We describe herein topological mRNA capture using branched oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) with multiple reactive functional groups. These fragmented ODNs efficiently formed topological complexes on template mRNA . In cell-based experiments targeting AcGFP mRNA, the bifurcated reactive ODNs showed a much larger gene silencing effect than the corresponding natural antisense ODN.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe medicinal applications of siRNAs have been intensively examined but are still hindered by their low molecular stability under biological conditions and off-target effects, etc. The introduction of chemical modifications to the nucleoside is a promising strategy for solving these limitations. Herein, we describe the development of a new uridine analog, U*, that has a (methylthiomethoxy)methoxy group at the 2' position.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe have found that antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA molecules modified with repeat structures of disulfide units can be directly introduced into the cytoplasm and exhibit a suppressive effect on gene expression. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of cellular uptake of these membrane-permeable oligonucleotides (MPONs). Time-course analysis by confocal microscopy showed that the uptake of MPONs from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm reached 50 % of the total uptake in about 5 min.
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