Antisense oligonucleotides targeted to the coding region of thymidylate synthase and uses thereof

摘要

Antisense oligonucleotides directed to the coding region of a mammalian thymidylate synthase mRNA that are capable of inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells without decreasing the level of thymidylate synthase mRNA in the cells are provided. The antisense oligonucleotides are also capable of inducing apoptosis in the cancer cells. The antisense oligonucleotides can be used to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Methods of treating cancer, and in particular breast cancer, with the antisense oligonucleotides, alone or in combination with other therapeutics, are also provided.