Antisense approaches for investigating mechanisms of abnormal development

Although the use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides in cell culture systems has been beneficial for examining functional roles of genes in biological processes, very few studies have adapted this valuable approach to developmental studies. This oversight may be due to the fact that many scientists are not familiar with the numerous in vitro approaches available for use as developmental system models. Increased knowledge concerning the mechanisms by which oligonucleotides are incorporated into the cell and how these molecules disrupt targeted gene expression has resulted in improved oligonucleotide design and better controls for these studies, The combined use of developmental in vitro approaches with improved antisense oligodeoxynucleotide strategies presents valuable experimental models for examining functions and interactions of genes in embryogenesis, This review focuses on a comprehensive description of the characterized properties of oligodeoxynucleotides, control design, and various developmental in vitro approaches for accomplishing these studies in embryonic systems. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.