Antisense RNA inhibits gene expression by:
Mechanism of antisense inhibition involves sequence-specific RNA-RNA interaction rather than protein-DNA binding. Transgene transcribes RNA identical to non-coding strand, complementary to mature messenger RNA of target gene. Inside nucleus or cytoplasm, antisense strand anneals to sense mRNA forming double-stranded duplex covering ribosome binding site or coding region. Duplex sterically blocks 40S ribosomal subunit scanning, preventing translation initiation. Additionally double-stranded RNA structure recruits RNase III like enzymes and RNA-induced silencing complex, leading to endonucleolyt
Ref: Green Annu Rev Biochem 1986 antisense duplex; Nellen Trends Biochem Sci 1993 mechanism; NCBI NBK21530 duplex blocking; Lodish Ch 8 antisense RNA action.