Antisense technology is the ability to manipulate gene expression within mammalian cells providing powerful experimental approaches for the study of gene function and gene regulation. For example, methods that inhibit gene expression permit studies which probe the normal function of a specific product within a cell. Such methodology can be used in many disciplines such as pharmacology, oncology, genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and neurosciences. This volume will be a truly important tool in biomedical-oriented research. The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.

Antisense RNA (asRNA) refers to a type of single-stranded RNA. It hybridizes with protein coding messenger RNA (mRNA) and complements it to inhibit its translation into a protein. Eukaryotes and prokaryotes, both have naturally occuring asRNAs in them. They can be divided into two types including short and long non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). asRNAs primarily control the gene expression and are widely utilized as tools for gene knockdown. Antisense technology offers effective experimental methods for examining gene function and gene regulation by modifying gene expression in mammalian cells. Many RNA-based antisense therapies are being developed currently. However, effective delivery of these therapies to target tissues remains the primary barrier in their clinical application. Antisense technology has a wide range of applications in the treatment of numerous diseases such as viral infections, cancer, and immunological, cardiovascular, ocular and neurological diseases. This book contains some path-breaking studies in antisense technology. It consists of contributions made by international experts. This book is a vital tool for all researching or studying antisense RNA as it gives incredible insights into its design and delivery.

This open access volume gathers a variety of models, delivery systems, and approaches that can be used to assess RNA technology for exploiting antisense as a therapeutic intervention. Beginning with a section on the design of antisense technology and their delivery, the book continues by covering model systems developed to evaluate efficacy, both in vivo and in vitro, as well as methods to evaluate preclinically the toxicity associated with these new potential drugs, and intellectual property considerations. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Antisense RNA Design, Delivery, and Analysis provides basic knowledge and a large collection of methods to facilitate the work of newcomers to this vibrant and expanding field. This book was conceived thanks to the network DARTER (Delivery of Antisense RNA Therapeutics). DARTER is funded by the EU Cooperation of Science and Technology (COST), which aims to enhance interaction and collaborations between researchers in Europe and other countries.

Antisense technology is the ability to manipulate gene expression within mammalian cells providing powerful experimental approaches for the study of gene function and gene regulation. For example, methods which inhibit gene expression permit studies probing the normal function of a specific product within a cell. Such methodology can be used in many disciplines such as pharmacology, oncology, genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and neurosciences. This volume will be a truly important tool in biomedically-oriented research. The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today-truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.