Inhibition of reverse transcription by unmodified and modified antisense oligodeoxynucleotides

We used oligodeoxynucleotides to prevent reverse transcription of beta-globin mRNA by reverse transcriptase of avian myeloblastosis virus. Unmodified oligomers hybridized to the template arrested synthesis of cDNA in a dose dependent manner. The longer the oligomer the more efficient the inhibition, 50% inhibition being achieved at 0.3 and 30 microM of a 17- or a 12-mer, respectively. The use of complementary oligonucleotides with a 3' end blocked either by a dideoxy residue or by a dodecanol group also induced inhibition of cDNA synthesis.