Targeted modulation of gene expression

A modified snoRNA sequence for use in modulating expression of a target nucleic acid, the modified snoRNA sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence substantially complementary to a portion of the target sequence, for hybridising to said portion of the target nucleic acid and modulating expression of the target nucleic acid.

A snoRNA, modified snoRNA, nucleic acid construct encoding a snoRNA, or modified snoRNA, or cell capable of expressing a snoRNA or modified snoRNA for use in treating a disease or conduction in a subject where it is desirable to modulate, especially down-regulate expression of a target nucleic acid.

A pharmaceutical composition comprising a snoRNA, modified snoRNA, nucleic acid construct encoding a snoRNA or modified snoRNA, or cell capable of expressing a snoRNA or modified snoRNA modified snoRNA, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore.

A method of modulating expression of a target nucleic acid, the method comprising contacting the nucleic acid with a snoRNA or modified snoRNA under conditions whereby the snoRNA or modified snoRNA and/or fragment thereof is capable of hybridising to a portion of the target nucleic acid;

• and wherein hybridisation of the snoRNA or fragment thereof to said portion of nucleic acid modulates expression and/or function of the target nucleic acid.