Antisense oligonucleotides are invaluable reagents for the specific downregulation of gene
expression. In the absence of a carrier, charged oligonucleotides (eg, phosphorothioates)
can interact with a large number of cell surface proteins, but tend to be internalized into the
endosomal/lysosomal compartment. However, they can be successfully delivered to the
nuclei of diverse cell types via the use of a wide variety of reagents, including cationic lipids,
and cationic polyamines. Over the past several years, a more general understanding of the …