminases, bilirubin, albumin, and BUN were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, NY). The results are presented in Table 43. Treatment with the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides were more tolerable compared to treatment with ISIS 407935 (disclosed in an earlier publication), which caused elevation of ALT levels greater than seven times the upper limit of normal (ULN).

Table 43

Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on liver function in CD-I mice

Body and organ weights

Body weights, as well as liver, heart, lungs, spleen and kidney weights were measured at the end of the study, and are presented in Table 44. Several of the ISIS oligonucleotides did not cause any changes in organ weights outside the expected range and were therefore deemed tolerable in terms of organ weights.

Table 44

Body and organ weights (grams) of CD-I mice

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxynucleoside

Example 35: Tolerability of antisense oligonucleotides targeting human Target-X in Sprague-Dawley rats

Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers.

Treatment

Two groups of 4 male 7-8 week old Sprague-Dawley rats each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 407935 and ISIS 490279. Another seven groups of 4 male 6-8 week old Sprague-Dawley rats each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with 25 mg/kg of ISIS 473589, ISIS 529804, ISIS 534796, ISIS 540162, ISIS 540175, ISIS 540182, and ISIS 540191. One group of male Sprague-Dawley rats was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 6 weeks with PBS. The rats were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis. Plasma chemistry markers

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on liver and kidney function, plasma levels of transaminases, bilirubin, albumin, and BUN were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, NY). The results are presented in Table 45. Treatment with the all antisense oligonucleotides was tolerable in terms of plasma chemistry markers in this model.

Table 45

Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on liver function in Sprague-Dawley rats

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxynucleoside

Body and organ weights

Body weights, as well as liver, heart, lungs, spleen and kidney weights were measured at the end of the study, and are presented in Table 46. Treatment with all the antisense oligonucleotides was tolerable in terms of body and organ weights in this model.

Table 46

Body and organ weights (grams) of Sprague-Dawley rats

ISIS 534796 ekk-d(10)-kke 50 434 15 1.4 3.3

ISIS 540162 eek-d(10)-kke 50 446 18 1.1 3.3

ISIS 540175 eek-d(10)-kke 50 467 16 1.0 3.5

ISIS 540182 eek-d(10)-kke 50 447 22 2.5 4.5

ISIS 540191 eek-d(10)-kke 50 471 21 1.4 3.9 e = 2'-M0E, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxynucleoside

Example 36: Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in cynomolgos monkey primary hepatocytes

Antisense oligonucleotides selected from the studies described above were tested at various doses in cynomolgous monkey primary hepatocytes. Cells were plated at a density of 35,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.009 μΜ, 0.03 μΜ, 0.08 μΜ, 0.25 μΜ, 0.74 μΜ, 2.22 μΜ, 6.67 μΜ, and 20.00 μΜ concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 47. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Target-X primer probe set RTS2927 was used to measure mRNA levels. Target- X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN ® . Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 47, Target-X mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner with some of the antisense oligonucleotides that are cross-reactive with the rhesus monkey genomic sequence.

Table 47

Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of Target-X in cynomolgous monkey primary hepatocytes using electroporation

Example 37: Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human Target-X in Hep3B cells

Antisense oligonucleotides from the study described above were also tested at various doses in Hep3B cells. Cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.009 μΜ, 0.03 μΜ, 0.08 μΜ, 0.25 μΜ, 0.74 μΜ, 2.22 μΜ, 6.67 μΜ, and 20.00 μΜ concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 48. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-X mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Target-X primer probe set RTS2927 was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-X mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN ® . Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 48, Target-X mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner with several of the antisense oligonucleotides.

Table 48

Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of Target-X in Hep3B cells using electroporation

Example 38: Efficacy of antisense oligonucleotides targeting human Target-X in transgenic mice

Transgenic mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above and evaluated for efficacy.

Treatment

Eight groups of 3 transgenic mice each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with 20 mg/kg/week, 10 mg/kg/week, 5 mg/kg/week, or 2.5 mg/kg/week of ISIS 407935or ISIS 490279. Another 24 groups of 3 transgenic mice each were subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with 5 mg/kg/week, 2.5 mg/kg/week, 1.25 mg/kg/week, or 0.625 mg/kg/week of ISIS 473589, ISIS 529804, ISIS 534796, ISIS 540162, ISIS 540175, or ISIS 540191. One group of mice was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 weeks with PBS. Mice were euthanized 48 hours after the last dose, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

RNA Analysis

RNA was extracted from plasma for real-time PCR analysis of Target-X, using primer probe set RTS2927. The mRNA levels were normalized using RIBOGREEN®. As shown in Table 49, several antisense oligonucleotides achieved reduction of human Target-X over the PBS control. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to control. Treatment with newly designed 2'-MOE gapmer, ISIS 490279, caused greater reduction in human Target-X mRNA levels than treatment with ISIS 407935, the 2'-MOE gapmer from the earlier publication. Treatment with several of the newly designed oligonucleotides also caused greater reduction in human Target-X mRNA levels than treatment with ISIS 407935.

Table 49

Percent inhibition of Target-X mRNA in transgenic mice

5.00 97

2.50 92

540162 eek-d(10)-kke

1.25 69

0.625 78

5.00 95

2.50 85

540175 eek-d(10)-kke

1.25 65

0.625 55

5.00 97

2.50 83

540182 eek-d(10)-kke

1.25 54

0.625 10

5.00 91

2.50 74

540191 eek-d(10)-kke

1.25 58

0.625 34

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxynucleoside

Protein Analysis

Plasma protein levels of Target-X were estimated using a Target-X ELISA kit (purchased from Hyphen Bio-Med). As shown in Table 50, several antisense oligonucleotides achieved reduction of human Target-X over the PBS control. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X, relative to control.

Table 50

Percent inhibition of Target-X plasm protein levels in transgenic mice

1.25 6

0.625 0

5 50

2.5 36

529804 k-d(10)-kekee

1.25 0

0.625 8

5 45

2.5 26

534796 ekk-d(10)-kke

1.25 0

0.625 8

5 98

2.5 96

540162 eek-d(10)-kke

1.25 78

0.625 74

5 93

2.5 83

540175 eek-d(10)-kke

1.25 49

0.625 24

5 97

2.5 71

540182 eek-d(10)-kke

1.25 50

0.625 0

5 97

2.5 74

540191 eek-d(10)-kke

1.25 46

0.625 25

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxynucleoside

Example 39: Effect of ISIS antisense oligonucleotides targeting human Target-X in cynomolgus monkeys

Cynomolgus monkeys were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described above, including ISIS 407935, ISIS 490279, ISIS 473589, ISIS 529804, ISIS 534796, ISIS 540162, ISIS 540175, ISIS 540182, and ISIS 540191. Antisense oligonucleotide efficacy was evaluated. ISIS 407935, from the earlier publication, was included in the study for comparison. Treatment

Prior to the study, the monkeys were kept in quarantine for at least a 30-day period, during which the animals were observed daily for general health. Standard panels of serum chemistry and hematology, examination of fecal samples for ova and parasites, and a tuberculosis test were conducted immediately after the animals' arrival to the quarantine area. The monkeys were 2-4 years old at the start of treatment and weighed between 2 and 4 kg. Ten groups of four randomly assigned male cynomolgus monkeys each were injected subcutaneously with ISIS oligonucleotide or PBS using a stainless steel dosing needle and syringe of appropriate size into one of 4 sites on the back of the monkeys; each site used in clock-wise rotation per dose administered. Nine groups of monkeys were dosed four times a week for the first week (days 1, 3, 5, and 7) as loading doses, and subsequently once a week for weeks 2-12, with 35 mg/kg of ISIS 407935, ISIS 490279, ISIS 473589, ISIS 529804, ISIS 534796, ISIS 540162, ISIS 540175, ISIS 540182, or ISIS 540191. A control group of cynomolgus monkeys was injected with PBS subcutaneously thrice four times a week for the first week (days 1, 3, 5, and 7), and subsequently once a week for weeks 2-12. The protocols described in the Example were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Hepatic Target Reduction

RNA analysis

On day 86, RNA was extracted from liver tissue for real-time PCR analysis of Target-X using primer probe set RTS2927. Results are presented as percent inhibition of Target-X mRNA, relative to PBS control, normalized to RIBOGREEN® or to the house keeping gene, GAPDH. As shown in Table 52, treatment with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides resulted in reduction of Target-X mRNA in comparison to the PBS control.

Table 52

Percent Inhibition of cynomolgous monkey Target-X mRNA in the cynomolgus monkey liver relative to the

PBS control

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxynucleoside Protein levels and activity analysis

Plasma Target-X levels were measured prior to dosing, and on day 3, day 5, day 7, day 16, day 30, day 44, day 65, and day 86 of treatment. Target-X activity was measured using Target-X deficiuent plasma. Approximately 1.5 mL of blood was collected from all available study animals into tubes containing 3.2% sodium citrate. The samples were placed on ice immediately after collection. Collected blood samples were processed to platelet poor plasma and the tubes were centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 10 min at 4°C to obtain plasma.

Protein levels of Target-X were measured by a Target-X elisa kit (purchased from Hyphen BioMed). The results are presented in Table 53.

Table 53

Plasma Target-X protein levels (% reduction compared to the baseline) in the cynomolgus monkey plasma

Example 40

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the huntingtin (HTT) gene sequence

SNP positions (identified by Hayden et al, WO/2009/135322) associated with the HTT gene were mapped to the HTT genomic sequence, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 1 (NT_006081.18 truncated from nucleotides 1566000 to 1768000). Table 56 provides SNP positions associated with the HTT gene. Table 56 provides a reference SNP ID number from the Entrez SNP database at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=snp). incorporated herein by reference. Table 56 furnishes further details on each SNP. The 'Reference SNP ID number' or 'RS number' is the number designated to each SNP from the Entrez SNP database at NCBI, incorporated herein by reference. 'SNP position' refers to the nucleotide position of the SNP on SEQ ID NO: 1. 'Polymorphism' indicates the nucleotide variants at that SNP position. 'Major allele' indicates the nucleotide associated with the major allele, or the nucleotide present in a statistically significant proportion of individuals in the human population. 'Minor allele' indicates the nucleotide associated with the minor allele, or the nucleotide present in a relatively small proportion of individuals in the human population.

Table 56

Single Nuclear Polymorphisms (SNPs) and their positions on SEQ ID NO: 1

rs7685686 146795 A/G A G

rs363088 149983 A/T A T rs362331 155488 C/T T C rs916171 156468 G/C c G rs362322 161018 A/G A G rs362275 164255 T/C C T rs362273 167080 A/G A G rs2276881 171314 G/A G A

rs3121419 171910 T/C C T rs362272 174633 G/A G A rs362271 175171 G/A G A rs3775061 178407 C/T C T rs362310 179429 A/G G A rs362307 181498 T/C C T rs362306 181753 G/A G A rs362303 181960 T/C C T rs362296 186660 C/A C A rs l006798 198026 A/G A G

Example 41

Modified oligonucleotides targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

A series of modified oligonucleotides were designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209 wherein the central gap region contains nine 2 '-deoxyribonucleosides. These modified oligonucleotides were designed by introducing various chemical modifications in the central gap region and were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) H7Y mRNA expression levels targeting rs7685686 while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209.

The modified oligonucleotides were created with a 3-9-3 motif and are described in Table 57. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5-methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are β-ϋ-2'- deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e", "k", "y", or "z" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside, a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt), a subscript "y" indicates an a-L-LNA bicyclic nucleoside and a subscript "z" indicates a F-HNA modified nucleoside. P U indicates a 5-propyne uridine nucleoside and X T indicates a 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside.

The number in parentheses indicates the position on the modified oligonucleotide opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5 '-terminus. Cell culture and transfection

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used (from Coriell Institute). Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild- type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. The H7Y mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented below. Analysis of IC 50 's

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of each oligonucleotide is presented in Table 58 and was calculated by plotting the concentrations of oligonucleotides used versus the percent inhibition of HTT mRNA expression achieved at each concentration, and noting the concentration of oligonucleotide at which 50% inhibition of HTT mRNA expression was achieved compared to the control. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 ' . The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

The parent gapmer, ISIS 460209 is marked with an asterisk (*) in the table and was included in the study as a benchmark oligonucleotide against which the activity and selectivity of the modified

oligonucleotides targeting nucleotides overlapping the SNP position could be compared.

As illustrated in Table 58, modified oligonucleotides having chemical modifications in the central gap region at the SNP position exhibited similar activity with an increase in selectivity comparing to the parent gapmer, wherein the central gap region contains full deoxyribonucleosides.

