POTENT AND SELECTIVE GENE INHIBITION USING ANTISENSE OLIGODEOXYNUCLEOTIDES

The development of antisense technology as a generally useful tool rel ies on the use of potent agents and the utilization of many controls i n experiments. Here we describe our experience using oligodeoxynucleot ides (ODNs) containing C-5 propynyl pyrimidine and phosphorothioate mo difications as broadly applicable gene inhibition agents in cell cultu re. Methods include selection of antisense sequences, synthesis and pu rification of ODNs, choice of controls, delivery methods (microinjecti on, cationic lipid transfection, and electroporation), and analysis of gene inhibition.