Regulation of DNA replication by anti-sense RNA primer

Regulation of DNA replication by anti-sense RNA primer
While studying DNA replication in an E. coli plasmid (ColEl), Jun-ichi Tomizawa in USA demonstrated that certain RNA molecules, synthesized on DNA strand complementary to the one that produces RNA primers, are actually synthesized. These were described as antisense inhibitor molecules and the rate of multiplication of the plasmid depended on the ratio of RNA primers to these antisense molecules. Obviously antisense RNA molecules hybridize with RNA primers and render them incapable of initiating DNA replication. Antisense RNA is also used for regulation of protein synthesis (gene expression) and has been shown to offer useful technology for therapeutic uses against certain diseases caused by viruses, etc. (for more details, consult Regulation of Gene Expression 1.  Operon Circuits in Bacteria and other Prokaryotes).