Table 57

Modified oligonucleotides targeting HTT rs7685686

539563 (8) T e A k A k ATTG x TCATCA k C k C e Deoxy /2-Thio ekk kke 10

539554 (8) T e A k A k ATTGUyCATCA k C k C e Deoxy /a-L-LNA ekk kke 11

542686 (8) T e A k A k ATTGT z CATCA k C k C e Deoxy /F-HNA ekk kke 10 e = 2'-MOE, ] k = cEt

Table 58

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of modified oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeted to rs7685686 in GM04022 cells

Example 42

Modified oligonucleotides comprising chemical modifications in the gap region targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional modified oligonucleotides were designed in a similar manner as the antisense oligonucleotides described in Table 57. Various chemical modifications were introduced in the central gap region at the SNP position in an effort to improve selectivity while maintaining activity in reducing mutant HTT mRNA levels.

The modified oligonucleotides were created with a 3-9-3 motif and are described in Table 59. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5-methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are β-ϋ-2'- deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "a", "e", "f ', "h", "k", "1", "R", "w" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "a" indicates a 2'-(ara)-F modified nucleoside, a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside, a subscript "f ' indicates a 2'-F modified nucleoside, a subscript "h" indicates a HNA modified nucleoside, a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt), a subscript "1" indicates a LNA modified nucleoside, a subscript "R" indicates a 5 '-(R)- Me DNA, a subscript "w" indicates an unlocked nucleic acid (UNA) modified nucleoside. n T indicates an N3-ethylcyano thymidine nucleoside and b N indicates an abasic nucleoside (e.g. 2'-deoxyribonucleoside comprising a H in place of a nucleobase). Underlined nucleoside or the number in parentheses indicates the position on the modified oligonucleotide opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5 '-terminus. Thermal Stability Assay

The modified oligonucleotides were evaluated in thermal stability (T m ) assay. The T m 's were measured using the method described herein. A Cary 100 Bio spectrophotometer with the Cary Win UV Thermal program was used to measure absorbance vs. temperature. For the T m experiments, oligonucleotides were prepared at a concentration of 8 μΜ in a buffer of 100 mM Na+, 10 mM phosphate, 0.1 mM EDTA, pH 7. Concentration of oligonucleotides were determined at 85 °C. The oligonucleotide concentration was 4 μΜ with mixing of equal volumes of test oligonucleotide and mutant or wild-type RNA strand. Oligonucleotides were hybridized with the mutant or wild-type RNA strand by heating duplex to 90 °C for 5 min and allowed to cool at room temperature. Using the spectrophotometer, T m measurements were taken by heating duplex solution at a rate of 0.5 C/min in cuvette starting @ 15 °C and heating to 85 °C . T m values were determined using Vant Hoff calculations (A 2 6o vs temperature curve) using non self-complementary sequences where the minimum absorbance which relates to the duplex and the maximum absorbance which relates to the non- duplex single strand are manually integrated into the program.

Presented in Table 60 is the T m for the modified oligonucleotides when duplexed to mutant or wild- type RNA complement. The T m of the modified oligonucleotides duplexed with mutant RNA complement is denoted as "T m (°C) mut". The T m of the modified oligonucleotides duplexed with wild-type RNA complement is denoted as "T m (°C) wt".

Cell culture, transfection and selectivity analysis

The modified oligonucleotides were also tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using

electroporation with a single dose at 2 μΜ concentration of the modified oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild-type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele.. The H7Y mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN. The results in Table 60 are presented as percent of HTT mRNA expression, relative to untreated control levels and is denoted as "% UTC". Selectivity as was also evaluated and measured by dividing the percent of wild-type HTT mRNA levels vs. the percent of mutant HTT mRNA levels.

The parent gapmer, ISIS 460209 is marked with an asterisk (*) in the table and was included in the study as a benchmark oligonucleotide against which the selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides targeting nucleotides overlapping the SNP position could be compared. As illustrated in Table 60, improvement in selectivity was observed for antisense oligonucleotides comprising chemical modifications in the central gap region at the SNP site such as 5'-(¾ ) -Me (ISIS 539558), HNA (ISIS 539559), and 2'-(ara)-F (ISIS 539565) in comparison to the parent full deoxy gapmer, ISIS 460209. Modified oligonucleotides comprising LNA (ISIS 539553) or 2'-F (ISIS 539570) showed comparable selectivity while UNA modification (ISIS 539556 or 543909) showed no selectivity. Modified oligonucleotides comprising modified nucleobase, N3-ethylcyano (ISIS 539564) or abasic nucleobase (ISIS 543525) showed little to no improvement in selectivity.

Table 59

Modified oligonucleotides comprising chemical modifications in the central gap region

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 60

Comparison of selectivity in inhibition of HTT mRNA levels and Tm of modified oligonucleotides with

ISIS 460209 targeted to rs7685686 in GM04022 cells

539559 (8) 55.4 50.5 18 62 3.5 Deoxy/HNA ekk kke

Deoxy/Deoxy N3-

539564 (8) 42.8 43.1 86 135 1.6 ekk kke

ethylcyano nucleobase

539565 (8) 53.8 52.5 14 46 3.4 Deoxy/2'-(ara)-F ekk kke

539570 (8) 54.4 51.8 25 50 2.0 Deoxy/2'-F ekk kke

543525 (8) 43.1 43.8 87 97 1.1 Deoxy/Deoxy Abasic ekk kke

543909 (5) 44.7 42.1 68 79 1.2 Deoxy/UNA ekk kke e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 43

Chimeric oligonucleotides comprising self-complementary regions targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Chimeric oligonucleotides were designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209. These gapmers comprise self-complementary regions flanking the central gap region, wherein the central gap region contains nine deoxyribonucleosides and the self-complementary regions are complementary to one another. The underlined nucleosides indicate the portion of the 5 '-end that is self-complement to the portion of the 3 '-end.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 61. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5- methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with a single dose at 2 μΜ concentration of the modified oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild-type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. H7YmRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by

RIBOGREEN. The results in Table 62 are presented as percent of HTT mRNA expression, relative to untreated control levels and is denoted as "% UTC". Selectivity was also evaluated and measured by dividing the percent of wild-type HTT mRNA levels vs. the percent of the mutant HTT mRNA levels. The parent gapmer, ISIS 460209 is marked with an asterisk (*) in the table and was included in the study as a benchmark oligonucleotide against which the selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides targeting nucleotides overlapping the SNP position could be compared.

As illustrated in Table 62, improvement in selectivity was observed for chimeric oligonucleotides comprising 5-9-5 (ISIS 550913), 6-9-6 (ISIS 550912), 6-9-3 (ISIS 550907) or 3-9-7 (ISIS 550904) in comparison to the parent gapmer motif, 3-9-3 (ISIS 460209). The remaining gapmers showed moderate to little improvement in selectivity.

Table 61

Chimeric oligonucleotides comprising various wing motifs targeted to HTT rs7685686

Table 62

Comparison of selectivity in inhibition of HTT mRNA levels of chimeric oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeted to rs7685686 in GM04022 cells

550907 30 93 3.1 6-9-3 kkkekk kke

550908 60 80 2.4 7-9-3 kkkkekk kke

550909 42 101 2.4 8-9-3 kkkkkekk kke

550910 57 102 1.8 6-9-6 kkkekk kkekkk

550911 18 40 2.2 5-9-5 kkekk kkekk

550912 14 51 3.6 6-9-6 kkkekk kkekkk

550913 8 36 4.5 5-9-5 kkekk kkekk

550914 29 45 1.5 6-9-6 kkkekk kkekkk

550915 13 28 2.1 5-9-5 kkekk kkekk e = 2'-M0E, k = cEt

Example 44

Chimeric antisense oligonucleotides comprising non-self-complementary regions targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional gapmers are designed based on the most selective gapmers from studies described in Tables 61 and 62 (ISIS 550912 and 550913). These gapmers are created such that they cannot form self- structure in the effort to evaluate if the increased activity simply is due to higher binding affinity. Gapmers are designed by deleting two or three nucleotides at the 3'- terminus and are created with 6-9-3 or 5-9-3 motif.

The chimeric oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 63. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5-methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

The gapmers, ISIS 550912 and ISIS 550913, from which the newly designed gapmers are derived from, are marked with an asterisk (*) in the table.

Table 63

Non-self-complementary chimeric oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

Example 45

Chimeric oligonucleotides containing mismatches targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

A series of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209, wherein the central gap region contains nine 2'-deoxyribonucleosides. These gapmers were designed by introducing modified nucleosides at both 5' and 3' termini. Gapmers were also created with a single mismatch shifted slightly upstream and downstream (i.e. "microwalk") within the central gap region and with the SNP position opposite position 5 of the parent gapmer, as counted from the 5 '-gap terminus.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 64. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5- methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

Underlined nucleosides indicate the mismatch position, as counted from the 5 '-gap terminus.

These gapmers were evaluated for thermal stability (T m ) using methods described in Example 42.

Presented in Table 65 are the T m measurements for chimeric antisense oligonucleotides when duplexed to mutant or wild-type RNA complement. The T m of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides duplexed with mutant RNA complement is denoted as "T m (°C) mut". The T m of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides duplexed with wild-type RNA complement is denoted as "T m (°C) wt".

These gapmers were also tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used.

Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with a single dose at 2 μΜ concentration of the modified oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild-type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. H7YmRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN. The results in Table 65 are presented as percent of HTT mRNA expression, relative to untreated control levels and is denoted as "% UTC". Selectivity was also evaluated and measured by dividing the percent of wild-type H7Y mRNA levels vs. the percent of mutant HTT mRNA levels.

The parent gapmer, ISIS 460209 is marked with an asterisk (*) in the table and was included in the study as a benchmark oligonucleotide against which the selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides targeting nucleotides overlapping the SNP position could be compared. As illustrated in Table 65, improvement in selectivity was observed for gapmers comprising a 4-9-4 motif with a central deoxy gap region (ISIS 476333) or a single mismatch at position 8 within the gap region (ISIS 543531) in comparison to the parent gapmer. The remaining gapmers showed moderate to little improvement in selectivity.

Table 64

Chimeric oligonucleotides containing a single mismatch targeting mutant HTT SNP

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt

Table 65

Comparison of selectivity and T m of chimeric oligonucleotides with ISIS 460209 targeted to rs7685686 in GM04022 cells

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt Example 46

Chimeric oligonucleotides comprising mismatches targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional chimeric antisense oligonucleotides are designed based on two gapmers selected from studies described in Tables 64 and 65 (ISIS 476333 and ISIS 460209) wherein the central gap region contains nine 2 '-deoxyribonucleosides. These gapmers are designed by introducing a single mismatch, wherein the mismatch will be shifted throughout the antisense oligonucleotide (i.e. "microwalk"). Gapmers are also created with 4-9-4 or 3-9-3 motifs and with the SNP position opposite position 8 of the original gapmers, as counted from the 5'- terminus.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 66. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5- methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

Underlined nucleosides indicate the mismatch position, as counted from the 5'- terminus.

The gapmers, ISIS 476333 and ISIS 460209, in which the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides are derived from, are marked with an asterisk (*) in the table.

Table 66

Chimeric oligonucleotides comprising mismatches targeting HTT SNP

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt Example 47

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209, wherein the central gap region contains nine 2'-deoxyribonucleosides. These gapmers were designed by shortening the central gap region to seven 2'-deoxyribonuclosides. Gapmers were also created with 5-7-5 motif and with the SNP position opposite position 8 or 9 of the parent gapmer, as counted from the 5'- terminus.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 67. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5- methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

Underlined nucleoside or the number in parentheses indicates the position on the modified oligonucleotide opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

The chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. ISIS 141923 was included in the study as a negative control and is denoted as "neg control". A non-allele specific antisense oligonucleotide, ISIS 387916 was used as a positive control and is denoted as "pos control". ISIS 460209 was included in the study for comparison. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3, and 10 μΜ concentration of the modified oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild-type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented in Table 68.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods described previously in Example 41. As illustrated in Table 68, no improvement in potency and selectivity was observed for the chimeric antisense oligonucleotides as compared to ISIS 460209. Table 67

Chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeting HTT rs7685686

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt Table 68

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides with ISIS 460209 targeted to rs7685686 in GM04022 cells

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt

Example 48

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209, wherein the central gap region contains nine 2'-deoxyribonucleosides. These gapmers were designed with the central gap region shortened or interrupted by introducing various modifications either within the gap or by adding one or more modified nucleosides to the 3 '-most 5 '-region or to the 5 '-most 3'- region. Gapmers were created with the SNP position opposite position 8 of the parent gapmer, as counted from the 5'- terminus.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 69. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases throughout each gapmer are 5- methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

The chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 2 μΜ concentration of the modified oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild-type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. H7YmRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by

RIBOGREEN. The results in Table 70 are presented as percent of HTT mRNA expression, relative to untreated control levels and is denoted as "% UTC". Selectivity was also evaluated and measured by dividing the percent of wild-type HTT mRNA levels vs. the percent of mutant HTT mRNA levels. ISIS 460209 marked with an asterisk (*) in the table was included in the study for comparison.

