The convergences of sophisticated delivery systems, oligonucleotide chemistry and genetic bioinformatics has significantly enhanced the exploration of antisense oligonucleotides for therapeutic purposes, which has been reflected in many clinical studies (Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 11, 125–140, 2012; Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 50, 259–293, 2010). ASO is a single stranded nucleic acid first introduced in 1978 by Stephenson and Zamecnik to silence target genes (PNAS, 75, 285-288, 1978). Since then, it has been developed as a potential tool for diverse application ranging from restoration of protein expression to modification of mutant protein. RNaseH-mediated degradation or the modulation of splicing of complementary mRNA is the fundamental mode of action in ASObased therapy. Studies have explored ASO mediated experimental and therapeutic approaches to modulate biological function at molecular level in both in vitro and in vivo model (Hum. Gene Ther. 26, 475–485, 2015). A variety of transfection reagents have been used to deliver ASO to human cells. Complexes of ASO with polycations (e.g., peptides, cationic polymers and dendrimers) are convenient to prepare and offer safe alternatives for use. The transfection reagents developed by RJH Biosciences have been tested and found suitable the ASO delivery. This note summarizes the technical experience for ASO delivery for ASO-mediated modulation of splicing in muscle cells by an independent researcher.
