| 摘要 |
A composition and method are provided by which double-stranded RNA containing small interfering RNA nucleotide sequences is introduced into specific cells and tissues for the purpose of inhibiting gene expression and protein production in those cells and tissues. Intracellular introduction of the small interfering RNA nucleotide sequences is accomplished by the internalization of a target cell specific ligand bonded to a RNA binding protein to which a double-stranded RNA containing a small interfering RNA nucleotide sequence is adsorbed. The ligand is specific to a unique target cell surface antigen. The ligand is either spontaneously internalized after binding to the cell surface antigen. If the unique cell surface antigen is not naturally internalized after binding to its ligand, internalization is promoted by the incorporation of an arginine-rich peptide, or other membrane permeable peptide, into the structure of the ligand or RNA binding protein or attachment of such a peptide to the ligand or RNA binding protein. The composition and method are practiced in whole living mammals, as well as cells living in tissue culture.
|