As illustrated in Table 70, modifications to the 3 '-most 5 '-region nucleosides that shorten the gap from 9 to 7 or 8 nucleotides (ISIS 551429 and ISIS 551426) improved selectivity and potency comparing to the parent gapmer (ISIS 460209). The remaining chimeric antisense oligonucleotides showed moderate to little improvement in selectivity.

Table 69

Short-gap antisense oligonucleotides targeting HTT rs7685686

e= 2' -MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside Table 70

Comparison of selectivity in inhition of HTT mRNA levels of antisense oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeted to rs7685686 in GM4022 cells

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 49

Modified oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

A series of modified antisense oligonucleotides are designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209, wherein the central gap region contains nine 2'-deoxynucleosides and is marked with an asterisk (*) in the table. These modified oligonucleotides are designed by shortening or interrupting the gap with a single mismatch or various chemical modifications within the central gap region. The modified oligonucleotides are created with the SNP position opposite position 8 of the parent gapmer, as counted from the 5' - terminus.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 71. The intemucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages, except for the intemucleoside linkage with a subscript "p", "pz" or "pw". Subscript "p" indicates methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkage. Subscript "pz" indicates (¾ ) -methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkage. Subscript "pw" indicates -methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkage. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5-methyl cytosines. X T indicates a 2-thio thymidine nucleoside. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e", "k" or "b" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside, a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt) and a subscript "b" indicates a 5 '-Me DNA modified nucleoside. Underlined nucleosides indicate the position of modification. Bold and underlined nucleosides indicate the mismatch position. Table 71

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

Example 50

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides comprising modifications at the wing regions targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209, wherein the central gap region contains nine 2 '-deoxynucleosides. These gapmers were designed by shortening the central gap region to seven 2'-deoxynucleosides and introducing various modifications at the wing regions.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 72. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5- methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

The number in parentheses indicates the position on the chimeric oligonucleotide opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

These gapmers were evaluated for thermal stability (T m ) using methods described in Example 42.

Presented in Table 73 is the T m measurements for chimeric antisense oligonucleotides when duplexed to mutant or wild-type RNA complement. The T m of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides duplexed with mutant RNA complement is denoted as "T m (°C) mut". The T m of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides duplexed with wild-type RNA complement is denoted as "T m (°C) wt".

These gapmers were also tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used.

Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with a single dose at 2 μΜ concentration of the modified oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild-type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. H7YmRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN. The results in Table 73 are presented as percent of HTT mRNA expression, relative to untreated control levels and is denoted as "% UTC". Selectivity was also evaluated and measured by dividing the percent of wild-type H7Y mRNA levels vs. the percent of mutant HTT mRNA levels. ISIS 460209 marked with an asterisk (*) in the table was included in the study for comparison.

As illustrated in Table 73, improvement in selectivity was observed for gapmers comprising 2-7-8 or 5-7-5 motifs having cEt subunits at the wing regions in comparison to the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209. The remaining gapmers showed moderate to little improvement in selectivity. Table 72

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides comprising wing modifications

e = 2'-MOE (e.g. e6 = eeeeee), and k = cEt

Table 73

Comparison of selectivity in inhibition of HTT mRNA levels of antisense oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeted to RS7685686 in GM04022 cells

Example 51

Chimeric oligonucleotides with SNP site shifting within the central gap region

Chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209 wherein the SNP site aligns with position 5 of the parent gapmer, as counted from the 5 '-gap terminus. These gapmers were designed by shifting the SNP site upstream or downstream (i.e. microwalk) within the central gap region of the parent gapmer. The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 74. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5- methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

Underline nucleosides indicate the position on the chimeric oligonucleotide aligns with the SNP site.

The SNP site indicates the position on the chimeric antisense oligonucleotide opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5 '-gap terminus and is denoted as "SNP site".

The chimeric oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN. ISIS 460209 marked with an asterisk (*) in the table was included in the study for comparison.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using the methods previously described in Example 41. As illustrated in Table 75, chimeric oligonucleotides comprising 4-9-2 (ISIS 540082) or 2-9-4 (ISIS 540095) motif with the SNP site at position 1 or 3 showed comparable activity and 2.5 fold selectivity as compared to their counterparts.

Table 74

Chimeric oligonucleotides designed by microwalk

e = 2' -MOE, and k = cEt

Table 75

Comparison of inhibition ofH J mRNA levels and selectivity of chimeric oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeted to HTT SNP

540089 >10 >10 ~ 4-9-2 8 ekkk ke

540095 0.69 8.4 12 2-9-4 3 ek kkke e = 2'-M0E, and k = cEt

Example 52

Chimeric oligonucleotides with SNP site shifting at various positions

Chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209 wherein the SNP site aligns with position 8 of the parent gapmer, as counted from the 5 '-terminus. These gapmers were designed by shifting the SNP site upstream or downstream (i.e. microwalk) of the original

oligonucleotide.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 76. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5- methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

Underline nucleosides indicate the SNP site.

The SNP site indicates the position on the chimeric antisense oligonucleotide opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5'- terminus and is denoted as "SNP site".

The chimeric oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild-type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. H7YmRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by

RIBOGREEN. The results in Table 77 are presented as percent of HTT mRNA expression, relative to untreated control levels and is denoted as "% UTC". Selectivity was also evaluated and measured by dividing the percent of wild-type HTT mRNA levels vs. the percent of mutant HTT mRNA levels.

The parent gapmer, ISIS 460209 is marked with an asterisk (*) in the table and was included in the study as a benchmark oligonucleotide against which the selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides targeting nucleotides overlapping the SNP position could be compared.

As illustrated in Table 77, improvement in potency and selectivity was observed for chimeric oligonucleotides comprising 4-9-2 or 2-9-4 motif having the target SNP site at positions 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 (ISIS540083, ISIS540084, ISIS 540085, ISIS 540094, ISIS 540096, ISIS 540097 and ISIS 540098) in comparison to position 8 of the parent gapmer (ISIS 460209). The remaining gapmers showed little to improvement in potency or selectivity.

Table 76

Chimeric oligonucleotides designed by microwalk

e = 2'-MOE; k = cEt; d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside Table 77

Comparison of selectivity in HTT SNP inhibition of chimeric oligonucleotides with ISIS 460209

% UTC Selectivity SNP

ISIS NO Motif

mut wt (wt vs. mut) site

3-9-3

460209* 23 57 2.4 8

(ekk-d9-kke)

4-9-2

543887 18 43 2.3 4

(ekkk-d9-ke)

4-9-2

540083 18 67 3.7 6

(ekkk-d9-ke)

4-9-2

540084 10 49 4.9 7

(ekkk-d9-ke)

4-9-2

540085 21 86 4.1 8

(ekkk-d9-ke)

4-9-2

540087 60 98 1.6 10

(ekkk-d9-ke)

4-9-2

540090 129 137 1.1 13

(ekkk-d9-ke)

4-9-2

540091 93 105 1.1 14

(ekkk-d9-ke)

2-9-4

540092 28 55 2.0 2

(ek-d9-kkke)

2-9-4

540093 18 62 3.4 3

(ek-d9-kkke)

2-9-4

540094 13 45 3.4 4

(ek-d9-kkke)

2-9-4

540096 17 68 4.0 6

(ek-d9-kkke)

2-9-4

540097 8 35 4.2 8

(ek-d9-kkke)

2-9-4

540098 12 45 3.9 8

(ek-d9-kkke)

2-9-4

540099 62 91 1.5 9

(ek-d9-kkke)

2-9-4

540100 80 106 1.3 10

(ek-d9-kkke)

2-9-4

540101 154 152 1.0 11

(ek-d9-kkke)

2-9-4

540102 102 106 1.0 12

(ek-d9-kkke)

e = 2'-MOE; k = cEt; d = 2 '-deoxyribonucleoside Example 53

Selectivity in inhibition of HTT mRNA levels targeting SNP by chimeric oligonucleotides designed by microwalk

A series of modified oligonucleotides were designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209, wherein the central gap region comprises nine 2'-deoxyribonucleosides. These gapmers were created with various motifs and modifications at the wings and/or the central gap region.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 78. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5-methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e", "k", "y", or "z" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside, a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt), a subscript "y" indicates an a-L-LNA modified nucleoside, and a subscript "z" indicates a F-HNA modified nucleoside. P U indicates a 5-propyne uridine nucleoside and X T indicates a 2-thio- thymidine nucleoside. Underlined nucleosides indicate the mismatch position.

These gapmers were evaluated for thermal stability (T m ) using methods described in Example 42.

Presented in Table 79 are the T m measurements for chimeric antisense oligonucleotides when duplexed to mutant or wild-type RNA complement. The T m of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides duplexed with mutant RNA complement is denoted as "T m (°C) mut". The T m of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides duplexed with wild-type RNA complement is denoted as "T m (°C) wt".

These gapmers were also tested in vitro. ISIS 141923 was included in the study as a negative control and is denoted as "neg control". The non-allele specific antisense oligonucleotides, ISIS 387916 was used as a positive control and is denoted as "pos control". Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with a single dose at 2 μΜ concentration of the modified oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild-type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. H7YmRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN. ISIS 460209 marked with an asterisk (*) in the table was included in the study for comparison. The results in Table 79 are presented as percent of HTT mRNA expression, relative to untreated control levels and is denoted as "% UTC". Selectivity was also evaluated and measured by dividing the percent of wild-type HTT mRNA levels vs. the percent of mutant HTT mRNA levels. As illustrated, several of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides showed improvement ' potency and/or selectivity in inhibiting mut HTT mRNA levels comparing to ISIS 460209.

Table 78

Modified oligonucleotides comprising various modifications targeting HTT SNP

e = 2'-MOE; k = cEt; d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside Table 79

Comparison of selectivity in inhibition of HTT mRNA levels, and Tm of modified oligonucleotides with

ISIS 460209 targeted tors7685686 in GM04022 cells

e = 2'-MOE; k = cEt; d = 2'-deoxyribonuc eoside

Example 54

Chimeric oligonucleotides comprising modifications at the SNP site of HTT gene

Additional gapmers are designed based on the gapmer selected from studies described in Tables 73 and 74 (ISIS 540108) and is marked with an asterisk (*). These gapmers are designed by introducing modifications at the SNP site at position 9 of the oligonucleotides, as counted from the 5 '-terminus and are created with a 5-7-5 motif. The gapmers are described in Table 80. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5 -methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "a", "b", "e", or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "a" indicates 2'-(ara)-F modified nucleoside, a subscript "b" indicates a 5 '-Me DNA modified nucleoside, a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside, and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). X T indicates a 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside. Underline nucleoside or the number in parentheses indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

Table 80

Modified oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt

Example 55

Chimeric oligonucleotides comprising modifications at the wing regions targeting HTT SNP

Additional gapmers are designed based on the gapmer selected from studies described in Tables 89 and 21 (ISIS 540107) and is marked with an asterisk (*). These gapmers are designed by introducing bicyclic modified nucleosides at the 3 ' or 5 ' terminus and are tested to evaluate if the addition of bicyclic modified nucleosides at the wing regions improves the activity and selectivity in inhibition of mutant HTT SNP.

The gapmers comprise a 5-7-5 motif and are described in Table 81. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5-methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides.

Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e", or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside, and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). Table 81

Modified oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

Example 56

Chimeric oligonucleotides comprising wing and central gap modifications targeting HTT SNP

Additional gapmers are designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209, wherein the central gap region comprises nine 2'-deoxyribonucleosides and is marked with an asterisk (*) in the table. These gapmers were designed by introducing modifications at the wings or the central gap region and are created with a 3-9-3 motif.

