Synthesis of lipid-oligonucleotide conjugates for RNA interference studies.

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.