Antisense Oligonucleotides’ Role in Cancer Treatment

Oligonucleotides play an essential role in treating viral cells.

Antisense oligos, or oligonucleotides, are being utilized more due to their ability to inactivate viral genes. Essentially, these are small genetic molecules that are designed to recognize these viral genes and assist them in preventing further replication. They have been used to help treat viral treatments as well as preventing cancer cells from regenerating. Their widespread use has made them an asset in the constant battle against malignant cells.

Purpose

Oligos can be designed in a laboratory with the purpose of binding to viral RNA or DNA. Because they are composed of a low nitrogen base count, it makes them easier to latch onto the viral DNA or RNA and destroy the genetic material. These processes utilize the oligo synthesis process to further create a beneficial and therapeutic alternative.

Treatment

In treating cancer, oligonucelotides can be administered through a form of a medicine. Oligonucleotides attach to the RNA in the dividing viral cells and put an end to their multiplication process. Cancer cells are known to divide at a fast pace, which makes oligonucleotides a strong weapon in today’s medicine.

Treatment Administration

Antisense oligonucleotides are administered via orally or through an injection. Prior to packaging it into a medicinal form, it’s designed to be an exact mirror image of the viral cell that it’s going to inhabit. The reason behind this is that the viral cell will willingly bind to the oligonucleotide. Once the oligo is bound, it then prevents the cell from functioning any further and is then signaled to destroy it.

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