Antisense Technology

Antisense technology is a powerful procedure that permits the controlled silencing of a specific gene for investigations of mRNA and protein function. This valuable text provides proven step-by-step protocols for antisense techniques in a range of different organisms and cell culture systems. In addition it discusses the potential benefits and problems for various antisense methods which complement gene knock-out experiments. The book includes antisense techniques such as: analysis of nucleic acid structures; measurement and evaluation of antisense effects; selection, preparation and the use of antisense oligonucleotides; in vitro RNA transcription; construction strategies, testing and optimization of catalytic antisense RNAs based on hammerhead ribozymes; synthesis and evaluation of 2-5 A- antisense chimeras for targeted degradation of RNA. The application of these technologies are then described, with chapters on antisense techniques in IDictyostelium , plants and the medical uses and benefits of antisense sense technology both in vitro and in vivo . This book is intended for graduate and post-doctoral researchers and academic staff.