ASOBindung

ASOBindung is a German-language term used in molecular biology and biotechnology to denote the binding interaction between antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and their nucleic acid targets. The term encompasses the affinity, specificity, and kinetics of the interaction, as well as the functional consequences that result from binding.

In practice, ASOBindung refers to sequence-specific base pairing between an ASO and its complementary RNA or DNA sequence. Depending on the chemical nature of the ASO, binding can lead to different outcomes: recruitment of RNase H and degradation of the target RNA, or steric hindrance that blocks processes such as translation, splicing, or polyadenylation without degradative clearance. ASOs are commonly categorized into gapmers, which promote RNase H activity, and steric-blocking oligos, which inhibit interactions without cleavage. Chemical modifications (eg, phosphorothioate backbones, 2′-O-m modifications, locked nucleic acids) influence binding affinity, specificity, stability, and cellular uptake.

Properties of ASOBindung are typically described by binding affinity (K_d), on- and off-rates, and thermodynamic parameters, measured by methods such as surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry, or electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Melting temperature and sequence specificity are also used to assess performance. Applications include antisense therapies for genetic diseases, as well as research tools and diagnostic assays.

See also: antisense oligonucleotide, RNase H, gapmer, steric-blocking oligonucleotide, nucleic acid binding.