Silencing gene expression by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), ribozymes and antisense DNA form the basis of gene therapy, which aims to treat genetic disorders, cancers and other infectious diseases.  At the heart of their efficacy in-vivo, is an exquisite selectivity, in which gene targets are regulated by base-pairing interactions with the complementary oligonucleotide strand.  Therefore, insight into the optimal oligonucleotide hybridization conditions is a necessary requirement to improve the regulatory activity of oligonucleotides in gene therapy applications. Towards this effect, the influence of the length, sequence, and chemical composition of the antisense strand in selected buffer conditions on RNA binding affinity and specificity is described in this presentation.  The structural and bio-physical properties of the oligonucleotide complexes were investigated by PAGE, thermal denaturation and CD spectroscopy to assess their relevance in RNA binding and regulation.

Exploring the basis for stable oligonucleotide interactions and their relevance in regulating gene expression

245th National Meeting (2013)

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