antisense DNA
antisense DNA A single-stranded DNA molecule that can bind to a complementary base sequence in a particular messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule and so prevent synthesis of the protein encoded by the mRNA. Antisense DNA thus has the potential to block the expression of a particular gene, hence its potential as a therapeutic weapon to combat certain diseases. A short DNA strand, called an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), is constructed consisting of 15–20 deoxynucleotides complementary to a segment of the target mRNA. By binding to the mRNA, the ODN may either prevent translation of the mRNA by ribosomes or trigger degradation of the mRNA by cellular enzymes. To be effective drugs, ODNs have to be chemically modified to resist degradation by DNase enzymes and must be attached to some kind of vector that will deliver them to the target cells. An antisense ODN product has already been approved in the USA for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infections of the eye. See also antisense RNA.
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antisense DNA
