As more and more genes are sequenced and mapped by the human genome project, the determination of the function of novel genes becomes of increasing importance. Antisense technology has been highly successful at studying the function of the proteins encoded by the genes,because of its effectiveness in many species,reversibility of the underexpression,relatively low cost,and potential for therapeutic use.In this article, the authors review the progress of this technology and the potential roles that it might play in zoological research.