The gapmers are described in Table 82. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5 -methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e", or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside, and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). P T indicates a 5-propyne thymidine nucleoside. P C indicates a 5-propyne cytosine nucleoside. Underline nucleoside or the number in parentheses indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

Table 82

Modified oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP (3-9-3)

Deoxy gap

552103 (8) T e A e A e ATTGTCATCA k C k C k eee kkk 10

(3-9-3)

Deoxy gap

552104 (8) T k A k A k ATTGTCATCA e C e Ce kkk eee 10

(3-9-3)

Deoxy/5-

552105 (8) T e A k A k ATTGVCATCA k C k C e ekk kke 10

Propyne

Deoxy/5-

552106 (8) T e A k A k A p T p TGVCA p T p CA k C k C e ekk kke 10

Propyne

e = 2'-MOE; k = cEt

Example 57

Modified oligonucleotides comprising F-HNA modification at the central gap or wing region targeting HTT SNP

A series of modified oligonucleotides were designed based on ISIS 460209, wherein the central gap region contains nine 2'-deoxyribonucleosides. These modified oligonucleotides were designed by incorporating one or more F-HNA(s) modification within the central gap region or on the wing regions. The F-HNA containing oligonucleotides were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting rs7685686 while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 83. The internucleoside linkages throughout each modified oligonucleotide are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S). Nucleosides without a subscript are -D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicate 2'-0- methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicate 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleosides (e.g. cEt). Nucleosides followed by a subscript "z" indicate F-HNA modified nucleosides. m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 8 as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

The gap-interrupted antisense oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by

RIBOGREEN and the results are presented in Table 84.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 '. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

The parent gapmer, 460209 is marked with an asterisk (*) in the table and was included in the study as a benchmark oligonucleotide against which the activity and selectivity of antisense oligonucleotides targeting nucleotides overlapping the SNP position could be compared.

As illustrated in Table 84, oligonucleotides comprising F-HNA modification(s) showed improvement in selectivity while maintaining activity as compared to the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209.

Table 83

Gap-interrupted antisense oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d= 2'-p-deoxyribonucleoside, z = F-HNA

Table 84

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of gap-interrupted antisense

oligonucleotides with ISIS 460209 targeting HTT SNP

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d= 2'-p-deoxyribonucleoside, z = F-HNA

Example 58

Modified oligonucleotides comprising cEt modification(s) at the central gap region targeting HTT SNP A series of modified oligonucleotides were designed in the same manner as described in Example 57.

These modified oligonucleotides were designed by replacing F-HNA(s) with cEt modification(s) in the central gap region while maintaining the wing configuration. The modified oligonucleotides were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) H7Y mRNA expression levels targeting rs7685686 while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the modified

oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 85. The internucleoside linkages throughout each modified oligonucleotide are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S). Nucleosides without a subscript are -D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicate 2'-0- methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicate 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleosides (e.g. cEt). m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 8 as counted from the 5'- terminus.

The gap-interrupted antisense oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by

RIBOGREEN and the results are presented below.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The

IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 '. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

As illustrated in Table 86, some of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides (ISIS 575006,

575007, and 575008) showed improvement in potency and/or selectivity in inhibiting mut ΗΤΤ mRNA levels comparing to ISIS 460209. Table 85

Gap-interrupted antisense oligonucleotides targeting H7TSNP

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d= 2'-p-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 86

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJmRNA levels and selectivity of gap-interrupted antisense

oligonucleotides with ISIS 460209 targeting HTT SNP

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d= 2'-p-deoxyribonucleoside Example 59

Modified oligonucleotides comprising F-HNA modification at the 3'-end of central gap region targeting HTT SNP

A series of modified oligonucleotides were designed based on ISIS 460209, wherein the central gap region contains nine 2'-deoxyribonucleosides. These modified oligonucleotides were designed by incorporating one F-HNA modification at the 3 '-end of the central gap region. The F-HNA containing oligonucleotides were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting HTT SNP while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 87. The internucleoside linkages throughout each modified oligonucleotide are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S). Nucleosides without a subscript are -D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicate 2'-0- methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicate 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleosides (e.g. cEt). Nucleosides followed by a subscript "z" indicate F-HNA modified nucleosides. m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 8 as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented in Table 88.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 '. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

As illustrated in Table 88, a couple of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides (ISIS 575833 and 575834) showed improvement in selectivity while maintaining potency as compared to ISIS 460209. ISIS 575836 showed an increase in potency without improvement in selectivity while ISIS 575835 showed comparable selectivity without improvement in potency.

Table 87

Modified oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

T e A k A k ATTGT 3-9-3 or Deoxy/F- ekk kke or

575836 10

mCAT m C z A k m C k m C e 3-8-4 HNA zkke e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d= 2'-p-deoxyribonucleoside, z = F-HNA

Table 88

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of modified oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeting HTT SNP

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d= 2'-p-deoxyribonucleoside, z = F-HNA

Example 60

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed based on ISIS 460209 and ISIS 540094 wherein the central gap region contains nine 2'-deoxynucleosides. These gapmers were designed with the central gap region shortened by introducing cEt modifications to the wing regions, or interrupted by introducing cEt modifications at the 3 '-end of the the central gap region. The modified oligonucleotides were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting HTT SNP while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209 and 540094.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 89. The internucleoside linkages throughout each modified oligonucleotide are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S). Nucleosides without a subscript are β- D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicate 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicate 6'-(¾)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleosides (e.g. cEt). m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 4 or 8 as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented in Table 90.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The

IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 '. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

As illustrated in Table 90, the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides (ISIS 575003) showed improvement in selectivity while maintaining potency as compared to ISIS 460209.

Table 89

Short-gap antisense oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 90

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of modified oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeting HTT SNP

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside Example 61

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed based on 15-mer, ISIS 460209 and 17- mer, ISIS 476333 wherein the central gap region contains nine 2'-deoxynucleosides. These gapmers were designed with the central gap region shortened at the 5 '-end of the the central gap region. The gapmers were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting HTT SNP while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the gapmers were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209 and ISIS 476333.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 91. The internucleoside linkages throughout each modified oligonucleotide are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S). Nucleosides without a subscript are β- D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicate 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicate 6'-(¾)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleosides (e.g. cEt). m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 8 or 9 as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented in Table 92.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 ' . The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

As illustrated in Table 92, a couple of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides (ISIS 571036 and 571037) showed improvement in potency and selectivity in inhibiting mut ΗΤΤ mRNA levels as compared to ISIS 460209 and 476333.

Table 91

Short-gap antisense oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP chemistry 5' 3' NO.

T e A k A k ATTGT

460209* 3-9-3 Full deoxy ekk kke 10

mCAT m CA k m C k m C e

A e T k A e A k ATTGT

476333* 4-9-4 Full deoxy ekek keke 32

mCAT m CA k m C e m C k A e

A e T k A e A k A e T k TGT

571036 6-7-4 Full deoxy ekekek keke 32

mCAT m CA k m C e m C k A e

A e T e A e A e A k T k TGT

571037 6-7-4 Full deoxy eeeekk keke 32

mCAT m CA k m C e m C k A e

A e T k A e A k A e T e TGT

571038 6-7-4 Full deoxy ekekee keke 32

mCAT m CA k m C e m C k A e

e= 2' -MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 92

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of modified oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeting HTT SNP

e= 2' -MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 62

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed based on 15-mer, ISIS 460209 wherein the central gap region contains nine 2'-deoxynucleosides. These gapmers were designed by having the central gap region shortened to seven 2'-deoxynucleosides. The gapmers were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting HTT SNP while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the gapmers were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 93. The internucleoside linkages throughout each modified oligonucleotide are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S). Nucleosides without a subscript are β- D-2' -deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicate 2 '-O-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicate 6'-(¾)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleosides (e.g. cEt). m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 8 or 9 as counted from the 5 '-terminus. The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented in Table 94.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 '. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

As illustrated in Table 94, each of the newly designed antisense oligonucleotides (ISIS 540108 and 571069) showed improvement in potency and/or selectivity in inhibiting mut ΗΤΤ mRNA levels as compared to ISIS 460209.

Table 93

Short-gap antisense oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 94

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of modified oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeting HTT SNP

571069 0.29 >9.9 >34 6-7-4 Full deoxy eeeekk kkee

571173 1.0 >10 >10 4-7-6 Full deoxy eekk kkeeee

572773 0.71 >7.8 11 4-7-4 Full deoxy eekk kkee e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 63

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed based on 15-mer, ISIS 460209 and 17- mer, ISIS 540108 wherein the central gap region contains nine and seven 2'-deoxynucleosides, respectively. These gapmers were designed by introducing one or more cEt modification(s) at the 5 '-end of the central gap region. The gapmers were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting HTT SNP while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the gapmers were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209 and ISIS 540108.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 95. The internucleoside linkages throughout each modified oligonucleotide are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S). Nucleosides without a subscript are β- D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicate 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicate 6'-(¾)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleosides (e.g. cEt). m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 8 or 9 as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented in Table 96.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The

IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 '. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

As illustrated in Table 96, most of the newly designed oligonucleotides showed improvement in selectivity while maintaining potency as compared to 460209. Table 95

Short-gap antisense oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 96

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of modified oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeting HTT SNP

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 64

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed based on 15-mer, ISIS 460209 and 17- mer, ISIS 540108 wherein the central gap region contains nine and seven 2 '-deoxynucleosides, respectively. These gapmers were designed by introducing one or more cEt modification(s) at the 3 '-end of the central gap region. The gapmers were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting HTT SNP while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the gapmers were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209 and ISIS 540108.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 97. The internucleoside linkages throughout each modified oligonucleotide are phosphorothioate linkages (P=S). Nucleosides without a subscript are β- D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicate 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicate 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleosides (e.g. cEt). m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 8 or 9 as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented in Table 98.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 '. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

As illustrated in Table 98, each of the newly designed oligonucleotides showed improvement in selective inhibition of mutant ΗΤΤ mRNA levels compared to ISIS 460209. Comparable potency was observed for ISIS 568879 and 568880 while a slight loss in potency was observed for ISIS 556875, 556876 and 556877.

Table 97

Short-gap antisense oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

A e T e A e A e A e TTGT

568879 5-7-5 Full deoxy eeeee kkkke 32

mCAT m C k A k m C k m C k A e

A e T e A e A e A e TTGT

568880 5-7-5 Full deoxy eeeee kkkkk 32

mCAT m C k A k m C k m C k A k

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 98

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of modified oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeting HTT SNP

e= 2 -M E, = cEt, = 2 - eoxyr onuc eos e Example 65

Modified oligonucleotides targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

A series of modified oligonucleotides were designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209 wherein the central gap region contains nine 2 '-deoxyribonucleosides. These modified oligonucleotides were designed by introducing various chemical modifications in the central gap region and were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting SNP while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209.

The modified oligonucleotides were created with a 3-9-3 motif and are described in Table 99. The intemucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages, except for the intemucleoside linkage having a subscript "p" which indicates a methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkage (-0-P(CH 3 )(=0)-0-). Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. X T indicates a 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 8 as counted from the 5'- terminus.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used (from Coriell Institute). Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild- type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. The H7Y mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented in Table 100.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The

IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 '. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

As illustrated in Table 100, improvement in selectivity with a slight decrease in potency was observed for the newly designed oligonucleotides as compared to ISIS 460209.

Table 99

Short-gap antisense oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 100

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of modified oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeting HTT SNP 460209 0.56 3.8 6.8 Full deoxy ekk kke

556845 0.98 >9.8 >10 Deoxy/2-Thio ekk kke

556847 1.3 >10.4 >8 Deoxy/2-Thio ekk kke

Deoxy/Methyl

558257 1.7 >10.2 >6 ekk kke

Phosphonate

Deoxy/2-

571125 1.8 >10.8 >6 Thio/Methyl ekk kke

Phosphonate

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 66

Modified oligonucleotides comprising chemical modifications in the central gap region targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed in the same manner as the antisense oligonucleotides described in Example 65. These gapmers were designed by introducing various modifications in the central gap region and were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting SNP while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 101. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages, except for the internucleoside linkage having a subscript "p" which indicates a methyl phosphonate internucleoside linkage (-0-P(CH 3 )(=0)-0-). Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. X T indicates a 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 8 as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used (from Coriell Institute). Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild- type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. The H7Y mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented in Table 102. The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 '. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

As illustrated in Table 102, some of the newly designed oligonucleotides showed improvement in selectivity while maintaining potency as compared to 460209.

Table 101

Short-gap antisense oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 102

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of modified oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeting HTT SNP

Deoxy/Methyl

579854 0.63 >10.1 >16 4-8-3 eeek kke

Phosphonate

Deoxy/Methyl

566282 0.51 6.3 12.4 3-9-3 ekk kke

Phosphonate

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt

Example 67

Modified oligonucleotides comprising chemical modifications in the central gap region targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Additional chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were designed in the same manner as the antisense oligonucleotides described in Example 65. These gapmers were designed by introducing various modifications in the central gap region and were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting SNP while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 103. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages, except for the internucleoside linkage having a subscript "p" which indicates a methyl phosphonate internucleoside linkage (-0-P(CH 3 )(=0)-0-). Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. X T indicates a 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 8 or 9 as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used (from Coriell Institute). Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild- type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. The H7Y mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented in Table 104.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 '. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

As illustrated in Table 104, all but one of the newly designed oligonucleotides showed improvement in selectivity while maintaining potency as compared to ISIS 460209.

