Antisense strategy represents a molecular tool for selective chemotherapeutic action. It belongs among oligonucleotide strategies that employ specific single-stranded sequences of deoxy- and ribonucleotides or their synthetic analogs to block or suppress expression of a pathogen.
However, the use of modified oligonucleotides is complicated by non-ideal properties of currently available analogs. Successful medical treatment requires proper binding of the modified oligonucleotide to its cellular target and also its efficient cellular uptake, stability and appropriate distribution in the intracellular environment.
The latter processes can be effectively studied by microfluorescence techniques. The paper reviews the current situation in the application of advanced microfluorescence methods and gives a description of the oligonucleotide strategy and possibilities to support the cellular uptake,basics of current fluorescence microimaging and microspectroscopy including time-resolved measurements.