MicroRNAs as therapeutic targets

CARB 47

C. Frank Bennett, Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 1896 Rutherford Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008
MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs which are known to regulate function of messenger RNA (mRNA) by serving as natural antisense oligonucleotides. Although the biology of microRNAs is still nascent, numerous studies suggest that regulation of microRNA function may be therapeutically beneficial. We have previously demonstrated that antisense oligonucleotides can be used to inhibit microRNAs in cells and animal tissues. We have further optimized oligonucleotides as inhibitors of microRNA function for in vivo applications, resulting in potent and selective microRNA antagonists in rodent tissue. Our results demonstrate that chemically modified oligonucleotides can be used to efficiently modulate microRNA function in rodent tissues and inhibition of microRNA activity for up to five months has been well tolerated.