Table 103

Short-gap antisense oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 104

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of modified oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeting HTT SNP

e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 68

Selectivity in inhibition of HTT mRNA levels targeting SNP by gap-interrupted modified

oligonucleotides Additional modified oligonucleotides were designed based on the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209 wherein the central gap region contains nine 2 '-deoxyribonucleosides. These modified oligonucleotides were designed by introducing one or more modified nucleobase(s) in the central gap region and were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting SNP while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The activity and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209.

The modified oligonucleotides were created with a 3-9-3 motif and are described in Table 105. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0- methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). m C indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside. X T indicates a 2-thio-thymidine nucleoside. Underlined nucleoside indicates the position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, which is position 8 as counted from the 5 '-terminus.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used (from Coriell Institute). Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild- type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. The H7Y mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN.

The IC 50 and selectivity were calculated using methods previously described in Example 41. The

IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the mutant HTT mRNA expression is denoted as 'mut IC 50 '. The IC 50 at which each oligonucleotide inhibits the wild-type H7Y mRNA expression is denoted as 'wt IC 50 '. Selectivity was calculated by dividing the IC 50 for inhibition of the wild-type HTT versus the IC 50 for inhibiting expression of the mutant HTT mRNA.

As illustrated in Table 106, ISIS 556845 showed improvement in selectivity and potency as compared to ISIS 460209. ISIS 556847 showed improvement in selectivity with comparable potency while ISIS 556846 showed improvement in potency with comparable selectivity. Table 105

Gap-interrupted modified oligonucleotides targeting H7TSNP

:= 2' -MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside Table 106

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJmRNA levels and selectivity of gap-interrupted modified oligonucleotides with ISIS 460209 targeting HTT SNP

e= 2' -MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside Example 69

Evaluation of modified oligonucleotides targeting HTT SNP - in vivo study

Additional modified oligonucleotides were selected and tested for their effects on mutant and wild type HTT protein levels in vivo targeting various SNP sites as illustrated below.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 107. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases thoughout each gapmer are 5- methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

The gapmer, ISIS 460209 was included in the study as a benchmark oligonucleotide against which the potency and selectivity of the modified oligonucletides could be compared. A non-allele specific oligonucleotide, ISIS 387898, was used as a positive control. Hu97/18 mice, the first murine model of HD that fully genetically recapitulates human HD were used in the study. They were generated in Hayden's lab by cross bred BACHD, YAC18 and Hdh (-/-) mice.

Hu97/18 mice were treated with 300 μg of modified oligonucleotides by a single unilateral intracerebroventricular (ICV) bolus injection. This treatment group consisted of 4 animals/oligonucleotide. The control group received a 10 μΐ bolus injection of sterile PBS and consisted of 4 animals.

Animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks post-injection. The second most anterior 2 mm coronal slab for each brain hemisphere was collected using a 2 mm rodent brain matrix. The remaining portion of the brain was post-fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, cryoprotected in 30% sucrose and sectioned into 25 μπι coronal sections for immunohistochemical analysis.

The HTT protein levels were analyzed by high molecular weight western blot (modified from

Invitrogen' s NuPAGE Bis-Tris System Protocol). The tissue was homogenized in ice cold SDP lysis buffer. 40 μg of total protein lysate was resolved on 10% low-BIS acrylamide gels (200: 1 acrylamide: BIS) with tris- glycine running buffer (25mM Tris, 190mM Glycince, 0.1% SDS) containing 10.7 mM β-mercaptoethanol added fresh. Gels were run at 90V for 40 min through the stack, then 190V for 2.5 h, or until the 75kDa molecular weight marker band was at the bottom of the gel. Proteins were transferred to nitrocellulose at

24V for 2 h with NuPage transfer buffer (Invitrogen: 25 mM Bicine, 25 mM Bis-Tris, 1.025 mM EDTA, 5% MeOH, pH 7.2). Membranes were blocked with 5% milk in PBS, and then blotted for HTT with MAB2166 (1 : 1000, millipore). Anti-calnexin (Sigma C4731) immunoblotting was used as loading control. Proteins were detected with IR dye 800CW goat anti-mouse (Rockland 610-131-007) and AlexaFluor 680 goat anti- rabbit (Molecular Probes A21076)-labeled secondary antibodies, and the LiCor Odyssey Infrared Imaging system.

The results in Table 108 are presented as the average percent of HTT protein levels for each treatment group, normalized to PBS-treated control and is denoted as "% UTC". The percent of mutant HTT protein levels is denoted as "mut". The percent of wild-type HTT protein levels is denoted as "wt". Selectivity was also evaluated and measured by dividing the percent of wild-type HTT protein levels vs. the percent of the mutant HTT protein levels.

As illustrated in Table 108, treatment with the newly designed oligonucleotides, ISIS 476333 and 460085 showed improvement in potency and selectivity in inhibiting mutant HTT protein levels as compared to the parent gapmer, 460209. Comparable or a slight loss in potency and/or selectivity was observed for the remaining oligonucleotides.

Table 107

Modified oligonucleotides targeting HTT rs7685686, rs4690072 and rs363088 in Hu97/18 mice

e = - e.g. e = eeeee , = c t

Table 108

Effects of modified oligonucleotides on mutant and wild type HTT protein levels in Hu97/18 mice

Example 70

Evaluation of ISIS 435871 in central nervous system (CNS) targeting HTT rs363088 - in vivo study

A modified oligonucleotide from Example 68, ISIS 435871 was selected and tested for its effects on mutant and wild type HTT protein levels in the CNS in vivo targeting rs363088.

Hu97/18 mouse was treated with 300 μg of ISIS 435871 by a single unilateral intracerebroventricular (ICV) bolus injection. The animal was sacrificed at 4 weeks post-injection. Regional CNS structures were then micro-dissected including bilateral samples from the most anterior portion of cortex (Cortex 1), an intermediate section of cortex (Cortex 2), the most posterior section of cortex (Cortex 3), the striatum, the hippocampus, the cerebellum, and a 1 cm section of spinal cord directly below the brain stem. Tissue was homogenized and assessed for mutant and wild-type HTT levels by Western blotting using the procedures as described in Example 69. The results are presented below. As no untreated or vehicle treated control is shown, HTT intensity of each allele is expressed as a ratio of calnexin loading control intensity. The ratio of the mutant HTT to the wt HTT in the treated animal was determined and is denoted as "wt/mut". Having a ratio higher than 1 is indicative of allele-specific silencing.

As illustrated in Table 109, a single unilateral ICV bolus injection of the modified antisense oligonucleotide showed selective HTT silencing throughout the CNS except in the cerebellum, where the antisense oligonucleotide did not distribute evenly.

Table 109

Effects of ISIS 435871 on mutant and wild type HTT protein levels in CNS targeting rs363088 in

Hu97/18 mice

Example 71

Evaluation of modified oligonucleotides targeting HTT rs7685686 - in vivo study

Several modified oligonucleotides from Examples 43, 51, 52, 53 and 66 were selected and tested for their effects on mutant and wild type HTT protein levels in vivo targeting HTT rs7685686.

The gapmer, ISIS 460209 was included in the study as a benchmark oligonucleotide against which the potency and selectivity of the modified oligonucletides could be compared.

Hu97/18 mice were treated with 300 μg of modified oligonucleotides by a single unilateral intracerebroventricular (ICV) bolus injection. This treatment group consisted of 4 animals/oligonucleotide. The control group received a 10 μΐ bolus injection of sterile PBS and consisted of 4 animals.

Animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks post-injection. The second most anterior 2 mm coronal slab for each brain hemisphere was collected using a 2 mm rodent brain matrix. The HTT protein levels were analyzed in the same manner as described in Example 69 and the results are presented below.

The results in Table 110 are presented as the average percent of HTT protein levels for each allele and treatment group, normalized to PBS-treated control and is denoted as "% UTC". The percent of mutant HTT protein levels is denoted as "mut". The percent of wild-type HTT protein levels is denoted as "wt". As shown in Table 110, each of the newly designed oligonucleotides showed improvement in selective inhibition of mutant HTT protein levels as compared to ISIS 460209. ISIS 550913 and 540095 showed improvement in potency while the remaining modified oligonucleotides showed comparable or a slight decrease in potency as compared to the parent gapmer.

Table 110

Effects of modified oligonucleotides on mutant and wild type HTT protein levels targeting rs7685686

Hu97/18 mice

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt

Example 72

Evaluation of modified oligonucleotides targeting HTT rs7685686 - in vivo study

Several modified oligonucleotides selected from Examples 57, 58, 61 and 62 were tested and evaluated for their effects on mutant and wild type HTT protein levels in vivo targeting H7Y rs7685686.

Hu97/18 mice were treated with 300 μg of modified oligonucleotides by a single unilateral intracerebro ventricular (ICV) bolus injection and the control group received a 10 μΐ bolus injection of sterile

PBS. Each treatment group consisted of 4 animals.

Animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks post-injection. The second most anterior 2 mm coronal slab for each brain hemisphere was collected using a 2 mm rodent brain matrix. The HTT protein levels were analyzed in the same manner as described in Example 69. The in vivo study for ISIS 575008 and 571069 marked with an asterisk (*) was performed independently and the results are presented below. The results in Table 111 are presented as the average percent of HTT protein levels for each allele and treatment group, normalized to PBS-treated control and is denoted as "% UTC". The percent of mutant HTT protein levels is denoted as "mut". The percent of wild-type HTT protein levels is denoted as "wt".

As illustrated in Table 111, selective inhibition of mut HTT protein levels was achieved with the newly designed oligonucleotide treatment as compared to PBS treated control.

Table 111

Effects of modified oligonucleotides on mutant and wild type HTT protein levels targeting rs7685686 in

Hu97/18 mice

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt

Example 73

Evaluation of modified oligonucleotides targeting HTT rs7685686 - in vivo dose response study

ISIS 476333, 435871, 540108, 575007 and 551429 from previous examples were selected and evaluated at various doses for their effect on mutant and wild type HTT protein levels in vivo targeting HTT rs7685686.

Hu97/18 mice were treated with various doses of modified oligonucleotides as presented in Table 112 by a single unilateral intracerebroventricular (ICV) bolus injection. This treatment group consisted of 4 animals/oligonucleotide. The control group received a 10 μΐ bolus injection of sterile PBS and consisted of 4 animals.

Animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks post-injection. The second most anterior 2 mm coronal slab for each brain hemisphere was collected using a 2 mm rodent brain matrix. The HTT protein levels were analyzed in the same manner as described in Example 69. The dose response study was performed independently for each modified oligonucleotide and the results are presented below. The results in Table 112 are presented as the average percent of HTT protein levels for each allele and treatment group, normalized to PBS-treated control and is denoted as "% UTC". The percent of mutant HTT protein levels is denoted as "mut". The percent of wild-type HTT protein levels is denoted as "wt".

As illustrated in Table 112, selective inhibition of mut HTT protein levels was achieved in a dose- dependent manner for the newly designed oligonucleotides.

Table 112

Dose-dependent effect of modified oligonucleotides on mutant and wild type HTT protein levels targeting rs7685686 in Hu97/18 mice

Example 74

Modified oligonucleotides targeting Huntingtin (HTT) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

A series of modified oligonucleotides was designed based on a parent gapmer, ISIS 460209, wherein the central gap region contains nine p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. The modified oligonucleotides were designed by introducing a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA modification within the central gap region. The 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA containing oligonucleotides were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting rs7685686 while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The potency and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209.

The position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5 '-terminus is position 8. The modified oligonucleotides were created with a 3-9-3 motif and are described in Table 113. The intemucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "d" are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicates a 2'- O-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(S)- CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). Nucleosides followed by a subscript "z" indicates a 5'-(¾ ) -Me DNA. " m C" indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with a single dose at 2 μΜ concentration of the modified oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild-type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN.

The IC 50 s and selectivities as expressed in "fold" were measured and calculated using methods described previously in Example 41. As illustrated in Table 114, treatment with the newly designed oligonucleotides showed comparable or a slight increase in potency and/or selectivity as compared to ISIS 460209.

