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Application of Antisense Oligonucleotides as an Alternative Approach for Gene Expression Control and Functional
Amelia Szukowska1, Magdalena Żuk2, Julia Sztompke1,2
1Department of Cellular Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14A, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 13, 2025
Summary
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are synthetic DNA fragments that precisely control gene expression. This review covers ASO mechanisms, design, delivery, and their broad applications in research and medicine.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
- Genomics
Background:
- Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short, synthetic DNA fragments.
- ASOs modulate gene expression by leveraging endogenous regulatory pathways.
- They offer precise control over gene activity at genomic DNA, transcription, RNA processing, and translation levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of ASO action.
- To discuss ASO design and modification strategies.
- To explore ASO delivery approaches across diverse cell types.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ASO technology.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms governing ASO activity.
- Examination of design, modification, and delivery strategies.
Main Results:
- ASOs provide versatile tools for functional genomics.
- Applications range from basic research to therapeutic development.
- Effective control over gene expression is achievable at multiple levels.
Conclusions:
- ASOs are innovative tools with broad implications in molecular biology, biotechnology, and medicine.
- Future directions involve elucidating detailed pathways and enhancing therapeutic persistence.
- ASOs hold potential for treating rare or treatment-resistant diseases and creating GMO alternatives.
Keywords:
ASOODNOLIGOepigeneticsgene activationgene silencinggene therapyplant and animal modificationMore Related Videos
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