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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 oligonucleotides: design, implementation and future perspectives in microbiology
Jessica B Kelly1, Glen Brodie1, Merve S Zeden1
1Microbiology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Ireland.
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a new class of antibacterials, called ASOBiotics, that precisely target bacterial gene expression. These RNA-based therapies offer a promising future for combating bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- RNA Therapeutics
- Antimicrobial Strategies
Background:
- Traditional antimicrobials target proteins or metabolic pathways.
- RNA-based therapeutics, like mRNA vaccines, have shown clinical success.
- RNA-targeting strategies are now being developed for bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in Antisense Oligonucleotide (ASO) technology for bacterial pathogens.
- To outline design considerations for ASO-based antibacterials (ASOBiotics).
- To discuss challenges and opportunities for developing precision antibacterial therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) bind to complementary mRNA sequences.
- ASOs can induce RNase H-mediated mRNA degradation.
- ASOs can also block mRNA translation.
Main Results:
- ASOs are emerging as next-generation antibacterials (ASOBiotics).
- ASOBiotics are designed to silence essential bacterial genes.
- ASO technology offers precision control over bacterial gene expression.
Conclusions:
- ASO technology represents a significant advancement in antimicrobial strategies.
- ASOBiotics hold potential as precision therapeutics against bacterial pathogens.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges and realize the full potential of ASOBiotics.
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