Mesyl phosphoramidate backbone modified antisense oligonucleotides targeting miR-21 with enhanced in vivo therapeutic potency

The design of modified oligonucleotides that combine in one molecule several therapeutically beneficial properties still poses a major challenge. Recently a new type of modified mesyl phosphoramidate (or µ-) oligonucleotide was described that demonstrates high affinity to RNA, exceptional nuclease resistance, efficient recruitment of RNase H, and potent inhibition of key carcinogenesis processes in vitro. Herein, using a xenograft mouse tumor model, it was demonstrated that microRNA miR-21–targeted µ-oligonucleotides administered in complex with folate-containing liposomes dramatically inhibit primary tumor growth via long-term down-regulation of miR-21 in tumors and increase in biosynthesis of miR-21–regulated tumor suppressor proteins. This antitumoral effect is superior to the effect of the corresponding phosphorothioate. Peritumoral administration of µ-oligonucleotide results in its rapid distribution and efficient accumulation in the tumor. Blood biochemistry and morphometric studies of internal organs revealed no pronounced toxicity of µ-oligonucleotides. This new oligonucleotide class provides a powerful tool for antisense technology

Ukrainian Virtual Observatory: Current Status and Perspectives of Development of Joint Archives of Observations

International audienceThe current state of the observational data archives of seven observatories of Ukraine which were created from 1898 to 2010 is considered in respect to their suitability for including into the Ukrainian Virtual Observatory (UkrVO) database. In accordance with a current UkrVO conception approved by the Ukrainian Astronomical Association, the database of astro negatives is the main scientific component of the UkrVO. The database will include all the photo plates accumulated in Ukraine and combine them into the Joint Digitized Archive (JDA). This will provide for a user an easy access to textual data and images using web interface and a corresponding search engine. The data archives obtained from CCD and radio observations in Ukraine are also discussed as scientific components of the UkrVO. Some prospects of the JDA development are formulated

Ukrainian Virtual Observatory: Current Status and Perspectives of Development of Joint Archives of Observations

International audienceThe current state of the observational data archives of seven observatories of Ukraine which were created from 1898 to 2010 is considered in respect to their suitability for including into the Ukrainian Virtual Observatory (UkrVO) database. In accordance with a current UkrVO conception approved by the Ukrainian Astronomical Association, the database of astro negatives is the main scientific component of the UkrVO. The database will include all the photo plates accumulated in Ukraine and combine them into the Joint Digitized Archive (JDA). This will provide for a user an easy access to textual data and images using web interface and a corresponding search engine. The data archives obtained from CCD and radio observations in Ukraine are also discussed as scientific components of the UkrVO. Some prospects of the JDA development are formulated