Injected anti-sense RNAs specifically block messenger RNA translation in vivo.

Abstract

To analyze gene function in embryogenesis, the translation of a specific mRNA was blocked in vivo by microinjection of complementary (anti-sense) RNA. RNA complementary to globin mRNA was synthesized in vitro by transcription of an inverted globin cDNA [complementary DNA] clone. After injection into frog oocyte cytoplasm, the anti-sense globin RNA forms a hybrid with globin mRNA and selectively prevents its translation. Deletion mapping of the anti-sense RNA shows that the 5'' region of the globin mRNA must be covered to block translation. The function of many genes for which DNA clones are available may be studied by preventing the expression of the endogenous gene as protein.