Modified oligonucleotides having a conserved G.sub.4 sequence and a sufficient number of flanking nucleotides to significantly inhibit the activity of a virus such as HSV-1 or phospholipase A.sub.2 or to modulate the telomere length of a chromosome are provided. G.sub.4 quartet oligonucleotide structures are also provided. Methods of prophylaxis, diagnosis and therapeutics for viral-associated diseases and diseases associated with elevated levels of phospholipase A.sub.2 are also provided. Methods of modulating telomere length of a chromosome are also provided; modulation of telomere length is believed to plat a role in the aging process of a cell and in control of malignant cell growth.
提供了具有保守的G.sub.4序列和足够数量的侧翼核苷酸的修饰寡核苷酸,能够显著抑制病毒(如HSV-1或
磷脂酶A.sub.2)的活性或调节染色体端粒长度。同时提供了G.sub.4四联体寡核苷酸结构。还提供了预防、诊断和治疗病毒相关疾病和与
磷脂酶A.sub.2
水平升高有关的疾病的方法。还提供了调节染色体端粒长度的方法;调节染色体端粒长度被认为在细胞衰老过程和恶性细胞生长的控制中扮演重要角色。