Using morpholinos to control gene expression.
Morpholino oligonucleotides are stable, uncharged, water-soluble molecules used to block complementary sequences of RNA, preventing processing, read-through, or protein binding at those sites. Morpholinos are typically used to block translation of mRNA and to block splicing of pre-mRNA, though they can block other interactions between biological macromolecules and RNA. Morpholinos are effective, specific, and lack non-antisense effects. They work in any cell that transcribes and translates RNA, but must be delivered into the nuclear/cytosolic compartment to be effective. Morpholinos form stable base pairs with complementary nucleic acid sequences but apparently do not bind to proteins to a significant extent. They are not recognized by any proteins and do not undergo protein-mediated catalysis; nor do they mediate RNA cleavage by RNase H or the RISC complex. This work focuses on techniques and background for using Morpholinos.
Moulton
Jon D
JD
Gene Tools, LLC, Philomath, Oregon, USA.
D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D009025:Morpholines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013696:Temperature; D015854:Up-Regulation
D009025:Morpholines