Methods and compositions for treating cancer using peptide nucleic acid-based agents

A method of reducing expression of a target gene in a cell comprising:

• contacting a cell in which the target is expressed with at least one PNA agent, wherein the PNA agent comprises a first cationic and/or hydrophobic moiety at a first end of the PNA moiety;
• and a second cationic and/or hydrophobic moiety at a second end of the PNA moiety;
• determining a level or activity of the target in the cell when the PNA agent is present as compared with a target reference level or activity observed under otherwise comparable conditions when it is absent;
• wherein the level or activity of the target is reduced when the PNA agent is present as compared with the target reference level or activity, thereby reducing expression of the target gene.