ANTISENSE AGENT Meaning and
Definition
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An antisense agent refers to a type of therapeutic molecule or drug that interacts with a specific gene or messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule within a living organism, regulating its expression or function. It acts by adhering to the complementary mRNA sequence, preventing its translation into a functional protein or promoting its degradation, thereby inhibiting the gene's activity. The term "antisense" refers to the sequence of the molecule, which is the opposite (complementary) of the target mRNA or gene sequence.
Antisense agents are designed to target specific genes or mRNA sequences implicated in diseases, such as cancer, genetic disorders, or viral infections. By interfering with the production of harmful proteins, they have the potential to be powerful tools in therapeutic intervention. These agents can be artificially synthesized and delivered to the target cells or tissues through various methods, including direct injection, viral vectors, or lipid carriers.
The use of antisense agents offers advantages in terms of specificity, as they can selectively bind to their target sequences and minimize off-target effects. They provide a means of modulating gene expression, either by reducing the production of a specific protein or by correcting mutations through gene repair. Antisense agents have gained significant attention in the field of personalized medicine, where tailored therapies are designed based on the genetic makeup of individual patients.
While antisense agents hold great promise, further research is still warranted to improve their stability, delivery methods, and overall safety profile. However, they represent a promising avenue for targeted therapeutics across various disease areas.
Common Misspellings for ANTISENSE AGENT
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Etymology of ANTISENSE AGENT
The word "antisense agent" is derived from the combination of two terms: "antisense" and "agent".
The term "antisense" originated from molecular biology and refers to the process of inhibiting or blocking the expression of a specific gene. It involves the use of molecules that are complementary in sequence to the messenger RNA (mRNA) produced by the gene. By binding to the mRNA, these molecules prevent it from being translated into protein, thus reducing or silencing the expression of the targeted gene.
The word "agent" simply refers to a substance or a molecule that acts on something or produces a specific effect. In the context of molecular biology and genetics, an agent can refer to various substances or molecules that interact with genes, RNA, or proteins, causing specific effects or changes in their function.
Therefore, the term "antisense agent" describes a substance or molecule that employs antisense technology to inhibit gene expression.
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