In the post-genomic era we have, at our fingertips, complete genome sequences and huge numbers of predicted
gene sequences from a multitude of complex organisms. There
remains, however, the critical need to understand the functions of these gene products to delineate the precise roles of these genes in complex biological milieu. Synthetic nucleic acids are at the cutting-edge of molecular strategies that
target genes of interest in a specific and cost-effective manner. These agents are now being used as new and exciting gene-silencing agents in vitro, in animal models of disease, and in humans. This book brings together timely authoritative, in-depth reviews by renowned international leaders in the
fields of ribozymes, RNA interference, DNAzymes and oligonucleotide decoys, with emphasis on biochemistry and translational research.