Synthesis of Lipid Oligonucleotide Conjugates for RNA Interference Studies

Abstract

The synthesis of RNA molecules carrying lipids at their 3’-termini and 5’-termini is reported. These conjugates were fully characterized by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and HPLC chromatography. The ability of these conjugates to silence gene expression was evaluated in the inhibition of the tumor necrosis factor. All the lipid siRNA derivatives were compatible with RNA interference machinery if transfected with oligofectamine. In the absence of a transfection agent, some lipid siRNA derivatives can exert a slight reduction of gene expression.