Table 113

Gap-interrupted oligonucleotides comprising 5 , -(R)-Me DNA targeting HTT SNP

Table 114

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of gap-interrupted oligonucleotides with

ISIS 460209 targeting HTT SNP 460209 0.30 0.99 3.3 Full deoxy ekk kke

556848 0.15 0.6 4.0 Deoxy/5 7 -(R) -Me DN A ekk kke

556849 0.16 0.46 2.9 Deoxy/5 7 -(R) -Me DN A ekk kke

556850 0.33 0.96 2.9 Deoxy/5 7 -(R) -Me DN A ekk kke e= 2'-MOE, k = cEt

Example 75

Modified oligonucleotides comprising 5 , -(R)- or 5 , -(S)-Me DNA modification targeting HTT SNP

A series of modified oligonucleotides was designed based on a parent gapmer, ISIS 460209, wherein the central gap region contains nine p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. The modified oligonucleotides were designed by introducing 5 or 5'- ¾)-Me DNA modification slightly upstream or downstream (i.e.

"microwalk") within the central gap region. The gapmers were created with a 3-9-3 motif and were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression. The potency and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209.

The position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5 '-terminus is position 8.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 115. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "d" are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0- methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). Nucleosides followed by a subscript "v" indicates a 5 '-(S)-MQ DNA.

Nucleosides followed by a subscript "z" indicates a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA. " m C" indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used. Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.1, 0.4, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 uL 2X PCR buffer, 101 uL primers (300 uM from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 uL RT MIX. To each well was added 15 uL of this mixture and 5 uL of purified RNA. The mutant and wild-type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN and the results are presented below.

The IC 50 s and selectivities as expressed in "fold" were measured and calculated using methods described previously in Example 41. The results in Table 116 demonstrated that each of the newly designed oligonucleotides comprising 5'-(S)- or 5'-(¾ ) -Me DNA within the central gap region achieved improvement in potency and selectivity as compared to the parent gapmer, ISIS 460209.

Table 115

Gap-interrupted oligonucleotides comprising 5'-(S - or 5 , -(R)-Me DNA targeting HTT SNP

e = 2'-MOE; k = cEt

Table 116

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of gap-interrupted oligonucleotides with

ISIS 460209 targeting HTT SNP

589432 0.23 >10 >43.5 3-9-3 Deoxy/5 '-(S) -Me DN A ekk kke

594588 0.81 >10 >12.3 3-9-3 Deoxy/5 '-(S) -Me DN A ekk kke

556848 0.16 1.8 11.3 3-9-3 Deoxy/5 '-(R) -Me DN A ekk kke

556849 0.14 1.1 7.9 3-9-3 Deoxy/5 '-(R) -Me DN A ekk kke

556850 0.22 1.7 7.7 3-9-3 Deoxy/5 '-(R) -Me DN A ekk kke

539558 0.38 3.8 10 3-9-3 Deoxy/5 '-(R) -Me DN A ekk kke

594160 0.28 3.3 11.8 3-9-3 Deoxy/5 '-(R) -Me DN A ekk kke

594161 0.28 >10 >35.7 3-9-3 Deoxy/5 '-(R) -Me DN A ekk kke

589433 0.27 4.4 16.3 3-9-3 Deoxy/5 '-(R) -Me DN A ekk kke

594162 0.27 3.5 13.0 3-9-3 Deoxy/5 '-(R) -Me DN A ekk kke

594589 0.48 4.4 9.2 3-9-3 Deoxy/5 '-(R) -Me DN A ekk kke e = 2'-MOE; k = cEt

Example 76

Inhibition of HTT mRNA levels targeting SNP by modified oligonucleotides

Additional modified oligonucleotides were designed in a similar manner as the antisense oligonucleotides described in Example 75. Various chemical modifications were introduced slightly upstream or downstream (i.e. "microwalk") within the central gap region. The gapmers were created with a 3-9-3 motif and were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression. The position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5 '-terminus is position 8. The potency and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 117. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "d" are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0- methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). Nucleosides followed by a subscript "b" indicates a 5'- ¾ ) -allyl DNA.

Nucleosides followed by a subscript "c" indicates a 5'-(¾j-allyl DNA. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "g" indicates a 5'- ¾ ) -hydroxyethyl DNA. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "i" indicates a 5'-(S)- hydroxyethyl DNA. " m C" indicates a 5-methyl cytosine nucleoside.

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro using heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line. The transfection method and analysis of HTT mRNA levels adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN were performed in the same manner as described in Example 76. The IC 50 s and selectivities as expressed in "fold" were measured and calculated using methods described previously and the results are shown below. As presented in Table 118, several modified oligonucleotides achieved greater than 4.5 fold selectivity in inhibiting mutant HTT mRNA levels and, therefore, are more selective than ISIS 460209. Table 117

Gap-interrupted oligonucleotides comprising 5'-substituted DNA targeting HTT SNP

Table 118

Comparison of inhibition ofHrJ mRNA levels and selectivity of gap-interrupted oligonucleotides with

ISIS 460209 targeting HTT SNP

589428 1.1 >11 >10 Deoxy/5'-(S> 3-9-3

Hydroxyethyl DNA ekk kke (pos 8)

589425 1.5 >10.5 >7 Deoxy/5'-(S> 3-9-3

Hydroxyethyl DNA ekk kke (pos 11)

e = 2'-MOE; k = cEt

Example 77

Modified oligonucleotides comprising 5 , -(R)-Me DNA(s) targeting human C-Reactive Protein (hCRP) A series of modified oligonucleotides were designed based on ISIS 353512, wherein the central gap region contains fourteen -D-2'-deoxyribonucleoside. These modified oligonucleotides were designed by replacement of two or three -D-2'-deoxyribonucleoside in the 14 nucleoside gap region with 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA(s). The thermal stability (T m ) and potency of these modified oligonucleotides targeting hCRP was evaluated. The 3-14-3 MOE gapmer, ISIS 353512 and 5-10-5 MOE gapmer, ISIS 330012 were included in the study for comparison.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 119. Each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate (P=S) except for nucleosides followed by a subscript "o' which are

phosphodiester internucleoside linkages (P=0). Nucleosides followed by a subscript "d" indicates a β-ϋ-2'- deoxyribonucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "z" indicates a 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA. " m C" indicates a 5-methyl cytosine modified nucleoside. Underlined nucleosides indicate a region comprising 5'- ¾ ) -Me DNA modification.

Thermal Stability Assay

The modified oligonucleotides were evaluated in thermal stability (T m ) assay. The T m 's were measured using the method described herein. A Cary 100 Bio spectrophotometer with the Cary Win UV Thermal program was used to measure absorbance vs. temperature. For the T m experiments, oligonucleotides were prepared at a concentration of 8 μΜ in a buffer of 100 mM Na+, 10 mM phosphate, 0.1 mM EDTA, pH 7. Concentration of oligonucleotides were determined at 85 °C. The oligonucleotide concentration was 4 μΜ with mixing of equal volumes of test oligonucleotide and complimentary RNA strand. Oligonucleotides were hybridized with the complimentary RNA strand by heating duplex to 90 °C for 5 min and allowed to cool at room temperature. Using the spectrophotometer, T m measurements were taken by heating duplex solution at a rate of 0.5 C/min in cuvette starting @ 15 °C and heating to 85 °C . T m values were determined using Vant Hoff calculations (A 2 6o vs temperature curve) using non self-complementary sequences where the minimum absorbance which relates to the duplex and the maximum absorbance which relates to the non-duplex single strand are manually integrated into the program. The results are presented below. Cell culture and transfection

The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Hep3B cells were plated at a density of 40,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.009 μΜ, 0.027 μΜ, 0.082 μΜ, 0.25 μΜ, 0.74 μΜ, 2.2 μΜ, 6.7 μΜ and 20 μΜ concentrations of antisense oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and hCRP mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human CRP primer probe set RTS 1887 was used to measure mRNA levels. hCRP mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN ® .

Analysis of IC 50 's

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of each oligonucleotide is presented below and was calculated by plotting the concentrations of oligonucleotides used versus the percent inhibition of hCRP mRNA expression achieved at each concentration, and noting the concentration of oligonucleotide at which 50% inhibition of hCRP mRNA expression was achieved compared to the control.

As illustrated in Table 120, treatment with the newly designed oligonucleotides showed no improvement in potency as compared to the controls, ISIS 353512 and 330012.

Table 119

e = - e.g. e = eeeee Table 120

Effect of gap-interrupted oligonucleotide treatment on Tm and hCRP inhibition

e = 2'-MOE (e.g. e5 = eeeee), PS/PO = phosphorothioate/phosphodiester internucleoside linkage Example 78

Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (hPBMC) Assay Protocol - in vitro

The hPBMC assay was performed using BD Vautainer CPT tube method. A sample of whole blood from volunteered donors with informed consent at US HealthWorks clinic (Faraday & El Camino Real, Carlsbad) was obtained and collected in 4-15 BD Vacutainer CPT 8 ml tubes (VWR CatJ BD362753). The approximate starting total whole blood volume in the CPT tubes for each donor was recorded using the PBMC assay data sheet.

The blood sample was remixed immediately prior to centrifugation by gently inverting tubes 8-10 times. CPT tubes were centrifuged at rt (18-25 °C) in a horizontal (swing-out) rotor for 30 min. at 1500-1800 RCF with brake off (2700 RPM Beckman Allegra 6R). The cells were retrieved from the buffy coat interface (between Ficoll and polymer gel layers); transferred to a sterile 50 ml conical tube and pooled up to 5 CPT tubes/50 ml conical tube/donor. The cells were then washed twice with PBS (Ca ++ , Mg ++ free; GIBCO). The tubes were topped up to 50 ml and mixed by inverting several times. The sample was then centrifuged at 330 x g for 15 minutes at rt (1215 RPM in Beckman Allegra 6R) and aspirated as much supernatant as possible without disturbing pellet. The cell pellet was dislodged by gently swirling tube and resuspended cells in RPMI+10% FBS+pen/strep (~1 ml / 10 ml starting whole blood volume). A 60 μΐ sample was pipette into a sample vial (Beckman Coulter) with 600 μΐ VersaLyse reagent (Beckman Coulter Cat# A09777) and was gently vortexed for 10-15 sec. The sample was allowed to incubate for 10 min. at rt and being mixed again before counting. The cell suspension was counted on Vicell XR cell viability analyzer (Beckman Coulter) using PBMC cell type (dilution factor of 1 : 11 was stored with other parameters). The live cell/ml and viability were recorded. The cell suspension was diluted to 1 x 10 7 live PBMC/ml in RPMI+ 10% FBS+pen/strep.

The cells were plated at 5 x 10 5 in 50 μΐ/well of 96-well tissue culture plate (Falcon Microtest). 50 μΐ/well of 2x concentration oligos/controls diluted in RPMI+10% FBS+pen/strep. was added according to experiment template (100 μΐ/well total). Plates were placed on the shaker and allowed to mix for approx. 1 min. After being incubated for 24 hrs at 37 °C; 5% C0 2 , the plates were centrifuged at 400 x g for 10 minutes before removing the supernatant for MSD cytokine assay (i.e. human IL-6, IL-10, IL-8 and MCP-1).

Example 79

Evaluation of the Proinflammatory Effects in hPBMC assay for 5'-(K Me DNA Containing Modified Oligonucleotides - in vitro study

The modified oligonucleotides targeting hCRP from Example 77 were tested and evaluated for the proinflammatory response in hPBMC assay using methods described previously in Example 78. The hPBMCs were isolated from fresh, volunteered donors and were treated with modified oligonucleotides at 0, 0.0128, 0.064, 0.32, 1.6, 8, 40 and 200 μΜ concentrations using the hPBMC assay protocol described herein. After a 24 hr treatment, the cytokine levels were measured.

IL-6 was used as the primary readout. The resulting IL-6 level was compared to the positive control, ISIS 353512 and negative control, ISIS 104838. The results are presented in Table 121. As illustrated, reduction in proinflammatory response was achieved with the newly designed oligonucleotides at doses evaluated as compared to the positive control, ISIS 353512.

ISIS 104838 designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 84, is a 5-10-5 MOE gapmer with the following sequence, G e m C e T e G e A e T d T d A d G d A d G d A d G d A d G d G e T e m C e m C e m C e . Each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate (P=S). Each nucleoside followed by a subscript "d" is a -D-2'-deoxyribonucleoside. Each " m C" is a 5 -methyl cytosine modified nucleoside and each nucleoside followed by a subscript "e" is a 2'-0- methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside.

