Modulation of stat 6 expression

Abstract

Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of STAT 6. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding STAT 6. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of STAT 6 expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of STAT 6 are provided.

1 . A compound 8 to 80 nucleobases in length targeted to a nucleic acid molecule encoding STAT 6, wherein said compound specifically hybridizes with at least an 8 nucleobase portion of nucleobases 1762-1838 of said nucleic acid molecule encoding STAT 6 (SEQ ID NO: 4) and inhibits the expression of STAT 6. 
     
     
         2 . The compound of  claim 1 , comprising 12 to 50 nucleobases in length. 
     
     
         3 . The compound of  claim 2 , comprising 15 to 30 nucleobases in length. 
     
     
         4 . The compound of  claim 1 , comprising an oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         5 . The compound of  claim 4 , comprising an antisense oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         6 . The compound of  claim 4 , comprising a DNA oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         7 . The compound of  claim 4 , comprising an RNA oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         8 . The compound of  claim 4 , comprising a chimeric oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         9 . The compound of  claim 4 , wherein at least a portion of said compound hybridizes with RNA to form an oligonucleotide-RNA duplex. 
     
     
         10 . The compound of  claim 1 , having at least 90% complementarity with a nucleic acid molecule encoding STAT 6 (SEQ ID NO: 4) said compound specifically hybridizing to and inhibiting the expression of STAT 6. 
     
     
         11 . The compound of  claim 1 , having at least 95% complementarity with a nucleic acid molecule encoding STAT 6 (SEQ ID NO: 4) said compound specifically hybridizing to and inhibiting the expression of STAT 6. 
     
     
         12 . The compound of  claim 1 , having at least one modified internucleoside linkage, sugar moiety, or nucleobase. 
     
     
         13 . The compound of  claim 1 , having at least one 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (2′-MOE) sugar moiety. 
     
     
         14 . The compound of  claim 1 , having at least one phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage. 
     
     
         15 . The compound of  claim 1 , having at least one 5-methylcytosine. 
     
     
         16 . A method of inhibiting the expression of STAT 6 in cells or tissues comprising contacting said cells or tissues with the compound of  claim 1  so that expression of STAT 6 is inhibited. 
     
     
         17 . A kit or assay device comprising the compound of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         18 . A method of treating an animal having a disease or condition associated with STAT 6 comprising administering to said animal a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of the compound of  claim 1  so that expression of STAT 6 is inhibited. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the disease or condition is an autoimmune disorder. 
     
     
         20 . The compound of  claim 1  wherein the compound comprises SEQ ID NO: 29, 33, 34 or 46.