As opposed to the RNAi pathway (involving RISC) FANA single-stranded antisense oligonucleotides use RNase H-mediated cleavage. This mode of mRNA knockdown is simpler than siRNA mediated knockdown and eliminates RISC-associated off-target effects often observed with siRNA. Unlike siRNAs that are processed in the cytoplasm, FANA oligos can go into the nucleus and can be used to target RNA present within the nucleus. Most importantly FANAs can be self delivered and do not need transfection reagents or delivery agents.