antisense /an″tēsens/ , pertaining to a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule that is complementary to the messenger RNA (mRNA) produced by transcription of a given gene. Antisense RNA synthesized in the laboratory hybridizes with the complementary mRNA molecules, thereby blocking the synthesis of specific proteins. DNA sequence could also be used to hybridize with complementary mRNA and block protein synthesis. Antisense drugs have a potential to be used for therapy. Compare sense.
