Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Sequence-specific and Selective Recognition of Double-stranded RNAs over Single-stranded RNAs by Chemically Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids
Published on: September 21, 2017
Antisense DNA and RNA agents against picornaviruses
Travis Lim1, Jane Yuan, Huifang Mary Zhang
1Providence Heart and Lung Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia-St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) show promise for treating picornavirus infections by inhibiting viral gene expression. Further research is needed to overcome limitations for clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Nucleic acid-based molecules offer sequence-specific gene silencing.
- Antisense agents target viral translation/transcription via nuclease activity or physical hindrance.
- Key types include antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and small interfering RNA (siRNA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the drug development of ASO and siRNA strategies against picornavirus infections.
- To discuss the design, modifications, and delivery of these antisense agents.
- To compare antisense agents with other therapeutics for picornavirus.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ASO and siRNA for picornavirus.
- Analysis of picornavirus genome organization and life cycle.
- Evaluation of design considerations, chemical modifications, and delivery approaches.
Main Results:
- ASO and siRNA are effective in inhibiting picornavirus replication.
- Various chemical modifications enhance stability and efficacy.
- Delivery methods are crucial for successful therapeutic application.
Conclusions:
- ASO and siRNA represent a promising therapeutic strategy for picornavirus infections.
- Overcoming limitations in delivery and stability is key for clinical translation.
- Antisense agents offer a distinct mechanism compared to traditional antivirals.
Related Concept Videos
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the ATP-dependent...
Viruses with RNA Genomes
Experimental RNAi

