[Cell membranes as a barrier during biological uses of antisense oligonucleotides, their derivatives, and analogs]

Use of oligonucleotides and their derivatives as gene targeted drugs encounter a problem of crossing of lipophilic cell membranes by these hydrophilic compounds. This paper considers the approaches to overcome the arising barrier: 1) penetration by endocytosis in the presence of bivalent cations; 2) use of non-ionic oligonucleotide analogs; 3) attachment of bulky hydrophobic radicals; 4) use of membrane carriers; 5) interaction of oligonucleotides and their derivatives with specific receptors.