Described herein are compositions and methods for the inhibition of miR-21 activity. The compositions have certain nucleoside modification patterns that yield potent inhibitors of miR-21 activity. The compositions may be used to inhibit miR-21, and also to treat diseases associated with abnormal expression of miR-21, such as fibrosis and cancer.

Described are methods for subcutaneously administering a therapeutic composition comprising a RNAi agent for inhibiting Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (AGER or RAGE). The RAGE RNAi agents and RNAi agent conjugates disclosed herein inhibit the expression of an AGER gene when administered subcutaneously. Pharmaceutical compositions that include one or more RAGE RNAi agents, optionally with one or more additional therapeutics, are also described. Delivery of the described RAGE RNAi agents to pulmonary cells, in vivo, provides for inhibition of AGER gene expression and a reduction in membrane RAGE activity, which can provide a therapeutic benefit to subjects, including human subjects, for the treatment of various diseases including pulmonary inflammation diseases such as severe asthma. Subcutaneous delivery of the RAGE RNAi agents described herein can provide certain advantages over inhaled delivery.

The present invention concerns methods and compositions for introducing miRNA activity or function into cells using synthetic nucleic acid molecules. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for identifying miRNAs with specific cellular functions that are relevant to therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic applications wherein synthetic miRNAs and/or miRNA inhibitors are used in library screening assays.

Described herein are compositions and methods for the inhibition of miR-21 activity. The compositions have certain nucleoside modification patterns that yield potent inhibitors of miR-21 activity. The compositions may be used to inhibit miR-21, and also to treat diseases associated with abnormal expression of miR-21, such as fibrosis and cancer.