Antisense
Antisense
Antisense (pronounced: an-tee-sens) is a term used in genetics and molecular biology to describe a sequence of DNA or RNA that is complementary to a sense sequence of RNA.
Etymology
The term "antisense" originates from the complementary nature of DNA and RNA molecules. In DNA, the sense strand is the one that is transcribed into RNA, while the antisense strand is the one that is not transcribed. The antisense RNA molecules are complementary to the sense RNA molecules, hence the term "antisense".
Definition
In molecular biology, antisense is used to describe a nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to a sequence of interest, known as the "sense" sequence. Antisense molecules can be used to control gene expression, as they can bind to the sense sequences of RNA and prevent them from being translated into protein.
Applications
Antisense technology has a wide range of applications in research and medicine. It is used in gene therapy to inhibit the expression of disease-causing genes. It is also used in research to study the function of specific genes. Antisense drugs, such as fomivirsen, have been approved for the treatment of certain diseases.
Related Terms
- Sense (molecular biology): The term "sense" in molecular biology refers to a sequence of DNA or RNA that is read or translated into a protein. It is the opposite of antisense.
- Gene therapy: This is a medical field which focuses on the utilization of the delivery of nucleic acid into a patient's cells as a drug to treat disease.
- Fomivirsen: This is an antisense drug used in the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antisense
- Wikipedia's article - Antisense
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