FIGURE 4.

Effect of PS modification and end conjugations. sshRNAs against the same target were compared for their dose responses against the reporter DNA HCV IRES-fLuc in 293FT cells. The sshRNAs with and without modifications were cotransfected in triplicate with the reporter DNA. Unmodified siRNA, si19-3, specific for the same target, was used as a positive control. The experiments were repeated at least twice. (A) Comparison of L sshRNAs with phosphorothioate modifications at the end of the stem opposite the loop. (B) Comparison of L sshRNAs with a disulfide-containing group conjugated to the 5′- or 3′-end. (C) Comparison of R sshRNAs with a C3 group conjugated to the 5′- or 3′-end. (D) disulfide-containing group. (E) C3 group.