Table 121

Effect of gap-interrupted oligonucleotide treatment on proinflammatory response in hPBMC

0.0128 15.1 Me DNA PS/PO

0.064 19.0

0.32 37.3

1.6 67.5

8 86.3

40 111.2

200 83.1

0 11.5

0.0128 13.9

0.064 15.1

0.32 24.9 Deoxy/5'-^- Mixed

544810 3-14-3 eee eee

1.6 34.0 Me DNA PS/PO

8 66.2

40 96.8

200 76.5

0 11.3

0.0128 10.8

0.064 25.8

0.32 15.6 Deoxy/5'-^- Mixed6/544806 3-14-3 eee eee

1.6 25.4 Me DNA PS/PO

8 52.3

40 69.3

200 341.7

0 13.3

0.0128 13.7

0.064 18.4

0.32 53.3 Deoxy/5'-^- Mixed6/544807 3-14-3 eee eee

1.6 18.4 Me DNA PS/PO

8 164.9

40 202.7

200 606.5

0 10.8

0.0128 13.3

0.064 14.3

0.32 34.8 Deoxy/5'-^- Mixed6/544809 3-14-3 eee eee

1.6 62.3 Me DNA PS/PO

8 100.9

40 213.1

200 225.0

0 10.9

0.0128 12.9

0.064 10.8

0.32 25.3

6/330012 5-10-5 Full deoxy e5 e5 Full PS

1.6 44.2

8 87.5

40 80.2

200 82.3

0 9.3

7/104838

0.0128 10.4

(neg 5-10-5 Full deoxy e5 e5 Full PS

0.064 17.6

control)

0.32 30.1 1.6 53.9

8 124.8

40 94.5

200 89.3

e = 2'-MOE (e.g. e5 = eeeee)

Example 80

Evaluation of the Proinflammatory Effects in hPBMC Assay for a Modified Oligonucleotide

Comprising Methyl Thiophosphonate Internucleoside Linkages - in vitro study

A modified oligonucleotide was designed based on the 3/14/3 MOE gapmer, ISIS 353512. This modified oligonucleotide was created by having alternating methyl thiophosphonate (-P(CH 3 )(=S)-) internucleoside linkages throughout the gap region. The proinflammatory effect of the modified

oligonucleotide targeting hCRP was evaluated in hPBMC assay using the protocol described in Example 78.

The modified oligonucleotide and its motif are described in Table 122. Each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate (P=S) except for nucleosides followed by a subscript "w". Each nucleoside followed by a subscript "w" indicates a methyl thiophosphonate internucleoside linkage (-P(CH 3 )(=S)-). Nucleosides followed by a subscript "d" is a -D-2'-deoxyribonucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside. " m C" indicates a 5-methyl cytosine modified nucleoside.

The hPBMCs were isolated from fresh, volunteered donors and were treated with modified oligonucleotides at 0, 0.0128, 0.064, 0.32, 1.6, 8, 40 and 200 μΜ concentrations. After a 24 hr treatment, the cytokine levels were measured.

IL-6 was used as the primary readout. The resulting IL-6 level was compared to the positive control oligonucleotide, ISIS 353512 and negative control, ISIS 104838. The results from two donors denoted as "Donor 1" and "Donor 2" are presented in Table 123. As illustrated, reduction in proinflammatory response was achieved with the newly designed oligonucleotide at doses evaluated as compared to the positive control, ISIS 353512. Table 122

Modified oligonucleotide comprising alternating methyl thiophosphonate internucleoside linkages

throughout the gap region

e = 2'-MOE (e.g. e5 = eeeee) Table 123

Effect of modified oligonucleotide treatment on proinflammatory response in hPBMC assay

e = 2'-MOE (e.g. e5 = eeeee)

Example 81

Modified oligonucleotides comprising methyl phosphonate internucleoside linkage targeting HTT SNP - in vitro study

ISIS 558255 and 558256 from Example 49 were selected and evaluated for their effect on mutant and wild type H7Y mRNA expression levels targeting rs7685686. ISIS 46020 was included in the study for comparison. The position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5'- terminus is position 8.

Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used for the in vitro assay (from Coriell Institute). Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 μΐ, 2X PCR buffer, 101 μΐ, primers (300 μΜ from ABI), 1000 μΐ, water and 40.4 μΐ, RT MIX. To each well was added 15 μί ^ οΐ this mixture and 5 μί ^ of purified RNA. The mutant and wild-type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN.

The IC 50 s and selectivities as expressed in "fold" were measured and calculated using methods described previously in Example 41. As illustrated in Table 124, improvement in selectivity and potency was achieved with modified oligonucleotides comprising methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkage as compared to ISIS 460209.

Table 124

Comparison of selectivity in inhition of HTT mRNA levels of antisense oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeted to rs7685686 in GM4022 cells

e = 2'-MOE (e.g. e5 = eeeee), k = cEt

Example 82

Modified oligonucleotides comprising methyl phosphonate or phosphonoacetate intemucleoside linkage(s) targeting HTT SNP

A series of modified oligonucleotides were designed based on ISIS 460209 wherein the gap region contains nine p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. The modified oligonucleotides were synthesized to include one or more methyl phosphonate or phosphonoacetate intemucleoside linkage modifications within the gap region. The oligonucleotides with modified phosphorus containing backbone were tested for their ability to selectively inhibit mutant (mut) HTT mRNA expression levels targeting rs7685686 while leaving the expression of the wild-type (wt) intact. The potency and selectivity of the modified oligonucleotides were evaluated and compared to ISIS 460209.

The position on the oligonucleotides opposite to the SNP position, as counted from the 5 '-terminus is position 8.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 125. Each intemucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate (P=S) except for the intemucleoside linkage having a subscript "x" or "y". Each nucleoside followed by a subscript "x" indicates a methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkage (- P(CH 3 )(=0)-). Each nucleoside followed by a subscript "y" indicates a phosphonoacetate intemucleoside linkage (-P(CH 2 CC)2 )(=0)-). Nucleosides followed by a subscript "d" is a -D-2'-deoxyribonucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside.

Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). " m C" indicates a 5 -methyl cytosine modified nucleoside. The modified oligonucleotides were tested in vitro. Heterozygous fibroblast GM04022 cell line was used (from Coriell Institute). Cultured GM04022 cells at a density of 25,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.12, 0.37, 1.1, 3.3 and 10 μΜ concentrations of modified oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, cells were washed with DPBS buffer and lysed. RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy purification and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using ABI assay C_2229297_10 which measures at dbSNP rs362303. RT-PCR method in short; A mixture was made using 2020 μΐ. 2X PCR buffer, 101 μΐ. primers (300 μΜ from ABI), 1000 uL water and 40.4 μΐ. RT MIX. To each well was added 15 μί of this mixture and 5 μί of purified RNA. The mutant and wild- type HTT mRNA levels were measured simultaneously by using two different fluorophores, FAM for mutant allele and VIC for wild-type allele. The HTT mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN.

The IC 50 s and selectivities as expressed in "fold" were measured and calculated using methods described previously in Example 41. As illustrated in Table 126, most of the newly design oligonucleotides achieved improvement in selectivity while maintaining potency as compared to ISIS 460209.

Table 125

Modified oligonucleotides comprising methyl phosphonate or phosphonoacetate internucleoside

2'-MOE, k = cEt

Table 126

Comparison of selectivity in inhition of HTT mRNA levels of antisense oligonucleotides with ISIS

460209 targeted to rs7685686 in GM4022 cells

566277 0.20 17 3-9-3 Deoxy/Methyl phosphonate ekk kke 10

566278 0.25 8.9 3-9-3 Deoxy/Methyl phosphonate ekk kke 10

566279 0.38 ~ 3-9-3 Deoxy/Methyl phosphonate ekk kke 10

566280 0.27 47 3-9-3 Deoxy/Methyl phosphonate ekk kke 10

566283 0.8 >100 3-9-3 Deoxy/Methyl phosphonate ekk kke 10

573815 0.16 18.8 3-9-3 Deoxy/Phosphonoacetate ekk kke 10

573816 0.55 18.1 3-9-3 Deoxy/Phosphonoacetate ekk kke 10

573817 0.17 22.5 3-9-3 Deoxy/Phosphonoacetate ekk kke 10

573818 0.24 13.5 3-9-3 Deoxy/Phosphonoacetate ekk kke 10 e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt

Example 83

Modified oligonucleotides comprising methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkages targeting PTEN and SRB-1 - in vivo study

Additional modified oligonucleotides were designed based on ISIS 482050 and 449093 wherein the gap region contains ten p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. The modified oligonucleotides were designed by introducing two methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkages at the 5 '-end of the gap region with a 3/10/3 motif. The oligonucleotides were evaluated for reduction in PTEN and SRB-1 mRNA expression levels in vivo. The parent gapmers, ISIS 482050 and 449093 were included in the study for comparison.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are described in Table 127. Each intemucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate (P=S) except for the intemucleoside linkage having a subscript "x". Each nucleoside followed by a subscript "x" indicates a methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkage (- P(CH 3 )(=0)-). Nucleosides followed by a subscript "d" is a -D-2'-deoxyribonucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾)-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). " m C" indicates a 5-methyl cytosine modified nucleoside.

Treatment

Six week old BALB/C mice (purchased from Charles River) were injected subcutaneously twice a week for three weeks at dosage 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg with the modified oligonucleotides shown below or with saline control. Each treatment group consisted of 3 animals. The mice were sacrificed 48 hrs following last administration, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis. mRNA Analysis

Liver tissues were homogenized and mRNA levels were quantitated using real-time PCR and normalized to RIBOGREEN as described herein. The results in Table 128 are listed as PTEN or SRB-1 mRNA expression for each treatment group relative to saline-treated control (% UTC). As illustrated, reduction in PTEN or SRB-1 mRNA expression levels was achieved with the oligonucleotides comprising two methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkages at the 5 '-end of the gap region, ISIS 582073 and 582074. Plasma chemistry markers

Plasma chemistry markers such as liver transaminase levels, alanine aminotranferase (ALT) in serum were measured relative to saline injected mice and the results are presented in Table 128. Treatment with the oligonucleotides resulted in reduction in ALT level compared to treatment with the parent gapmer, ISIS 482050 or 449093. The results suggest that introduction of methyl phosphonate internucleoside linkage(s) can be useful for reduction of hepatoxicity profile of otherwise unmodified parent gapmers.

Body and organ weights

Body weights, as well as liver, kidney and spleen weights were measured at the end of the study. The results below are presented as the average percent of body and organ weights for each treatment group relative to saline-treated control. As illustrated in Table 129, treatment with ISIS 582073 resulted in a reduction in liver and spleen weights compared to treatment with the parent gapmer, ISIS 482050. The remaining oligonucleotide, ISIS 582074 did not cause any changes in body and organ weights outside the expected range as compared to ISIS 449093.

Table 127

Modified oligonucleotides comprising methyl phosphonate internucleoside linkages

k = cEt

Table 128

Effect of modified oligonucleotide treatment on target reduction and liver function in BALB/C mice

449093 10 48 543

Full deoxy kkk kkk 86

449093 20 18.5 1090

SRB-1 3-10-3

582074 10 51.3 58.3 Deoxy/Methyl

kkk kkk 86

582074 20 30.3 126.3 phosphonate

k = cEt

Table 129

Effect of modified oligonucleotide treatment on body and organ weights in BALB/C mice

Example 84

Modified oligonucleotides comprising methyl phosphonate internucleoside linkages targeting Target-Y - in vivo study

Additional modified oligonucleotides were designed in the same manner as the antisense oligonucleotides described in Example 24, wherein two methyl phosphonate internucleoside linkages are introduced at the 5 '-end of the gap region. The modified oligonucleotides were designed based on ISIS 464917, 465178, 465984 and 466456 with a 3/10/3 motif. The oligonucleotides were evaluated for reduction in Target-Y mRNA expression levels in vivo. The parent gapmers, ISIS 464917, 465178, 465984 and 466456 were included in the study for comparison.

The modified oligonucleotides and their motifs are presented in Table 130. Each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate (P=S) except for the internucleoside linkage having a subscript "x". Each nucleoside followed by a subscript "x" indicates a methyl phosphonate internucleoside linkage (- P(CH 3 )(=0)-). Each nucleoside followed by a subscript "d" is a -D-2'-deoxyribonucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt). "N" indicates modified or naturally occurring nucleobases (A, T, C, G, U, or 5 -methyl C). Treatment

Six week old BALB/C mice (purchased from Charles River) were injected subcutaneously twice a week for three weeks at dosage 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg with the modified oligonucleotides shown below or with saline control. Each treatment group consisted of 3 animals. The mice were sacrificed 48 hrs following last administration, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis. mRNA Analysis

Liver tissues were homogenized and mRNA levels were quantitated using real-time PCR and normalized to RIBOGREEN as described herein. The results below are listed as Target-Y mRNA expression for each treatment group relative to saline-treaed control (% UTC). As illustrated in Table 131, reduction in Target-Y mRNA expression levels was achieved with the oligonucleotides comprising two methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkages at the 5'-end of the gap region, ISIS 582071, 582072, 582069 and 582070. Plasma chemistry markers

Plasma chemistry markers such as liver transaminase levels, alanine aminotranferase (ALT) in serum were measured relative to saline treated mice and the results are presented in Table 131. Treatment with the oligonucleotides resulted in reduction in ALT level compared to treatment with the parent gapmer, ISIS 464917, 465178, 465984 or 466456. The results suggest that introduction of methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkage(s) can be useful for reduction of hepatoxicity profile of otherwise unmodified parent gapmers.

