The inhibition or control of expression of IL-2 or IL-2.alpha. genes, and the inhibition or control of fundamental cellular processes responsible for retroviral replication, in particular HIV-I and HTLV-I DNA molecules, are disclosed. The invention is directed to nucleic acids or nucleic acid compositions which competitively bind regions of the IL-2 or IL-2.alpha. genes corresponding to their respective transcription factors. DNA or RNA fragments spanning the following regions in the IL-2 gene are shown to be effective; -195 to -204; -115 to -164; and -165 to -222. DNA or RNA fragments spanning the following regions in the IL-2.alpha. gene are shown to be effective: -62 to -71; and -32 to -86. Compositions comprising combinations of these fragments are also disclosed.
Genes coding for vascular cell adhesion molecules, particularly VCAM-1, are modulated through interaction of oligonucleotides with transcriptional regulatory factors which bind to the genes. Specific and effective oligonucleotides are provided which interact with the transcriptional regulatory factors to diminish their interaction with the genes and downregulate their function. Multi-modal oligonucleotides are also provided which interact both with a transcriptional regulatory factor and with another aspect of gene function.
Genes coding for vascular cell adhesion molecules, particularly VCAM-1, are modulated through interaction of oligonucleotides with transcriptional regulatory factors which bind to the genes. Specific and effective oligonucleotides are provided which interact with the transcriptional regulatory factors to diminish their interaction with the genes and downregulate their function. Multi-modal oligonucleotides are also provided which interact both with a transcriptional regulatory factor and with another aspect of gene function.
Putrescine-N-Methyltransferase promoters, particularly promoters isolated from tobacco, are disclosed, along with recombinant nucleic acids containing the same, expression vectors containing the same, and transgenic plants produced therewith. Methods of use thereof are also disclosed.
Aspects of the invention concern an isolated nucleic acid consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 operably associated with a heterologous nucleotide sequence.
