ANTISENSE DRUG Meaning and
Definition
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An antisense drug is a type of therapeutic agent designed to target and modulate specific gene expression in the body. It is a synthetic nucleic acid molecule that is complementary to a specific target messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence. This antisense molecule can bind to the target mRNA and interfere with its normal function, thus inhibiting or altering the production of the protein encoded by the gene.
When introduced into the body, the antisense drug can specifically recognize and bind to the target mRNA due to its complementary sequence. This binding prevents the mRNA from being translated into a functional protein, inhibiting the expression of the targeted gene. Alternatively, the antisense drug can enhance the degradation of the target mRNA, leading to a decrease in the production of the corresponding protein.
The development of antisense drugs offers a promising approach to treat various diseases and conditions that are caused by the aberrant expression of specific genes. Research has shown their potential effectiveness in treating cancer, viral infections, genetic disorders, and other diseases. Antisense drugs provide a highly specific and targeted therapeutic option, as they only interfere with the expression of the intended gene without affecting other genes in the body.
Despite their great potential, further research and clinical trials are necessary to optimize the delivery, safety, and efficacy of antisense drugs. Nonetheless, they represent a significant advancement in precision medicine, opening new avenues for the treatment of a wide range of diseases at the genetic level.
Common Misspellings for ANTISENSE DRUG
- zntisense drug
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Etymology of ANTISENSE DRUG
The word "antisense drug" originated from the combination of two separate terms: "antisense" and "drug".
The term "antisense" refers to a genetic concept. It comes from the Latin prefix "anti-" meaning against and "sense", which denotes the genetic sense strand, involved in the synthesis of proteins. In genetics, the sense strand carries the genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA) for protein synthesis. However, the antisense strand is complementary to the sense strand and can inhibit or interfere with the production of specific proteins.
The term "drug" is derived from the Middle English word "drog", originating from the Old French "drogue" and earlier from the Latin "drōga" or "drōgēs", meaning a dry herb or mixture made for medicinal purposes. Over time, "drug" evolved to encompass any substance used for medical treatment, including chemical compounds.
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