Body and organ weights

Body weights, as well as liver, kidney and spleen weights were measured at the end of the study. The results in Table 132 are presented as the average percent of body and organ weights for each treatment group relative to saline-treated control. As illustrated, treatment with ISIS 582070 resulted in a reduction in liver and spleen weights compared to treatment with the parent gapmer, ISIS 466456. An increase in body and organ weights was observed for ISIS 582071 as compared to ISIS 464917. The remaining

oligonucleotides, ISIS 582072 and 582069 did not cause any changes in body and organ weights outside the expected range as compared to ISIS 465178 and 465984.

Table 130

Modified oligonucleotides comprising methyl phosphonate intemucleoside linkages 464917 N k N k N k N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N k N k N k 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk

Deoxy/Methyl 6

582071 N k N k N k N^N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N k N k N k 3-10-3 kkk kkk

phosphonate

465178 N k N k N k N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N k N k N k 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk kkk

Deoxy/Methyl 6

582072 NkNkNkN d xN d xN d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d NkNkN, 3-10-3 kkk kkk

phosphonate

465984 N k N k N k N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N e N e N e 3-10-3 Full deoxy kkk eee

Deoxy/Methyl 6

582069 NkNkNkN d xN d xN d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d NkNkN, 3-10-3 kkk kkk

phosphonate

5-9-2 or Full deoxy or kdkdk

466456 N k N d N k N d N k N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N e N e ee

3-11-2 deoxy/cEt or kdk

6

Deoxy/Methyl

582070 NkN d NkN d xN d xN d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N d N e N e 3-11-2 kdk ee

phosphonate

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 131

Effect of modified oligonucleotide treatment on Target-Y reduction

and liver function in BALB/C mice

e = 2'-MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 132

Effect of modified oligonucleotide treatment on body and organ weights in BALB/C mice Saline 0 108 100 100 100

464917 10 92.9 125 106.2 102.3

464917 20 71.1 110.9 67.2 107.3

582071 20 104.6 135.2 142.8 89.8

465178 10 94.9 131.3 108.1 85.3

465178 20 79.5 147.5 112 95.3

582072 10 109.2 117.3 111.7 104.8

582072 20 107.1 130.1 107.2 99.8

465984 10 111.4 117.6 110.1 98.8

465984 20 111.3 122.6 134.5 96.1

582069 10 107.8 106.2 97 100.6

582069 20 105.4 115.8 106.2 100.4

466456 10 109.7 148.6 198.7 105.9

466456 20 101.2 182.3 213.7 101.9

582070 10 111.2 100.3 116.7 100.8

582070 20 111.1 108.9 115.6 95.7

Example 85

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting Target-Y

A series of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides was designed based on ISIS 464917 or 465178, wherein the central gap region contains ten 2 '-deoxyribonucleosides. These gapmers were designed by introducing 2' -MOE modified nucleoside(s) at the wing(s) and/or shortening the central gap region to nine, eight, or seven 2 '-deoxyribonucleosides.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 133. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases throughout each gapmer are 5- methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

Table 133

Short-gap antisense oligonucleotides targeting Target-Y

5-8-3

573333 N e N e N e N k N k N k N k N e 6

(eeekk-d8-kke)

6-7-3

573334 N e N e N e N e N k N k N k N k N e 6

(eeeekk-d7-kke)

3-9-4

573335 N e N k N k NN k N k N e N e 6

(ekk-d9-kkee)

3-8-5

573336 N e N k N k NN k N k N e N e N e 6

(ekk-d8-kkeee)

3-7-6

573361 N e N k N k NN k N k N e N e N e N e 6

(ekk-d7-kkeeee)

4-8-4

573338 N e N e N k N k N k N k N e N e 6

(eekk-d8-kkee)

5-7-4

573339 N e N e N e N k N k N k N k N e N e 6

(eeekk-d7-kkee)

4-7-5

573340 N e N e N k N k N k N k N e N e N e 6

(eekk-d7-kkeee)

3-8-5

573779 N k N k N k N N k N e N e N e N e 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573780 N k N k N k N N k N e N e N e N e 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573806 N k N k N k N N k N e N e N e N e 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573782 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573783 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573784 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573785 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573786 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573787 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-10-3

465178 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNNNkNkNk 6

(kkk-dlO-kkk)

3-10-3

466140 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNNNeNeNe 6

(kkk-dlO-eee)

3-10-3

573341 NeNkNkNNNNNNNNNNNkNkNe 6

(ekk-dlO-kke)

4-9-3

573342 NeNeNkNkNNNNNNNNNNkNkNe 6

(eekk-d9-kke)

5-8-3

573343 NeNeNeNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNkNe 6

(eeekk-d8-kke) 6-7-3

573344 N e N e N e N e N k N k N k N k N e 6

(eeeekk-d7-kke)

3-9-4

573345 N e N k N k NN k N k N e N e 6

(ekk-d9-kkee)

3-8-5

573346 N e N k N k NN k N k N e N e N e 6

(ekk-d8-kkeee)

3-7-6

573347 N e N k N k NN k N k N e N e N e N e 6

(ekk-d7-kkeeee)

4-8-4

573348 N e N e N k N k N k N k N e N e 6

(eekk-d8-kkee)

5-7-4

573349 N e N e N e N k N k N k N k N e N e 6

(eeekk-d7-kkee)

4-7-5

573350 N e N e N k N k N k N k N e N e N e 6

(eekk-d7-kkeee)

3-8-5

573788 N k N k N k N N k N e N e N e N e 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573789 N k N k N k N N k N e N e N e N e 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573790 N k N k N k N N k N e N e N e N e 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573791 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573792 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573793 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573794 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573795 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573796 NkNkNkNNNNNNNNNkNeNeNeNe 6

(kkk-d8-keeee)

141923 5-10-5

CeCeTeTeCeCCTGAAGGTTCeCeTeCeCe 9

(neg control) (e5-dl0-e5)

e = 2'-MOE (e.g. e5 = eeeee), k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside Example 86

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting Target-Y - in vitro study

Several short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides from Table 133 were selected and evaluated for their effects on Target-Y mRNA in vitro. The parent gapmer, ISIS 464917 and 465178 were included in the study for comparison. ISIS 141923 was used as a negative control.

The newly designed gapmers were tested in vitro. Primary mouse hepatocytes at a density of 35,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.0625, 0.25, 1, 4 and 16 μΜ concentrations of chimeric oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and Target-Y mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Primer probe set RTSXXXX was used to measure mRNA levels. Target-Y mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN.

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of each oligonucleotide is presented in Table 134 and was calculated by plotting the concentrations of oligonucleotides used versus the percent inhibition of Target-Y mRNA expression achieved at each concentration, and noting the concentration of oligonucleotide at which 50% inhibition of Target-Y mRNA expression was achieved compared to the control. As illustrated in Table 134 and 135, several short-gap oligonucleotides showed comparable inhibition of Target-Y mRNA levels as compared to the parent gapmers, ISIS 464917 or 465178.

Table 134

Comparison of inhibition of Target-Y mRNA levels of short-gap oligonucleotides with ISIS 464917

e = 2'-MOE (e.g. e5 = eeeee), k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Table 135

Comparison of inhibition of Target-Y mRNA levels of short-gap oligonucleotides with ISIS 465178

e = 2'-MOE (e.g. e5 = eeeee), k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonuc eoside

Example 87

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting Target-Y - in vivo study

Several short-gap oligonucleotides described in Example 85 were selected and evaluated for efficacy in vivo and for changes in the levels of various plasma chemistry markers targeting Target-Y. The parent gapmer, ISIS 464917 was included in the study for comparision.

Treatment

Six week male BALB/C mice (purchased from Charles River) were injected subcutaneously with a single dose of antisense oligonucleotide at 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg or with saline control. Each treatment group consisted of 4 animals. The mice were sacrificed 96 hrs following last administration, and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis. mRNA Analysis

Liver tissues were homogenized and mRNA levels were quantitated using real-time PCR and normalized to Cyclophilin A as described herein. The results below are listed as Target-Y mRNA expression for each treatment group relative to saline-injected control (% UTC). As illustrated in Table 136, Target-Y mRNA expression levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner with the newly designed

oligonucleotides.

Plasma chemistry markers

Plasma chemistry markers such as liver transaminase levels, alanine aminotranferase (ALT) in serum were measured relative to saline treated mice and the results are presented in Table 136. Treatment with the newly designed oligonucleotides resulted in reduction in ALT levels compared to treatment with the parent gapmer, ISIS 464917. The results suggest that shortening the central gap region and introducing 2'-MOE modified nucleoside(s) at the wing(s) can be useful for the reduction of hepatoxicity profile of ISIS 464917.

Body and organ weights

Body weights, as well as liver, kidney and spleen weights were also measured at the end of the study. The results showed that treatment with the newly designed oligonucleotides did not cause any changes in body and organ weights outside the expected range as compared to ISIS 464917 (data not shown).

Table 136

Effect of short-gap antisense oligonucleotide treatment on Target-Y reduction and liver function in

BALB/C mice

20 14.2 40 (kkk-d8-keeee)

10 19.3 346 3-8-5

573806 6

20 15.4 1389 (kkk-d8-keeee)

e = 2' -MOE, k = cEt, d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 88

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting PTEN

A series of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides was designed based on ISIS 482050, wherein the central gap region contains ten 2 '-deoxyribonucleosides. These gapmers were designed by introducing 2'- MOE modified nucleoside(s) at the wing(s) and/or shortening the central gap region to nine, or eight 2'- deoxyribonucleosides.

The gapmers and their motifs are described in Table 137. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P=S) linkages. All cytosine nucleobases throughout each gapmer are 5- methyl cytosines. Nucleosides without a subscript are p-D-2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Nucleosides followed by a subscript "e" or "k" are sugar modified nucleosides. A subscript "e" indicates a 2'-0-methoxyethyl (MOE) modified nucleoside and a subscript "k" indicates a 6'-(¾j-CH 3 bicyclic nucleoside (e.g. cEt).

Table 137

Short-gap antisense oligonucleotides targeting PTEN

3-8-5

573797 T k G k G k CTGCAGCTT k C e C e G e A e 87

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573798 A k T k G k GCTGCAGCT k T e C e C e G e 88

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573799 C k A k T k GGCTGCAGC k T e T e C e C e 89

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573800 T k C k A k TGGCTGCAG k C e T e T e C e 90

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573801 A k T k C k ATGGCTGCA k G e C e T e T e 85

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573802 C k A k T k CATGGCTGC k A e G e C e T e 91

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573803 C k C k A k TCATGGCTG k C e A e G e C e 92

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573804 T k C k C k ATCATGGCT k G e C e A e G e 93

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573805 T k T k C k CATCATGGC k T e G e C e A e 94

(kkk-d8-keeee)

'-MOE, k = el ¾ d = 2'-deoxyribonucleoside

Example 89

Short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides targeting PTEN - in vitro study

Several short-gap chimeric oligonucleotides from Table 137 were selected and evaluated for their effects on PTEN mRNA in vitro. The parent gapmer, ISIS 482050 were included in the study for comparison. ISIS 141923 was used as a negative control.

The newly designed gapmers were tested in vitro. Primary mouse hepatocytes at a density of 35,000 cells per well were transfected using electroporation with 0.0625, 0.25, 1, 4 and 16 μΜ concentrations of chimeric oligonucleotides. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and PTEN mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Primer probe set RTS 186 was used to measure mRNA levels. PTEN mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN.

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of each oligonucleotide was calculated in the same manner as described previously and the results are presented in Table 138. As illustrated, most short-gap oligonucleotides showed comparable inhibition of PTEN mRNA levels as compared to ISIS 482050.

Table 138

Comparison of inhibition of PTEN mRNA levels of short-gap oligonucleotides with ISIS 482050

3-9-4

573355 2.6 85

(ekk-d9-kkee)

3-8-5

573798 1.6 88

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573799 1.9 89

(kkk-d8-keeee)

3-8-5

573803 1.4 92

(kkk-d8-keeee)

141923 5-10-5

> 16 9 (neg control) (e5-dl0-e5)

e = 2'-MOE (e.g. e5 = eeeee), k = cEt, d = 2 '-deoxyribonucleoside