Antisense technology

DEFECTS in vital genes occur in a high percentage of human diseases, including cancer. These defects could be due to the accumulation of mutations in the genes, leading to the production of faulty protein. Although the biologic significance of mutant proteins remains in question, recent experiments have demonstrated that genes producing faulty proteins are often associated with increased tumor cell growth. A stretch of antisense RNA could block the production of such defective proteins. Once the gene has been silenced, tumor cells stop dividing rapidly and revert to a more normal phenotype. Therefore, antisense RNA technology could have significant implications for cancer gene therapy.