SIRT1-saRNA compositions and methods of use

1. A synthetic isolated saRNA which up-regulates the expression of the SIRT1 gene, wherein the saRNA comprises a strand that is at least 80% complementary to a targeted sequence on the template strand of the SIRT1 gene, wherein the targeted sequence comprises SEQ ID No. 8, and wherein the saRNA comprises SEQ ID NO: 52.

2. The saRNA of claim 1 , wherein the saRNA is single-stranded and comprises 14-30 nucleotides in length.

3. The saRNA of claim 2 , wherein the saRNA comprises a 3′ overhang.

4. The saRNA of claim 3 , wherein the saRNA comprises SEQ ID NO: 96.

5. The saRNA of claim 1 , wherein the saRNA is a saRNA duplex comprising an antisense strand and a sense strand, wherein the antisense strand comprises SEQ ID NO: 52, and wherein each strand is independently 14-30 nucleotides in length.

6. The saRNA of claim 5 , wherein the sense strand of the saRNA comprises SEQ ID NO: 30.

7. The saRNA of claim 5 , wherein the antisense strand of the saRNA comprises a 3′ overhang.

8. The saRNA of claim 7 , wherein the antisense strand of the saRNA comprises SEQ ID NO: 96.

9. The saRNA of claim 8 , wherein the sense strand of the saRNA comprises SEQ ID NO: 74.

10. The saRNA of claim 1 , wherein the saRNA comprises at least one chemical modification.

11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the saRNA of claim 1 and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

12. A method of up-regulating the expression of the SIRT1 gene, comprising administering the saRNA of claim 1 .

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the expression of the SIRT1 gene is increased by at least 30%.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the expression of the SIRT1 gene is increased by at least 40%.

15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the expression of the SIRT1 gene is increased by at least 50%.